Old drug, new hope: thalidomide combo shows promise for kids with rare cancer

NCT ID NCT06470464

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This completed phase 2 trial tested a combination of thalidomide and three chemotherapy drugs (nab-paclitaxel, gemcitabine, epirubicin) in 20 children with relapsed or refractory yolk sac tumor, a rare germ cell cancer. The goal was to see if this new mix could shrink tumors or lower tumor markers. The study is the first to report this specific combination for children whose cancer returned after standard treatments.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

thalidomide combined with nab-paclitaxel, gemcitabine, and epirubicin

What this could lead to

If it works, this could offer a new treatment option for children with yolk sac tumors that have not responded to standard chemotherapy.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early-phase trial with only 20 participants, so results may not apply to all patients. Thalidomide can cause side effects like nerve damage and blood clots.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Endodermal Sinus Tumor germ cell tumor Neoplasms, Germ Cell and Embryonal Recurrence yolk sac tumor

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute

    Jinan, Shandong, 250117, China