New combo therapy aims to boost thyroid cancer treatment in kids and young adults
NCT ID NCT06458036
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jul 24, 2026 · Updated 2 times
Summary
This study tests whether giving the targeted drug selpercatinib for 6 months before standard radioactive iodine therapy can improve outcomes for children, adolescents, and young adults (ages 2-25) with a specific type of thyroid cancer linked to RET gene fusions. The goal is to see if selpercatinib makes cancer cells absorb more radioactive iodine, leading to better tumor shrinkage and fewer side effects. The trial will enroll 13 participants and track response rates, safety, and long-term survival.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Selpercatinib (a targeted cancer drug) and radioactive iodine (131I) therapy
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this approach could make radioactive iodine therapy more effective for young patients with RET fusion thyroid cancer, potentially reducing the need for repeat treatments and lowering long-term side effects.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-phase trial with only 13 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. Selpercatinib can cause side effects like liver problems or high blood pressure, and the combination with radioactive iodine may increase risks of lung damage or secondary cancers.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Phase 2
Tests whether the treatment actually works, and watches for side effects, in a larger group.
- Participants
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About 13 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Jul 2024
- Expected to finish
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Nov 2031
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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2 to 25 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Age 2-25 years, inclusive 2. Histologic diagnosis of a differentiated thyroid cancer, status post thyroidectomy and adequate local therapy (e.g., lymph node dissection as per standard of care) for metastatic disease in the neck in the opinion of the treating investigator 3. Anatomically evaluable disease on chest CT (Computed Tomography) meeting one of the following criteria (obtained within 90 days of enrollment): A. multiple (\> 10) noncalcified solid pulmonary nodules visible on CT and/or B. enlarging, discrete pulmonary nodules visible on CT of any number consistent with metastatic disease 4. Identification of an activating RET gene alteration (fusion or mutation). The RET alteration result should be generated from a laboratory with specific certifications (depending on country requirement) that clearly denotes the presence of a RET alteration without known kinase domain resistance mutation 5. Lansky/Karnofsky performance status \>50% 6. Adequate Organ Function A. Bone Marrow Function: * Peripheral absolute neutrophil count (ANC) ≥1500/µL * Platelet count ≥ 100,000/µL (transfusion independent, defined as not receiving platelet transfusions for at least 7 days prior to enrollment) * Hemoglobin ≥ 9.0 g/dL at baseline (may receive Red Blood Cell transfusions). B. Adequate Renal Function: Creatinine clearance or radioisotope Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) ≥ 70 mL/min/1.73 m2 or a maximum serum creatinine based on age/gender. C. Adequate Liver Function * Bilirubin (sum of conjugated + unconjugated) \< / = 1.5 x upper limit of normal (ULN) for age. Except participants with a documented history of Gilbert syndrome who must have a total bilirubin level of \<3.0X ULN * Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) \<2.5X ULN OR \<5x ULN if the liver has tumor involvement. For the purpose of this study, the ULN for ALT is 45 U/L. * Serum albumin ≥ 2 g/dL 7. Patient must have normal serum potassium, calcium, and magnesium levels (may be receiving supplements) 8. Men with partners of childbearing potential or women of childbearing potential must agree to use a highly effective contraceptive method during treatment with study drug and for 6 months following the last dose of study drug. Selpercatinib could impair fertility in males and females. Advise women not to breastfeed during treatment with selpercatinib and for 1 week following the final dose 9. Women of childbearing potential must have a negative pregnancy test (serum or urine, consistent with local regulations) documented within 24 hours prior to treatment with study drug and at least monthly while on study treatment Exclusion Criteria: 1. No prior systemic therapy for thyroid cancer, including RET inhibitors. Note: prior 131I is allowed. 2. Females who are pregnant or breastfeeding are excluded due to the potential risks of selpercatinib and radioactive iodine to the fetus/neonate. 3. Concurrent therapy: Patients currently receiving a strong CYP3A4 inducer or inhibitor are not eligible. Strong inducers or inhibitors of CYP3A4 should be avoided 14 days prior to treatment to the end of the study treatment. 4. Patients with clinically significant active cardiovascular disease, Torsades de pointes, or history of myocardial infarction within 6 months prior to planned start of study treatment or prolongation of the QT interval corrected for heart rate using Fridericia's formula (QTcF) \>470 msec. 5. Have clinically significant active malabsorption syndrome or other condition likely to affect gastrointestinal absorption of the drug. 6. Are taking a concomitant medication that is known to cause QTc prolongation. 7. Active hemorrhage or at significant risk for hemorrhage. 8. Uncontrolled hypertension (blood pressure greater than 140/90 in adults or greater than the 95% for height and gender in children). Use of anti-hypertensives to control blood pressure is permitted.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
4 sites. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
RECRUITINGPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, United States
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MD Anderson Cancer Center
RECRUITINGHouston, Texas, 77030, United States
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Seattle Children's Hospital
TERMINATEDSeattle, Washington, 98105, United States
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St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
RECRUITINGMemphis, Tennessee, 38105, United States
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The Unviersity of California, San Francisco (UCSF)
NOT_YET_RECRUITINGSan Francisco, California, 94143, United States
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