Ongoing Clinical Trials for Metastatic Thyroid Cancer
There is currently 1 ongoing clinical trial for patients with metastatic thyroid cancer. This trial is investigating whether digoxin, a medication commonly used for heart conditions, can help improve the effectiveness of radioiodine treatment in patients with advanced non-medullary thyroid cancer who have not responded well to previous radioiodine therapy. The trial is being conducted in the Netherlands.
Clinical trial locations
- Netherlands
Study on Digoxin and Sodium Iodide (123 I) for Patients with Advanced Non-Medullary Thyroid Cancer
This clinical trial is exploring a new approach for patients with advanced non-medullary thyroid cancer that has not responded well to standard radioiodine treatment. The study takes place in the Netherlands and focuses on whether digoxin can help cancer cells absorb radioiodine more effectively.
Main inclusion criteria:
- Adults aged 18 years or older with a confirmed diagnosis of non-medullary thyroid carcinoma
- Previous complete surgical removal of the thyroid gland and at least one prior radioiodine treatment
- Evidence of cancer that has spread locally or to other parts of the body, confirmed by imaging tests
- At least one measurable area of cancer (minimum 1.0 cm for soft tissue or 1.5 cm for lymph nodes)
- Cancer that does not respond to radioiodine treatment, meaning at least one target area shows poor radioiodine uptake on previous scans
- The target cancer area is not suitable for local treatments such as radiotherapy or radiofrequency ablation
Main exclusion criteria:
- Having a different type of thyroid cancer other than non-medullary thyroid carcinoma
- Unable to take digoxin for any reason
- Known allergic reaction to digoxin or its ingredients
- Serious heart conditions that make taking digoxin unsafe
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Currently participating in another clinical trial
- Any medical condition that the study doctors consider would make participation unsafe
Study focus and treatment approach:
The main goal of this trial is to determine whether digoxin can help restore the ability of cancer cells to absorb radioiodine in patients whose cancer has become resistant to this treatment. Non-medullary thyroid cancer originates from the follicular cells of the thyroid gland and can spread to nearby lymph nodes or, in advanced cases, to distant organs like the lungs and bones.
Participants will receive digoxin as a tablet (Lanoxin 125, 0.125 mg dose) taken by mouth. Some participants may also receive an injection of sodium iodide with a radioactive tracer (I123) for imaging purposes. The study compares the effects of digoxin with a placebo to measure any improvement in radioiodine absorption.
Throughout the trial, participants undergo regular monitoring using a special imaging test called radioiodine scintigraphy to assess whether the cancer cells are taking up more radioiodine. After six months, doctors evaluate the response to treatment by measuring changes in tumor size and checking thyroglobulin levels, a marker for thyroid cancer. Safety assessments are performed regularly to monitor for side effects, and quality of life is evaluated using a standardized questionnaire to understand how the treatment affects daily living.
Investigational drug:
Digoxin is traditionally used to treat heart conditions but is being studied in this trial for its potential to enhance radioiodine uptake in cancer cells. At the molecular level, digoxin works by blocking an enzyme called Na+/K+ ATPase, which increases calcium levels inside cells and may affect cancer cell behavior. Researchers hope that by improving radioiodine absorption, digoxin could make treatment more effective for patients who have not been responding to standard therapy.
Summary
Currently, there is one active clinical trial available for patients with metastatic thyroid cancer, specifically non-medullary thyroid carcinoma. This trial is being conducted in the Netherlands and represents an innovative approach to addressing radioiodine-resistant disease. The study focuses on repurposing digoxin, a well-established heart medication, to potentially improve treatment outcomes for patients whose cancer no longer responds to conventional radioiodine therapy. Patients interested in this trial should discuss with their healthcare providers whether they meet the eligibility criteria and whether participation might be appropriate for their individual situation.
