What the trial was testing
The trial enrolled 152 patients with thyroid cancer. The study was sponsored by National Cancer Institute and tracked outcomes across the full group of patients who matched the trial's eligibility profile.
It was initial testing (phase 2). Trials at this stage are designed to produce evidence regulators and physicians can act on — not just observations to follow up later.
What the results showed
49% tumor response rate in advanced radioiodine-resistant thyroid cancer.
The Lancet Oncology · 2010 · NCT00625846
These findings — that in advanced radioiodine-resistant differentiated thyroid cancer on pazopanib — were published in the The Lancet Oncology and represent the headline result of the study.
Researchers tracked outcomes across 152 patients enrolled in the trial. The result was consistent enough across the group that the team felt confident reporting it.
What this means for patients
For patients with thyroid cancer, this result changes the calculus on what to ask their care team about. Whether it changes day-to-day care depends on factors like disease subtype, prior treatments, and where the patient is in their care journey.
What you can do now
Pazopanib is FDA-approved for kidney cancer and soft tissue sarcoma but is used off-label for advanced thyroid cancer. Two similar drugs — lenvatinib and sorafenib — are specifically FDA-approved for radioiodine-resistant thyroid cancer. Ask an endocrine oncologist which approved option fits your case.
Eligibility for the treatments mentioned above depends on specific test results and clinical history. Bring this summary, the trial name, and your most recent labs or pathology report to your next visit.
Open thyroid cancer trials
Patient Decision Aid in Supporting Decision-Making About When to Start or Stop New Drugs, Join Clinical Trials, or Continue Active Surveillance in Patients With Medullary Thyroid Cancer and Their Caregivers
This trial develops and studies how well a patient decision aid works in supporting decision-making about when to start or stop new drugs, join clinical trials, or continue active cancer monitoring for patients with medullary thyroid cancer and their caregivers. Developing a patient decision aid may help patients with medullary thyroid cancer make well-informed decisions about their cancer care and be able to discuss their preferences with their doctors.
TSH Suppression During Radiotherapy on Thyroid Site to Prevent Iatrogenic Hypothyroidism in Pediatric Cancer Patients
To offer the possibility of a treatment that could achieve a meaningful reduction in the incidence of post-radiation therapy hypothyroidism. Thyroid dysfunction may develop from a few months to several years after patients have completed their radiation treatment. In children with chronic diseases, or given lengthy anti-neoplastic treatments, recurrent or persistent endocrine disorders may have a negative effect on growth and development into adulthood.