AuthorisedHuman Pharmacology (Phase I)- OtherInterventional

Network pharmacology-based personalized drug repurposing in thyroid carcinoma: a pilot feasibility trial

This pilot clinical trial explores a personalised approach to treating advanced thyroid cancer. Developing brand new cancer drugs can take many years. To find new options faster, researchers are investigating 'drug repurposing'—which means using medicines that are already approved and safely prescribed for other health conditions. In this early study, doctors look closely at the unique biology of each patient's tumour. They use this information to choose an existing medication that best targets the individual's cancer network. Because this is an early feasibility trial, the main goal is to find out if this testing and treatment process is realistic, safe, and manageable in everyday hospital care. It offers hope for finding new ways forward when standard treatments are no longer working well. Adults aged 18 and over with advanced thyroid cancer may be able to join.

At a glance

Status

Authorised

Phase

Human Pharmacology (Phase I)- Other

Sponsor

Stichting Radboud University Medical Center

Enrolment target

Start

02 Jul 2026

Advanced thyroid cancer

What is this study about?

Thyroid cancer begins in the thyroid gland, which sits at the front of your neck and makes hormones that help manage your metabolism. While many thyroid cancers respond well to standard treatments such as surgery or radioactive iodine, advanced cases can be much harder to treat. When standard options stop working, patients and doctors need new and creative approaches to keep the cancer under control.

Developing entirely new medicines from scratch can take over a decade. This study focuses on 'drug repurposing,' which is a way of testing existing, approved medicines to see if they can work against cancer. By studying the biological signals and pathways inside a person's tumour—known as network pharmacology—scientists aim to select a specific medication that best matches the tumour's weaknesses.

This trial is an early 'pilot feasibility' study. This means its main purpose is to test whether this personalised matching system works smoothly and safely in real life. If successful, the results could help doctors build faster, more tailored treatment plans for people with difficult-to-treat thyroid cancer in the future.

Key takeaways

Tests whether existing medicines can be repurposed to treat advanced thyroid cancer.
Uses individual tumour biology to pick a tailored treatment for each person.
Aims to check if this personalised testing process is safe and practical.
Open to adults aged 18 and older with advanced thyroid cancer.
Participation is entirely voluntary, and you can stop at any time.

Who may be eligible?

This trial is designed for adults aged 18 and over who have been diagnosed with advanced thyroid cancer. It is mainly for people whose cancer has not responded well to standard therapies, or who have run out of conventional treatment options.

Both men and women can take part. Because the study relies on matching drugs to the specific biology of your tumour, participants will usually need to have tumour tissue available from past procedures or be well enough for routine testing.

People with certain other serious health issues, or those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, may not be eligible to take part for safety reasons. A doctor from the research team will review your full medical history and current health to make sure the trial is safe and right for you.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

I am aged 18 or over.
I have been diagnosed with advanced thyroid cancer.
Standard treatments are no longer working well for me, or I have limited options left.
I am well enough to attend regular clinic appointments and have scans.
I am happy to have my tumour tissue analysed by the research team.

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you will first attend a screening visit where doctors will check your general health, review your medical history, and look at your tumour samples. If a suitable repurposed medicine is identified for your cancer, you will receive this medication with clear instructions on how to take it at home or at the clinic. Throughout the trial, you will attend regular hospital appointments for check-ups, blood tests, and imaging scans (such as CT or MRI scans) to see how your body and your tumour are responding. The research team will watch you closely for any side effects. How long you remain in the study will depend on how well the treatment works for you and how you feel.

Potential risks and benefits

A potential benefit of joining this study is getting access to a personalised treatment that could help slow or shrink your cancer when standard options have stopped working. You will also be helping doctors discover new ways to treat thyroid cancer in the future. However, because this is an early trial, there is no guarantee that the matched medicine will be effective. There is also a risk of side effects from the study drug, which could be uncomfortable. Your safety is the top priority, and you are free to leave the trial at any point without your standard NHS care being affected.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

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Unverified
Netherlands

Common questions

What does 'drug repurposing' mean?

Drug repurposing means using a medicine that has already been approved and tested for one illness to treat a completely different condition, such as cancer.

Why is this called a 'pilot feasibility' study?

It is a small, early study designed to test whether a new method of matching and giving treatments is practical, safe, and possible to do before launching larger trials.

Will I receive a dummy pill (placebo)?

No, this trial is focused on finding and testing an active, repurposed medication matched to your specific tumour biology.

Will taking part cost me anything?

In the UK, trial medications and trial-related tests are provided free of charge, and some studies offer help with travel expenses.

Can I leave the trial if I change my mind?

Yes, taking part is completely voluntary. You can withdraw at any time, for any reason, and your medical team will continue to care for you as normal.