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Il existe aujourd'hui 3 essais cliniques sur le cancer du thymus :
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How is thymus cancer treated?
Thymus cancer is a rare tumor originating in the thymus, a small organ in the upper chest responsible for producing T-lymphocytes. It is treated primarily by surgery, the most effective approach even in advanced stages. In addition to surgery, other treatments may be used:
Neoadjuvant therapy: radiotherapy to shrink the tumor before surgery.
Adjuvant therapy: radiotherapy or chemotherapy after surgery.
Hormonal therapy: hormonal treatment that blocks the multiplication of cancer cells.
In some cases, clinical trials may also be a treatment option. Thymus cancer has complex and unknown characteristics as to its origin, but it has been hypothesized to be related to autoimmune diseases. Research suggests that immunotherapy may be effective in the treatment of this neoplasm.
Clinical trial: the chance to receive a new treatment for thymus cancer and its metastases
As a rare and complex tumor, clinical trials offer the opportunity to test new treatments. These studies play a fundamental role in increasing knowledge about this type of cancer, which could lead to the development of more precise drugs and the administration of the most appropriate current treatment for each patient’s specific condition.
The patient who participates in a clinical trial, regardless of the stage of treatment, may benefit from access to new therapies or increased follow-up by healthcare personnel.
New research treatments for thymus cancer
Thymus cancer patients have access to various promising new treatments, such as immunotherapy or targeted therapies.
Immunotherapy is a type of biological therapy that activates and strengthens the body’s immune system, helping it to fight the disease. This therapy uses natural or synthetic substances to destroy cancer cells and thus avoid attacking healthy cells.
Targeted therapies use drugs that control the growth of cancer cells while sparing normal cells. Although there may be side effects, targeted therapy is considered precision medicine, as treatment varies according to the characteristics of each individual’s tumor.
When conventional treatment does not work, or the cancer recurs, biological therapies such as targeted therapies or immunotherapy, which are only accessible through clinical trials, are often used. Although thymus cancer usually has a good prognosis for cure in the early stages, it is necessary to continue developing and researching new treatments to find the most personalized treatment for each patient.
Clinical trials to improve current thymus cancer treatment
Clinical trials are medical studies conducted to test new disease treatments. In the case of thymus cancer, clinical trials are also investigating ways to improve the effectiveness of current therapies. One strategy is to combine different drugs to increase efficacy and improve patients’ quality of life. An example of the latter would be targeted therapy and immunotherapy administration.
Clinical trials looking for the best thymus cancer treatment
In the search for a more effective treatment for thymus cancer, several clinical trials are underway to seek therapeutic personalization. Generally, conventional therapies are considered adequate and are administered to most patients. However, humans are unique; this differential trait also carries over to tumors and metastases. These singularities that differentiate us drive trials that do not seek to compare drugs but rather to administer the most precise treatment adapted to each patient. More personalized therapy means prolonged survival and better quality of life.
References
Instituto Nacional del Cáncer, 2023: Tratamiento del timoma y carcinoma tímico (PDQ®)–Versión para pacientes