Pazopanib for Carcinoid Tumor

This trial aims to determine if pazopanib hydrochloride can prevent carcinoid tumors from growing, spreading, or worsening. The researchers compare pazopanib hydrochloride, which blocks enzymes that promote tumor cell growth, with a placebo. They seek participants with carcinoid tumors that are inoperable or have spread, and whose disease has worsened despite previous treatments. As a Phase 2 trial, the research focuses on measuring the treatment's effectiveness in an initial, smaller group of people.

The trial protocol does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications. However, if you are on strong CYP3A4 inhibitors, you must stop them 14 days before starting the study treatment. You can continue using somatostatin analogs if you are on a stable dose.

Research has shown that pazopanib hydrochloride, the treatment tested in this trial, has undergone previous study. One study found that pazopanib controlled disease in 90.3% of patients with advanced neuroendocrine tumors, suggesting it might help control tumor growth.

Pazopanib is also FDA-approved for treating other cancers, but it can cause liver damage. Some patients have experienced side effects like high blood pressure, diarrhea, and changes in hair color, which are usually manageable with medical help.

Pazopanib hydrochloride is unique because it targets and inhibits specific proteins known as tyrosine kinases, which play a role in tumor growth and blood vessel formation. Unlike standard treatments for carcinoid tumors, which often involve surgery, chemotherapy, or hormone therapy, pazopanib offers a targeted approach that may slow or stop the progression of the disease by cutting off the blood supply to the tumor. Researchers are excited about its potential to provide a more focused treatment with possibly fewer side effects compared to traditional chemotherapy, giving patients a new option in managing their condition.

Research has shown that pazopanib hydrochloride, which participants in this trial may receive, can help treat carcinoid tumors. In one study, patients taking pazopanib lived without tumor growth for an average of 11.8 months, compared to 7.6 months for those on a placebo. This indicates that pazopanib slowed tumor growth for a longer period. Another study found that pazopanib controlled the disease in 90.3% of patients with advanced neuroendocrine tumors, which are similar to carcinoid tumors. Additionally, in a different group of patients, 18.9% experienced some tumor shrinkage. These findings suggest that pazopanib can effectively manage tumor growth in patients with carcinoid tumors.²⁶⁷⁸⁹