Examining the link between vitamin D levels and thyroid toxicity in cancer immunotherapy

Correlation of Serum Vitamin D Level With the Development of Endocrine Autoimmune Complications During Treatment With Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors

Observational Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai · NCT04615988

This study is trying to see if having low vitamin D levels affects the chances of developing thyroid problems in cancer patients receiving immunotherapy.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment17 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorIcahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsimmunotherapy, ipilimumab, nivolumab, pembrolizumab
Locations1 site (New York, New York)
Trial IDNCT04615988 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to investigate whether vitamin D levels in the blood influence the likelihood of developing thyroid gland toxicity in patients undergoing immunotherapy that targets PD-1 or PD-L1 proteins. Participants will have their blood drawn to measure vitamin D and assess thyroid function before starting standard cancer treatment. Additionally, they will complete questionnaires to report any symptoms experienced during the treatment. The study seeks to better understand the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and immune-mediated thyroid toxicity in cancer patients receiving immunotherapy.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults over 18 with malignancies being treated with PD-1 or PD-L1 inhibitors and who are willing to participate in blood draws and symptom assessments.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of thyroid disorders, those on vitamin D supplementation, or those unable to attend study visits may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could help identify patients at risk for thyroid toxicity, allowing for better management and treatment strategies.

How similar studies have performed: While the relationship between vitamin D and immune response is being explored, this specific correlation with thyroid toxicity in the context of PD-1/L1 inhibitors is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Malignancy which the treating oncologist plans for next treatment to inhibit PD-1or PD-L1 with the immune inhibitor being the only immunotherapy. Twenty-five subjects in a separate cohort will need for eligibility to be planned for treatment with anti-PD1/PD-L1 plus antri-CTLA-4 therapy.
* Willingness to complete symptom questionnaires
* Willingness to allow blood draws
* Ability to provide informed consent
* Age \> 18 years old

Exclusion Criteria:

* History of clinical or subclinical hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism
* Hemoglobin \< 9
* Inability to come for all study visits.
* Actively on vitamin D supplementation due to vitamin D deficiency (As part of a multivitamin is not exclusionary)
* Pregnant or lactating
* History of hypophysitis

Where this trial is running

New York, New York

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions ThyroidPD-1Cancervitamin D deficiencyimmunotherapy with inhibitor of PD-1/L1immune mediated thyroid toxicity
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.