Using Leflunomide to Treat MEN-1 Neuroendocrine Tumors

Phase II Clinical Study of Leflunomide in the Treatment of MEN-1 Neuroendocrine Tumor

Phase 2 Interventional Cancer Institute and Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences · NCT06540937

This study is testing if leflunomide can be an effective second-line treatment for people with advanced neuroendocrine tumors related to Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia type 1 (MEN-1).

Quick facts

PhasePhase 2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment50 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 75 Years
SexAll
SponsorCancer Institute and Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsmethotrexate
Locations1 site (Beijing)
Trial IDNCT06540937 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This phase II trial evaluates the effectiveness of leflunomide tablets as a second-line treatment for advanced neuroendocrine tumors associated with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia type 1 (MEN-1). Eligible patients will take leflunomide daily and be monitored for disease progression and adverse reactions. The study includes regular follow-ups and assessments to track treatment effects and tumor status. Additionally, genetic testing will be conducted to analyze MEN-1 mutations in patients.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-75 with unresectable neuroendocrine tumors and confirmed MEN-1 mutations who have failed first-line treatment.

Not a fit: Patients with resectable tumors or those who have not undergone first-line systemic therapy may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could provide a new therapeutic option for patients with advanced MEN-1 neuroendocrine tumors who have not responded to standard therapies.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach is novel for MEN-1 neuroendocrine tumors, similar studies using leflunomide in other cancer types have shown promising results.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 18-75 years, gender unlimited
* Pathological diagnosis of neuroendocrine tumor
* MEN-1 germ line mutation (MEN-1 syndrome), or tumor with somatic MEN-1 mutation
* Unresectable neuroendocrine tumors that have failed standard first-line systemic therapy
* At least one evaluable lesion according to the RECIST criteria
* ECOG physical condition score: 0-1
* Voluntarily joined the study, signed the informed consent, complied well, and cooperated with the follow-up.
* Must meet the following requirements: Bone marrow: leukocyte \> 4.0×109/L, neutrophils ≥1.5×109/L, platelets ≥100×109/L, hemoglobin ≥10g/dL; Liver: total bilirubin \< 1.5 times the upper limit of normal, AST/ALT≤1.5 times the upper limit of normal value, Lactate dehydrogenase ≤1.5 times the upper limit of normal value, Alkaline phosphatase ≤5 times the upper limit of normal value; Kidney: serum creatinine ≤1.5 times the upper limit of normal value or creatinine clearance ≥60ml/min

Exclusion Criteria:

* Received any antitumor therapy within 4 weeks
* Participated in or are participating in clinical trials of other drugs/therapies within 4 weeks prior to the initial use of the study drug
* Underwent/received major surgery or has not recovered from the side effects of the surgery within 4 weeks prior to the initial use of the study drug
* Subjects of other malignant tumors unless complete remission was achieved at least 2 years prior to study inclusion and not required other treatment during the study period
* Persistent or active (serious) infection
* Hypertension that is difficult to control with medication (continuous blood pressure is greater than 150/90 MMHG
* Poorly controlled diabetes
* Grade II/IV congestive heart failure or heart block
* Within 6 months prior to use for the first time seen in the following situations:

Deep vein thrombosis; Pulmonary embolism; Myocardial infarction; Serious arrhythmia; Instability or angina pectoris; Percutaneous coronary intervention; Acute coronary syndrome; Coronary artery bypass grafting

* Be allergic to leflunomide tablets and their metabolites
* Severe liver damage
* Other severe acute or chronic medical conditions or abnormalities in laboratory tests that may increase the risks associated with study participation or may interfere with the interpretation of study results
* Poor compliance, or other conditions unsuitable for participation in this trial

Where this trial is running

Beijing

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 Neuroendocrine TumorsMultiple Endocrine NeoplasiaLeflunomide
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.