A trial of vandetanib alongside MIBG radio-targeted therapy for advanced phaeochromocytomas and paragangliomas (VIBRaNT)

A phaeochromocytoma (pronounced (fey-oh-cromo-sy-toma) is a rare cancer that starts in the inner part of the adrenal gland (the adrenal medulla). The adrenal glands are part of the hormone system and make hormones such as adrenaline. Tumours that start in cells that produce hormones can also be called neuroendocrine tumours.

Paragangliomas are another rare type of neuroendocrine tumour. They are similar to phaeochromocytomas, but start in other parts of the body.

If a phaeochromocytoma can’t be removed with surgery, or has spread to another part of the body, doctors use a treatment called MIBG radio-targeted therapy.

MIBG is a chemical that is usually taken up by phaeochromocytoma cells. If you have this treatment, the MIBG is attached to a radioactive form of iodine. You have this as an injection into a vein and it circulates in your bloodstream. It is taken up by the cancer cells wherever they are in your body, and the radioactive iodine kills them.

Researchers are looking for ways to improve treatment. In this trial, they wanted to test a drug called vandetanib. It is a cancer growth blocker. It stops signals that cancer cells use to divide and grow.

The aim of the trial was to find the best dose of vandetanib to have alongside MIBG radio-targeted therapy for phaeochromocytomas and paragangliomas that can’t be completely removed with surgery.