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Thymoma and Thymic Cancer Research

Patients at Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University benefit from pioneering research and hundreds of clinical trials — all of which translate to crucial life-saving treatments.

Researching Thymoma and Thymic Cancer Developing Novel Therapies at Winship

For rare diseases such as thymic cancer, groundbreaking research is critical for helping physicians better understand the cancer and effectively treat patients with thymoma and thymic carcinoma.

This is why Winship Cancer Institute is proud to be the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in the state, and one of only a select number in the United States. This means that we bring together a multidisciplinary team of experts — thoracic surgeons, oncologists, pathologists, radiologists and scientists — to lead the charge in finding the most targeted and effective ways to diagnose thymic cancer and developing novel treatments that benefit patients. It’s a coordinated, patient-centered approach based in cutting-edge research.

The Importance of Thymic Cancer Research

There is still much to learn about thymoma and thymic carcinoma, particularly about who is most at risk for the disease and how best to screen for it.

Additionally, because the thymus gland is situated near critical organs like the heart and lungs, stronger patient outcomes rely on developing minimally invasive and targeted radiation treatments.

Here’s a look at what investigators at Winship are working on:

  • Studying the link between autoimmune disorders and thymic tumors.
  • Improving diagnostic procedures with pathology and radiology.
  • Investigating minimally invasive treatments that spare healthy tissues.
  • Examining genetic profiles of tumors.
  • Innovating proton therapy.
  • Curating a robust portfolio of clinical trials dedicated to thymic malignancies.

Clinical Trials for Thymic Tumors

A clinical trial is a form of research that studies new ways to diagnose and treat cancer by enlisting the participation of people diagnosed with the disease.

As a study participant, clinical trials grant you access to new treatments not yet available through standard clinical practice, or perhaps anywhere else. Enrolling in a trial is voluntary and you can change your mind at any time. Talk with your medical care team to see if a clinical trial might be an option for your thymic cancer diagnosis.

Clinical trials led by Winship researchers occur in three phases:

  • Phase I trials study whether a new treatment is safe to use over a range of doses. The treatment may be given to people with different types of cancers. A Phase I trial is mainly a drug safety study and tends to be small.
  • Phase II trials study how well a treatment works for a certain cancer. These trials may include between 25 and 100 people. After a drug (or procedure) is found to be effective in treating cancer in a Phase II trial, a Phase III trial studies it in greater depth.
  • Phase III trials compare the new drug or procedure to an accepted standard treatment to see which works the best. These trials may look at different doses of the same drug, different drug combinations or different sequences of giving drugs. Phase III trials enroll hundreds or even thousands of participants.

Participating in Thymic Cancer Research

As a Winship patient, you might be eligible to participate in a clinical trial. Your medical care team can match you with a clinical trial that fits your diagnosis. Most clinical trials serve as an addition to standard therapy, so you don’t have to choose one over another. And though our trials are based in Georgia, we welcome participants from all over the state and beyond. If you think that joining a clinical trial at Winship might be right for you, talk to your doctors about how to participate.

Winship leads thymic cancer research at four locations in Georgia:

We welcome trial participants from all over Georgia and beyond. Talk with your doctor about whether you are eligible to participate in a clinical trial.