First participant in the UK recruited for new trial of advanced solid tumours
30 October 2025
Publish date: 30 October 2025
UCLH has recruited the first participant in the UK for a study testing a new anti-cancer treatment combination for advanced solid tumours such as endometrial and ovarian cancers.
This global study, taking place in 18 countries, is led at UCLH by consultant medical oncologist Dr Michael Flynn who is also the UK’s chief investigator. The study was delivered at UCLH by research staff at the NIHR UCLH Clinical Research Facility.
The aim of the study, known as BEHOLD-2, is to test the safety, and clinical activity of the study drug – currently known as GSK5733584 - in combination with other anti-cancer drugs, in participants with advanced solid tumours, who have failed currently available standard of care or who cannot tolerate standard of care.
GSK5733584 belongs to a new class of drug that can bind to cancer cells of the body and release toxin substances which kill cancer cells. Previous studies and research showed that GSK5733584 targets specifically cancer cells and kills them in accurate and efficient way. The drug targets a molecule called B7-H4, which is present in various solid tumours, but is particularly common in cancers affecting women such as breast, endometrial, and ovarian cancers.
Dr Michael Flynn said: “It is exciting to be leading this interesting study in the UK which adds different anti-cancer treatments to this new study drug in a range of cancers. In what I think demonstrates UCLH’s excellent teamwork, I was pleased to hear that we managed to be the first UK site to open and recruit a patient.”
Ricky Yang, lead research nurse for the trial reflected: “We are not only supporting participants to manage illness but to also help shape hope. It is a privilege for myself and fellow team members to stand at the intersection of innovation and humanity, where healing begins with both heart and knowledge.”
The sponsor of the trial is GlaxoSmithKline Research & Development Limited.
