Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 23, 2026
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Establishment and Characterization of Patient-Derived Xenograft Models of Anaplastic Thyroid Carcinoma and Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Published on: June 2, 2023
Hyperfractionated Accelerated Radiotherapy (HART) for anaplastic thyroid carcinoma: toxicity and survival analysis.
Prasad Dandekar1, Clive Harmer, Yolanda Barbachano
1Head and Neck/Thyroid Unit, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, Sutton, Surrey, United Kingdom. drprasadraj@yahoo.com
Summary
This study found that hyperfractionated accelerated radiotherapy for anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) did not improve survival and caused severe toxicities. The protocol was discontinued due to its ineffectiveness and side effects.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Radiotherapy
- Thyroid Cancer Research
Background:
- Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) is an aggressive cancer with poor prognosis.
- Current treatment protocols aim to improve survival and minimize toxicity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of a hyperfractionated accelerated radiotherapy protocol for anaplastic thyroid carcinoma.
- To determine if this protocol offers a survival benefit compared to previous treatments.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 31 ATC patients treated between 1991 and 2002.
- Patients received megavoltage radiotherapy up to 60 Gy in twice-daily fractions.
- Treatment involved radical radiotherapy alone or in combination with surgery.
Main Results:
- Median overall survival was 70 days; no significant survival difference was observed based on age, sex, or treatment approach.
- Local control rates varied, with complete response in 22% and progressive disease in 15%.
- High rates of toxicity were reported, including severe dysphagia (74%) and esophagitis (79%).
Conclusions:
- The hyperfractionated accelerated radiotherapy protocol for ATC failed to provide a significant survival advantage.
- The protocol was associated with substantial toxicities and has been discontinued.
- Further research is needed to explore potential survival benefits in younger, operable patients.
