Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 19, 2026
Computer-Aided Three-Dimensional Visualization in the Treatment of Locally Advanced Thyroid Cancer
Published on: June 9, 2023
Anaplastic thyroid cancer: Clinical outcomes with conformal radiotherapy
Aarti Bhatia1, Archana Rao, Kie-Kian Ang
1Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA.
Background:
The aim of this study was to review institutional outcomes for anaplastic thyroid cancer treated with conformal 3-dimensional radiotherapy (3DRT) or intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT).
Methods:
In all, 53 consecutive patients were analyzed. Thirty-one (58%) patients were irradiated with curative intent. Median radiation dose was 55 Gray (Gy; range, 4-70 Gy). Thirteen (25%) patients received IMRT to a median 60 Gy (range, 39.9-69.0 Gy). Thirty-nine (74%) patients received chemotherapy with radiation.
Results:
The Kaplan-Meier estimate of overall survival (OS) at 1 year for definitively irradiated patients was 29%. Patients without distant metastases receiving >or=50 Gy had superior survival outcomes; 5 such patients had no evidence of disease at last follow-up. Use of IMRT versus 3DRT did not influence toxicity.
Conclusions:
Outcomes for anaplastic thyroid cancer treated with 3DRT or IMRT remain equivalent to historical results. Healthy patients with localized disease who tolerate full dose irradiation can potentially enjoy prolonged survival. Biologically targeted radiosensitization merits prioritized investigation.
