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Updated: Jun 13, 2026

An Orthotopic Mouse Model of Anaplastic Thyroid Carcinoma
Published on: April 17, 2013
Targeted therapy of thyroid cancer
1The University of Texas M D Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Unit 1432, Houston, TX 77030, USA. sisherma@mdanderson.org
Novel therapies targeting angiogenesis show promise for advanced thyroid cancer. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors offer well-tolerated options, improving outcomes for patients unresponsive to conventional treatments.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Systemic chemotherapy for advanced or metastatic thyroid carcinomas has limited effectiveness.
- Novel therapeutic strategies are crucial for differentiated or medullary thyroid carcinomas unresponsive to conventional treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review novel therapies, particularly those targeting angiogenesis, for advanced or metastatic thyroid carcinoma.
- To discuss the potential of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) as well-tolerated treatment options.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical trials and studies on novel agents for metastatic thyroid carcinoma.
- Focus on therapies targeting vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFRs) and associated kinases.
- Inclusion of agents targeting tumor vasculature, nuclear receptors, epigenetic abnormalities, and immune response.
Main Results:
- Partial response rates up to 30% reported in single-agent studies, with common prolonged disease stabilization.
- Sorafenib and sunitinib, approved for other cancers, show promising preliminary results in thyroid cancer.
- Ongoing randomized trials may lead to regulatory approval for several novel agents.
Conclusions:
- Novel agents, especially TKIs targeting VEGFRs, offer considerable promise for advanced thyroid cancer.
- These therapies are well-tolerated and may warrant regulatory approval.
- Clinical trial participation is emphasized for patients with metastatic or advanced thyroid carcinoma.
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