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Updated: May 10, 2026

Spontaneous Murine Model of Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer
Published on: February 3, 2023
Sorafenib and thyroid cancer
Poupak Fallahi1, Silvia Martina Ferrari, Francesca Santini
1Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Savi, 10, 56126, Pisa, Italy.
Abstract:
Sorafenib (Nexavar) is a multikinase inhibitor, which has demonstrated both anti-proliferative and anti-angiogenic properties in vitro and in vivo, inhibiting the activity of targets present in the tumor cell [c-RAF (proto-oncogene serine/threonine-protein kinase), BRAF, (V600E)BRAF, c-KIT, and FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3] and in tumor vessels (c-RAF, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-3, and platelet-derived growth factor receptor β). For several years, sorafenib has been approved for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma and advanced renal cell carcinoma. After previous studies showing that sorafenib was able to inhibit oncogenic RET mutants, (V600E)BRAF, and angiogenesis and growth of orthotopic anaplastic thyroid cancer xenografts in nude mice, some clinical trials demonstrated the effectiveness of sorafenib in advanced thyroid cancer. Currently, the evaluation of the clinical safety and efficacy of sorafenib for the treatment of advanced thyroid cancer is ongoing. This article reviews the anti-neoplastic effect of sorafenib in thyroid cancer. Several completed (or ongoing) studies have evaluated the long-term efficacy and tolerability of sorafenib in patients with papillary and medullary aggressive thyroid cancer. The results suggest that sorafenib is a promising therapeutic option in patients with advanced thyroid cancer that is not responsive to traditional therapeutic strategies.
Insights
Sorafenib, a multikinase inhibitor, shows promise for advanced thyroid cancer. Clinical trials indicate its effectiveness in treating aggressive, unresponsive thyroid cancer cases.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Sorafenib is a multikinase inhibitor with anti-proliferative and anti-angiogenic properties.
- It targets key pathways in tumor cells and vasculature, including c-RAF, BRAF, and VEGFR.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the anti-neoplastic effects of sorafenib in thyroid cancer.
- To summarize findings from clinical trials on sorafenib for advanced thyroid cancer.
Main Methods:
- Review of completed and ongoing clinical studies.
- Evaluation of sorafenib's efficacy and tolerability in thyroid cancer patients.
Main Results:
- Sorafenib has demonstrated effectiveness in advanced thyroid cancer, including anaplastic, papillary, and medullary types.
- Studies suggest positive outcomes in patients unresponsive to traditional therapies.
Conclusions:
- Sorafenib is a promising therapeutic option for advanced thyroid cancer.
- Ongoing evaluations focus on long-term efficacy and safety.
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