Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer: a Retrospective analysis of 120 cases.

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Endocrinology
• Cancer Research

Background:

• Anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) is a rare but highly aggressive malignancy.
• It is characterized by rapid progression, short survival, and poor treatment outcomes.
• ATC accounts for a small percentage of all thyroid cancers but has a significant mortality rate.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the natural history and treatment outcomes of Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer (ATC) patients.
• To analyze data from patients treated at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSH and RC) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 120 Saudi ATC patients diagnosed between 1976 and 2008.
• Data collected from KFSH & RC registry and Saudi death registry.
• Included demographic information, diagnosis dates, treatment types, and survival data.

Main Results:

• The study identified 120 ATC cases, with a higher prevalence in females (60.8%).
• The average age at diagnosis was 63.34 years.
• Median survival was critically short at 53 days, with limited use of surgery, radiation treatment, or chemotherapy.

Conclusions:

• Anaplastic thyroid cancer is a rapidly fatal disease with limited response to existing therapies.
• Further research into tumor biology and novel treatment options is essential.
• The findings underscore the aggressive nature of ATC and the need for innovative therapeutic approaches.