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Updated: Apr 26, 2026
Spontaneous Murine Model of Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer
Published on: February 3, 2023
Anaplastic Thyroid Carcinoma: Current Treatments and Potential New Therapeutic Options with Emphasis on TfR1/CD71
Rosalba Parenti1, Lucia Salvatorelli2, Gaetano Magro2
1Department of Bio-Medical Sciences, Physiology Section, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy.
Abstract:
Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) is one of the most aggressive human cancers. Actually, ATC is refractory to conventional therapies, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and radioiodine ((131)I) therapy. Accordingly, genetic and molecular characterizations of ATC have been frequently and periodically reviewed in order to identify potential biological markers exploitable for target therapy. This review briefly focuses on main molecular events that characterize ATC and provides an update about preclinical studies. In addition, the overexpression of transferrin receptor 1 (TfR1/CD71) by neoplastic cells of ATC is emphasized in that it could represent a potential therapeutic target. In this regard, new therapeutic approaches based on the use of monoclonal or recombinant antibodies, or transferrin-gallium-TfR1/CD71 molecular complexes, or lastly small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) are proposed.
Insights
Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) is a highly aggressive cancer resistant to standard treatments. Targeting transferrin receptor 1 (TfR1/CD71), overexpressed on ATC cells, offers a promising new therapeutic strategy.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Therapeutics
Background:
- Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) is a rare but extremely aggressive human malignancy.
- ATC exhibits resistance to conventional treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and radioiodine therapy.
- Identifying novel therapeutic targets is crucial for improving patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the key molecular events characterizing ATC.
- To update on preclinical studies for potential ATC therapies.
- To highlight transferrin receptor 1 (TfR1/CD71) as a potential therapeutic target in ATC.
Main Methods:
- Review of genetic and molecular characterizations of ATC.
- Analysis of preclinical studies on ATC.
- Focus on the role of transferrin receptor 1 (TfR1/CD71) in ATC.
Main Results:
- ATC is characterized by specific molecular events.
- Overexpression of TfR1/CD71 is a common feature of neoplastic ATC cells.
- Preclinical data support TfR1/CD71 as a viable therapeutic target.
Conclusions:
- Targeting TfR1/CD71 presents a promising therapeutic avenue for ATC.
- Therapeutic strategies include monoclonal antibodies, transferrin-gallium complexes, and small interfering RNAs (siRNAs).
- Further research into these targeted approaches is warranted for ATC treatment.
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