Aggressive thyroid cancer: targeted therapy with sorafenib
Alda Corrado1, Silvia M Ferrari1, Ugo Politti1
1Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
Abstract:
Sorafenib (Nexavar), is a multikinase inhibitor, which has demonstrated both antiproliferative and antiangiogenic properties in vitro and in vivo, inhibiting the activity of targets present in the tumoral cells (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 [VEGFR]-2, VEGFR-3, and platelet-derived growth factor receptor β). Sorafenib was initially approved for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma and advanced renal cell carcinoma. Experimental studies have demonstrated that sorafenib has both antiproliferative and antiangiogenic properties in vitro and in vivo, against thyroid cancer cells. Furthermore, several completed (or ongoing) studies have evaluated the long-term efficacy and tolerability of sorafenib in patients with papillary, follicular and medullary aggressive thyroid cancer. The results of the different studies showed good clinical responses and stabilization of the disease and suggested that sorafenib is a promising therapeutic option in patients with advanced thyroid cancer that is not responsive to traditional therapeutic strategies (such as radioiodine). Currently, USA Food and Drug Administration has approved the use of sorafenib for metastatic differentiated thyroid cancer.
Insights
Sorafenib, a multikinase inhibitor, shows antiproliferative and antiangiogenic effects against advanced thyroid cancer. It offers a promising therapeutic option for patients unresponsive to traditional treatments like radioiodine.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Sorafenib is a multikinase inhibitor with demonstrated antiproliferative and antiangiogenic properties.
- It targets key pathways in tumor cells and vasculature, including RAF, VEGFR, and PDGFR.
- Sorafenib is approved for hepatocellular carcinoma and advanced renal cell carcinoma.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of sorafenib in advanced thyroid cancer.
- To assess sorafenib's potential in patients with radioiodine-refractory differentiated thyroid cancer.
Main Methods:
- Review of experimental studies and clinical trials on sorafenib in thyroid cancer.
- Analysis of data on antiproliferative and antiangiogenic effects in vitro and in vivo.
- Evaluation of long-term efficacy and tolerability in patients with papillary, follicular, and medullary thyroid cancer.
Main Results:
- Sorafenib exhibits antiproliferative and antiangiogenic properties against thyroid cancer cells.
- Clinical studies show good responses and disease stabilization in patients with advanced thyroid cancer.
- The drug demonstrates promising efficacy in patients unresponsive to traditional therapies.
Conclusions:
- Sorafenib is a viable therapeutic option for advanced thyroid cancer, particularly in cases resistant to radioiodine.
- The USA Food and Drug Administration has approved sorafenib for metastatic differentiated thyroid cancer.
- Further evaluation of long-term outcomes and tolerability is ongoing.
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