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Updated: Mar 6, 2026

Spontaneous Murine Model of Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer
Published on: February 3, 2023
Precision Medicine Approach to Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer: Advances in Targeted Drug Therapy Based on Specific
Hilda Samimi1, Parviz Fallah2, Alireza Naderi Sohi3
1Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract:
Personalized medicine is a set of diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic approaches in which medical interventions are carried out based on individual patient characteristics. As life expectancy increases in developed and developing countries, the incidence of diseases such as cancer goes up among people in the community. Cancer is a disease that the response to treatment varies from one person to another and also it is costly for individuals, families, and society. Among thyroid cancers, anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) is the most aggressive, lethal and unresponsive form of the disease. Unfortunately, current drugs are not targetable, and therefore they have restricted role in ATC treatment. Consequently, mortality of this cancer, despite advances in the field of diagnosis and treatment, is one of the most important challenges in medicine. Cellular, molecular and genetic evidences play an important role in finding more effective diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Review of these evidences confirms the application of personalized medicine in cancer treatment including ATC. A growing body of evidence has elucidated that cellular and molecular mechanisms of cancer would pave the way for defining new biomarkers for targeted therapy, taking into account individual differences. It should be noted that this approach requires further progress in the fields of basic sciences, pharmacogenetics and drug design. An overview of the most important aspects in individualized anaplastic thyroid cancer treatment will be discussed in this review.
Insights
Personalized medicine offers tailored treatments for anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC), an aggressive cancer. Advances in cellular, molecular, and genetic research are key to developing targeted therapies for individual patients.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Genetics
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) is an aggressive and lethal thyroid cancer with limited treatment options.
- Individual responses to cancer treatment vary significantly, highlighting the need for personalized approaches.
- Increasing life expectancy contributes to a rise in cancer incidence globally.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the application of personalized medicine in treating anaplastic thyroid carcinoma.
- To explore how cellular, molecular, and genetic evidence can inform targeted therapies for ATC.
- To discuss the progress and future directions in individualized ATC treatment.
Main Methods:
- Review of current scientific literature on personalized medicine and anaplastic thyroid carcinoma.
- Analysis of cellular, molecular, and genetic evidence relevant to ATC.
- Examination of pharmacogenetics and drug design principles for targeted therapy.
Main Results:
- Personalized medicine, utilizing individual patient characteristics, is a promising approach for cancer treatment.
- Cellular and molecular mechanisms of cancer are crucial for identifying new biomarkers for targeted therapies.
- Targeted therapies considering individual differences can improve treatment efficacy for ATC.
Conclusions:
- Personalized medicine holds significant potential for improving outcomes in anaplastic thyroid carcinoma.
- Further advancements in basic sciences, pharmacogenetics, and drug design are necessary for effective implementation.
- Individualized treatment strategies are essential for overcoming the challenges posed by aggressive cancers like ATC.
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