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Updated: Aug 3, 2026
An Orthotopic Mouse Model of Anaplastic Thyroid Carcinoma
Published on: April 17, 2013
[Molecular genotyping in refractory thyroid cancers in 2021: When, how and why? A review from the TUTHYREF network]
Christelle de la Fouchardière1, Johanna Wassermann2, Fabien Calcagno3
1Centre Léon-Bérard, département de cancérologie médicale, 28, rue Laennec, 69008 Lyon, France.
Abstract:
Refractory thyroid cancers include radio-iodine-refractory cancers, metastatic or locally advanced unresectable medullary and anaplastic thyroid cancers. Their management has been based for several years on the use of multi-target kinase inhibitors, with anti-angiogenic action, with the exception of anaplastic cancers usually treated with chemo- and radiotherapy. The situation has recently evolved due to the availability of molecular genotyping techniques allowing the discovery of rare but targetable molecular abnormalities. New treatment options have become available, more effective and less toxic than the previously available multi-target kinase inhibitors. The management of refractory thyroid cancers is therefore becoming more complex both at a diagnosis level with the need to know when, how and why to look for these molecular abnormalities but also at a therapeutic level, innovative treatments being hardly accessible. The cost of molecular analyzes and the access to treatments need also to be homogenized because disparities could lead to inequality of care at a national or international level. Finally, the strategy of identifying molecular alterations and treating these rare tumors reinforces the importance of a discussion in a multidisciplinary consultation meeting.
Insights
Refractory thyroid cancers now benefit from targeted therapies identified through molecular genotyping. This approach offers more effective and less toxic treatments than traditional methods for these rare and complex cancers.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Refractory thyroid cancers, including radio-iodine-refractory, medullary, and anaplastic types, have historically been managed with multi-target kinase inhibitors or chemo-radiotherapy.
- The treatment landscape for these advanced cancers is evolving rapidly.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the impact of molecular genotyping on the diagnosis and treatment of refractory thyroid cancers.
- To highlight the emergence of novel, targeted therapies and their implications for patient care.
Main Methods:
- Review of current management strategies for refractory thyroid cancers.
- Integration of molecular genotyping techniques for identifying targetable abnormalities.
- Analysis of new therapeutic options and their accessibility.
Main Results:
- Molecular genotyping enables the discovery of rare, targetable abnormalities in refractory thyroid cancers.
- New treatments are more effective and less toxic than previous multi-target kinase inhibitors.
- Management complexity has increased, necessitating precise diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
Conclusions:
- The identification of molecular alterations is crucial for advancing refractory thyroid cancer treatment.
- Ensuring equitable access to molecular analyses and innovative therapies is essential.
- Multidisciplinary consultation is vital for managing these complex cases.
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