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Systemic treatments for thymic tumors: a narrative review
Paolo Andrea Zucali1,2, Fabio De Vincenzo2, Matteo Perrino2
1Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy.
Mediastinum (Hong Kong, China)
|February 4, 2022
Summary
Thymic epithelial tumours (TETs) management is challenging due to rarity. This review explores systemic treatments for TETs, including during the COVID-19 pandemic, to improve patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Thoracic Surgery
- Medical Oncology
Background:
- Thymic epithelial tumours (TETs) are rare thoracic malignancies with challenging management.
- Current guidelines rely on retrospective data, single-arm trials, and expert opinions.
- Standard care for advanced/metastatic TETs involves platinum-based chemotherapy with modest efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review systemic treatment strategies for thymic epithelial tumours (TETs).
- To explore TET management in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
- To summarize evidence for local, locally advanced, and metastatic disease settings.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of systemic treatments for TETs.
- Analysis of therapeutic strategies in the context of the COVID-19 era.
- Evaluation of treatment outcomes across different disease stages.
Main Results:
- Combined modality therapy shows good results in less advanced TETs.
- Chemotherapy has limited efficacy in the palliative setting for TETs.
- No targeted therapies are currently efficient for TETs due to unknown oncogenic alterations.
Conclusions:
- Multidisciplinary expertise is crucial for optimal TET management.
- TET patients, except those with Good's syndrome, do not face higher COVID-19 risks.
- Further research is needed to improve systemic treatment efficacy for advanced TETs.
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