Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 24, 2025
Spontaneous Murine Model of Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer
Published on: February 3, 2023
Evaluating new treatments for anaplastic thyroid cancer
Andrés Coca-Pelaz1, Juan P Rodrigo1, Fernando Lopez1
1Department of Otolaryngology, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, University of Oviedo, ISPA, IUOPA, CIBERONC, Oviedo, Spain.
Introduction:
Anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) is one of the most lethal diseases known to humans with a median survival of 5 months. The American Thyroid Association (ATA) recently published guidelines for the treatment of this dreadful thyroid malignancy.
Areas Covered:
This review presents the current therapeutic landscape of this challenging disease. We also present the results from trials published over the last five years and summarize currently active clinical trials.
Expert Opinion:
Recent attempts to improve the prognosis of these tumors are moving toward personalized medicine, basing the treatment decision on the specific genetic profile of the individual tumor. The positive results of dabrafenib and trametinib for ATC harboring the BRAF V600E mutation have provided a useful treatment option. For the other genetic profiles, different drugs are available and can be used to individualize the treatment, likely using drug combinations. Combinations of drugs act on different molecular pathways and achieve inhibition at separate areas. With new targeted therapies, average survival has improved considerably and death from local disease progression or airway compromise is less likely with improvement in quality of life. Unfortunately, the results remain poor in terms of survival.
Insights
Anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) treatment is evolving with personalized medicine. Targeted therapies like dabrafenib and trametinib show promise for specific mutations, improving survival and quality of life.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Medicine
- Genetics
Background:
- Anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) is a rare and aggressive malignancy with a poor prognosis.
- The American Thyroid Association (ATA) has released updated guidelines for ATC management.
- Current treatment strategies are limited, necessitating novel therapeutic approaches.
Approach:
- This review synthesizes recent findings from clinical trials published within the last five years.
- It summarizes ongoing clinical trials investigating new therapeutic options for ATC.
- The focus is on personalized medicine based on tumor genetic profiles.
Key Points:
- Targeted therapies, such as dabrafenib and trametinib, demonstrate efficacy in ATC harboring the BRAF V600E mutation.
- Individualized treatment strategies utilizing drug combinations targeting distinct molecular pathways are being explored.
- New targeted therapies have led to improved survival rates and quality of life by reducing local disease progression.
Conclusions:
- Personalized medicine, guided by tumor genetics, represents a significant advancement in ATC treatment.
- While survival remains a challenge, targeted therapies offer improved outcomes and better quality of life for patients.
- Further research into novel drug combinations and treatment strategies is crucial for improving long-term survival in ATC.
