Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 7, 2025
Spontaneous Murine Model of Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer
Published on: February 3, 2023
The role of targeted therapy and/or immunotherapy therapy in anaplastic thyroid carcinoma
Guoliang Wu1, Yixuan Song1, Sheng Yang2
1Department of Head and Neck Surgical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
Background:
Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) is a highly invasive malignant tumor with a poor prognosis. Traditional treatment methods have not been effective. However, advancements in targeted therapy and immunotherapy in recent years have shed new light on the management of ATC. The aim of this study was to examine the treatment plan and prognostic factors of ATC.
Methods:
This study conducted a retrospective analysis of ATC patients who received treatment at our institution between 2000 and 2023 to evaluate the clinical characteristics, treatment methods, and factors influencing survival. Survival analysis was performed by the Kaplan‒Meier method and log-rank test, and multivariate analysis was performed using the Cox proportional hazard model.
Results:
The 6-month and 1-year disease-specific OS rates were 49% and 29%, respectively. The presence of clinical symptoms and the timing of treatment significantly impacted patient prognosis (P < 0.05). Compared with surgery + radiotherapy/chemotherapy and only surgery, targeted therapy and targeted + immunotherapy represented an improved overall survival, The 6-month/1-year survival rates of which were 81%/61% and 91%/73% (P < 0.05), respectively. Multivariate analysis indicated that the symptoms at initial diagnosis, year of presentation, performance status and treatment plan were independent factors affecting the prognosis. The year of presentation (P = 0.048) and the treatment plan (P = 0.038) were significantly meaningful in predicting prognosis.
Conclusion:
Targeted therapy and targeted+immune therapy can effectively prolong the survival period of ATC patients. Symptoms at initial diagnosis and treatment plan have a significant impact on the prognosis.
Insights
Targeted therapy and immunotherapy significantly improve survival for anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) patients. Initial symptoms and treatment choices are key prognostic factors for this aggressive cancer.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Thyroid Cancer Research
- Therapeutic Innovations
Background:
- Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) is a rare, aggressive malignancy with historically poor outcomes.
- Conventional treatments for ATC have limited efficacy, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies.
- Recent advancements in targeted therapy and immunotherapy offer new hope for ATC management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze treatment plans and identify prognostic factors in anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC).
- To evaluate the impact of different therapeutic approaches on patient survival.
- To understand the influence of initial clinical presentation on ATC prognosis.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of ATC patients treated between 2000 and 2023.
- Kaplan-Meier and log-rank tests for survival analysis.
- Cox proportional hazard model for multivariate analysis of prognostic factors.
Main Results:
- Disease-specific overall survival (OS) rates at 6 months and 1 year were 49% and 29%, respectively.
- Targeted therapy and combination targeted + immunotherapy significantly improved OS rates (6-month/1-year: 81%/61% and 91%/73%).
- Initial symptoms, year of presentation, performance status, and treatment plan were independent prognostic factors.
Conclusions:
- Targeted therapy and combined targeted + immunotherapy offer significant survival benefits for ATC patients.
- Early clinical symptoms and the chosen treatment strategy are critical determinants of prognosis in ATC.
- This study highlights the evolving landscape of ATC treatment towards personalized therapeutic approaches.
Related Concept Videos
02:57Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
01:27Tumor Immunotherapy
02:49Cancer Therapies
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
02:50Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine
The combination of the drug acetazolamide and sulforaphane is a good example of combination therapy to treat cancer. The cells in the interior of a large tumor often die due to the hypoxic and...
02:38Mitogens and the Cell Cycle
01:30Cancer Vaccines
Cancer vaccines come in two categories: preventive (prophylactic) and treatment (active). Preventive vaccines, such as the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, protect against viruses that cause certain...