Tyrosine kinase inhibitors in patients with advanced anaplastic thyroid cancer: an effective analysis based on
Bo-Hua Kuang1,2, Wen-Xuan Zhang1,2, Guo-He Lin3
1Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
Background:
Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) contribute to the treatment of patients with anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC). Although prospective clinical studies of TKIs exhibit limited efficacy, whether ATC patients benefit from TKI treatment in real-world clinical practice may enlighten future explorations. Therefore, we conducted this effective analysis based on real-world retrospective studies to illustrate the efficacy of TKI treatment in ATC patients.
Methods:
We systematically searched the online databases on September 03, 2023. Survival curves were collected and reconstructed to summarize the pooled curves. Responses were analyzed by using the "meta" package. The primary endpoints were progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), objective response rate (ORR), and disease control rate (DCR).
Results:
12 studies involving 227 patients were enrolled in the study. Therapeutic strategies included: anlotinib, lenvatinib, dabrafenib plus trametinib, vemurafenib, pembrolizumab plus dabrafenib and trametinib, pembrolizumab plus lenvatinib, pembrolizumab plus trametinib, and sorafenib. The pooled median OS and PFS were 6.37 months (95% CI 4.19-10.33) and 5.50 months (95% CI 2.17-12.03). The integrated ORR and DCR were 32% (95% CI 23%-41%) and 40% (95% CI 12%-74%).
Conclusion:
In real-world clinical practice, ATC patients could benefit from TKI therapy. In future studies, more basic experiments and clinical explorations are needed to enhance the effects of TKIs in the treatment of patients with ATC.
Insights
Anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) patients may benefit from tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy in real-world settings. This analysis of retrospective studies suggests TKIs offer a potential treatment avenue for ATC, warranting further investigation.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) is an aggressive malignancy with limited treatment options.
- Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have emerged as a potential therapeutic strategy for ATC.
- Previous prospective studies showed limited efficacy, necessitating real-world data analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) patients using real-world data.
- To analyze survival outcomes and response rates for various TKI treatments in ATC.
Main Methods:
- Systematic search of online databases up to September 03, 2023.
- Reconstruction of survival curves from 12 retrospective studies involving 227 ATC patients.
- Meta-analysis of progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), objective response rate (ORR), and disease control rate (DCR).
Main Results:
- Pooled median overall survival (OS) was 6.37 months and median progression-free survival (PFS) was 5.50 months.
- Integrated objective response rate (ORR) was 32% and disease control rate (DCR) was 40%.
- Therapies included anlotinib, lenvatinib, dabrafenib plus trametinib, vemurafenib, and others.
Conclusions:
- Real-world data suggest that anaplastic thyroid cancer patients can benefit from tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy.
- Further basic research and clinical trials are needed to optimize TKI efficacy in ATC treatment.
