Reimagining the Therapeutic Approach for Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer: The Roadmap to a Cure

Background: Anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) is an aggressive cancer that leads to rapid death if left untreated. However, recent advances in ATC treatment have dramatically changed the prognosis in a select group of patients with BRAF^V600E mutations. In these patients, BRAF/MEK inhibitors have been shown to dramatically and rapidly shrink tumors. Yet, these responses are short-lived unless additional treatment modalities are applied. In patients without a BRAF^V600E mutation, the current available therapies are far less effective. Summary: In this article, we review the relevant literature and propose applying the "Total Therapy" approach used since the 1960s for another deadly but curable disease, acute lymphocytic leukemia, to ATC. We have adapted the concepts of Induction, Consolidation, and Maintenance, applying them to ATC. This regimen integrates the treatments we have found to be successful in ATC: combination systemic therapy using targeted therapy plus immunotherapy, surgery, radiation, and continuation of the systemic therapy for several years, thereby attempting to eradicate all residual ATC cells. Conclusions: There has been a renewed interest in understanding the genomics of ATC and treating these patients with urgency rather than just providing palliative care. This shift has led to significant improvements in the prognosis of ATC. With the right tools and a clear roadmap to guide us, we now aim to take on the challenge of curing these patients.