[Results of chemotherapy in thyroid cancer]

Doxorubicin chemotherapy was performed in 52 patients with thyroid malignancies. Data from 47 patients could be evaluated. 16 remissions and partial remissions were seen, 15 cases had a progressive course, and in 16 patients there was no change of tumour size during the period of treatment. Results of treatment were worse in locally invasive tumour growth and reduced general state of health as well as in anaplastic carcinomas. Results were best in follicular and C-cell carcinomas. The mean survival time of patients responding to treatment was longer than in non-responders. The main indication for treatment is alleviation of tumour symptoms (bone pain, threatening fractures, pressure due to tumour); further indications are anaplastic carcinomas because of their bad prognosis and C-cell carcinomas because of their comparatively satisfactory response.