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Wächter S, Bartsch DK, Maurer E. [Personalized approach to anaplastic thyroid carcinoma]. CHIRURGIE (HEIDELBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 95:192-199. [PMID: 37973622 DOI: 10.1007/s00104-023-01993-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) represents the rarest but most aggressive tumor entity of the thyroid gland. In this respect, the treatment of advanced ATC has rapidly evolved in recent years. Recently, new personalized forms of treatment that address the somatic mutational status of the tumor have been increasingly used. The aim of this article is to provide an overview of current molecular-based and personalized treatment options for ATC. METHODS A current literature search was performed with a focus on personalized molecular-based treatment options for ATC. RESULTS The majority of patients suffering from ATC have an advanced tumor disease at the time of initial diagnosis. Despite multimodal treatment approaches consisting of surgery, external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) and chemotherapy (CTX), the prognosis of ATC is still poor. Accordingly, the focus of innovative treatment approaches is on molecular-based, individualized tumor therapy, including in particular BRAFV600E and multikinase inhibitors. The potential of the latter seems to lie particularly in combination therapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors. These treatment options can be used in both adjuvant and neoadjuvant settings. Neoadjuvant treatment of advanced ATC can achieve a potentially resectable treatment setting and improve the poor prognosis of affected patients; however, larger prospective and randomized studies on these combination therapies are currently pending. CONCLUSION The focus of future treatment approaches for ATC will be on individualized, molecular-based tumor therapy. In particular, the neoadjuvant use of these therapies may change the paradigm of ATC surgery as locally advanced as well as metastatic carcinomas can be converted to a potentially resectable status and made amenable to surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabine Wächter
- Klinik für Visceral‑, Thorax- und Gefäßchirurgie, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Baldingerstraße, 35043, Marburg, Deutschland.
| | - Detlef K Bartsch
- Klinik für Visceral‑, Thorax- und Gefäßchirurgie, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Baldingerstraße, 35043, Marburg, Deutschland
| | - Elisabeth Maurer
- Klinik für Visceral‑, Thorax- und Gefäßchirurgie, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Baldingerstraße, 35043, Marburg, Deutschland
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Soll D, Bischoff P, Frisch A, Jensen M, Karadeniz Z, Mogl MT, Horst D, Penzkofer T, Spranger J, Keilholz U, Mai K. First effectiveness data of lenvatinib and pembrolizumab as first-line therapy in advanced anaplastic thyroid cancer: a retrospective cohort study. BMC Endocr Disord 2024; 24:25. [PMID: 38383419 PMCID: PMC10882904 DOI: 10.1186/s12902-024-01555-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) is a rare and aggressive neoplasm. We still lack effective treatment options, so survival rates remain very low. Here, we aimed to evaluate the activity of the combination of lenvatinib and pembrolizumab as systemic first-line therapy in ATC. METHODS In a retrospective analysis, we investigated the activity and tolerability of combined lenvatinib (starting dose 14 to 24 mg daily) and pembrolizumab (200 mg every three weeks) as first-line therapy in an institutional cohort of ATC patients. RESULTS Five patients with metastatic ATC received lenvatinib and pembrolizumab as systemic first-line therapy. The median progression-free survival was 4.7 (range 0.8-5.9) months, and the median overall survival was 6.3 (range 0.8-not reached) months. At the first follow-up, one patient had partial response, three patients had stable disease, and one patient was formally not evaluable due to interference of assessment by concomitant acute infectious thyroiditis. This patient was then stable for more than one year and was still on therapy at the data cutoff without disease progression. Further analyses revealed deficient DNA mismatch repair, high CD8+ lymphocyte infiltration, and low macrophage infiltration in this patient. Of the other patients, two had progressive disease after adverse drug reactions and therapy de-escalation, and two died after the first staging. For all patients, the PD-L1 combined positive score ranged from 12 to 100%. CONCLUSIONS The combination of lenvatinib and pembrolizumab was effective and moderately tolerated in treatment-naïve ATC patients with occasional long-lasting response. However, we could not confirm the exceptional responses for this combination therapy reported before in pretreated patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominik Soll
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, Luisenstr. 13, 10117, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Philip Bischoff
- Institute of Pathology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Anne Frisch
- Department of Radiology (CVK), Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Marie Jensen
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Zehra Karadeniz
- Institute of Pathology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Martina T Mogl
- Department of Surgery, Campus Charité Mitte | Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - David Horst
- Institute of Pathology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Tobias Penzkofer
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Radiology (CVK), Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Joachim Spranger
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, 10117, Berlin, Germany
- Charité-Center for Cardiovascular Research (CCR), Berlin, Germany
- DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), 85784, Neuherberg, Germany
- NutriAct-Competence Cluster Nutrition Research Berlin-Potsdam, 14558, Nuthetal, Germany
| | - Ulrich Keilholz
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, Chariteplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Knut Mai
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, 10117, Berlin, Germany
- Charité-Center for Cardiovascular Research (CCR), Berlin, Germany
- DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), 85784, Neuherberg, Germany
- NutriAct-Competence Cluster Nutrition Research Berlin-Potsdam, 14558, Nuthetal, Germany
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Bikas A, Ahmadi S, Pappa T, Marqusee E, Wong K, Nehs MA, Cho NL, Haase J, Doherty GM, Sehgal K, Barletta JA, Alexander EK, Landa I. Additional Oncogenic Alterations in RAS-Driven Differentiated Thyroid Cancers Associate with Worse Clinicopathologic Outcomes. Clin Cancer Res 2023; 29:2678-2685. [PMID: 37260297 PMCID: PMC10524472 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-23-0278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE RAS mutations occur across the spectrum of thyroid neoplasms, and more tools are needed for better prognostication. The objective of this study was to evaluate how additional genetic events affecting key genes modify prognosis in patients with RAS-mutant thyroid cancers, and specifically differentiated thyroid cancers (DTC). EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN We performed a clinical-genomic analysis of consecutive patients with DTC, poorly differentiated (PDTC), or anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) between January 2014 and December 2021, in whom a custom-targeted next-generation sequencing assay was performed. Patients harboring RAS mutations were included, and we compared their clinical features and outcomes based upon the presence of additional oncogenic alterations. RESULTS Seventy-eight patients were identified, with 22% (17/78) harboring a driver RAS mutation plus an additional oncogenic alteration. All six (100%) ATCs had an additional mutation. Compared with DTCs harboring a solitary RAS mutation, patients with DTC with RAS and additional mutation(s) were more likely to be classified as American Thyroid Association high-risk of recurrence (77% vs. 12%; P < 0.001) and to have larger primary tumors (4.7 vs. 2.5 cm; P = 0.002) and advanced stage (III or IV) at presentation (67% vs. 3%; P < 0.001). Importantly, over an average 65-month follow-up, DTC-specific-mortality was more than 10-fold higher (20% vs. 1.8%; P = 0.011) when additional mutations were identified. CONCLUSIONS Identification of key additional mutations in patients with RAS-mutant thyroid cancers confers a more aggressive phenotype, increases mortality risk in DTC, and can explain the diversity of RAS-mutated thyroid neoplasia. These data support genomic profiling of DTCs to inform prognosis and clinical decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Athanasios Bikas
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston Massachusetts
| | - Sara Ahmadi
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston Massachusetts
| | - Theodora Pappa
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston Massachusetts
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston Massachusetts
| | - Ellen Marqusee
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston Massachusetts
| | - Kristine Wong
- Harvard Medical School, Boston Massachusetts
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston Massachusetts
| | - Matthew A. Nehs
- Harvard Medical School, Boston Massachusetts
- Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston Massachusetts
| | - Nancy L. Cho
- Harvard Medical School, Boston Massachusetts
- Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston Massachusetts
| | - Jacob Haase
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston Massachusetts
| | - Gerard M. Doherty
- Harvard Medical School, Boston Massachusetts
- Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston Massachusetts
| | - Kartik Sehgal
- Harvard Medical School, Boston Massachusetts
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston Massachusetts
| | - Justine A. Barletta
- Harvard Medical School, Boston Massachusetts
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston Massachusetts
| | - Erik K. Alexander
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston Massachusetts
| | - Iñigo Landa
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston Massachusetts
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Yuan J, Guo Y. Targeted Therapy for Anaplastic Thyroid Carcinoma: Advances and Management. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 15:cancers15010179. [PMID: 36612173 PMCID: PMC9818071 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15010179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) is a rare and highly fatal cancer with the worst prognosis of all thyroid carcinoma (TC) histological subtypes and no standard treatment. In recent years, the explosion of investigations on ATC-targeted agents has provided a new treatment strategy for this malignant condition, and a review of these studies is warranted. We conducted a comprehensive literature search for ATC-targeted drug studies and compiled a summary of their efficacy and adverse effects (AEs) to provide new insights. Multiple clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy and safety of dabrafenib in combination with trametinib for the treatment of ATC, but vemurafenib and NTRK inhibitors showed limited clinical responses. We found that the previously valued therapeutic effect of lenvatinib may be unsatisfactory; combining tyrosine kinase (TK) inhibitors (TKIs) with other agents results in a higher rate of clinical benefit. In addition, specific medications, including RET inhibitors, mTOR inhibitors, CDK4/6 inhibitors, and Combretastatin A4-phosphate (CA4P), offer tremendous therapeutic potential. The AEs reported for all agents are relatively numerous but largely manageable clinically. More clinical trials are expected to further confirm the effectiveness and safety of these targeted drugs for ATC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqian Yuan
- The First Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Yong Guo
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310001, China
- Correspondence:
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Zhang Y, Xing Z, Liu T, Tang M, Mi L, Zhu J, Wu W, Wei T. Targeted therapy and drug resistance in thyroid cancer. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 238:114500. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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Shonka DC, Ho A, Chintakuntlawar AV, Geiger JL, Park JC, Seetharamu N, Jasim S, Abdelhamid Ahmed AH, Bible KC, Brose MS, Cabanillas ME, Dabekaussen K, Davies L, Dias-Santagata D, Fagin JA, Faquin WC, Ghossein RA, Gopal RK, Miyauchi A, Nikiforov YE, Ringel MD, Robinson B, Ryder MM, Sherman EJ, Sadow PM, Shin JJ, Stack BC, Tuttle RM, Wirth LJ, Zafereo ME, Randolph GW. American Head and Neck Society Endocrine Surgery Section and International Thyroid Oncology Group consensus statement on mutational testing in thyroid cancer: Defining advanced thyroid cancer and its targeted treatment. Head Neck 2022; 44:1277-1300. [PMID: 35274388 DOI: 10.1002/hed.27025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The development of systemic treatment options leveraging the molecular landscape of advanced thyroid cancer is a burgeoning field. This is a multidisciplinary evidence-based statement on the definition of advanced thyroid cancer and its targeted systemic treatment. METHODS An expert panel was assembled, a literature review was conducted, and best practice statements were developed. The modified Delphi method was applied to assess the degree of consensus for the statements developed by the author panel. RESULTS A review of the current understanding of thyroid oncogenesis at a molecular level is presented and characteristics of advanced thyroid cancer are defined. Twenty statements in topics including the multidisciplinary management, molecular evaluation, and targeted systemic treatment of advanced thyroid cancer are provided. CONCLUSIONS With the growth in targeted treatment options for thyroid cancer, a consensus definition of advanced disease and statements regarding the utility of molecular testing and available targeted systemic therapy is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- David C Shonka
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Alan Ho
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Solid Tumor Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - Jessica L Geiger
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Jong C Park
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Nagashree Seetharamu
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra University, New Hyde Park, New York, USA
| | - Sina Jasim
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Lipid Research, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Amr H Abdelhamid Ahmed
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Keith C Bible
- Division of Medical Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Marcia S Brose
- Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Maria E Cabanillas
- Department of Endocrine Neoplasia and Hormonal Disorders, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Kirsten Dabekaussen
- Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Louise Davies
- Department of Surgery, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Dora Dias-Santagata
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - James A Fagin
- Endocrinology Service, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - William C Faquin
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ronald A Ghossein
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Raj K Gopal
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Yuri E Nikiforov
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Matthew D Ringel
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, The Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Bruce Robinson
- Northern Clinical School, Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Mabel M Ryder
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism, & Nutrition, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Eric J Sherman
- Head and Neck Oncology Service, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Peter M Sadow
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jennifer J Shin
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Center for Surgery and Public Health, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Brendan C Stack
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, Illinois, USA
| | - R Michael Tuttle
- Endocrinology Service, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Lori J Wirth
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Mark E Zafereo
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Gregory W Randolph
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Li J, Zhang Y, Sun F, Xing L, Sun X. Towards an era of precise diagnosis and treatment: Role of novel molecular modification-based imaging and therapy for dedifferentiated thyroid cancer. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:980582. [PMID: 36157447 PMCID: PMC9493193 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.980582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Dedifferentiated thyroid cancer is the major cause of mortality in thyroid cancer and is difficult to treat. Hence, the essential molecular mechanisms involved in dedifferentiation should be thoroughly investigated. Several studies have explored the biomolecular modifications of dedifferentiated thyroid cancer such as DNA methylation, protein phosphorylation, acetylation, ubiquitination, and glycosylation and the new targets for radiological imaging and therapy in recent years. Novel radionuclide tracers and drugs have shown attractive potential in the early diagnosis and treatment of dedifferentiated thyroid cancer. We summarized the updated molecular mechanisms of dedifferentiation combined with early detection by molecular modification-based imaging to provide more accurate diagnosis and novel therapeutics in the management of dedifferentiated thyroid cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Li
- Department of Graduate, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Yingjie Zhang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Fenghao Sun
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Ligang Xing
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Xiaorong Sun
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaorong Sun,
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Mahmood U, Lorch JH. Precision medicine in aggressive thyroid cancer: Moving beyond multitargeted tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Cancer Cytopathol 2021; 130:8-11. [PMID: 34748686 DOI: 10.1002/cncy.22516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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Qin Y, Wang JR, Wang Y, Iyer P, Cote GJ, Busaidy NL, Dadu R, Zafereo M, Williams MD, Ferrarotto R, Gunn GB, Wei P, Patel K, Hofmann MC, Cabanillas ME. Clinical Utility of Circulating Cell-Free DNA Mutations in Anaplastic Thyroid Carcinoma. Thyroid 2021; 31:1235-1243. [PMID: 33599171 PMCID: PMC8420950 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2020.0296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Background: Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) is an aggressive thyroid cancer that requires a rapid diagnosis and treatment to achieve disease control. Gene mutation profiling of circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) in peripheral blood may help to facilitate early diagnosis and treatment selection. The relatively rapid turnaround time compared with conventional tumor mutation testing is a major advantage. The objectives of this study were to examine the concordance of ATC-related mutations detected in cfDNA with those detected in the corresponding tumor tissue, and to determine the prognostic significance of cfDNA mutations in ATC patients. Methods: The ATC patients who were diagnosed and treated at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center between January 2015 and February 2018 and who had cfDNA testing were included in this study. cfDNA was collected by blood draw and was analyzed by next-generation sequencing (NGS) using the Guardant360-73 gene platform. Results: A total of 87 patients were included in the study. The most frequently mutated genes detected in cfDNA were TP53, BRAF, and PIK3CA. In 28 treatment naive ATC patients, the concordance rate of detected mutations in TP53, BRAFV600E, and PIK3CA between cfDNA and matched tissue NGS was 82.1%, 92.9%, and 92.9%, respectively. Patients with a PIK3CA mutation detected on cfDNA had worse overall survival (OS) (p = 0.03). This association was observed across various treatment modalities, including surgery, cytotoxic chemotherapy, radiation, and BRAF inhibitor (BRAFi) therapy. With regard to treatment, BRAFi therapy significantly improved ATC OS (p = 0.003). Conclusions: cfDNA is a valuable tool to evaluate a tumor's molecular profile in ATC patients. We identified high concordance rates between the gene mutations identified via cfDNA analysis and those identified from the NGS of the corresponding tumor tissue sequencing. Identified mutations in cfDNA can potentially provide timely information to guide treatment selection and evaluate the prognosis in patients with ATC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Qin
- Department of Endocrine Neoplasia and Hormonal Disorders, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Jennifer R. Wang
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Priyanka Iyer
- Department of Endocrine Neoplasia and Hormonal Disorders, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Gilbert J. Cote
- Department of Endocrine Neoplasia and Hormonal Disorders, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Naifa L. Busaidy
- Department of Endocrine Neoplasia and Hormonal Disorders, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Ramona Dadu
- Department of Endocrine Neoplasia and Hormonal Disorders, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Mark Zafereo
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Michelle D. Williams
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Renata Ferrarotto
- Department of Thoracic Head and Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - G. Brandon Gunn
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Peng Wei
- Department of Biostatistics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Keyur Patel
- Department of Hematopathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Marie-Claude Hofmann
- Department of Endocrine Neoplasia and Hormonal Disorders, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Maria E. Cabanillas
- Department of Endocrine Neoplasia and Hormonal Disorders, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
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Poorly Differentiated and Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer: Insights into Genomics, Microenvironment and New Drugs. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13133200. [PMID: 34206867 PMCID: PMC8267688 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13133200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary In the last decades, many researchers produced promising data concerning genetics and tumor microenvironment of poorly differentiated thyroid cancer (PDTC) and anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC). They are trying to tear the veil covering these orphan cancers, suggesting new therapeutic weapons as single or combined therapies. Abstract PDTC and ATC present median overall survival of 6 years and 6 months, respectively. In spite of their rarity, patients with PDTC and ATC represent a significant clinical problem, because of their poor survival and the substantial inefficacy of classical therapies. We reviewed the newest findings about genetic features of PDTC and ATC, from mutations occurring in DNA to alterations in RNA. Therefore, we describe their tumor microenvironments (both immune and not-immune) and the interactions between tumor and neighboring cells. Finally, we recapitulate how this upcoming evidence are changing the treatment of PDTC and ATC.
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Jonker PKC, Turchini J, Kruijff S, Lin JF, Gill AJ, Eade T, Aniss A, Clifton-Bligh R, Learoyd D, Robinson B, Tsang V, Glover A, Sidhu S, Sywak M. Multimodality Treatment Improves Locoregional Control, Progression-Free and Overall Survival in Patients with Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer: A Retrospective Cohort Study Comparing Oncological Outcomes and Morbidity between Multimodality Treatment and Limited Treatment. Ann Surg Oncol 2021; 28:7520-7530. [PMID: 34032961 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-021-10146-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) have poor overall survival, and the optimal management approach remains unclear. The aim of this study is to evaluate our experience with multimodality (MMT) versus limited treatment (LT) for ATC. PATIENTS AND METHODS A cohort study of patients with ATC managed in a tertiary referral center was undertaken. The outcomes of MMT were compared with those of LT. The primary outcome measures were locoregional control and progression-free and overall survival. Secondary outcome measures were treatment-related complications and factors associated with improved survival. RESULTS In total, 59 patients (35 females) with a median age of 73 years (range 39-99 years) and ATC stage IVA (n = 2), IVB (n = 28), or IVC (n = 29) were included. LT was utilized in 25 patients (42%), and 34 cases had MMT. MMT patients had a longer time of locoregional control (18.5 versus 1.9 months; p < 0.001), progression-free survival (3.5 versus 1.2 months; p < 0.001), and overall survival (6.9 versus 2.0 months; p < 0.001) when compared with LT. For patients with stage IVC ATC, locoregional control (p = 0.03), progression-free survival (p < 0.001), and overall survival (p < 0.001) were superior in the MMT cohort compared with LT. MMT had more treatment-related complications than LT (p < 0.001). An Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status < 2 (HR 0.30; p = 0.001) and MMT (HR 0.35; p = 0.008) were associated with improved overall survival. CONCLUSION MMT is likely to improve locoregional control, progression-free survival, and overall survival in selected ATC patients including stage IVC tumors but comes with a greater complication risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pascal K C Jonker
- University of Sydney Endocrine Surgical Unit, Royal North Shore Hospital, Northern Sydney Local Health District, St Leonards, Australia.,Department of Surgery, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - John Turchini
- Northern Clinical School, Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Douglass Hanly Moir Pathology, Macquarie Park, NSW, Australia.,Discipline of Pathology, MQ Health, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, NSW, Australia
| | - Schelto Kruijff
- Department of Surgery, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jia Feng Lin
- University of Sydney Endocrine Surgical Unit, Royal North Shore Hospital, Northern Sydney Local Health District, St Leonards, Australia.,Department of Surgery, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Anthony J Gill
- Northern Clinical School, Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,NSW Health Pathology Department of Anatomical Pathology, Royal North Shore Hospital, Northern Sydney Local Health District, St Leonards, NSW, Australia.,Cancer Diagnsosis and Pathology Group, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, Royal North Shore Hospital, Northern Sydney Local Health District, St Leonards, NSW, Australia
| | - Thomas Eade
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Royal North Shore Hospital, Northern Sydney Local Health District, St Leonards, NSW, Australia
| | - Ahmad Aniss
- University of Sydney Endocrine Surgical Unit, Royal North Shore Hospital, Northern Sydney Local Health District, St Leonards, Australia
| | - Roderick Clifton-Bligh
- Northern Clinical School, Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Department of Endocrinology, Royal North Shore Hospital, Northern Sydney Local Health District, St Leonards, Australia
| | - Diana Learoyd
- Northern Clinical School, Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Department of Endocrinology, Royal North Shore Hospital, Northern Sydney Local Health District, St Leonards, Australia
| | - Bruce Robinson
- Northern Clinical School, Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Department of Endocrinology, Royal North Shore Hospital, Northern Sydney Local Health District, St Leonards, Australia
| | - Venessa Tsang
- Northern Clinical School, Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Department of Endocrinology, Royal North Shore Hospital, Northern Sydney Local Health District, St Leonards, Australia
| | - Anthony Glover
- University of Sydney Endocrine Surgical Unit, Royal North Shore Hospital, Northern Sydney Local Health District, St Leonards, Australia.,Northern Clinical School, Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Endocrine Cancer Program, Cancer Theme, The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, 2010, Australia.,St. Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Stanley Sidhu
- University of Sydney Endocrine Surgical Unit, Royal North Shore Hospital, Northern Sydney Local Health District, St Leonards, Australia.,Northern Clinical School, Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Mark Sywak
- University of Sydney Endocrine Surgical Unit, Royal North Shore Hospital, Northern Sydney Local Health District, St Leonards, Australia. .,Northern Clinical School, Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia. .,University of Sydney Endocrine Surgery Unit, AMA House, St Leonards, NSW, 2065, Australia.
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12
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Cameselle-García S, Abdulkader-Sande S, Sánchez-Ares M, Rodríguez-Carnero G, Garcia-Gómez J, Gude-Sampedro F, Abdulkader-Nallib I, Cameselle-Teijeiro JM. PD-L1 expression and immune cells in anaplastic carcinoma and poorly differentiated carcinoma of the human thyroid gland: A retrospective study. Oncol Lett 2021; 22:553. [PMID: 34093774 PMCID: PMC8170268 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2021.12814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) and poorly differentiated thyroid carcinoma (PDTC) have limited treatment options, and immune profiling may help select patients for immunotherapy. The prevalence and relevance of programmed death-1 ligand (PD-L1) expression and the presence of immune cells in ATC and PDTC has not yet been well established. The present study investigated PD-L1 expression (clone 22C3) and cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME), including tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and dendritic cells, in whole tissue sections of 15 cases of ATC and 13 cases of PDTC. Immunohistochemical PD-L1 expression using a tumor proportion score (TPS) with a 1% cut-off was detected in 9/15 (60%) of ATC cases and 1/13 (7.7%) of PDTC cases (P=0.006). PD-L1 expression in TILs was limited to the ATC group (73.3 vs. 0% in ATC and PDTC, respectively). In the ATC group, the TPS for tumor positive PD-L1 expression revealed a non-significant trend towards worse survival, but no difference was observed when investigating PD-L1 expression in TILs and TAMs. In addition to increased PD-L1 expression, all ATC cases exhibited significantly increased CD3+ and CD8+ T cells, CD68+ and CD163+ macrophages, and S100+ dendritic cells compared with the PDTC cases. Loss of mutL homolog 1 and PMS1 homolog 2 expression was observed in one ATC case with the highest PD-L1 expression, as well as in the only PDTC case positive for PD-L1. Notably, the latter was the only PDTC case exhibiting positivity for p53 and a cellular microenvironment similar to ATC. The current results indicated that PD-L1 expression was frequent in ATC, but rare in PDTC. In addition to PD-L1, the present study suggested that microsatellite instability may serve a role in both the TME and the identification of immunotherapy candidates among patients with PDTC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soledad Cameselle-García
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital Complex of Ourense, Galician Healthcare Service, 32005 Ourense, Spain
| | - Sámer Abdulkader-Sande
- Department of Pathology, Clinical University Hospital of Santiago de Compostela, Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela, Galician Healthcare Service, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - María Sánchez-Ares
- Department of Pathology, Clinical University Hospital of Santiago de Compostela, Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela, Galician Healthcare Service, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Gemma Rodríguez-Carnero
- Department of Endocrinology and Nutrition, Clinical University Hospital of Santiago de Compostela, Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela, Galician Healthcare Service, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Jesús Garcia-Gómez
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital Complex of Ourense, Galician Healthcare Service, 32005 Ourense, Spain
| | - Francisco Gude-Sampedro
- Department of Epidemiology, Clinical University Hospital of Santiago de Compostela, Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela, Galician Healthcare Service, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain.,School of Medicine, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Ihab Abdulkader-Nallib
- Department of Pathology, Clinical University Hospital of Santiago de Compostela, Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela, Galician Healthcare Service, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain.,School of Medicine, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - José Manuel Cameselle-Teijeiro
- Department of Pathology, Clinical University Hospital of Santiago de Compostela, Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela, Galician Healthcare Service, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain.,School of Medicine, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
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13
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Anaplastic Thyroid Carcinoma: Current Issues in Genomics and Therapeutics. Curr Oncol Rep 2021; 23:31. [PMID: 33582932 DOI: 10.1007/s11912-021-01019-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma is a type of thyroid carcinoma with the most aggressive biological behaviour amongst thyroid cancer. Here, we review the current genomic and the impacts of advances in therapies to improve the management of patients with the cancer. RECENT FINDINGS Common mutations being identified in anaplastic thyroid carcinoma are p53 and TERT promoter mutations. Other common mutated genes included BRAF, RAS, EIF1AX, PIK3CA, PTEN and AKT1, SWI/SNF, ALK and CDKN2A. Changes in expression of different microRNAs are also involved in the pathogenesis of anaplastic thyroid carcinoma. Curative resection combined with radiotherapy and combination chemotherapies (such as anthracyclines, platins and taxanes) has been shown to have effects in the treatment of some patients with anaplastic thyroid carcinoma. Newer molecular targeted therapies in clinical trials target mostly the cell membrane kinase and downstream proteins. These include targeting the EGFR, FGFR, VEGFR, c-kit, PDGFR and RET on the cell membrane as well as VEGF itself and the downstream targets such as BRAF, MEK and mTOR. Immunotherapy is also being tested in the cancer. Updated knowledge of genomic as well as clinical trials on novel therapies is needed to improve the management of the patients with this aggressive cancer.
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14
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Porter A, Wong DJ. Perspectives on the Treatment of Advanced Thyroid Cancer: Approved Therapies, Resistance Mechanisms, and Future Directions. Front Oncol 2021; 10:592202. [PMID: 33569345 PMCID: PMC7868523 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.592202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
For differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC), systemic therapy with radioactive iodine (RAI) is utilized for radiosensitive disease, while for radioiodine refractory (RAIR) disease, current standard of care is treatment with multikinase tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI). For BRAF-mutant DTC or anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC), treatment with inhibitors targeting BRAF and MEK are important advances. RET-inhibitors for RET-mutated medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) recently have been FDA-approved for metastatic disease. Nevertheless, treatment of thyroid cancer resistant to current systemic therapies remains an important area of need. Resistance mechanisms are being elucidated, and novel therapies including combinations of BRAF and MEK inhibitors with RAI or other targeted therapies or TKIs combined with checkpoint inhibition are current areas of exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashleigh Porter
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Deborah J Wong
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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15
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De Leo S, Trevisan M, Fugazzola L. Recent advances in the management of anaplastic thyroid cancer. Thyroid Res 2020; 13:17. [PMID: 33292371 PMCID: PMC7684758 DOI: 10.1186/s13044-020-00091-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) is undoubtedly the thyroid cancer histotype with the poorest prognosis. The conventional treatment includes surgery, radiotherapy, and conventional chemotherapy. Surgery should be as complete as possible, securing the airway and ensuring access for nutritional support; the current standard of care of radiotherapy is the intensity-modulated radiation therapy; chemotherapy includes the use of doxorubicin or taxanes (paclitaxel or docetaxel) generally with platin (cisplatin or carboplatin). However, frequently, these treatments are not sufficient and a systemic treatment with kinase inhibitors is necessary. These include multitarget tyrosine kinase inhibitors (Lenvatinib, Sorafenib, Sunitinib, Vandetanib, Axitinib, Pazopanib, Pyrazolo-pyrimidine compounds), single target tyrosine kinase inhibitors (Dabrafenib plus Trametinib and Vemurafenib against BRAF, Gefitinib against EGFR, PPARγ ligands (e.g. Efatutazone), Everolimus against mTOR, vascular disruptors (e.g. Fosbretabulin), and immunotherapy (e.g. Spartalizumab and Pembrolizumab, which are anti PD-1/PD-L1 molecules). Therapy should be tailored to the patients and to the tumor genetic profile. A BRAF mutation analysis is mandatory, but a wider evaluation of tumor mutational status (e.g. by next-generation sequencing) is desirable. When a BRAFV600E mutation is detected, treatment with Dabrafenib and Trametinib should be preferred: this combination has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic ATC with BRAFV600E mutation and with no satisfactory locoregional treatment options. Alternatively, Lenvatinib, regardless of mutational status, reported good results and was approved in Japan for treating unresectable tumors. Other single target mutation agents with fair results are Everolimus when a mutation involving the PI3K/mTOR pathway is detected, Imatinib in case of PDGF-receptors overexpression, and Spartalizumab in case of PD-L1 positive tumors. Several trials are currently evaluating the possible beneficial role of a combinatorial therapy in ATC. Since in this tumor several genetic alterations are usually found, the aim is to inhibit or disrupt several pathways: these combination strategies use therapy targeting angiogenesis, survival, proliferation, and may act against both MAPK and PI3K pathways. Investigating new treatment options is eagerly awaited since, to date, even the molecules with the best radiological results have not been able to provide a durable disease control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone De Leo
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Piazzale Brescia, 20, 20149, Milan, Italy.
| | - Matteo Trevisan
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Fugazzola
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Piazzale Brescia, 20, 20149, Milan, Italy.,Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
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16
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Nylén C, Mechera R, Maréchal-Ross I, Tsang V, Chou A, Gill AJ, Clifton-Bligh RJ, Robinson BG, Sywak MS, Sidhu SB, Glover AR. Molecular Markers Guiding Thyroid Cancer Management. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12082164. [PMID: 32759760 PMCID: PMC7466065 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12082164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The incidence of thyroid cancer is rapidly increasing, mostly due to the overdiagnosis and overtreatment of differentiated thyroid cancer (TC). The increasing use of potent preclinical models, high throughput molecular technologies, and gene expression microarrays have provided a deeper understanding of molecular characteristics in cancer. Hence, molecular markers have become a potent tool also in TC management to distinguish benign from malignant lesions, predict aggressive biology, prognosis, recurrence, as well as for identification of novel therapeutic targets. In differentiated TC, molecular markers are mainly used as an adjunct to guide management of indeterminate nodules on fine needle aspiration biopsies. In contrast, in advanced thyroid cancer, molecular markers enable targeted treatments of affected signalling pathways. Identification of the driver mutation of targetable kinases in advanced TC can select treatment with mutation targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) to slow growth and reverse adverse effects of the mutations, when traditional treatments fail. This review will outline the molecular landscape and discuss the impact of molecular markers on diagnosis, surveillance and treatment of differentiated, poorly differentiated and anaplastic follicular TC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Nylén
- Endocrine Surgical Unit, Royal North Shore Hospital, Northern Sydney Local Health District, St. Leonards, NSW 2065, Australia; (C.N.); (R.M.); (M.S.S.); (S.B.S.)
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Solna L1:00, 171 76 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Robert Mechera
- Endocrine Surgical Unit, Royal North Shore Hospital, Northern Sydney Local Health District, St. Leonards, NSW 2065, Australia; (C.N.); (R.M.); (M.S.S.); (S.B.S.)
- Department of Visceral Surgery, Clarunis University Hospital Basel, Spitalstrasse 21, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Isabella Maréchal-Ross
- Northern Clinical School, Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; (I.M.-R.); (V.T.); (A.C.); (A.J.G.); (R.J.C.-B.); (B.G.R.)
| | - Venessa Tsang
- Northern Clinical School, Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; (I.M.-R.); (V.T.); (A.C.); (A.J.G.); (R.J.C.-B.); (B.G.R.)
- Department of Endocrinology, Royal North Shore Hospital, University of Sydney, St. Leonards, NSW 2065, Australia
| | - Angela Chou
- Northern Clinical School, Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; (I.M.-R.); (V.T.); (A.C.); (A.J.G.); (R.J.C.-B.); (B.G.R.)
- NSW Health Pathology, Department of Anatomical Pathology, Royal North Shore Hospital, University of Sydney, St. Leonards, NSW 2065, Australia
| | - Anthony J. Gill
- Northern Clinical School, Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; (I.M.-R.); (V.T.); (A.C.); (A.J.G.); (R.J.C.-B.); (B.G.R.)
- NSW Health Pathology, Department of Anatomical Pathology, Royal North Shore Hospital, University of Sydney, St. Leonards, NSW 2065, Australia
| | - Roderick J. Clifton-Bligh
- Northern Clinical School, Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; (I.M.-R.); (V.T.); (A.C.); (A.J.G.); (R.J.C.-B.); (B.G.R.)
- Department of Endocrinology, Royal North Shore Hospital, University of Sydney, St. Leonards, NSW 2065, Australia
- Cancer Genetics Unit, Kolling Institute, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Bruce G. Robinson
- Northern Clinical School, Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; (I.M.-R.); (V.T.); (A.C.); (A.J.G.); (R.J.C.-B.); (B.G.R.)
- Department of Endocrinology, Royal North Shore Hospital, University of Sydney, St. Leonards, NSW 2065, Australia
- Cancer Genetics Unit, Kolling Institute, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Mark S. Sywak
- Endocrine Surgical Unit, Royal North Shore Hospital, Northern Sydney Local Health District, St. Leonards, NSW 2065, Australia; (C.N.); (R.M.); (M.S.S.); (S.B.S.)
- Northern Clinical School, Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; (I.M.-R.); (V.T.); (A.C.); (A.J.G.); (R.J.C.-B.); (B.G.R.)
| | - Stan B. Sidhu
- Endocrine Surgical Unit, Royal North Shore Hospital, Northern Sydney Local Health District, St. Leonards, NSW 2065, Australia; (C.N.); (R.M.); (M.S.S.); (S.B.S.)
- Northern Clinical School, Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; (I.M.-R.); (V.T.); (A.C.); (A.J.G.); (R.J.C.-B.); (B.G.R.)
- Cancer Genetics Unit, Kolling Institute, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Anthony R. Glover
- Endocrine Surgical Unit, Royal North Shore Hospital, Northern Sydney Local Health District, St. Leonards, NSW 2065, Australia; (C.N.); (R.M.); (M.S.S.); (S.B.S.)
- Northern Clinical School, Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; (I.M.-R.); (V.T.); (A.C.); (A.J.G.); (R.J.C.-B.); (B.G.R.)
- The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Faculty of Medicine, St. Vincent’s Clinical School, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +61-2-9463-1477
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17
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Yang J, Barletta JA. Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma. Semin Diagn Pathol 2020; 37:248-256. [PMID: 32624319 DOI: 10.1053/j.semdp.2020.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2020] [Revised: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) is a rare but significant malignancy due to its high mortality rate. Rendering an accurate diagnosis is crucial given the prognostic implications and treatment ramifications. Based on the prognostic significance of the extent of invasion of the primary tumor, T staging for ATC changed in the most recent edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging manual. In the past 5 years there has been a rapid increase in our understanding of the molecular basis of ATC which has provided the basis for targeted therapy for some ATC patients. In this review, ATC prognostic factors, histologic and immunotypic features, staging updates, and molecular alterations, with an emphasis on those that may impact treatment, will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Yang
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Justine A Barletta
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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18
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Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer: Clinical Picture of the Last Two Decades at a Single Oncology Referral Centre and Novel Therapeutic Options. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11081188. [PMID: 31443283 PMCID: PMC6721627 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11081188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2019] [Revised: 08/05/2019] [Accepted: 08/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) is a rare tumour but also one of the most lethal malignancies. Therapeutic modalities have usually been limited, but clinical trials with new drugs are now being implemented. The aims of this study were to analyse the clinical presentation, therapeutic modalities and independent prognostic factors for survival. We also reviewed the most recent literature on novel ATC therapies. We performed a retrospective analysis of 79 patients diagnosed between 2000 and 2018. Variables with impact on survival were identified using the Cox proportional-hazard regression model. At presentation, 6.3% had thyroid-confined disease, 30.4% evidenced extrathyroidal extension and 60.8% were already metastatic. Surgery was feasible in 41.8% and radiotherapy was applied to 35.4%, with those receiving >45 Gy having longer estimated survival (p = 0.020). Chemotherapy, either conventional or with tyrosine kinase inhibitors, was performed in 17.7% and 7.6%, respectively. Multimodality therapy with surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy/tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) had the greatest impact on disease specific survival (DSS), providing a risk reduction of death of 96.9% (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.031, 0.005–0.210, p < 0.001). We concluded that most of these patients join reference centres at advanced stages of disease and multimodality treatment may offer the best chances for prolonging survival.
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19
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Manzella L, Massimino M, Stella S, Tirrò E, Pennisi MS, Martorana F, Motta G, Vitale SR, Puma A, Romano C, Di Gregorio S, Russo M, Malandrino P, Vigneri P. Activation of the IGF Axis in Thyroid Cancer: Implications for Tumorigenesis and Treatment. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E3258. [PMID: 31269742 PMCID: PMC6651760 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20133258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2019] [Revised: 06/28/2019] [Accepted: 06/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The Insulin-like growth factor (IGF) axis is one of the best-established drivers of thyroid transformation, as thyroid cancer cells overexpress both IGF ligands and their receptors. Thyroid neoplasms encompass distinct clinical and biological entities as differentiated thyroid carcinomas (DTC)-comprising papillary (PTC) and follicular (FTC) tumors-respond to radioiodine therapy, while undifferentiated tumors-including poorly-differentiated (PDTC) or anaplastic thyroid carcinomas (ATCs)-are refractory to radioactive iodine and exhibit limited responses to chemotherapy. Thus, safe and effective treatments for the latter aggressive thyroid tumors are urgently needed. Despite a strong preclinical rationale for targeting the IGF axis in thyroid cancer, the results of the available clinical studies have been disappointing, possibly because of the crosstalk between IGF signaling and other pathways that may result in resistance to targeted agents aimed against individual components of these complex signaling networks. Based on these observations, the combinations between IGF-signaling inhibitors and other anti-tumor drugs, such as DNA damaging agents or kinase inhibitors, may represent a promising therapeutic strategy for undifferentiated thyroid carcinomas. In this review, we discuss the role of the IGF axis in thyroid tumorigenesis and also provide an update on the current knowledge of IGF-targeted combination therapies for thyroid cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Livia Manzella
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy.
- Center of Experimental Oncology and Hematology, A.O.U. Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele, 95123 Catania, Italy.
| | - Michele Massimino
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
- Center of Experimental Oncology and Hematology, A.O.U. Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Stefania Stella
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
- Center of Experimental Oncology and Hematology, A.O.U. Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Elena Tirrò
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
- Center of Experimental Oncology and Hematology, A.O.U. Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Maria Stella Pennisi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
- Center of Experimental Oncology and Hematology, A.O.U. Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Federica Martorana
- Center of Experimental Oncology and Hematology, A.O.U. Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele, 95123 Catania, Italy
- Department of Medical Oncology A.O.U. Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Gianmarco Motta
- Center of Experimental Oncology and Hematology, A.O.U. Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele, 95123 Catania, Italy
- Department of Medical Oncology A.O.U. Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Silvia Rita Vitale
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
- Center of Experimental Oncology and Hematology, A.O.U. Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Adriana Puma
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
- Center of Experimental Oncology and Hematology, A.O.U. Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Chiara Romano
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
- Center of Experimental Oncology and Hematology, A.O.U. Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Sandra Di Gregorio
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
- Center of Experimental Oncology and Hematology, A.O.U. Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Marco Russo
- Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Garibaldi-Nesima Medical Center, University of Catania, 95122, Italy
| | - Pasqualino Malandrino
- Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Garibaldi-Nesima Medical Center, University of Catania, 95122, Italy
| | - Paolo Vigneri
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
- Center of Experimental Oncology and Hematology, A.O.U. Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele, 95123 Catania, Italy
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