Abstract
Anaplastic and poorly differentiated thyroid cancer (ATC, PDTC) are rare and highly aggressive tumors that historically have been associated with a short life expectancy and low chance of cure. Molecular pathology and the introduction of highly effective targeted drugs have revolutionized the possibilities of management of patients with ATC and PDTC, with BRAF and MEK inhibitors as the most prominent example. Here we provide updated recommendations regarding diagnostics and management, including primary surgical management and targeted therapies based on specific molecular pathological findings.
MeSH terms
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Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
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Humans
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Molecular Targeted Therapy*
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Protein Kinase Inhibitors / therapeutic use
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Proto-Oncogene Proteins B-raf* / antagonists & inhibitors
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Proto-Oncogene Proteins B-raf* / genetics
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Thyroid Carcinoma, Anaplastic* / diagnosis
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Thyroid Carcinoma, Anaplastic* / drug therapy
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Thyroid Carcinoma, Anaplastic* / genetics
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Thyroid Carcinoma, Anaplastic* / pathology
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Thyroid Neoplasms* / diagnosis
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Thyroid Neoplasms* / drug therapy
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Thyroid Neoplasms* / genetics
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Thyroid Neoplasms* / pathology
Substances
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Proto-Oncogene Proteins B-raf
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Protein Kinase Inhibitors
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BRAF protein, human
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Antineoplastic Agents