Rare Oncology News
Advertisement
Spotlight On
Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer (ATC)
Anaplastic thyroid cancers are undifferentiated tumors of the thyroid follicular epithelium
Prevalence
1-9 / 1 000 000
Age of Onset
ICD-10
C73
Inheritance
This condition does not appear to have a clear pattern of inheritance.
5 Facts you should know
FACT
Anaplastic carcinoma of the thyroid (ATC) is the most aggressive thyroid gland malignancy
FACT
Although ATC accounts for less than 2% of all thyroid cancers, it causes up to 40% of deaths from thyroid cancer
FACT
The overall 5-year survival rate is reportedly less than 10%, and most patients do not live longer than a few months after diagnosis
FACT
Patients with ATC typically present with a rapidly growing neck mass
FACT
The female-to-male ratio is approximately 3:1
Interest over time
Google searches
Common signs & symptoms
Rapidly Growing Neck Mass
A rapidly growing lump or swelling in the neck is often one of the first noticeable symptoms
Difficulty Swallowing (Dysphagia)
As the tumor grows, it may press on the esophagus, leading to difficulty swallowing or a feeling of choking
Hoarseness or Voice Changes
Pressure on the recurrent laryngeal nerve, which controls the vocal cords, can cause hoarseness or changes in voice
Difficulty Breathing (Dyspnea)
Large tumors may compress the trachea (windpipe), leading to difficulty breathing
Swollen Lymph Nodes
Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck may be present, indicating potential spread of the cancer
Pain
Some individuals may experience pain in the neck or throat region, especially if the tumor has spread to nearby tissues or structures
Weight Loss
Unexplained weight loss may occur due to the metabolic effects of the cancer
Fatigue
Generalized weakness or fatigue can be a symptom, though it is not specific to anaplastic thyroid cancer
Current treatments
Current treatments for anaplastic thyroid cancer typically involve a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. Here's an overview of these treatment modalities:
Surgery
Surgery is often the initial treatment for anaplastic thyroid cancer, aiming to remove as much of the tumor as possible. However, due to the aggressive nature of this cancer, complete surgical removal may not always be feasible
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy, either external beam radiation or internal radiation (brachytherapy), is commonly used after surgery to kill remaining cancer cells or as a primary treatment for unresectable tumors. It may also be used palliatively to relieve symptoms such as pain or difficulty swallowing
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy drugs, such as doxorubicin, cisplatin, and paclitaxel, may be used alone or in combination to help shrink tumors, slow cancer growth, or relieve symptoms. Chemotherapy is often used in advanced or metastatic cases
Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapies, such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors (e.g., lenvatinib, sorafenib) and BRAF inhibitors (e.g., dabrafenib, vemurafenib), may be prescribed for tumors with specific genetic mutations. These drugs work by targeting specific molecules involved in cancer cell growth and proliferation
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy, particularly immune checkpoint inhibitors like pembrolizumab or nivolumab, is being investigated as a treatment option for anaplastic thyroid cancer. These drugs help the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells
Clinical Trials
Participation in clinical trials may offer access to experimental treatments and novel therapies that are not yet widely available. Clinical trials are crucial for advancing the understanding and treatment of anaplastic thyroid cancer