New targeted therapies and other advances in the management of anaplastic thyroid cancer

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Anaplastic thyroid cancer is the most aggressive solid tumor known to humans. Even when found in a localized form, the prognosis is grave. For metastatic disease, there has been little effect on survival using traditional chemotherapy. RECENT FINDINGS: Over a five-decade interval, there has been little progress in the treatment of this malignancy. However, targeted agents represent a new mode of treatment, and some studies have shown encouraging preclinical results. Combretastatin has shown activity in phase 1 and phase II trials; although the registration phase III study failed to meet its accrual goals, it did appear to show some benefit, especially in younger patients. SUMMARY: Combinations of this compound and other targeted agents may prove to be a breakthrough in an otherwise untreatable cancer.