Anaplastic Thyroid Carcinoma Medication

Updated: May 13, 2021
  • Author: Anastasios K Konstantakos, MD; Chief Editor: Neetu Radhakrishnan, MD  more...
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Medication

Medication Summary

In May 2018, FDA approved dabrafenib in combination with trametinib for locally advanced or metastatic anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) with BRAF V600E mutation in patients with no satisfactory locoregional treatment options. Approval was based on a small, open-label trial showing a 57% partial response with the combination. [18]

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Antineoplastics

Class Summary

Chemotherapeutic agents that may be considered in advanced disease.

Doxorubicin (Adriamycin, Rubex)

This is an antineoplastic agent of the anthracycline antibiotic class. Inhibits topoisomerase II and produces free radicals, which may cause the destruction of DNA. The combination of these 2 events can in turn inhibit the growth of neoplastic cells. In metastatic thyroid carcinoma, doxorubicin is probably the most effective antineoplastic agent.

Cisplatin (Platinol)

Inhibits DNA synthesis and, thus, cell proliferation by causing DNA crosslinks and denaturation of double helix.

Dabrafenib (Tafinlar)

Dabrafenib is a BRAF kinase inhibitor. It is indicated in combination with trametinib for locally advanced or metastatic ATC in patients with BRAF V600E mutation and with no satisfactory locoregional treatment options.

Trametinib (Mekinist)

Trametinib reversibly inhibits mitogen-activated extracellular signal regulated kinase 1 (MEK1) and MEK2 activation and activity. It is indicated in combination with dabrafenib for locally advanced or metastatic ATC in patients with BRAF V600E mutation and with no satisfactory locoregional treatment options.

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