Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer: A Review of Epidemiology, Pathogenesis, and Treatment
Author Information
Author(s): Nagaiah Govardhanan, Hossain Akm, Mooney Colin J., Parmentier James, Remick Scot C.
Primary Institution: Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center, West Virginia University
Conclusion
Anaplastic thyroid cancer has a poor prognosis, with limited treatment options and a median survival of only a few months.
Supporting Evidence
- Anaplastic thyroid cancer contributes to 14–50% of thyroid cancer mortality.
- Median survival for anaplastic thyroid cancer is reported to be 3 to 5 months.
- Patients with stage IV disease who received surgery followed by radiation had significantly longer survival than those who received surgery after chemotherapy.
Takeaway
Anaplastic thyroid cancer is a very aggressive type of thyroid cancer that is hard to treat, and most patients do not live long after being diagnosed.
Methodology
The study involved a comprehensive literature search and review of 16 chart review and retrospective studies and 11 prospective studies and/or clinical trials.
Limitations
The study is limited by the small sample size and the retrospective nature of the data collected.
Participant Demographics
The cohort consisted of 11 patients, all of whom were white, with a mean age of 69 years; 64% were female.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.0001
Confidence Interval
95% CI: 0.0–0.3
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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