Anaplastic transformation of thyroid cancer: review of clinical, pathologic, and molecular evidence provides new insights into disease biology and future therapy.
BACKGROUND
Anaplastic thyroid cancer ranks among the most lethal of all human malignancies. Its rarity and rapidly fatal course have made it a difficult cancer to both study and treat. Unfortunately, there has been little progress in the management and control of this malignancy. Anaplastic transformation, or the intratumoral evolution of anaplastic carcinoma from pre-existing differentiated thyroid cancer, has become a well-accepted process, despite a limited understanding of its underlying mechanisms.


METHODS
It is through review of the literature that an understanding of the aggressive disease biology can be developed. The aim of this review is to evaluate the relevant clinical, pathologic, and molecular studies to develop an insight into the mechanisms that underlie the intratumoral molecular evolution of anaplastic thyroid carcinoma.


CONCLUSIONS
It is based on an understanding of this process that effective treatments for this aggressive malignancy are currently being developed.
Wiseman
Sam M
SM
Department of Head and Neck Surgical Oncology, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, New York, USA.
Loree
Thom R
TR
Rigual
Nestor R
NR
Hicks
Wesley L
WL
Douglas
Wade G
WG
Anderson
Garth R
GR
Stoler
Daniel L
DL
D002277:Carcinoma / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology*; D002471:Cell Transformation, Neoplastic / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D009154:Mutation; D013964:Thyroid Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology*