Molecularly targeted therapies for thyroid cancers.
OBJECTIVE
To review the emerging evidence that therapies targeting key oncogenic and signaling kinases can be effective in treatment of advanced thyroid carcinomas.


METHODS
With use of PubMed and Google Scholar, a systematic review was performed of publications and scientific presentations summarizing pertinent clinical trials.


RESULTS
Studies of numerous inhibitors of BRAF, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor, and RET kinases indicate that patients with progressive or metastatic thyroid carcinoma can benefit from therapy with these novel agents. Severe toxic effects, however, are associated with these treatments, and caution is recommended in their use.


CONCLUSIONS
Further trials and identification of improved therapeutic targeting should lead to development of more effective treatments of thyroid carcinomas.
Sherman
Steven I
SI
Department of Endocrine Neoplasia and Hormonal Disorders, Division of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77230-1402, USA. sisherma@mdanderson.org
D000818:Animals; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D015195:Drug Design; D015507:Drugs, Investigational / Q000494:pharmacology; D006801:Humans; D047428:Protein Kinase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013964:Thyroid Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D015507:Drugs, Investigational; D047428:Protein Kinase Inhibitors