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Systematic review and meta-analysis of the efficacy of dabrafenib and trametinib in the multi-modal treatment of anaplastic thyroid cancer

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  11 December 2024

Aaron Limonard Open the ORCID record for Aaron Limonard [Opens in a new window] ,
James Zhang ,
James Inchley ,
Audrey Yap ,
Victor Yan Zhe Lu Open the ORCID record for Victor Yan Zhe Lu [Opens in a new window]  and
Neil Tolley
Aaron Limonard*
Affiliation:
School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK St John's College, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
James Zhang
Affiliation:
School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK Jesus College, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
James Inchley
Affiliation:
University of Leicester Medical School, Leicester, UK
Audrey Yap
Affiliation:
GKT School of Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
Victor Yan Zhe Lu
Affiliation:
School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
Neil Tolley
Affiliation:
Imperial College healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
*
Corresponding author: Aaron Limonard; Email: aaron.limonard@uhs.nhs.uk
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Abstract

Objectives

This study analyses the current literature to evaluate the effectiveness of dabrafenib and trametinib in the multi-modal treatment of anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC).

Method

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature were undertaken. The primary endpoint measured was overall response rate (ORR) defined by the RECIST v1.1 guidelines. Secondary endpoints were 12-month overall survival (OS), median OS and progression-free survival (PFS).

Results

Of 656 identified reports, 8 studies were included which featured 95 patients (median age 68.5 years, 46 per cent male). Median follow-up period was 11.8 months with a 12-month OS of 51 per cent. Median OS was 10.4 months. Progression-free survival (PFS) was 6.5 months. The ORR was 71 per cent. A total of 65 patients exhibited a partial or complete response in radiological tumour size. Side effects compared favourably to other kinase inhibitors.

Conclusion

Dabrafenib and trametinib exhibit a promising tumour response with a tolerable side profile. BRAF/MEK inhibitors continue to provide robust responses in BRAF-mutated ATC. The heterogeneity and lack of controls in included studies limits the confidence in the conclusions drawn.

Keywords

systematic reviewmeta-analysisthyroid carcinomaanaplastictreatment outcomemitogen-activated protein kinase kinasesproto-oncogene proteins B-raftherapeutics
Type
Review Article
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , First View , pp. 1 - 10
Copyright
Copyright © The Author(s), 2025. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of J.L.O. (1984) LIMITED

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Footnotes

Aaron Limonard takes responsibility for the integrity of the content of the paper

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