Presentation and outcomes of patients with undifferentiated thyroid carcinoma: a national perspective

Abstract

Background: Undifferentiated thyroid cancer (UTC) accounts for only 1-2% of all thyroid cancers. UTC is one of the most aggressive solid tumors with high metastatic rates and mortality. The objectives of this study are to examine the characteristics of patients with UTC and their overall survival.Methods: Retrospective analysis utilizing the National Cancer Database, 2004-2014 is performed. The study population included adults (≥18 years) patients with UTC or differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC), which served as a reference group.Results: A total of 1,870 UTC and 209,707 DTC patients were identified. The median follow-up time of UTC patients was 3.9 months (interquartile range: 1.6-9.0 months). When compared to DTC patients, patients with UTC were more likely to be ≥45-year-old [OR: 48.

Combination of Novel Therapies and New Attempts in Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer

“…Its tumor cells can infiltrate adjacent thyroid and other tissues, lymph and blood vessels and have strong potential for distant metastasis. 1 Approximately half of anaplastic thyroid cancer patients have distant metastasis, and the lung, bone and brain are the most common metastatic sites. Even with active treatment, only a few patients can survive for a long time, and many patients die in a short time.…”