Survival and Surgical Complications in Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer Patients After Completed Multimodal Treatment

Abstract

Background/aim: This study aimed to examine survival and surgical complications in patients with anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) after multimodal treatment.

Patients and methods: Since 2002, the recommended treatment strategy for ATC at our centre has been hyperfractionated accelerated radiotherapy (HART) with high doses to the neck (64 Gy), combined with weekly doxorubicin, and surgery after 4-8 weeks, if feasible.

Results: Between 2002 and 2014, 14 patients completed HART and thyroid surgery. Eight patients had preoperative HART, and six postoperative HART. Median survival was 20 months (range=4-110 months) in all patients, 51 months (range=4-110 months) and 18.5 months (range=9-56 months) in the preoperative and postoperative HART groups, respectively. Six patients survived for more than two years, and four patients survived for more than five years. Seven patients had postoperative complications.

Conclusion: In this series of selected patients, an improved survival after aggressive, multimodal treatment was observed. Preoperative HART may promote survival although complications may be more frequent.

Keywords: Anaplastic thyroid cancer; hyperfractionated accelerated radiotherapy; multimodal treatment; radiotherapy; thyroid surgery.