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Anaplastic thyroid cancer: current state of the problem

https://doi.org/10.21294/1814-4861-2025-24-2-133-143

Abstract

Objective: to summarize current data on anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC), one of the most aggressive forms of solid tumors. Material and Methods. A scientific literature review was conducted using the Medline, Cochrane Library, and E-library databases, primarily focusing on studies from the last 10 years. Out of 153 articles, 45 were selected for this review. Results. The primary clinical manifestations of ATC are associated with compression of structures in the neck, rapid growth, and the development of distant metastases. Although surgery remains the mainstay of treatment, it is often unfeasible due to the advanced stage of cancer at the time of diagnosis. Targeted therapy for BRAFV600E-muted ATC shows encouraging results and is considered a promising strategy for improving survival outcomes. Conclusion. This review highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to the management of ATC, with a focus on surgery and neoadjuvant therapy. Neoadjuvant therapy may improve the prognosis for patients with unresectable tumors at the time of diagnosis. Further research is required to refine optimal treatment strategies and enhance the efficacy of existing therapies.

About the Authors

P. A. Nikiforovich
Endocrinology Research Center
Russian Federation

Petr A. Nikiforovich, MD, PhD, Deputy Chief Physician for Oncology 

Author ID (Scopus): 57209572659

11, Dmitriy Ulyanov St., Moscow, 117292 



K. Yu. Slashchuk
Endocrinology Research Center
Russian Federation

Konstantin Yu. Slashchuk, MD, PhD, Senior Researcher, Radionuclide Therapy Department

Author ID (Scopus): 57192192400

11, Dmitriy Ulyanov St., Moscow, 117292 



N. I. Timofeeva
N.I. Pirogov Clinic of High Medical Technologies of Saint Petersburg State University
Russian Federation

Natalia I. Timofeeva, MD, PhD, Surgeon, Endocrinologist, Oncologist, Surgical (Endocrinological) Department

Researcher ID (WOS): AAZ-1032-2021. Author ID (Scopus): 57215861367

154, Fontanka Emb., Saint Petersburg, 190103 



A. P. Polyakov
P. Hertsen Moscow Oncology Research Institute, National Medical Research Radiological Centre of the Ministry of Health of Russia
Russian Federation

Andrey P. Polyakov, MD, DSc, Professor, Head of the Microsurgery Department; Professor, Department of Oncology, Radiotherapy and Plastic Surgery; Professor, Department of Plastic Surgery with Ophthalmology , Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (Moscow, Russia) 

Author ID (Scopus): 57196050979

3, 2nd Botkinskiy proezd, Moscow, 125284 



I. V. Sleptsov
N.I. Pirogov Clinic of High Medical Technologies of Saint Petersburg State University ; North-West Medical Centre
Russian Federation

Ilya V. Sleptsov, MD, DSc, Professor, Head of the Endocrine Surgery Department; Head of the Endocrine Surgery Department; Chief Specialist of the Surgical (Endocrinology) Department

Researcher ID (WOS): F-1670-2019. Author ID (Scopus): 57216017997

154, Fontanka Emb., Saint Petersburg, 190103 

124, Savushkina St., Saint Petersburg, 197374 



M. V. Reinberg
Endocrinology Research Center
Russian Federation

Maria V. Reinberg, MD, Postgraduate 

Author ID (Scopus): 59076052500 

11, Dmitriy Ulyanov St., Moscow, 117292 



R. A. Chernikov
N.I. Pirogov Clinic of High Medical Technologies of Saint Petersburg State University
Russian Federation

Roman A. Chernikov, MD, DSc, Head of Surgical (Endocrinological) Department, Surgeon, Oncologist

Researcher ID (WOS): AAZ-1549-2021. Author ID (Scopus): 57190294900

154, Fontanka Emb., Saint Petersburg, 190103 



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Nikiforovich P.A., Slashchuk K.Yu., Timofeeva N.I., Polyakov A.P., Sleptsov I.V., Reinberg M.V., Chernikov R.A. Anaplastic thyroid cancer: current state of the problem. Siberian journal of oncology. 2025;24(2):133-143. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.21294/1814-4861-2025-24-2-133-143

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