BRAF/ MEK Inhibitors in Downstaging BRAFV600EMutated Papillary Thyroid Cancer to Allow Resection: Case Report and Literature Review
10.11106/ijt.2024.17.2.299
- Author:
Lorin DODBIBA
1
;
Han ZHANG
;
Meera LUTHRA
;
Brandon MEYERS
Author Information
1. Department of Medical Oncology, Juravinski Cancer Centre-McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Publication Type:CASE REPORTS
- From:International Journal of Thyroidology
2024;17(2):299-303
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Well-differentiated thyroid cancer is managed with surgical resection, and adjuvant radioactive iodine (RAI) treatment reserved for moderate to high-risk patients. However, some patients with locally advanced disease are not candidates for upfront surgical resection. Within this rare patient population, VEGF tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) and BRAF inhibitors have shown to successfully control and even reduce the size of RAI resistant thyroid cancers. In this case report, we elucidate the efficacy of a tumor agnostic strategy in facilitating the surgical resection of a locally advanced papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) with carotid involvement. A 60-year-old female presented with a large right sided papillary thyroid carcinoma with a BRAFV600E mutation. Initial stability was achieved through the use of Lenvatinib and subsequent use of dabrafenib and trametinib resulted in significant partial response. Following the aforementioned treatments, the patient successfully advanced to definitive surgery and RAI. BRAF/MEK inhibitors can be used in the neo-adjuvant setting to ensure resection in patients with locally advanced/unresectable well-differentiated thyroid cancer.
