Transient Partial Response of Poorly-differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma to Sunitinib Treatment: A Case Report

Thyroid cancer is the most common endocrine malignancy, with an increasing prevalence worldwide. Poorly-differentiated thyroid cancer (PDTC) is relatively rare and its prognosis is poor. To date, no ideal treatment strategy is available for patients with advanced recurrent PDTC, particularly for patients in crisis. However, partial success in treating thyroid cancer has been achieved with targeted therapy, and advances made in understanding the molecular biology of the tumor. The current study describes the case of a patient diagnosed with PDTC following presentation with hoarseness, orthopnea, and a large right neck mass. A transient partial response to sunitinib malate treatment was achieved for >3 months. In addition, the current study reviewed the relevant literature and discussed the therapeutic value of sunitinib as a more favorable treatment strategy for patients with advanced recurrent PDTC compared with the currently available treatments. Successful treatment with sunitinib, as well as molecular analysis of the tumor, occurred in the present case. Sunitinib was determined to have potential in treating thyroid tumors, however, larger prospective studies are required to validate the findings of the current case study prior to the application of this agent in clinical practice.