Combination therapy with BRAF and MEK inhibitors for anaplastic thyroid cancer: A report of two cases

Abstract

Anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) is an aggressive malignancy with a poor prognosis and limited treatment options. Herein, we report two cases of unresectable ATC treated with a combination of BRAF and MEK inhibitors. The patients were initially treated with other therapies but were switched to BRAF and MEK inhibitors after testing positive for BRAF mutations. This resulted in a partial response, tumor shrinkage, and conversion to resectability in one case. The patient experienced manageable adverse events. BRAF mutations are common in thyroid cancers, and studies have demonstrated the efficacy of combining BRAF and MEK inhibitors for treating advanced or recurrent differentiated thyroid cancer or ATC with BRAF mutations. These cases emphasize the importance of BRAF gene testing at the initial diagnosis and the potential of BRAF and MEK inhibitors as treatment options for unresectable ATC with BRAF mutations. The oral administration and manageable adverse event profiles of these medications make them suitable for outpatient treatment. In conclusion, BRAF gene testing should be performed at the initial diagnosis, and the use of BRAF and MEK inhibitors should be considered in patients with ATC.