The role of targeted therapy in thymic carcinoma. (October 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Krishnan, Mridula; Ganti, Apar K
• Is Part Of: Journal of oncology pharmacy practice. Volume 25:Number 7(2019)
• Page Start: 1712
• Page End: 1718
• Publication Date: 2019-10
• Subjects: Thymic carcinoma -- targeted therapy -- thymic epithelial tumors -- mutations; Cancer -- Chemotherapy -- Periodicals; Clinical pharmacology -- Periodicals; 616.994061
• DOI: 10.1177/1078155219852758
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1078-1552

Abstract

Thymic carcinoma is a rare entity and can be distinguished from benign thymomas by their aggressive nature and poor prognosis. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines recommend resection followed by adjuvant platinum-based chemotherapy for resectable tumors. However, the outcomes for metastatic or relapsed thymic carcinomas are poor with no regimen showing a consistent benefit. Moreover, the relative rarity of these tumors makes clinical trials difficult. Molecular analysis of thymomas shows a high incidence of genetic mutations and targeted therapy holds promise. We will briefly outline and review the current role of targeted therapy in thymic cancer.