Lenvatinib: an investigational agent for the treatment of differentiated thyroid cancer. (2nd September 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ferrari, Silvia Martina; Elia, Giusy; Ragusa, Francesca; Paparo, Sabrina Rosaria; Mazzi, Valeria; Miccoli, Mario; Galdiero, Maria Rosaria; Varricchi, Gilda; Foddis, Rudy; Guglielmi, Giovanni; Spinelli, Claudio; La Motta, Concettina; Benvenga, Salvatore; Antonelli, Alessandro; Fallahi, Poupak
• Is Part Of: Expert opinion on investigational drugs. Volume 30:Number 9(2021)
• Page Start: 913
• Page End: 921
• Publication Date: 2021-09-02
• Subjects: Aggressive radioiodine-refractory differentiated thyroid cancer -- lenvatinib -- thyroid cancer -- tyrosine kinase inhibitors; Drugs -- Design -- Periodicals; Drugs, Investigational -- Bibliography; Drugs, Investigational -- Periodicals; 615.1
• DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2021.1972971
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1354-3784

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Introduction: Differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC; >90% of all TCs) derives from follicular cells. Surgery is the main therapeutic strategy, and radioiodine (RAI) is administered after thyroidectomy. When DTC progresses, it does not respond to RAI and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)-suppressive thyroid hormone treatment, and other therapies (i.e. surgery, external beam radiation therapy and chemotherapy) do not lead to a better survival. Thanks to the understanding of the molecular pathways involved in TC progression, important advances have been done. Lenvatinib is a multitargeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor of VEGFR1-3, FGFR1-4, PDGFRα, RET, and KIT signaling networks implicated in tumor angiogenesis, approved in locally recurrent or metastatic, progressive, RAI-refractory DTC. Unmet needs regarding the patient clinical therapy responsiveness in aggressive RAI-refractory DTC still remain. Areas covered: We provide an overview from the literature of in vitro, in vivo and real-life studies regarding lenvatinib as an investigational agent for the treatment of aggressive TC. Expert opinion: According to the SELECT trial, the treatment should be initiated with a dosage of 24 mg/day, subsequently decreasing it in relation to the side effects. The decision making process in patients with aggressive RAI-refractory DTC should be personalized and the potential toxicity should be properly managed.