Background: We retrospectively analyzed the efficacy and safety of lenvatinib in 12 patients with advanced radioiodine-refractory thyroid cancer in the setting of daily clinical practice.
Patients and methods: The starting daily dose of lenvatinib was 24 mg, tapered in the case of adverse events. Disease status was periodically evaluated by a single radiologist and safety assessment was regularly performed.
Results: After a median follow-up of 13.3 months, 6- and 12-month progression-free survival rates were 63.6% and 54.6%, respectively. Overall survival at 6 and 12 months was 83.3% and 75.0%. Partial response was observed in five patients, while two showed stable disease as their best response. Conversely, progressive disease at first radiological assessment was detected in four patients. All patients experienced at least one adverse event, including systemic and gastrointestinal toxicity, high blood pressure and hand-foot syndrome. In order to manage toxicity, transient drug interruption and dose reduction were required in 10 and 9 cases, respectively.
Conclusion: Our data confirm lenvatinib efficacy in patients with advanced thyroid cancer, despite an important toxic profile.
Keywords: Thyroid cancer; lenvatinib; targeted therapy; tyrosine kinase inhibitors.
Copyright© 2018, International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. George J. Delinasios), All rights reserved.