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19 January, 2024 by Anshul (neobio)
As a leading developer of highly validated, monospecific Rabbit Recombinant Monoclonal Antibodies, we at NeoBiotechnologies deeply understand the challenges scientists encounter in their ground-breaking work. Today, we delve into thyroid cancer — a rapidly growing health concern worldwide, and the pain points around identifying effective drug targets for this specific form of cancer.
According to GLOBOCAN 2020 data, thyroid cancer has recorded an exponential increase in the last two decades and is now the eighth most diagnosed malignancy globally.
Women, in particular, show a 3-4 times higher prevalence than men. The main driving force behind this surge is presumed to be the adoption of sensitive neck ultrasound techniques, enabling the detection of small intrathyroidal tumors that would have otherwise been overlooked.
Differentiated Thyroid Cancer (DTC), including variants such as papillary, follicular subtypes and Hürthle cell variants, remains the most common type of thyroid cancer. Traditionally, surgery accompanied by radioactive iodine (131I) therapy and thyroid hormone has been considered the standard of care. However, patients with advanced DTC, as well as those affected by anaplastic and progressive medullary thyroid cancers (ATC and MTC), often resist 131I treatment. This leaves a significant portion of thyroid cancer patients with limited treatment options, creating an urgent need for targeted therapeutics.
Here’s an infographic that will offer you a snapshot of the major issues around drug targets for thyroid cancer.
Stay with us as we discuss the promise shown by novel therapeutics such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors in improving progression-free survival rates in our subsequent sections.
Targeted therapy has emerged as a ray of hope for thyroid cancer patients, particularly those with advanced stages of the disease that have not responded to traditional treatments. These therapies work by identifying and attacking specific molecular targets in cancer cells, effectively stalling their growth and spread.
Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are the most commonly used targeted drugs in thyroid cancer treatment. They work by blocking the enzymes that send signals for cancer cells to grow, multiply and spread.
For patients with advanced thyroid cancer that hasn’t responded to Radioactive Iodine (RAI) treatment, drugs like lenvatinib can offer hope. This drug, taken daily as a tablet for several years, has been effective in managing the disease.
Similarly, Sorafenib, the first TKI approved by the FDA for progressive metastatic Differentiated Thyroid Cancer (DTC) refractory to RAI treatment, targets Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptors (VEGFR) 1-3, Platelet Derived Growth Factor Receptor (PDGFR), and other key enzymes.
For Medullary Thyroid Cancer (MTC), vandetanib and cabozantinib are the commonly prescribed TKIs. These drugs have shown effectiveness in treating locally advanced or metastatic cases that are resistant to traditional treatment methods.
For Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer (ATC), a rare but aggressive form of the disease, the BRAF/MEK inhibitor combination of dabrafenib and trametinib has shown promise. This combination targets the MAPK pathway, a key player in ATC progression.
Genetic testing plays a crucial role in tailoring targeted therapy to specific genetic mutations. For instance, the drug selpercatinib targets mutations in the RET gene, which are common in certain aggressive thyroid cancers. By understanding the specific genetic landscape of a patient’s cancer, physicians can select the most effective targeted therapies. This personalized approach is central to delivering the most effective treatment and improving patient outcomes.
At NeoBiotechnologies, we’re committed to supporting researchers in their quest to better understand the complex mechanisms of thyroid cancer. Our extensive range of monoclonal antibodies can be invaluable tools in dissecting the molecular pathways involved in cancer progression and response to therapy.
Progress in thyroid cancer treatment continues to evolve, with ongoing research yielding promising new drug targets for thyroid cancer. Through the collaborative efforts of researchers, clinicians, and biotechnology companies like us at NeoBiotechnologies, the future of thyroid cancer treatment is becoming increasingly hopeful.
The rearranged-during-transfection (RET) protooncogene has emerged as a critical target in the treatment of thyroid cancer, particularly medullary thyroid cancer (MTC). Selective RET kinase inhibitors such as LOXO-292 and BLU-667 have shown promising results in clinical trials. They have demonstrated high efficacy with minimal side effects, providing a more targeted therapeutic strategy that minimises the severe side effects associated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). The RET kinase inhibitors have shown response rates ranging from 47% to 62%, a promising feat in the treatment of metastatic MTC.
In addition to the RET kinase inhibitors, other novel therapies are also being thoroughly investigated. These include gene fusion inhibitors and immune checkpoint inhibitors. These emerging classes of medications hold the potential to revolutionise the treatment landscape of thyroid cancer, offering new hope for patients with advanced or resistant forms of the disease.
Gene fusion inhibitors target specific gene fusions that contribute to the development and progression of thyroid cancer. Immune checkpoint inhibitors, on the other hand, work by enhancing the body’s immune response against cancer cells. These therapies have shown promise in early clinical trials, and more comprehensive studies are underway to fully understand their efficacy and safety profiles.
The development and validation of these novel therapeutic strategies are the result of collaborative efforts between researchers, clinicians, and biotechnology companies. At NeoBiotechnologies, we are proud to contribute to this effort by providing high-quality, validated monoclonal antibodies that aid in understanding the molecular pathways involved in thyroid cancer.
Collaboration is vital in advancing our knowledge of thyroid cancer and in developing more targeted and effective treatments. By working together, we can hasten the pace of discovery and bring new hope to patients battling this disease.
In conclusion, the advancement of drug targets for thyroid cancer is a rapidly evolving arena. With ongoing research and collaboration, the future holds promise for more effective, targeted, and safer treatment options for thyroid cancer. At NeoBiotechnologies, we are committed to supporting these advancements and providing the necessary tools for groundbreaking research in thyroid cancer.
Targeted therapies have been a breakthrough in treating thyroid cancer. However, as with any medication, they have potential side effects. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), a common type of targeted therapy, are known to cause fatigue, diarrhea, skin rash, bleeding, and high blood pressure. The severity of these side effects can vary among individuals. Some people may also experience changes in the functioning of their heart and kidneys. In certain cases, TKIs can cause tenderness, tingling, and blisters on the skin of the palms and soles.
Specific TKIs can also present unique adverse effects. For example, pazopanib can cause skin and hair hypopigmentation, while sorafenib can lead to skin hyperpigmentation. More severe side effects can include abnormal skin growths when treated with BRAF inhibitors dabrafenib and vemurafenib.
Given the potential side effects, it is crucial to have regular monitoring during the course of treatment. This allows for the early detection and management of side effects, preventing them from becoming life-threatening. Blood pressure should be frequently checked, and any hypertension should be managed with appropriate anti-hypertensive agents. If blood pressure remains high despite treatment, the TKI therapy may need to be temporarily discontinued until blood pressure is under control.
In addition, routine ECGs should be done to monitor the QT interval, a measure of the time between the start of the Q wave and the end of the T wave in the heart’s electrical cycle. An extended QT interval can lead to serious heart rhythm disorders.
Any side effects should be reported to your doctor immediately. While these are potential side effects, not everyone experiences them, and if they do occur, they can often be managed effectively.
Dealing with a thyroid cancer diagnosis and navigating through treatment options can be overwhelming. It’s important to know that there are resources and support services available. Reach out to your healthcare team for guidance and support. They can provide information about your treatment, help manage side effects, and direct you to additional resources.
At NeoBiotechnologies, we understand the challenges faced by patients undergoing treatment for thyroid cancer. We are committed to providing reliable and specific monoclonal antibodies for research, contributing to the development of more effective treatments and aiding in the management of side effects. We believe that through continued research and collaboration, we can contribute to improving the quality of life for individuals living with thyroid cancer.
