A combination immunotherapy regimen of nivolumab and ipilimumab has shown promising results in treating anaplastic thyroid carcinoma, a particularly aggressive and deadly form of thyroid cancer. The findings, published in JAMA Oncology, suggest a potential new treatment avenue for a cancer with limited effective options.
The clinical trial, led by Jochen Lorch, MD, professor of Medicine in the Division of Hematology and Oncology at Northwestern University, involved 49 patients with various types of aggressive thyroid cancers. Patients were administered nivolumab and ipilimumab every two weeks for a maximum of two years. Nivolumab and ipilimumab work by preventing cancer from suppressing the immune system.
Differential Responses Across Thyroid Cancer Types
The study revealed varying responses based on the type of thyroid cancer. Only 9% of patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma responded to the treatment, and no responses were observed in those with medullary thyroid carcinoma. However, the results were notably different for patients with anaplastic thyroid carcinoma.
Significant Response in Anaplastic Thyroid Carcinoma
Among the anaplastic thyroid carcinoma cohort, a 30% response rate was observed. "Among the anaplastic thyroid cancers, we saw three profound responses out of 10 patients, a relatively small exploratory cohort," said Lorch. Given that anaplastic thyroid carcinoma has a median survival of roughly four months and lacks a definitive cure, this response rate is considered significant.
Implications and Future Directions
While the immunotherapy combination did not prove effective across all thyroid cancer types, the response observed in anaplastic thyroid carcinoma warrants further investigation. Lorch has initiated additional clinical trials to build upon these findings. "This has already sparked a number of developments already," Lorch stated, emphasizing its potential to become a standard of care for this aggressive disease.
The study was supported by the Dana-Faraber Cancer Institute, with additional funding from Bristol-Myers Squibb.
