Characterization of Advanced RAS-driven Follicular-derived Thyroid Cancers and Review of Future Therapeutic Avenues.

CONTEXT: With novel RAS-targeted therapies emerging, better understanding of RAS-driven differentiated (DTC) and anaplastic (ATC) thyroid cancers is warranted.

OBJECTIVE

Characterize the genotypic and phenotypic landscape of RAS-driven DTC and ATC and review current and future therapeutic avenues.

DESIGN

Retrospective chart review between January 2015 and June 2023. Median follow-up duration 8.4 years in DTC cohort and 36.4 months in ATC cohort.

SETTING

Single-center study at MD Anderson Cancer Center.

PATIENTS: Individuals with RAS-altered DTC or ATC identified before kinase inhibitor exposure.

INTERVENTIONS: None.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary objective was to describe clinical and molecular characteristics. Secondary objectives included identifying prognostic factors and assessing survival outcomes with available therapies.

RESULTS

Among 120 RAS-driven DTC and 71 RAS-driven ATC, NRAS was the most common alteration (69% of DTC, 70% of ATC), mainly at residue Q61. Brain metastases were found in 22% of patients undergoing brain imaging (19% in DTC, 25% in ATC). Median overall survival (OS) was 15.2 years in DTC, with 49% of patients receiving at least 1 line of systemic therapy, most commonly lenvatinib (66%). Median time to systemic therapy was 3.5 years from diagnosis, and median OS from therapy initiation was 6.0 years. In ATC, median OS was 7.5 months. Stage IVC [hazard ratio (HR) = 6.78)], neck surgery (HR = 0.29), and exposure to immunotherapy (HR = 0.13) were significantly associated with mortality.

CONCLUSION

Advanced RAS-driven follicular-derived thyroid cancers seem to exhibit an aggressive behavior, particularly in ATC, in which prognosis remains poor despite expert multidisciplinary care. Advances in RAS-targeted therapies offer hope for improved therapeutic options.