Complete radiographic response to immunotherapy in a patient with metastatic anaplastic thyroid cancer – a case report and review of the literature - Report - MDSpire

Complete radiographic response to immunotherapy in a patient with metastatic anaplastic thyroid cancer – a case report and review of the literature

  • By

  • Monika Mierzejewska

  • Lin Akily

  • William Karlsen

  • Jacek Teodorczyk

  • Bartłomiej Tomasik

  • Jacek Rutkowski

  • Piotr Wiśniewski

  • Maciej Śledziński

  • Karolina Markiet

  • Jolanta Szade

  • Renata Zaucha

  • Wojciech Cytawa

  • June 2, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Successful Radiographic Resolution Following Immunotherapy

Overview

This case study presents a 76-year-old female with metastatic anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) who achieved significant clinical and radiographic improvement following off-label treatment with nivolumab, an immune checkpoint inhibitor. The patient experienced prolonged progression-free survival of 12 months and overall survival of 18 months, highlighting the potential role of immunotherapy in ATC with high PD-L1 expression.

Background

Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) is a rare and aggressive malignancy with limited treatment options once metastasis occurs. The use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has shown promise in various solid tumors, yet data on their efficacy in ATC remains scarce. This case underscores the need for further clinical trials to evaluate immunotherapy as a viable treatment option for patients with metastatic ATC.

Data Highlights

No numerical data or trial data presented in the article.

Key Findings

  • A 76-year-old female with stage IVB anaplastic thyroid carcinoma was treated with nivolumab after standard therapies failed.
  • The patient exhibited high PD-L1 expression, which guided the decision to use immunotherapy.
  • Following treatment, the patient achieved a remarkable radiographic and clinical response.
  • Progression-free survival was noted at 12 months, with overall survival extending to 18 months.
  • This case highlights the potential of ICIs in treating metastatic ATC with high PD-L1 expression.

Clinical Implications

This case suggests that immune checkpoint inhibitors may be a beneficial treatment option for patients with metastatic ATC exhibiting high PD-L1 expression. Further research is necessary to confirm these findings and establish treatment protocols.

Conclusion

The successful outcome in this case supports the exploration of immunotherapy in anaplastic thyroid carcinoma, particularly for patients with high PD-L1 expression. Continued investigation is warranted to validate these findings in larger clinical trials.

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  4. Investigation of Changes in Tumor Microenvironment in Rectal Cancer Patients with Partial Response to Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy
  5. BJS (British Journal of Surgery) — Evolving Strategies in the Treatment of Differentiated Thyroid Cancer: A Shift in Radioiodine Management
  6. Initial Management of BRAF V600E-Variant Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer: The FAST Multidisciplinary Group Consensus Statement
  7. Spartalizumab for Locally Advanced or Metastatic Anaplastic Thyroid Carcinoma

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