Pathologic complete response after neoadjuvant v-Raf murine sarcoma viral oncogene homolog B (BRAF) inhibition combined with immunotherapy therapy for anaplastic thyroid carcinoma: a case report and literature review

Abstract

Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) is a highly malignant tumor with invasive nature. Most patients present with locally advanced and/or distant metastatic diseases that are difficult to treat. We report a case of a previously inoperable patient with v-Raf murine sarcoma viral oncogene homolog B (BRAF) mutated ATC. After a trial of neoadjuvant Dabrafenib/ Trametinib with immunotherapy, the tumor became operable, and surgical pathology indicated a pathologic complete response (pCR). We also reviewed cases from the literature that utilized neoadjuvant BRAF-directed therapy in ATCs. These cases emphasize that BRAF-and immune-directed therapy is a feasible option in patients with inoperable ATC and may lead to improved outcomes.