Targeting Angiogenesis in Thyroid Cancer

Thyroid cancers are characterized by a good prognosis but 10 to 15% of patients progress and become refractory to current therapies. Systemic treatment based on chemotherapy in these settings has shown limited efficacy, with response rates not exceeding 25%. At progression, differentiated thyroid cancer is characterized by a high level of expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). This high expression of VEGF is associated with an aggressive tumor behavior and a poor clinical outcome. We will review the recent advances in targeting angiogenesis in the treatment of recurrent and metastatic thyroid carcinoma.