Sorafenib and Lenvatinib Treatment for Metastasis/Recurrence of Radioactive Iodine-refractory Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma

Background/Aim: Radioactive iodine-refractory differentiated thyroid carcinoma (RR-DTC) has been treated with multi-kinase inhibitors (MKIs), e.g., sorafenib (SOR) and lenvatinib (LEN). We analyzed the outcomes of RR-DTC patients who underwent SOR or LEN treatment at Kuma Hospital. Patients and Methods: We enrolled 21 and 18 patients treated with SOR and LEN, respectively. Results: The incidence of partial response in the LEN group was significantly higher than that in the SOR group. Serum thyroglobulin significantly decreased from the beginning of treatment to 1 month later in the LEN group (not in the SOR group). The neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) was significantly decreased at 1 month later in both groups. An NLR >= 3 at the start of MKI treatment had a prognostic impact. Conclusion: For RR-DTC, LEN could be more effective than SOR, at least in the short term. The first-line drug should be selected based on other factors (e.g., adverse events, patient background).

Automated summary

The study found that lenvatinib (LEN) may be more effective than sorafenib (SOR) in patients with radioactive iodine-refractory differentiated thyroid carcinoma (RR-DTC), with a higher partial response rate. After LEN treatment, the levels of serum thyroglobulin significantly decreased in patients, but the choice of first-line drug should be based on individual patient characteristics and adverse events.