Abstract
Recently, multi-kinase inhibitors (MKIs) have emerged for the treatment of unresectable thyroid carcinoma. In global, phase 3, randomized clinical trials, they were shown to significantly prolong progression-free survival compared to placebo ; however, the first-choice treatment strategy for thyroid carcinoma is still radical surgery. Total thyroidectomy and radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy are needed for high-risk differentiated thyroid carcinoma as an initial treatment. MKIs are indicated only for RAI-refractory and progressive diseases. MKIs should not be used as neoadjuvant or adjuvant therapies. To exploit the effect of MKIs, it is important to continue long-term treatment with adequate control of their unique adverse events (AEs) by the multidisciplinary team. Delay of wound healing and critical bleeding from the major cervical vessels are the known severe AEs of MKIs.
