Dr Riess on Advancements in Thymic Epithelial Malignancy Management

Jonathan W. Riess, MD, MS, medical director of Thoracic Oncology and an associate professor of Medicine in the Division of Hematology & Oncology, at University of California Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, discusses advancements, as well as unmet needs in the management of thymic malignancies.

Riess begins by emphasizing that there are effective treatments for thymic epithelial malignancies. In thymic carcinoma, immunotherapy is a viable treatment option, Riess says, although its use is limited due to the risk of severe immune-related adverse effects and thymoma. Recent advances with targeted therapies have also demonstrated promise. For example, the VEGF-targeted antibody ramucirumab (Cyramza) combined with paclitaxel has demonstrated some benefit in thymic carcinoma, Riess states. Despite being a rare cancer, ongoing research and treatment developments are providing new options for patients with this disease, he emphasizes.

The rarity of thymic epithelial malignancies compared with more common cancers like non–small cell lung cancer, underscores the significant need for clinical trials, Riess continues. Although conducting large randomized trials is challenging due to the low incidence, several areas of research are emerging to address unmet needs. This includes research evaluating antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) such as the TROP2 ADC sacituzumab govitecan-hziy (Trodelvy) in thymic epithelial malignancies. Sacituzumab govitecan is already approved for breast cancer and has been studied in lung cancer, making it a strong candidate for application in thymic cancers, Riess explains.

Leveraging lessons from other tumor types through translational research is key, he emphasizes. This approach highlights the importance of cross-cancer research and the potential to repurpose successful treatments from more common cancers for rare malignancies like thymic epithelial tumors, Riess says.

In conclusion, advancements in targeted therapies and immunotherapy offer hope for patients with thymic epithelial malignancies. Continued research, particularly in the realm of ADCs and translational studies, is essential to develop and refine treatments for this challenging cancer type. This ongoing effort ensures that patients with thymic epithelial malignancies will have access to innovative and effective treatment options.