Consistent with cell-based assay (Figs 4 and 5), anlotinib treatment also elevates the expression level of TP53 and cleaved caspase 3 in thyroid cancer xenografts (Fig. 7D), implying that apoptosis might be induced in these anlotinib-treated thyroid cancer xenografts. Here, CASP3 is linked to thyroid gland carcinoma.