Update on recent developments in the therapy of differentiated thyroid cancer

Semin Nucl Med. 2010 Mar;40(2):145-52. doi: 10.1053/j.semnuclmed.2009.10.006.

Abstract

In the past decade, the management of differentiated thyroid carcinoma changed significantly and thus contributed to the improvement of the already favorable prognosis of this malignant disease. Surgical treatment techniques improved and the extent of initial surgery is more individualized. Radioiodine therapy is an essential part of therapeutic regimens in almost all cases, and the use of recombinant human thyroid-stimulating hormone has established for ablation of remnant tissue, treatment of iodine-positive cancer, and sensitive thyroglobulin measurement during follow-up. Risk stratification has become more important to plan treatment and follow-up individually, particularly to evaluate the need for thyroid-stimulating hormone suppression therapy. Especially for inoperable and radioiodine-negative thyroid carcinomas, novel treatment options such as tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy have emerged. This article deals with the current options of optimal therapy regimens in differentiated thyroid carcinoma.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Differentiation* / drug effects
  • Cell Differentiation* / radiation effects
  • Genetic Therapy
  • Humans
  • Iodine Radioisotopes / therapeutic use
  • Thyroid Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Thyroid Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Thyroid Neoplasms / radiotherapy
  • Thyroid Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Thyrotropin / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Iodine Radioisotopes
  • Thyrotropin