Multi-targeted approach in the treatment of thyroid cancer

Abstract

While accounting for only 1% of solid organ malignancies (9% in women), thyroid carcinoma is the most common malignancy of the endocrine system. Although most patients have a favorable prognosis, over 1,500 people will die from thyroid carcinoma each year. The spectrum of disease types range from papillary thyroid cancer, which is a well-differentiated indolent tumor, to anaplastic carcinoma, a poorly differentiated fulminant cancer. With advances in diagnostic methods, surgical techniques, and clinical care of patients with thyroid carcinoma, the current management of thyroid cancer demands a multidisciplinary approach. The majority of patients with well-differentiated thyroid carcinoma of follicular cell origin are cured with adequate surgical management; however, some thyroid malignancies such as medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or poorly differentiated thyroid carcinomas frequently metastasize, precluding patients from a curative resection. As such, novel palliative and therapeutic strategies are needed for this patient population. Here, we explore the current management of thyroid carcinoma, including surgical management of the primary tumor, lymph node disease, and locoregional recurrence. Likewise, we explore the application of current molecular techniques, reviewing nearly two decades of data that have begun to elucidate critical genetic pathways and therapeutic drug targets which may be important in specifi c thyroid tumor types.

Geriatric Importance of Histopathological Parameters Evaluated in Thyroidectomy Specimens: A Single Center Retrospective Analysis

“…The most common causes of thyroid diseases, which demonstrate a higher frequency in conjunction with increasing age, are often associated with suspected thyroid malignancy, resistance to treatment or cosmetic concerns. Treatment modalities for these conditions can include lobectomy, subtotal/total thyroidectomy, postoperative radioiodine therapy, thyroid-stimulating hormone suppressive therapy, as well as new molecular therapies [18]. Thyroid diseases are generally seen more frequently in females, with a female/male ratio of approximately 3.3/1 [13].…”