Neoplasms of the thymus

Abstract

Thymic tumours are among the malignant diseases with very low incidence. Therefore clinical research and development of new treatment options pose an ongoing challenge. For treatment of thymomas the following methods are used: surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and targeted drugs. The optimal type and sequence of therapy depends on tumour stage, histological subtype, and general health condition of the patient. A complete surgical resection is still the mainstay of therapy. For patients with incomplete resection or in locally advanced stages adjuvant radio/chemotherapy is recommended. Neoadjuvant treatment approaches and novel targeted therapies are under investigation. Lifelong follow-up has to be preferred because of possible late recurrences.