Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 5, 2026
03:55
Computer-Aided Three-Dimensional Visualization in the Treatment of Locally Advanced Thyroid Cancer
Published on: June 9, 2023
Long-term results in elderly patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma
Louiza Vini1, Stephen L Hyer, Jennifer Marshall
1Thyroid Unit, Royal Marsden National Health Service Trust, Sutton, United Kingdom.
Cancer
|May 27, 2003
Summary
Elderly patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma often present with aggressive tumors and distant metastases, leading to a less favorable prognosis. Survival rates decrease significantly over time, highlighting the need for effective treatment strategies in this population.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Geriatric Medicine
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) in elderly patients (≥70 years) presents unique challenges.
- Assessing the biologic behavior and survival factors in this demographic is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the clinical characteristics and long-term survival of DTC in patients aged 70 years and older.
- To identify prognostic factors influencing survival in elderly DTC patients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 111 patients (≥70 years) with DTC diagnosed over 60 years.
- Median follow-up of 9 years; assessment of treatment modalities and outcomes.
Main Results:
- Papillary carcinoma was the most common type; 70% of tumors were advanced stage (pT3/pT4).
- Distant metastases occurred in 23% of patients; 44% had lymph node disease.
- Cause-specific survival rates were 75% at 5 years, 50% at 10 years, and 50% at 15 years.
Conclusions:
- Elderly patients with DTC exhibit more aggressive tumor behavior and a poorer prognosis.
- Extrathyroidal spread and distant metastases, often not iodine-avid, are common.
- Metastasis presence is the most significant independent prognostic factor for survival.
