Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 12, 2026
03:55
Computer-Aided Three-Dimensional Visualization in the Treatment of Locally Advanced Thyroid Cancer
Published on: June 9, 2023
Evolving approaches to patients with advanced differentiated thyroid cancer
Bryan R Haugen1, Steven I Sherman
1University of Colorado School of Medicine, University of Colorado Cancer Center, Aurora, Colorado 80045, USA. bryan.haugen@ucdenver.edu
Endocrine Reviews
|April 12, 2013
Summary
Advanced differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) is resistant to standard treatments. Newer targeted therapies, focusing on molecular pathways, offer improved outcomes for patients with advanced DTC.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Advanced differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) affects 10-20% of DTC patients.
- Standard treatments like surgery, radioiodine (RAI), and chemotherapy are often ineffective for advanced DTC.
- Recent advancements in understanding DTC molecular mechanisms have emerged.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the morbidities, molecular biology, and evolving medicinal therapies for advanced DTC.
- To present a case study of advanced DTC.
- To explore the genetic and molecular underpinnings of advanced DTC.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on advanced DTC.
- Discussion of molecular mechanisms driving DTC progression.
- Analysis of emerging targeted therapies and clinical trials.
Main Results:
- Standard therapies show limited efficacy in advanced DTC.
- Targeted therapies, particularly kinase inhibitors, are transforming treatment paradigms.
- Multikinase inhibitors and selective kinase inhibitors represent key therapeutic advancements.
Conclusions:
- Understanding DTC molecular biology is crucial for developing effective treatments.
- Targeted therapies have significantly improved the outlook for advanced DTC patients.
- Future research should focus on novel combination therapies and personalized treatment strategies.
Related Concept Videos
02:56Treatment Resistant Cancers
Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. A cancer cell is genetically unstable and hence can mutate faster. They can also modify their microenvironment and escape immune surveillance. The difficulties in treating cancer are further compounded by the emergence of rapid resistance to anticancer drugs. The most common ways to attain resistance in cancer cells include alteration in drug transport and metabolism, modification of drug target, elevated DNA damage response, or...
02:49Cancer Therapies
Cancer therapies are various modes of treatment, such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy that are administered to cancer patients.
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
02:50Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine
Combining two or more treatment methods increases the life span of cancer patients while reducing damage to vital organs or tissue from the overuse of a single treatment. Combination therapy also targets different cancer-inducing pathways, thus reducing the chances of developing resistance to treatment.
The combination of the drug acetazolamide and sulforaphane is a good example of combination therapy to treat cancer. The cells in the interior of a large tumor often die due to the hypoxic and...
The combination of the drug acetazolamide and sulforaphane is a good example of combination therapy to treat cancer. The cells in the interior of a large tumor often die due to the hypoxic and...
01:27Tumor Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is a treatment that boosts or manipulates the immune system to fight diseases, including cancer. For instance, by stimulating an immune response through vaccinations against viruses that cause cancers, like hepatitis B virus and human papillomavirus, these diseases can be prevented. Nonetheless, some cancer cells can avoid the immune system due to their rapid mutation and division. The immune response to many cancers involves three phases: elimination, equilibrium, and escape.
01:25Hyperthyroidism I: Introduction
Hyperthyroidism is a type of thyrotoxicosis characterized by the thyroid gland's overproduction of the thyroid hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). This hormone excess increases the basal metabolic rate and enhances sensitivity to catecholamines.DiagnosisDiagnosis is based on clinical features and biochemical testing. It typically shows suppressed thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels below 0.4 mIU/L, with elevated free T3 and/or T4. Additional tests, including thyroid...
02:56Treatment Resistent Cancers
Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. A cancer cell is genetically unstable and hence can mutate faster. They can also modify their microenvironment and escape immune surveillance. The difficulties in treating cancer are further compounded by the emergence of rapid resistance to anticancer drugs. The most common ways to attain resistance in cancer cells include alteration in drug transport and metabolism, modification of drug target, elevated DNA damage response, or...