Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 4, 2025
Computer-Aided Three-Dimensional Visualization in the Treatment of Locally Advanced Thyroid Cancer
Published on: June 9, 2023
Parathyroid carcinoma: New insights
Abhishek Viswanath1, Eftychia E Drakou2, Fannie Lajeunesse-Trempe3
1Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, School of Life Course Sciences, King's College London, London, UK.
Abstract:
Parathyroid carcinoma (PC) is a rare malignancy, comprising 1 % of all cases of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). This narrative review explores recent advances in PC management, with a focus on molecular insights, diagnostic advancements, surgical innovations, and emerging targeted therapies. Manuscripts published between 2023 and 2024 were obtained from PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL). The review highlights advances in biochemical markers, such as circulating tumour cells (CTCs), and imaging modalities such as 18F-FDG PET/CT and 4D-CT, which are improving diagnostic accuracy. Surgical resection remains central to localised and metastatic disease management. For patients with widespread metastatic or unresectable disease, newer targeted approaches such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), temozolomide, and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) may offer clinical benefit to specific patient cohorts. This review identifies future research areas to improve outcomes and recommends that patients with advanced PC continue to be managed in centres of excellence.
Insights
Recent advances in parathyroid carcinoma (PC) management include improved diagnostics like circulating tumor cells and advanced imaging. Emerging targeted therapies offer new hope for advanced disease.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology and Oncology
- Rare Cancers Research
Background:
- Parathyroid carcinoma (PC) is a rare malignancy, accounting for 1% of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) cases.
- Effective management strategies for PC are crucial due to its aggressive nature.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in the diagnosis and management of parathyroid carcinoma.
- To highlight molecular insights, diagnostic tools, surgical techniques, and targeted therapies.
Main Methods:
- A narrative review of manuscripts published between 2023 and 2024.
- Literature search conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL).
Main Results:
- Diagnostic accuracy is improving with novel biochemical markers like circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and advanced imaging (18F-FDG PET/CT, 4D-CT).
- Surgical resection remains the cornerstone for localized and metastatic PC.
- Emerging targeted therapies including tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), temozolomide, and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) show potential for specific patient groups with advanced or unresectable disease.
Conclusions:
- Continued research is needed to further improve outcomes for parathyroid carcinoma patients.
- Management of advanced PC should be centralized in specialized centers of excellence for optimal care.
