Usefulness of local therapy for distant metastases of differentiated thyroid cancer

Treatment for distant metastases (DM) of differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) aims to improve the prognosis and quality of life (QOL). Radioactive iodine and molecular targeted therapies are the primary systemic treatments for DM. Combining these with local treatments, such as surgery and radiotherapy targeting metastatic sites, may provide additional benefits to systemic therapy.

This study reviewed the additional effects of local therapies on common metastatic sites of DTC, such as pulmonary or bone metastases (BM), the efficacy of bone-modifying agents (BMAs) for BM, and the therapeutic effects of local treatments for less common brain metastases.

Although based on retrospective studies with no definitive conclusions on the effectiveness of each treatment, local therapy for DM in DTC patients has been shown to enhance prognosis and QOL in several studies. Considering the results of clinical trials for metastatic tumors, local therapy for one or a few pulmonary or BM in DTC should be considered, if expected to improve prognosis and QOL. Surgical intervention is recommended for spinal metastases presenting with spinal compression symptoms or for long BM in extremities at risk of pathological or impending fractures. BMAs are also recommended to reduce the risk of skeletal-related events. Surgery, stereotactic radiotherapy, and whole-brain radiotherapy are suggested for brain metastases to improve the prognosis and QOL.

Incorporating local therapy alongside systemic treatment can enhance the prognosis and QOL and should be considered a viable treatment option.