Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 13, 2025

Computer-Aided Three-Dimensional Visualization in the Treatment of Locally Advanced Thyroid Cancer
Published on: June 9, 2023
The Interaction Between Sex and Thyroid Cancer Development and Management
Farah I Kitana1, Leila Shobab1
1Division of Endocrinology, MedStar Washington Hospital Center, 110 Irving Street NW, Room 3102- Est Building, Washington, DC 20010, USA.
Abstract:
This article explores the sex difference in incidence and progression of differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). The article examines epidemiologic studies highlighting sex disparities in survival rates between men and women, with women experiencing a more favorable prognosis before menopause. It also discusses the role of sex hormones, genetic and epigenetic factors, and the immune system as potential contributors to the underlying mechanism of sex difference in DTC. The article advocates for sex-specific research to better understand the molecular mechanisms behind these observed sex differences and to develop targeted, sex-specific, and more individualized therapies for advanced, radioactive iodine refractory thyroid cancer.
Related Concept Videos
Synthesis and Regulation of Thyroid Hormones
Upon reaching the thyroid gland, TSH stimulates the follicular cells' active uptake of iodide ions from the blood. The ions diffuse to the apical surface of the cells and are oxidized to iodine. The...
Functions of Thyroid Hormones
TH is indispensable for the normal development and maturation of the skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems during fetal and childhood growth. It facilitates bone mineral turnover and regulates protein synthesis in developing tissues, contributing significantly to overall growth and...
The Thyroid Gland
The follicles have a central cavity lined by simple cuboidal to squamous epithelial cells called follicular cells. These cells produce the glycoprotein...
Tumor Immunotherapy
Cancer Therapies
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...
Target Cell Response to Hormones
Notably, the cellular response can be regulated by altering the number of receptors expressed in the cell. For example, prolonged exposure to elevated hormone levels results in a gradual decline or down-regulation in the number of receptors for that specific hormone on the cell surface. Conversely, in response to low hormone levels, cells may use up-regulation, producing an...

