Author:
Lung Kirsten,Madeka Isheeta,Willis Alliric I.
Abstract
Abstract
Purpose of Review
Although thyroid nodules are often a common finding during examination of the thyroid gland, with a prevalence of approximately 5% in the United States population for those aged 50 years and older, thyroid carcinoma itself is a more uncommon finding, with a lifetime risk of 1.2% within the United States. With the introduction of novel diagnostic and therapeutic modalities, including targeted molecular therapies, the diagnosis, treatment, and surveillance of thyroid carcinoma has rapidly evolved in recent decades following the development of the American Thyroid Association (ATA) guidelines in 2015. This review summarizes the current surveillance tools and treatment pathways for patients with various subtypes of thyroid carcinoma, including differentiated thyroid carcinoma, medullary thyroid carcinoma, and anaplastic thyroid carcinoma.
Recent Findings
Advances in patient-tailored therapies, such as immunotherapeutic agents, diagnostic modalities, and risk stratification tools help to promote personalized medicine for patients with thyroid carcinoma with the goal to minimize over-treatment of low-risk thyroid disease and under-treatment of high-risk thyroid disease.
Summary
The management of thyroid carcinoma is constantly evolving with the advent of new diagnostic modalities and management options, including targeted therapy treatments, all of which help to enhance patient-centered care and emphasize the importance of patient-tailored surgical and medical therapies. While existing guidelines create a foundation upon which current treatment algorithms are rooted, several novel therapeutic strategies have emerged that have not only improved overall survival, but also pushed the boundary of what is known of the molecular landscape of thyroid carcinoma. These continuing improvements, in conjunction with surgical management, pave the way for creating treatment methods that will further transform care of thyroid carcinoma patients and improve quality of life for these patients.
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
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