Locally recurrent refractory to radioactive iodine treatment Thyroid carcinoma
Locally Recurrent Refractory to Radioactive Iodine Treatment Thyroid Carcinoma
Thyroid carcinoma is a malignant tumor of the thyroid gland, a butterfly-shaped organ in the neck. If left untreated, it can spread to other parts of the body, causing tumors to grow in the bone, lungs, liver, and brain. A common form of thyroid carcinoma is locally recurrent, refractory to radioactive iodine treatment (RIT), which means that it has recurred in the same location and is unresponsive to thyroid-directed therapy.
The standard treatment for thyroid carcinoma is surgery to remove the tumor. Depending on the size and extent of the tumor, additional treatments such as radiation and chemotherapy may be recommended. If the cancer is refractory to RIT, meaning it is not responding to treatment, then an alternative therapy may be necessary.
Alternative treatment options for locally recurrent, refractory to RIT thyroid carcinoma include:
- Radiosurgery – This is a form of focussed radiation that is used to destroy cancer cells.
- Targeted Therapy – This is an oral medicine or injection that targets specific cancer cells.
- Immunotherapy – This is a type of therapy that helps your body’s immune system fight the cancer cells.
- Hormone Therapy – This involves using hormones to interfere with the growth of the cancer.
- Chemotherapy – This is the use of chemicals to treat cancer, such as other anti-cancer drugs or chemotherapy.
- Proton Therapy – This uses high-energy protons to destroy cancer cells.
When considering treatment for thyroid cancer, doctors will take into account several factors, such as the type of cancer, the stage of the disease, and the patient’s overall health. A combination of treatments may be necessary, and the choice of treatment will depend on the individual patient.
It is important for patients to seek medical advice as soon as possible to discuss the best treatment plan for their locally recurrent, refractory to RIT thyroid carcinoma.