Thyroid Cancer Research Studies and Practices

Despite the small size of the thyroid gland, thyroid cancer has risen in numbers to become the third-fastest growing type of cancer in the United States. Therefore, it is not surprising that new thyroid cancer research is under way in many universities, hospitals and other medical institutions in the United States.

Great strides and improvements are made each year in the discovery of what causes the disease, how to treat the cancer and how to prevent it from occurring. Almost five percent of every cancer case in the United States is thyroid cancer, but the positive news is that this type of cancer responds well to treatment. Studies have shown that thyroid cancer responds well, for example, to a combination of surgery and radioactive iodine treatments. Many times the outcome of treatment results in patients who are cured of their cancer as well as recurrence rates that are lower.

New Research Studies Being Conducted

Recently, the National Cancer Institute granted Ohio State University a multi-year, twelve million dollar award to study this cancer which is becoming more prevalent in modern time. The study will necessitate participation by current faculty members in many of the sectors of the university's Comprehensive Cancer Center.

The focus of the work will concentrate on genetic factors which are predisposed to develop cancer and emphasize on distinguishing between benign or malignant thyroid tumors with a focal point on diagnostic accuracy.

Biopharmaceutical Company Research in the News

A large biopharmaceutical research company, Exelixis Inc., released information recently about an accord it had put together with the Food and Drug Administration regarding a trial drug that will be used to treat thyroid cancer. The accordance came about because the FDA and the drug production company specified how the pilot would be used ahead of time, which is helpful to both organizations because this agreement demonstrates the confidence on both sides that the drug works. Currently there are no approved drugs for this type of cancer.

Thyroid Cancer Trial Results

A study in the 1990s discovered that medullary thyroid cancer, an uncommon cancer that can occur in children who are genetically predisposed to the cancer, can be eliminated if surgery to remove the thyroid gland (thyroidectomy) is completed prior to the disease developing. The investigation did not bring up any potential complications of thyroidectomy surgery in the young children. The study was published in the New England Journal of Medicine September 2005 issue and indicated that the operation is convoluted and afterwards, the patient must take synthetic thyroid hormone for the rest of their lives.

The study was conducted after researchers uncovered the possibility of children who inherit one of the particular mutation genes called RET to be more likely to develop medullary thyroid carcinoma. The possibility of a child being predisposed can be identified through genetic testing. This trial study was organized to see if these children could avoid the cancer by undergoing preventive thyroidectomy. This study was ground breaking in the field of thyroid cancer research because this type of cancer in young people spreads quickly with few symptoms.

Old Fashioned Medicine

Some tried-and-true methods of diagnosing thyroid cancer include physical examination of the neck by an experienced thyroid surgeon and ultrasound, a painless and non-invasive procedure which can provide your physician with a detailed picture of your thyroid gland.

If you are concerned about thyroid cancer or interested in learning more about research studies being conducted, talk to a cancer specialist who is experienced in the field of thyroid cancer.

For Further Reading:

• http://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/stories/2008/06/16/daily28.html
• http://www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials/results/thyroid