Targeted Therapy in Thyroid Cancer
The therapeutic treatment options for patients with metastatic progressive thyroid cancer have greatly advanced over the last couple of years. The first four medications that were approved for patients with metastatic disease (Lenvatinib/ Sorafenib for differentiated thyroid cancer and Cabozantinib/Vandetanib for medullary thyroid cancer) targeted universal mechanisms of cancer progression. A new generation of systemic therapy for thyroid cancer targets specific gene mutations. Knowledge of the mutation helps clinicians to select the best therapy for targeting that mutation.
This new therapy has created multiple treatment options to offer thyroid cancer patients. Patients with anaplastic thyroid cancer harboring BRAF mutation can be treated with combination of Dabrafenib and Trametinib. Patients with NTRK gene alteration are candidates for Larotectinib or Entrektinib and patients with RET positive thyroid cancer can be treated with Selpercantinib. Newer therapies are generally more effective and better tolerated. Additionally, there are many other targeted therapies currently under investigations in clinical trials.
Moffitt's renowned Head and Neck-Endocrine Oncology Department provides individualized treatment and supportive care to patients with cancers that affect the thyroid, adrenal and pituitary glands as well as other endocrine organs. We strive to tailor personalized care for each patient from standard of care to clinical trials. To refer a patient to Moffitt, complete our online form or contact a physician liaison for assistance or support. As part of our efforts to shorten referral times as much as possible, online referrals are typically responded to within 24 - 48 hours.