Emerging therapeutics for advanced thyroid malignancies: rationale and targeted approaches.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Thyroid cancer is an emerging public health concern. In the USA, its incidence has doubled in the past decade, making it the eighth most commonly diagnosed neoplasm in 2010. Despite this alarming increase, most thyroid cancer patients benefit from conventional approaches (surgery, radioiodine, radiotherapy, TSH suppression with levothyroxine) and are often cured. Nevertheless, a minority have aggressive tumors resistant to cytotoxic and other historical therapies; these patients sorely need new treatment options.

Areas covered

Herein the biology and molecular characteristics of the common histological types of thyroid cancer are reviewed to provide context for subsequent discussion of recent developments and emerging therapeutics for advanced thyroid cancers.

SUBMITTER: Harris PJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3195511 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature