3 Medical Advancements in Thyroid Treatment

Dealing with the symptoms of thyroid issues can feel like an uphill battle. Fatigue, weight loss or gain, and feeling hot or cold when nobody else does are just a few of the challenges that might creep into daily life.

It’s easy to be overwhelmed by these processes happening beyond your control, but there’s hope beyond the symptoms. Exploring various treatments available today is not only crucial but also empowering, giving you the opportunity to take charge of your health.

At PrimeHealth, our team of functional medical practitioners is dedicated to providing innovative and personalized care to help manage and treat thyroid disease effectively. If you’re located in Colorado, we welcome you to explore the options we can offer to optimize your thyroid health.

In this article, we’ll delve into the latest advancements in thyroid treatment and how you might find a path to feeling like yourself again.

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Thyroid Cancer Treatment

Thyroid cancer happens when abnormal cells start growing in the thyroid gland, which is at the base of your neck. This butterfly-shaped gland makes specific thyroid hormones that help regulate your metabolism, heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature.

Anyone can get thyroid cancer, but studies show that it’s more common in women, especially for papillary-type carcinoma. Some factors that might increase the risk include:

• Being female
• Being over 30 years old
• Having a family history of thyroid cancer
• Exposure to radiation in the head and neck area
• Not enough iodine in your diet

Many people with thyroid cancer don’t notice symptoms at first, but as the cancer grows, they might feel a lump in the neck, voice changes, trouble swallowing swollen lymph nodes, or a persistent cough. Weight loss and fatigue are also signs of thyroid cancer.

Traditional Treatment Methods

Treating thyroid cancer typically starts with figuring out the type and stage of the cancer, as well as considering your overall health. Depending on the case, surgery is an option. Surgeons usually remove part or all of the thyroid to get rid of the cancer. After that, radioactive iodine therapy is then utilized.

Radioactive iodine therapy includes swallowing a capsule or liquid that has radioactive iodine to destroy any remaining cancer cells. This is especially helpful in individuals who have follicular or papillary thyroid cancer, as it mainly affects these types of cancer.

New Developments in Thyroid Cancer Treatment

In recent years, new therapies have given us hope, especially when traditional treatments don’t work.

Gene-Specific and Targeted Therapies: NTRK and RET Inhibitors

NTRK and RET inhibitors are making waves in the world of targeted cancer therapies.

First off, NTRK inhibitors focus on changes in the NTRK genes, which are part of a family of genes known as Neurotrophic Tyrosine Receptor Kinase. When these genes go rogue, they can cause cells to multiply uncontrollably. This uncontrollable growth can lead to cancer.

NTRK inhibitors work by stopping the NTRK genes from sending signals to cells. When the signal is gone, the cells stop growing out of control, and the tumor shrinks.

Similarly, RET inhibitors target changes in the RET genes, which are involved in cell signaling and growth. These genes, known as “Rearranged during Transfection,” are linked to different cancers, such as thyroid and lung cancer. By inhibiting this gene, it can slow down or even stop the spread of cancer cells.

What makes these inhibitors stand out is their precision. They aim right at the problematic mutations, potentially reducing side effects compared to the broader approach of traditional chemotherapy. Studies show that these treatments can be effective for patients with thyroid cancer, even those who have not responded to other treatments. However, more research is needed to determine their long-term effectiveness.

CAR T Therapy

CAR T-cell therapy is a cutting-edge treatment that has been making waves, particularly for challenging cancers, including certain thyroid cancers like poorly differentiated (cancers with cells that do not look like normal thyroid cells and grow faster) and anaplastic (a rare, aggressive form of thyroid cancer) types. So, what exactly are CAR T-cells, and how do they work?

To start, CAR stands for Chimeric Antigen Receptor. This therapy involves engineering a patient’s own immune cells, specifically T-cells, to better recognize and attack cancer cells.

The CAR T-cell therapy process begins with extracting T-cells from the patient’s blood. These cells are then modified in the lab to produce special structures called chimeric antigen receptors. These receptors are designed to latch onto specific proteins found in cancer cells. Once these enhanced T-cells are infused back into the patient’s body, they can seek out and destroy cancer cells much more effectively.

Regarding the specific research on CAR T-cell therapy for thyroid cancers, researchers are focusing on CAR T-cells that target a protein called ICAM-1, which is often present in these tough-to-treat cancer cells. Although this approach is still in the experimental phase, there is some promising news.

In terms of human trials, researchers are hopeful. They are currently in the process of clinical trials to test the therapy’s safety and effectiveness in people with these aggressive thyroid cancers. While it’s important to note that this is a developing area of research, the hope is that CAR T-cell therapy could offer a new lifeline for patients who haven’t had many options before.

Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors

For those battling advanced thyroid cancer that doesn’t respond to the usual treatments, there’s hope on the horizon with tyrosine kinase inhibitors or TKIs. These innovative drugs provide a fresh approach by targeting specific enzymes known as tyrosine kinases. But what exactly do these enzymes do, and how do TKIs fit into the picture?

Tyrosine kinases help regulate cell growth and division. They play an essential role in signaling pathways that regulate how cells multiply and survive. When these enzymes go into overdrive, cancer cells can increase uncontrollably. This is where Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors or TKIs come in. By blocking these enzymes, TKIs effectively throw a wrench into the cancer cells’ growth machinery, slowing down their progression.

Now, what makes TKIs particularly intriguing is their potential to help thyroid cancer cells reabsorb iodine. This is a game-changer because iodine plays a critical role in a well-known treatment for thyroid cancer: radioactive iodine therapy. In many cases, this therapy is highly effective. However, when cancer cells lose their ability to absorb iodine, the treatment options become limited. TKIs can help reverse this resistance, allowing radioactive iodine therapy to become a viable option again.

Of course, every patient’s journey is unique. The decision to use TKIs should always be made in consultation with a healthcare provider, considering all factors such as the specific type of thyroid cancer, its progression, and the individual’s overall health.

Thyroid Eye Disease (TED) Treatment

Thyroid eye disease (TED) is a disease that’s often associated with a hyperthyroidism condition called Graves’ disease. The immune system, which usually protects your body from harmful pathogens, thinks the eye area needs to be defended. So, it sends out signals that cause swelling and irritation.

This may present as:

• Bulging or protruding eyes
• Dry, irritated, or red eyes
• Double vision or blurred vision
• Pain and pressure around the eyes

There is no single cure for TED, but it can be treated in a variety of ways. For mild cases, over-the-counter eye drops may help alleviate symptoms such as dryness. However, more severe TED cases will require intervention from an ophthalmologist.

In some instances where symptoms are particularly severe, corticosteroids may be administered to reduce inflammation and discomfort. Other treatments include radiation therapy to shrink inflamed tissue behind the eye and surgery to correct eye bulging.

Patients should also speak to their healthcare provider about immune-modulating therapies that can help prevent the immune system from attacking the eye area. This may include medications such as rituximab, which targets specific immune cells involved in the inflammation process.

Dealing with TED can be tough both physically and emotionally. The changes in appearance or vision can be distressing, but understanding what’s happening can be a first step towards feeling a bit more in control. Remember, you’re not alone in this, and there are ways to manage it.

Teprotumumab: A Breakthrough in TED Treatment

Teprotumumab (Tepezza) is a medication that was approved by the FDA in January 2020 specifically to help people with thyroid eye disease (TED), which is a big step forward for those affected. TED can cause uncomfortable symptoms like bulging eyes, and double vision, and can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. This drug works by focusing on a specific part of the body involved in TED, called the IGF-1 receptor.

IGF-1 is a protein that’s produced in the body and plays a role in cell growth and development. In TED, this receptor can become overactive, causing swelling and inflammation around the eye area. Teprotumumab blocks this receptor, reducing symptoms such as bulging eyes and eyelid retraction.

In clinical trials, teprotumumab showed significant improvement in patients with active thyroid eye disease compared to those who received a placebo. Patients reported improvements in protruding eyes and double vision.

It’s essential to keep in mind that like any medication, there may be side effects associated with teprotumumab treatment. However, this advancement offers hope and significant relief to those living with TED, helping them regain comfort and confidence in their daily lives.

Diagnostic Advancements

Thanks to new technological breakthroughs, diagnoses are becoming more accurate and less invasive. Advanced diagnostics do more than just confirm a condition; they provide a clearer picture of disease progression and potential outcomes, paving the way for therapies that target the root cause rather than just the symptoms.

For example, here at PrimeHealth, our comprehensive diagnostic testing allows you to assess your thyroid hormone levels, which play a crucial role in regulating thyroid hormones.

With this in-depth knowledge, our functional health providers can work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that takes into account your unique health situation and overall goals.

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Thyroid Function Tests (TFTs)

When checking how well your thyroid works, thyroid function tests are usually the first step. These tests have become much more accurate over the years, thanks to technological advances.

For years, ELISA, or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, for example, has made it easier for doctors to get a clear picture of how your thyroid is performing, which helps in making a precise diagnosis. Studies show that ELISA can effectively detect and measure levels of total T4 and total T3 hormones in the blood, giving doctors a better understanding of your health status.

RIA (radioimmunoassay) is particularly good at detecting very small amounts of hormones, which can be crucial for understanding your thyroid’s activity. These tests help doctors find out if your thyroid is producing too few thyroid hormones (underactive) or if producing too much thyroid hormone (overactive). This knowledge is key to figuring out the best treatment plan for you.

All these tools and methods are here to make sure you get the best care possible. Rest assured, you’re in good hands with these advanced testing methods.

Genomic Testing for Thyroid Nodules

Genomic testing is changing the game in understanding thyroid nodules, especially when traditional biopsy results aren’t clear. By looking at the nodule’s genetic makeup, doctors can more accurately tell if it’s benign or malignant.

The JAMA Oncology found that genomic testing can cut unnecessary surgeries by 61%, saving patients from stress and recovery time. With these insights, doctors can create a personalized monitoring or treatment plan based on your unique genetic profile.

These advancements in diagnosis enable a more thoughtful approach to thyroid cancer treatment. Whether through precise thyroid function tests or the latest genomic analysis, these tools provide patients and doctors with the information needed to make well-informed, effective treatment choices.

Final Thoughts

Dealing with thyroid eye disease and thyroid disorders can be tough, but new treatments and tests are bringing hope for a better life. Medications like teprotumumab and advanced testing, such as genomic testing, offer more personalized care for those affected. With the right management and support from healthcare providers, individuals can alleviate symptoms and take back control of their health.

At PrimeHealth, we strive to provide the latest in thyroid care to our patients. From diagnostic testing to personalized treatment plans, our functional health providers are dedicated to helping you achieve optimal health and well-being. If you are located in Colorado, book a free consultation with us today and take the first step towards better thyroid health.

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