Targeted Therapy for Thyroid Cancer
Thyroid cancer is a cancer that affects the thyroid glands. The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland that produces hormones that help regulate heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, and body weight. Thyroid can affect the human body in adverse ways. Therefore, early diagnosis and treatment are necessary.
Targeted therapy for thyroid cancer is an advanced method that has fewer side effects than conventional treatment options like chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and many more. This method is provided when other treatment methods are ineffective.
Let’s get a complete overview of targeted therapy for thyroid cancer, its working, challenges related to this therapy, and success rate and prognosis.
Overview of Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapy is a type of cancer treatment that targets certain specific molecules. These specific molecules can be proteins, receptors, or certain pathways that help the cancer cells grow, divide, and survive. This therapy has fewer side effects than traditional treatment because it only targets cancerous cells.
How Targeted Therapy Fights Thyroid Cancer?
Targeted therapy targets specific mutations or abnormal proteins that cause cancer cells to grow uncontrollably. By blocking these molecules or proteins, the growth and spreading of cancer slow down or stop. Here is the list of targets and how it works:
Blocking Growth Signals: Cancer cells often send abnormal signals for their abnormal growth. The targeted therapy blocks these signals, therefore inhibiting the growth.
Inhibiting Blood Supply: Tumors need blood supply to fulfill nutrients and oxygen demands to survive and grow. Targeted therapy helps to block the formation of blood vessels to inhibit the growth of cells.
Fixing Genetic Mutations: Targeted therapy aims to repair and target the faulty genes that are responsible for cancer cell growth.
Different Types of Targeted Therapy for Thyroid Cancer
Here are different types of targeted therapy available for thyroid cancer.
Kinase Inhibitors: These drugs help to block certain proteins that help to grow cancer cells. They’re used in cases of advanced or metastatic thyroid cancer, especially when the cancer doesn’t respond to other treatments like radiotherapy.
BRAF Inhibitors: These drugs target the BRAF protein, which is responsible for encouraging uncontrolled growth in cancer cells.
RET Inhibitors: Drugs like Pralsetinib and Selpercatinib specifically target and block the RET protein, helping to slow down or halt the progression of the cancer.
These therapies are tailored according to the genetic characteristics of the cancer.
Why Targeted Therapy is Important for Thyroid Cancer?
Targeted therapy is a revolunized approach to treating thyroid cancer other than traditional methods.
Here are the key reasons why targeted therapy is important for thyroid cancer.
- Precision Treatment: Targets only cancer cells, minimizing damage to healthy tissues, thus reducing the side effects.
- Treatment for Resistant Cancer: This can be used when other treatment is not effective.
- Improved Survival and Quality of Life: The targeted therapy can improve survival rates, delay disease progression, and offer a better quality of life.
Challenges of Targeted Therapy for Thyroid Cancer
Although targeted therapy provides significant advantages, it’s not actually without challenges.
- Expensive
- lose Effectiveness Over Time
- Not Suitable for All Types of Thyroid Cancer
- Can have common side effects like fatigue, high blood pressure, skin issues (like rash), and diarrhea.
Clinical Trials and Research
The field of targeted therapy for thyroid cancer is still evolving; researchers are continuously testing new targeted therapies to see how well they work, how safe they are, and how they can improve existing treatments.
Success rate and Prognosis
The success rate of targeted therapy for thyroid cancer depends on the type of cancer, the specific genetic mutations present, and how well the cancer responds to treatment. This therapy is effective in cancer treatments to which they are resistant other treatment options.
With early detection, proper treatment, and the right use of targeted therapy, many thyroid cancer patients can live long, healthy lives.
Key Takeaways
Targeted therapy for thyroid cancer is an advanced therapy that offers more precision and is also a non-invasive alternative to traditional methods.
By focusing on specific genetic mutations or proteins promoting cancer cell growth, this therapy can improve the patient’s quality of life. However, it’s important for patients to work closely with their doctors to determine the best treatment plan based on the type and stage of their cancer.
Medsurge India is a medical tourism company dedicated to helping patients seek affordable and effective treatment options in India. We partner with top hospitals across India to provide our patients with access to world-class medical care. We offer free expert consultation, multilingual assistance, travel assistance, accommodation facilities, and post-treatment care.
For more information, Read the blog Targeted Therapy Cost in India
