Oral Presentation ESA-SRB 2023 in conjunction with ENSA

Evolution of Thyroid Cancer Management: Advancements in Risk Assessment, Functional Imaging, and Targeted Therapies (#111)

Matti Gild 1
  1. Royal North Shore Hospital, Paddington, NSW, Australia

A paradigm shift in thyroid cancer has ushered in a new era of precision medicine, fundamentally altering the approach to both low and high-risk disease. In this transformative landscape, risk assessment of thyroid nodules has evolved beyond traditional methods. Novel techniques, such as deep machine learning and genetic profiling, are now instrumental in evaluating the potential malignancy of thyroid nodules. This enhanced risk assessment has profound implications for patient management. One of the most notable changes is the management of low-risk thyroid cancers. In the past, such cases often led to immediate surgical intervention. However, contemporary guidelines emphasise the importance of active surveillance. This approach recognises that not all low-risk thyroid cancers require aggressive treatment, minimising unnecessary surgeries and their associated risks. Additionally, the integration of functional imaging techniques, such as I131, 18F-FDG PET/CT, and 68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT, has significantly improved the diagnosis and prognostication of differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) and medullary thyroid cancer (MTC). These imaging modalities provide valuable insights into the extent and behaviour of thyroid tumours, guiding treatment decisions. For advanced thyroid cancers, the advent of tyrosine kinase inhibitors has revolutionised the management of metastatic disease. These targeted therapies have demonstrated remarkable efficacy in controlling disease progression and improving the quality of life for patients with advanced thyroid cancer. Furthermore, neoadjuvant therapy, although still under investigation, has shown promise in small series, offering a potential avenue to enhance treatment outcomes.