The role of ablative treatment in differentiated thyroid cancer management.

The role of ablative treatment in differentiated thyroid cancer management. Expert Rev Endocrinol Metab. 2017 Mar;12(2):109-116 Authors: Melo M, Vicente N, Ventura M, Gaspar Da Rocha A, Soares P, Carrilho F Abstract INTRODUCTION: The role of ablative treatment in differentiated thyroid cancer management has been evolving over the years. After its introduction in clinical practice, the use of postsurgical radioiodine treatment was generalized to almost every patient with differentiated thyroid cancer, with the exception of unifocal microcarcinomas. However, in the last decade several studies questioned its benefit in low- and intermediate-risk patients. Areas covered: In this review we discuss the role of postsurgical radioiodine treatment at the present time. Expert commentary: Although there is general consensus about the recommendation for very low-risk (microcarcinomas) and high-risk patients - no indication for routine postoperative radioiodine and clear indication for radioiodine treatment, respectively, the recommendation for low- and intermediate-risk patients is still under debate. The most recent guidelines from the American Thyroid Association make a statement against routine postoperative radioiodine in both low- and intermediate-risk cases, recommending an individualized approach that takes into consideration the risk of disease persistence or recurrence after surgery. We consider that these recommendations are in accorda...
Source: Expert Review of Endocrinology and Metabolism - Category: Endocrinology Tags: Expert Rev Endocrinol Metab Source Type: research