Thyroid cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the thyroid gland, a small gland located in the neck that produces hormones that regulate the body’s metabolism.

It is one of the most common types of cancer, with an estimated 52,890 new cases diagnosed in the United States in 2020 alone. While thyroid cancer is often treatable and has a high cure rate, it can still be a challenging disease to manage, particularly for those with more advanced or aggressive forms of the cancer.

New research offers hope for those with advanced thyroid cancer

A new study published in the journal The Lancet Oncology offers hope for those with more advanced forms of thyroid cancer.

The study, which was conducted by researchers at the University of California San Francisco and the University of Michigan, focused on a group of 129 patients with advanced thyroid cancer that had spread to other parts of the body. These patients were treated with a combination of two drugs, lenvatinib and pembrolizumab, which work by blocking the growth and spread of cancer cells.

The results of the study were promising. Of the 129 patients treated with the lenvatinib-pembrolizumab combination, 79% saw a reduction in the size of their tumors.

Additionally, the treatment appeared to be well-tolerated by patients, with only a small number experiencing serious side effects.

The benefits of combination therapy

The use of combination therapy, or the use of two or more drugs to treat cancer, is becoming increasingly common in cancer treatment. This is because cancer cells can develop resistance to single drugs over time, making them less effective.

By using multiple drugs with different mechanisms of action, combination therapy can potentially be more effective in treating cancer than using a single drug alone.

This was the case in the lenvatinib-pembrolizumab study. Lenvatinib is a type of drug known as a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, which works by blocking enzymes that help cancer cells grow and divide.

Pembrolizumab, on the other hand, is a type of drug known as an immune checkpoint inhibitor, which works by helping the body’s immune system recognize and attack cancer cells. By using these two drugs together, the researchers were able to attack the cancer cells from multiple angles, potentially making the treatment more effective.

Next steps for the lenvatinib-pembrolizumab combination

While the results of the lenvatinib-pembrolizumab study are promising, more research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits of this treatment combination.

The researchers are now planning larger clinical trials to further study the safety and effectiveness of this treatment in a larger group of patients.

The researchers also caution that while these results are encouraging, they are not a guarantee of success for every patient with advanced thyroid cancer.

Each patient’s response to treatment can be different, and there are many factors that can affect treatment outcomes.

Other treatments for thyroid cancer

In addition to the lenvatinib-pembrolizumab combination, there are other treatments available for thyroid cancer, depending on the type and stage of the cancer. These treatments can include:.

Surgery to remove the thyroid gland and surrounding lymph nodes
Radiation therapy, which uses high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells
Chemotherapy, which uses drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body
Targeted therapy, which uses drugs to block specific molecules that cause cancer cells to grow and divide

Ultimately, the type of treatment that is best for a patient with thyroid cancer will depend on many factors, including the type and stage of the cancer, the patient’s overall health and medical history, and the potential risks and benefits of each treatment option.

Coping with thyroid cancer

A diagnosis of thyroid cancer can be overwhelming and scary, but there are many resources available to help patients cope with the physical, emotional, and practical challenges of the disease.

Support groups can be a valuable source of information and emotional support for those with thyroid cancer.

These groups can provide a safe space for patients and their loved ones to share their experiences, ask questions, and receive encouragement from others who have been through similar experiences.

Therapy can also be helpful for those with thyroid cancer who are struggling with anxiety, depression, or other emotional challenges.

A therapist can help patients develop coping strategies and provide a supportive space for patients to process their emotions.

Working with a registered dietitian can be helpful for those with thyroid cancer who are struggling with appetite changes, changes in weight, or other symptoms that can impact their nutrition.

A dietitian can provide guidance on healthy eating habits and help patients develop meal plans that meet their unique needs.

Conclusion

Cancer can be a difficult disease to manage, but the results of the lenvatinib-pembrolizumab study offer hope for those with advanced thyroid cancer.

Combination therapy has the potential to be a powerful tool in the fight against cancer, and further research on this treatment combination could ultimately lead to new treatment options and improved outcomes for patients with thyroid cancer and other types of cancer.