Thyroid Diseases: Clark OH

Sherman SI, Angelos P, Ball DW, Byrd D, Clark OH, Daniels GH, Dilawari RA, Ehya H, Farrar WB, Gagel RF, Kandeel F, Kloos RT, Kopp P, Lamonica DM, Loree TR, Lydiatt WM, McCaffrey J, Olson JA, Ridge JA, Shah JP, Sisson JC, Tuttle RM, Urist MM, Anonymous00403. · The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, USA. · J Natl Compr Canc Netw. · Pubmed #17623612 No free full text.

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Sherman SI, Angelos P, Ball DW, Beenken SW, Byrd D, Clark OH, Daniels GH, Dilawari RA, Ehya H, Farrar WB, Gagel RF, Kandeel F, Kloos RT, Kopp P, Lamonica DM, Loree TR, Lydiatt WM, McCaffrey J, Olson JA, Ridge JA, Robbins R, Shah JP, Sisson JC, Thompson NW, Anonymous00251. · University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, USA. · J Natl Compr Canc Netw. · Pubmed #16002006 No free full text.

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Cobin RH, Gharib H, Bergman DA, Clark OH, Cooper DS, Daniels GH, Dickey RA, Duick DS, Garber JR, Hay ID, Kukora JS, Lando HM, Schorr AB, Zeiger MA, Anonymous00002. · No affiliation provided · Endocr Pract. · Pubmed #11430305 No free full text.

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Frates MC, Benson CB, Charboneau JW, Cibas ES, Clark OH, Coleman BG, Cronan JJ, Doubilet PM, Evans DB, Goellner JR, Hay ID, Hertzberg BS, Intenzo CM, Jeffrey RB, Langer JE, Larsen PR, Mandel SJ, Middleton WD, Reading CC, Sherman SI, Tessler FN, Anonymous00094. · No affiliation provided · Radiology. · Pubmed #16304103 links to  free full text

Abstract: The Society of Radiologists in Ultrasound convened a panel of specialists from a variety of medical disciplines to come to a consensus on the management of thyroid nodules identified with thyroid ultrasonography (US), with particular focus on which nodules should be subjected to US-guided fine needle aspiration and which thyroid nodules need not be subjected to fine-needle aspiration. The panel met in Washington, DC, October 26-27, 2004, and created this consensus statement. The recommendations in this consensus statement, which are based on analysis of the current literature and common practice strategies, are thought to represent a reasonable approach to thyroid nodular disease.

Gosnell JE, Clark OH. · University of California, San Francisco, Mt Zion Medical Center, San Francisco, CA 94143-1674, USA. · Endocrinol Metab Clin North Am. · Pubmed #18502336 No free full text.

Abstract: This article includes discussions of the surgical approach to benign and malignant disease and the role of prophylactic thyroidectomy and nodal dissection for medullary thyroid cancer. The controversy regarding the extent of dissection for differentiated thyroid cancer and the role of lymph node dissection are reviewed also. A description of the authors' surgical technique for thyroidectomy is detailed. Finally, several emerging technologies are introduced.

Gosnell JE, Maa J, Clark OH, Duh QY. · Department of General Surgery, San Mateo Medical Center, San Francisco, California, USA. · Endocr Pract. · Pubmed #18463043 No free full text.

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To report the uncommon case of a woman with abdominal pain and a complex adnexal mass, who was subsequently found to have medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) metastatic to the ovary. METHODS: We present the clinical history, physical findings, laboratory and imaging studies, and pathologic findings in a woman with metastatic MTC and locally aggressive disease. The genetic associations, variable clinical course, and histopathologic findings in MTC are reviewed. RESULTS: A 38-year-old woman with abdominal and pelvic pain underwent a computed tomographic scan of the abdomen, which showed a complex left adnexal mass. After laparoscopic left oophorectomy, histopathologic analysis of the resected ovary suggested the presence of a metastatic neuroendocrine tumor. The patient recovered but was referred to the surgery clinic 3 months later because of hoarseness, a left neck mass, and left-sided vocal cord paralysis. Further work-up was suggestive of MTC, which prompted RET testing for multiple endocrine neoplasia. The patient underwent left thyroid lobectomy and selective lymph node dissection but later required tracheostomy because of tumoral invasion of the trachea, laser debulking of the tumor, and external beam radiation therapy. One year postoperatively, development of a metastatic lesion in her right ovary necessitated a second oophorectomy. CONCLUSION: MTC usually manifests as a solitary thyroid nodule but should be considered in patients with metastatic lesions characterized by neuroendocrine features. This unusual case highlights the biologic and clinical variability of this often aggressive thyroid cancer, which necessitates an attentive work-up, a rigorous operative strategy, and a periodic postoperative surveillance program.

Fernandez-Ranvier GG, Jensen K, Khanafshar E, Quivey JM, Glastonbury C, Kebebew E, Duh QY, Clark OH. · Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA. · Endocr Pract. · Pubmed #18194932 No free full text.

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To report a case of nonfunctioning parathyroid carcinoma that was incidentally found during a thyroidectomy for multinodular goiter. METHODS: We present a case report, detailing the clinical course and histologic findings in a patient with a nonfunctional parathyroid carcinoma. The related literature is also reviewed. RESULTS: A 67-year-old woman presented with a 30-year history of a multinodular goiter that was symptomatic. A total thyroidectomy was performed. Histologic examination revealed not only a multinodular thyroid but also a mass in the left lobe, which was diagnostic of a parathyroid carcinoma. Serum calcium and parathyroid hormone levels were normal postoperatively. Eleven months after the initial operation, a suprasternal mass developed, and she underwent neck reexploration and subtotal resection of an invasive recurrent nonfunctioning parathyroid carcinoma. The serum parathyroid hormone and calcium levels were normal before and after the operation. Postoperatively, the patient underwent radiation therapy. Twenty-three months after the initial operation, a computed tomographic scan of the chest revealed an interval increase in size of a nodule in the left lower lobe of the lung, and 30 months after her initial operation, she underwent resection of an isolated, 1-cm (greatest diameter), metastatic parathyroid carcinoma in the left lower lobe of the lung. The patient is currently doing well without evidence of recurrent disease. CONCLUSION: Nonfunctioning parathyroid carcinomas are difficult to diagnose and to treat. Recurrent disease after operation is common, and radiation therapy may help stabilize tumor growth. Patients with nonfunctioning parathyroid carcinomas appear to have a poorer prognosis than do those with functioning parathyroid cancers.

Elaraj DM, Clark OH. · Department of Surgery, UCSF/Mt. Zion Medical Center, 1600 Diviadero Street, San Francisco, CA 94115, USA. · Curr Treat Options Oncol. · Pubmed #18040607 No free full text.

Abstract: The incidence of thyroid cancer has been increasing over the past 30 years, and it is now the seventh most common cancer in women. Papillary thyroid cancer is the most common subtype of thyroid cancer, occurring in 80% of cases. Its main pattern of spread is to cervical lymph nodes, with distant metastases occurring uncommonly. Initial treatment of papillary thyroid cancer involves resection of the primary tumor, with resection of regional lymph nodes if involved with metastatic disease. Postoperative adjuvant therapy consists of radioactive iodine ablation for most patients, followed by thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) suppression with thyroxine. An ongoing controversy in the surgical treatment of papillary thyroid cancer is that of extent of thyroid gland and nodal resection. Consensus guidelines recommend total or near-total thyroidectomy, rather than thyroid lobectomy, as the initial procedure of choice, given its advantages of treating potential multicentric disease, facilitating maximal uptake of adjuvant radioactive iodine, and facilitating the post-treatment follow-up by monitoring serum thyroglobulin (Tg) levels. In the hands of an experienced endocrine surgeon, complication rates are comparable to those for lobectomy. Major changes in the management of patients with papillary thyroid cancer over the last 10 years include the use of preoperative neck ultrasound, which can detect nonpalpable cervical lymph node metastases and potentially change the initial operation. In addition, neck ultrasound and measurement of serum Tg levels have taken the place of routine whole body radioactive iodine scans in the postoperative follow-up of patients with papillary thyroid cancer. Recurrent locoregional cervical lymph node disease should be treated by compartmental lymph node dissection, followed by another treatment dose of radioactive iodine. Chemotherapy is generally ineffective for the treatment of metastatic disease. For those patients whose tumor has become radioactive iodine resistant, emerging therapies include redifferentiation agents, antiangiogenic agents, and multi-tyrosine kinase inhibitors.

Sippel RS, Caron NR, Clark OH. · University of California San Francisco Department of Surgery, UCSF Comprehensive Cancer Center at Mount Zion, San Francisco, California, USA. · World J Surg. · Pubmed #17429563 No free full text.

Abstract: Approximately 5% of nonmedullary thyroid cancers are of familial origin. When two or more family members are diagnosed with nonmedullary thyroid cancer in the absence of other known associated syndromes it is termed familial nonmedullary thyroid cancer (FNMTC). The genetic inheritance of FNMTC remains unknown, but it is believed to be an autosomal dominant mode of inheritance with incomplete penetrance and variable expressivity. FNMTC has been shown to be more aggressive and to have a worse prognosis than sporadic nonmedullary thyroid cancer. For example, studies have demonstrated that individuals with FNMTC have an increased risk of multifocal disease, local invasion, and lymph node metastases. These aggressive features appear to contribute to the higher recurrence rate and decreased disease-free survival seen in FNMTC patients compared to those with sporadic differentiated thyroid cancer. This article is an overview of the literature available in the English language discussing FNMTC. Critical questions regarding the screening, management, and follow-up of these patients are addressed with answers proposed based on the available literature. The quality of the evidence is ranked according to Sackett's criteria. Overall, the literature quality is somewhat limited, based on the low prevalence of FNMTC, the difficulty in identifying familial cases, the variable study designs, and limited long-term follow-up. Conclusions: To date, the optimal clinical approach is yet to be established, but improved awareness and screening will permit earlier detection, more timely intervention, and hopefully improved outcomes for patients and their families.

Lee JA, Grumbach MM, Clark OH. · Department of Surgery, University California, San Francisco, Comprehensive Cancer Center at Mount Zion, Medical Center, 1600 Divisadero Street, Hellman Building, Room C347, San Francisco, California 94143-1764, USA. · J Clin Endocrinol Metab. · Pubmed #17341575 links to  free full text

This publication has no abstract.

Ogilvie JB, Piatigorsky EJ, Clark OH. · Division of Surgical Oncology, Section of Endocrine Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, 497 Scaife Hall, Pittsburgh, PA 15261-1497, USA. · Adv Surg. · Pubmed #17163105 No free full text.

Abstract: When not to perform fine needle aspiration of a thyroid nodule In summary, FNA of thyroid nodules has become one of the most useful, safe, and accurate tools in the diagnosis of thyroid pathology. Thyroid nodules that should be considered for FNA include any firm, palpable, solitary nodule or nodule associated with worrisome clinical features (rapid growth, attachment to adjacent tissues, new hoarseness, or palpable lymphadenopathy). FNA should also be performed on nodules with suspicious ultrasonographic features (microcalcifications, rounded shape, predominantly solid composition); dominant or atypical nodules in multinodular goiter; complex or recurrent cystic nodules; or any nodule associated with palpable or ultrasonographically abnormal cervical lymph nodes. Finally, FNA should be performed on any abnormal-appearing or palpable cervical lymph nodes. The management of thyroid nodules based on FNA findings is summarized in Table 2. It can be argued that in certain circumstances the results of thyroid FNA do not change the surgical management of a thyroid nodule, and thus preoperative FNA may be unnecessary. These cases include solitary nodules in patients who have a strong family history of thyroid cancer, multiple endocrine neoplasia type II, or radiation to the head and neck. These patients when they have thyroid nodules have at least a 40% risk for thyroid cancer and frequent multifocal or bilateral disease and should undergo total thyroidectomy with or without central neck lymph node dissection. Patients who have multinodular goiter and compressive symptoms, patients who have Graves disease and a thyroid nodule, or patients who have large (greater than 4 cm) or symptomatic unilateral thyroid nodules could also be considered for total thyroidectomy or lobectomy as indicated without preoperative FNA. Finally, patients who have a solitary hyperfunctioning nodule on radioiodine scan and a suppressed TSH have an extremely low incidence of malignancy and may be considered for therapeutic thyroid lobectomy or radioiodine ablation as indicated without undergoing FNA biopsy.

Caron NR, Clark OH. · Mount Zion Medical Center, University of California, San Francisco, Room C-347, 1600 Divisadero Street, 94143, USA. · Curr Treat Options Oncol. · Pubmed #16916491 No free full text.

Abstract: Papillary thyroid cancer (PTC), the most common thyroid malignancy, is associated with an excellent prognosis. Overall survival is more than 90%. The first-line treatment is surgical excision, and although the debate continues as to whether a total thyroidectomy or thyroid lobectomy should be recommended, most patients at the University of California, San Francisco are treated with a total thyroidectomy. Not only has this been shown to be superior for overall survival in select patient populations, but local recurrence is also significantly lower with this approach. Total thyroidectomy also optimizes the adjuvant treatment options that are unique to "differentiated" thyroid cancer because these malignant cells retain many of the features of the native thyroid follicular cell. These cellular features are used for specialized investigations and treatment options in patients with PTC. For example, PTC cells retain the ability to produce thyroglobulin, to be stimulated by thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and to take up iodine. These features are vital and separate differentiated thyroid cancer from other epithelial malignancies because such features can be used in clinical follow-up (monitoring serum thyroglobulin levels, whole body radioactive iodine scans) and in the treatment of patients with PTC (TSH suppression, radioactive iodine ablation of thyroid remnant, local recurrences, and regional or distant metastases). In summary, the wide array of treatment options for patients with PTC includes surgery, radioactive iodine, thyroid hormone suppression of TSH, external beam radiation (less commonly), and rarely, chemotherapy. This continues to be an area of exciting research for emerging therapy, much of which concentrates on enhancing or re-establishing the differentiated features of the thyroid cancer cell, in an effort to optimize the adjuvant treatment options. The treatment options that are chosen depend on patient factors, disease factors, and the decisions of the patient and treatment team.

Sturgeon C, Clark OH. · Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine Department of Surgery, Division of Gastrointestinal and Endocrine Surgery Chicago, Illinois, USA. · Thyroid. · Pubmed #16029126 No free full text.

Abstract: Familial nonmedullary thyroid cancer (FNMTC) is a syndrome of familial clustering of thyroid cancers of follicular cell origin. It is characterized by multifocality, early onset, more recurrences, and a higher degree of aggressiveness than nonfamilial thyroid cancers of follicular cell origin. An autosomal dominant inheritance pattern with reduced penetrance appears likely in most pedigrees. Although several candidate genes responsible for isolated clinical variants of FNMTC have been identified in single families, the gene(s) responsible for the vast majority of FNMTC cases has yet to be identified. Members of FNMTC cohorts should be followed longitudinally with physical examination and ultrasonography, and aggressively treated when cancer is diagnosed. When cancer is diagnosed, total thyroidectomy should be performed, and most patients should have a prophylactic central neck dissection and a therapeutic lateral functional neck dissection, postoperative radioiodine ablation and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) suppressive therapy. Close follow-up with stimulated thyroglobulin levels, neck ultrasounds, and radioiodine scans are also central to the management strategy.

Caron NR, Clark OH. · University of California, San Francisco and UCSF Comprehensive Cancer Center at Mt. Zion Hospital, 1600 Divisadero Street, Hellman Bldg. Room C347, San Francisco, California 94143, USA. · Curr Treat Options Oncol. · Pubmed #15967084 No free full text.

Abstract: Papillary thyroid cancer (PTC), the most common thyroid malignancy, is associated with cervical lymph node metastases in 30% to 90% of patients. While surgery is the primary treatment modality for PTC, radioactive iodine and thyroid hormone suppression often complement the treatment plan. Although thyroid hormone suppression may decrease the incidence of recurrent disease and radioactive iodine may diagnose and treat metastases, lymph node dissection (LND) is the mainstay treatment for clinically evident cervical lymph node metastases. The surgical treatment options published in the literature include the traditional radical LND, the modified radical LND, the selective LND (compartment-based resection based on documented lymph node metastases), and a 'berry picking' resection (in which only the grossly abnormal lymph nodes are excised). At the University of California, San Francisco, we prefer the modified radical LND with preservation of the cervical sensory nerves for the first lymph node dissection with the 'berry picking' procedure limited to surgical treatment of recurrent nodal metastases in previously resected lymph node basins. Some centers are evaluating the potential role of sentinel lymph node biopsies for PTC. While the extent of lymphadenectomy is debated, most physicians treating patients with PTC agree that clinical evidence of lymphatic metastases should be surgically exercised and there is no role for prophylactic LND.

Caron NR, Clark OH. · Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, California 94143-1674, USA. · Scand J Surg. · Pubmed #15658666 No free full text.

This publication has no abstract.

Kushchayeva Y, Duh QY, Kebebew E, Clark OH. · Endocrine Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of California-San Francisco/Mount Zion Medical Center, 1600 Divisadero Street, San Francisco, CA 94143-1674, USA. · World J Surg. · Pubmed #15517492 No free full text.

Abstract: Hürthle cell carcinoma (HCC) has been reported to have variable clinical behavior. The objective of this study was to determine the important prognostic factors in patients with HCC. It was a retrospective investigation of 33 patients with HCC treated in our institution from 1976 to 2002. The average age of our 33 patients with HCC was 55.2 years (range 20-82 years; 23 women, 10 men). Fifteen patients (45.5%) presented with a T2 tumor, 7 (21.2%) with a T3 tumor, and 8 (24.2%) with a T4 tumor; the tumor stage was unknown in three patients. Coexisting papillary carcinoma occurred in six patients (18%), 9% of whom presented with metastatic disease. Twelve patients (36.4%) had metastases, four of whom (12.2%) had persistent HCC, and 8 (24.2%) developed recurrent HCC (range 1-9 years). Eight of these twelve patients (66.7%) died from the HCC. The average follow-up time was 5.5 years (range 1-16 years). Altogether, 3 of 23 women and 5 of 10 men died from their HCC ( p < 0.05). Of the 22 patients with T2-T3 tumors, 5 (22.7%) developed metastases and 1 patient died; 5 of 8 patients (62.5%) with T4 tumors developed metastases and died ( p < 0.01). Patients who were treated by less than total thyroidectomy had a worse prognosis by univariate analysis ( p < 0.01) but not by multivariate analysis. Survival time for patients with persistent disease was shorter than for those with recurrent disease ( p < 0.05). Multivariate analysis, however, revealed no difference for extent of operation or those with persistent and recurrent disease. The cause-specific survivals were 74% and 49% at 5 and 10 years, respectively. Disease-free survivals were 65.0% and 40.5% at 5 and 10 years, respectively. Our findings show that gender and stage of disease influence the prognosis of patients with HCC.

Park JW, Clark OH. · Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, Chungbuk National University, San 62 Kaeshin-dong, Heungdok-gu, Cheongju, 361-763 South Korea. · Surg Clin North Am. · Pubmed #15145243 No free full text.

Abstract: Thyroid tumorigenesis and carcinogenesis accompany progressive loss of thyroid-specific differentiated functions. Some thyroid cancers are or become dedifferentiated, and they become refractory to efficacy-proven conventional therapies such as radioiodine ablation therapy and thyrotropin (TSH)-suppressive therapy. Redifferentiation therapy by either redifferentiating agents or gene transfer of differentiation-related genes may retard tumor growth and make tumors respond to conventional therapies.

Kebebew E, Clark OH. · Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, UCSF/Mount Zion Medical Center, 513 Parnassus, S-343, San Francisco, CA 94143-1674, USA. · Surg Oncol. · Pubmed #12946480 No free full text.

Abstract: Although most patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) of follicular cell origin enjoy a relatively good prognosis, some patients unfortunately present with or develop locally advanced DTC which leads to significant local morbidity and mortality. DTC accounts for 54-94% of all locally advanced thyroid cancers. DTC invasion of the recurrent laryngeal nerve, strap muscles and trachea are the most common followed by invasion of the esophagus, internal jugular vein and carotid artery. Surgical resection is the primary treatment for locally advanced DTC. Although the optimal surgical approach (ranging from conservative shave excision to aggressive en bloc resection of tumor and vital structures) in patients with locally advanced DTC is controversial, a curative resection should be the goal unless complete tumor resection results in unwanted perioperative morbidity and mortality or widely metastatic disease is present. Postoperative radioiodine ablation with TSH suppression is imperative after surgical resection of locally advanced DTC. Patients with microscopic or small gross residual disease, after surgical resection, may benefit from postoperative external radiotherapy for local control of disease.

Lal G, Brennan TV, Hambleton J, Clark OH. · Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, UCSF/Mt. Zion Medical Center, San Francisco, California 94143, USA. · Thyroid. · Pubmed #12930605 No free full text.

Abstract: Medullary thyroid cancers account for approximately 7% of primary thyroid malignancies and are often associated with paraneoplastic syndromes. We discuss the case of a 59-year-old man who presented with a hypercoagulable state, nonbacterial endocarditis, and recurrent strokes in the setting of widespread medullary thyroid cancer. The patient was anticoagulated and underwent thyroidectomy, modified radical neck dissection, and subsequent axillary lymphadenectomy. Despite no recurrent thromboembolic events, the patient ultimately succumbed to his disease 8 months after diagnosis and 6 months after initial thyroidectomy. This is the first report, to our knowledge, of this unique presentation in a patient with thyroid cancer. The literature pertaining to the diagnosis and management of hypercoagulability states in patients with cancer, in general, and thyroid cancer, in particular, is reviewed.

Zarnegar R, Brunaud L, Clark OH. · Department of Surgery, UCSF-Mount Zion Medical Center, University of California at San Francisco, 1600 Divisadero Street, Box 1674, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA. · Endocrinol Metab Clin North Am. · Pubmed #12800542 No free full text.

Abstract: The rate of complications during thyroid surgery has decreased because of better instrumentation, illumination, and surgical expertise. Despite these improvements, certain patients, those requiring reoperation, those with invasive cancers or with numerous nodal metastasis or recurrent tumors, and those with large substernal goiters have a low but appreciable risk for complications. When planning a thyroid operation, one should perform the operation that corrects these problems and decreases the risk for complications. Localization of at least one parathyroid gland is essential. No surgical procedure can be done, however, without a risk of complications. To decrease these possible risks the surgeon should understand the embryologic development of the thyroid and parathyroid glands, the anatomical position of key structures, and use meticulous operative technique. Experience in performing thyroid operations is essential for the best outcome with the fewest complications.

Kebebew E, Clark OH. · Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, UCSF/Mt. Zion Medical Center, Box 0470, S343, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA. · Curr Treat Options Oncol. · Pubmed #12057161 No free full text.

Abstract: Patients with clinically evident medullary thyroid cancer should have a total extracapsular thyroidectomy with bilateral central neck dissection and an ipsilateral prophylactic or therapeutic modified (functional) radical neck dissection when the primary tumor is greater than 1 cm and when the central neck nodes are positive. A prophylactic contralateral neck dissection should be done when the primary tumor is bilateral and when there is extensive lymphadenopathy on the side of the primary tumor. Patients who have gross, unresectable residual medullary thyroid cancer should receive postoperative external radiotherapy. Patients who are carriers of germ-line RET proto-oncogene point mutations or have an elevated (basal or stimulated) calcitonin levels on screening should have a prophylactic total thyroidectomy before age 6 years. In patients with an elevated basal or stimulated plasma calcitonin level and an intrathyroidal nodule on ultrasound, a total thyroidectomy and central neck lymph node dissection should be done. Patients with persistent or recurrent medullary thyroid cancer should have a complete thyroidectomy (if not done initially) and bilateral central and modified radical neck dissection, including upper mediastinal lymphadenectomy. Patients who are symptomatic from distant medullary thyroid cancer metastases (diarrhea, flushing, weight loss, or bone pain) should be treated with somatostatin analogs. Bone metastases should be resected if possible, and symptomatic lesions that are unresectable should be treated with external radiotherapy. Cytoreductive procedures such as radiofrequency ablation or cryoablation for liver metastases should be considered in symptomatic patients to reduce tumor burden. Localized pulmonary metastases should be resected. Chemotherapy or radioactive immunotherapy (iodine 131 labeled carcinoembryonic antigen monoclonal antibody) protocols should be considered in patients with nonoperative widely metastatic progressing medullary thyroid cancer.

Duren M, Duh QY, Siperstein AE, Clark OH. · Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco/Mount Zion Medical Center, San Francisco, CA 94143-1674, USA. · Curr Treat Options Oncol. · Pubmed #12057159 No free full text.

Abstract: Most patients with differentiated thyroid cancer of follicular cell origin have a favorable postoperative course, and their prognosis often appears to be unrelated to the extent of initial surgical treatment in some studies. Important questions that need to be addressed include whether the extent of the initial operation has any impact on the subsequent tumor-free survival and total survival, and whether patients with persistent or recurrent disease benefit from reoperation.

Yutan E, Clark OH. · Mt. Zion/University of California, San Francisco Medical Center, Department of Surgery, 1600 Divisadero St., Room C-342, San Francisco, CA 94143-1674, USA. E-mail: · Curr Treat Options Oncol. · Pubmed #12057113 No free full text.

Abstract: Patients with Hürthle cell carcinoma (HCC) of the thyroid often have aggressive tumors and generally have a worse prognosis than those with papillary or follicular thyroid carcinomas. A total thyroidectomy with ipsilateral central neck lymphadenectomy and a modified radical neck dissection, if central or lateral nodes are positive, are indicated for HCC. The completeness of this procedure should be assessed by radioiodine scan 3 to 4 months after surgery. Any thyroid remnant should be ablated with radiolabeled iodine 131 to eliminate all tissue at risk and to facilitate the use of serum thyroglobulin in surveillance for tumor recurrence. Fewer than 10% of these cancers take up radioiodine. Recurrent disease is treated surgically with good palliation and appreciable prolongation of life. Local excision and neck dissection for recurrent neck disease or pulmonary wedge resection for lung metastasis has been shown to be effective. All patients with HCC should be given thyroid hormone because most of these tumors have thyrotropin receptors. External beam radiation may be considered for patients with unresectable disease, but this is considered palliative.

Alsanea O, Clark OH. · Clinical Fellow-Endocrine Surgical Oncology, and Chief, Professor and Vice Chair, Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco/Mount Zion Medical Center, San Francisco, California, USA. · Curr Opin Oncol. · Pubmed #11148685 No free full text.

Abstract: Familial thyroid cancer can arise from parafollicular cells (familial medullary thyroid cancer) or from follicular cells (familial nonmedullary thyroid cancer). Familial medullary thyroid cancer may occur in isolation or as part of multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) type II syndromes. Genetic testing for a RET mutation on chromosome 10 is used to identify new family members who are gene carriers. Total thyroidectomy should be used in gene carriers without clinical disease before age 6 in medullary thyroid cancer and MEN type IIA, and as soon as the diagnosis is made in MEN type IIB after the first year of life. Those with clinical disease should have at least a bilateral central neck dissection. Modified radical neck dissection is recommended for patients when the primary tumor is 1.5 cm. A normal postoperative serum calcitonin level suggests that the operation has been curative. Physicians need to be aware of ethical and lifestyle issues related to patients with familial disease and their family members. Familial nonmedullary thyroid cancer occurs as a discrete entity or as part of other family cancer syndromes such as Gardner syndrome, Cowden disease, and other rare syndromes. Familial nonmedullary thyroid cancer almost exclusively includes patients with papillary or Hurthle cell cancers. These families appear to have more benign thyroid conditions. The gene (or genes) for familial papillary thyroid cancer is yet to be identified, whereas that for some Hurthle cells (TCO) has been mapped to chromosome 19p13.2. Familial nonmedullary thyroid cancer is somewhat more aggressive than its sporadic counterpart, but is less aggressive than medullary thyroid cancer. Total thyroidectomy and central neck dissection followed by radioactive iodine ablation and thyroid hormone suppression appear to be the most effective therapy.

Alsanea O, Clark OH. · Department of Surgery, University of California San Francisco Medical Center, USA. · Endocrinol Metab Clin North Am. · Pubmed #10874532 No free full text.

Abstract: The authors and others believe that surgery (thyroidectomy) is underused in the treatment for patients with Graves' disease. It is the most rapid and consistent method of making the patient euthyroid; it avoids the possible long-term risks of radioactive iodine; and it provides tissue for histologic examination. Children, young women, pregnant women, and patients with coexistent thyroid nodules are ideal candidates for thyroidectomy. It also is the treatment of choice for patients with Graves' ophthalmopathy. Patients should be rendered euthyroid before thyroidectomy. Although the operation is technically more difficult than operating on patients with nontoxic goiter or thyroid neoplasms because of the vascularity of the thyroid gland, this difference is small, and the complication rates are low. The authors recommend the Hartley-Dunhill operation (total thyroidectomy on one side and subtotal thyroidectomy on the other side, leaving about 4 to 5 g of thyroid tissue) for most patients and total thyroidectomy for patients with Graves' ophthalmopathy. In patients with recurrent or persistent thyroid cancer who fail to respond to surgery and radioactive iodine ablation, immunosuppressive therapy should be considered.