Cancer is complex — there is no routine thyroid cancer, nor is there ever a routine way to treat it. The OSUCCC – James physicians are nationally and internationally known for research and patient care for their one particular cancer. Because of that expertise and understanding of cancer’s complexities and how it acts and reacts differently in each person, we’re able to provide the very best outcomes and the most effective means of treating cancer patients. We use a team approach to every new diagnosis.
At the OSUCCC – James, thyroid cancer patients have a team of experts that includes medical oncologists, surgical oncologists, radiation oncologists, geneticists, endocrinologists, otolaryngologists, nutritionists and more. Also on that team are thyroid cancer researchers who help sequence tumors to identify key molecules that fuel each patient’s cancer and who then develop drugs that target only those particular molecules. Many of our thyroid cancer treatment experts also help write the national clinical guidelines for treatments.
As one of only a few cancer centers in the country funded by the National Cancer Institute to conduct both phase I and phase II clinical trials, the OSUCCC – James offers patients access to more clinical trials than nearly any other cancer hospital in the country as well as the latest, most targeted, most effective treatment options — many that are only available at the OSUCCC – James.
There are several types of treatment for thyroid cancer. The OSUCCC – James team of subspecialists determines the best treatment for each patient based on their particular thyroid cancer. Patients may receive one treatment or a combination of treatments.
Thyroid cancer treatments available at the OSUCCC - James
Surgery
Surgery is the treatment most often chosen to treat thyroid cancer. Our team of thyroid cancer surgeons is committed to providing our patients with the most advanced treatment methods. There are several different types of surgeries, including:
Lobectomy
A thyroid lobectomy is one of the most common types of surgical treatments for thyroid cancer. This treatment is used to remove one or more lobes from the thyroid, while the others remain intact. Typically, a thyroid lobectomy is performed due to the presence of cancer in the lobes. However, it may also be used to treat hyperthyroidism.
Near-total thyroidectomy
If all or most of the thyroid is removed during surgery, but a portion is left behind, it’s typically known as a near-total thyroidectomy. This type of thyroid cancer surgery may be recommended in cases where a patient has slow-growing thyroid cancer and doesn’t have signs of cancer in the lymph nodes or other areas of the thyroid.
Total thyroidectomy
A total thyroidectomy involves removing the thyroid gland in its entirety. This type of surgery is typically performed to treat aggressive thyroid cancer. It may also be used to treat goiter or hyperthyroidism. During a total thyroidectomy for thyroid cancer, lymph nodes may be removed from around the area, depending on your diagnosis.
Lymphadenectomy
When cancer spreads to the lymph nodes in the neck, these lymph nodes will need to be removed. A lymphadenectomy (also known as lymph node removal or lymph node dissection) is a type of surgery that is often completed at the same time thyroid surgery is performed. There are multiple different types of lymphadenectomies — depending on the location of the cancerous lymph nodes — and they may be appropriate for certain types of cancer, including medullary thyroid cancer.
Other thyroid cancer treatment options
Even after the cancer is surgically removed, patients may undergo additional radiation or hormone treatment to kill any remaining cancer cells. This reduces the chances of cancer returning. Should you need surgery for thyroid cancer, your dedicated team of cancer experts will work with you every step of the way. This will include building a treatment plan to fit your cancer and its unique needs, which may include:
Radiation therapy
Radiation therapy uses X-rays to reach and destroy cancer cells. Radiation is often used to treat specific areas of the body. Radiation therapy may be given after surgery to kill any thyroid cancer cells that were not removed..
Radioactive iodine therapy
Radioactive iodine therapy treatment (RAI) is used to treat certain types of cancer — including but not limited to, papillary thyroid cancer — as well as hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid). This type of treatment may sound scary due to its name, but radioactive iodine therapy is very safe and reliable. Radioactive iodine therapy treatment works by targeting thyroid cells while protecting the rest of the cells in your body from exposure.
Depending on the type of cancer you have, your doctors may discuss whether radioactive iodine therapy is right for you. Our team will likely run tests to determine if your cancer will benefit from radioactive iodine. Your team of specialists will discuss the benefits of this treatment, as well as possible side effects.
Radioactive iodine is given to the patient by mouth, and it then collects in thyroid tissue. Because only thyroid cells collect iodine, RAI is a way of naturally targeting only thyroid tissues, leaving other healthy areas alone.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses specialized drugs to stop the growth of cancer cells, either by destroying the cells or by preventing them from making new cells. The way the chemotherapy is given depends on the type and stage of the cancer being treated.
Thyroid hormone therapy
Hormones are chemicals made by glands in the body and sent out into the bloodstream, where they impact different body functions. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) can cause thyroid cancers to grow, and drugs used to remove this hormone or block its action may be used as a type of hormone therapy.
You may have to take thyroid hormone replacement drugs to replace TSH since thyroid cancer treatment kills the thyroid cells that produce this hormone.
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA)
RFA involves the use of a small needle that emits radio waves to heat and destroy thyroid nodules.
Targeted therapy
Targeted therapy is a type of drug treatment designed to target cancer cells, leaving healthy or normal cells unharmed. These drugs tend to have less severe side effects and are usually better tolerated than standard chemotherapy drugs.
One type of targeted therapy blocks signals that tumors need to grow. Known as tyrosine kinase inhibitors, these drugs are effective in treating thyroid cancer. Vandetanib is a type of kinase inhibitor used to treat thyroid cancer.
Thyroid cancer research and clinical trials
For cancer patients, clinical trials mean hope. Hope for a cancer-free world and for better, more targeted ways to prevent, detect, treat and cure individual cancers. Patients can enter clinical trials before, during or after starting their cancer treatment.
The OSUCCC – James has more than 500 open clinical trials at any given time, with some of the world’s latest discoveries available to clinical trial patients right here in Columbus, Ohio. Additionally, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center's cancer clinics and facilities have has more than 300 cancer researchers dedicated to understanding what makes each patient’s cancer grow, move, metastasize or return. Because of the OSUCCC – James’ NCI phase I and phase II approvals, these experts can move research discoveries into clinical trials and make them available to patients sooner.
If you have received a thyroid cancer diagnosis, you want a second opinion or just want to speak to a thyroid cancer specialist, we are here to help you. Call 800-293-5066 or 614-293-5066 to make an appointment. Our team is committed to offering advanced thyroid cancer treatments and treating each patient with the care you deserve.