Chemoradiation, a combination of chemotherapy and radiation therapy, is sometimes used in the treatment of thyroid cancer, particularly in cases of aggressive or advanced disease. Here\u2019s how each component works and its relevance to thyroid cancer:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Chemotherapy<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells or stop them from growing. In thyroid cancer, chemotherapy is less commonly used than other treatments like surgery or radioactive iodine therapy, but it may be considered in specific situations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2022 Anaplastic thyroid cancer: This rare and aggressive type of thyroid cancer may be treated with chemotherapy due to its rapid progression and poor response to conventional treatments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2022 Medullary thyroid cancer: In advanced stages, chemotherapy may be used if the cancer does not respond to other treatments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2022 Refractory differentiated thyroid cancer: For cancers that do not absorb radioactive iodine, chemotherapy might be an option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Common chemotherapy drugs for thyroid cancer include doxorubicin and cisplatin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Radiation Therapy<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Radiation therapy involves the use of high-energy rays to target and destroy cancer cells. It can be delivered externally (external beam radiation) or internally (radioactive iodine therapy, or RAI).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2022 External beam radiation therapy (EBRT): This is often used when thyroid cancer cannot be completely removed by surgery or when it recurs locally. It is also used for pain relief and to shrink tumors in advanced cases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2022 Radioactive iodine therapy (RAI): This is specific to thyroid cells, as they absorb iodine. It is commonly used for differentiated thyroid cancers (papillary and follicular) that have spread beyond the thyroid gland. RAI is less effective in anaplastic and medullary thyroid cancers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n