Searchable abstracts of presentations at key conferences in endocrinology
Endocrine Abstracts (2012) 29 S69.1

ICEECE2012 Symposia Current progress in the management of thyroid cancer (3 abstracts)

TSH suppression in differentiated thyroid cancer: how low should we go?

D. Cooper


The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.


Suppression of serum thyrotropin (TSH) is a cornerstone of thyroid cancer treatment, due to the tropic effects of TSH on thyroid cells. However, when deciding on the degree of TSH suppression during initial and long-term management, it is necessary to consider the aggressiveness of the cancer, as well as the potential for adverse effects induced by iatrogenic subclinical or overt hyperthyroidism. More aggressive TSH suppression is indicated in patients with high-risk disease or recurrent tumor, whereas less aggressive TSH suppression is reasonable in low-risk patients. In patients with high-risk differentiated thyroid cancer and an equally high risk of adverse effects (e.g. osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease), long-term treatment with levothyroxine therapy should be individualized and balanced against the potential for adverse effects.

Declaration of interest: The author declares that there is no conflict of interest that could be perceived as prejudicing the impartiality of the research project.

Funding: This research did not receive any specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sector.

Volume 29

15th International & 14th European Congress of Endocrinology

European Society of Endocrinology 

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