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Thyrogen Information for Patients and FamiliesThyrogen Information for Healthcare Providers

Summary

1. Introduction
2. Recurrence rates and the need for follow-up
3. Thyrogen in follow-up
4. Summary
5. About the Author

As with delaying the initial diagnosis, delaying the detection of persistent or recurrent thyroid cancer may increase mortality rates significantly. Mortality risk increases as the delay becomes longer. As discussed above, the tumor bulk of distant metastases ranks second only to a patient's age as a predictor of death from thyroid cancer and if left untreated WDTC can become transformed into de-differentiated forms. Additionally, all therapeutic modalities seem to be more effective when the tumor bulk is smallest and when the cancer has a high degree of differentiation. In fact, the larger and more de-differentiated the tumor mass, the less likely that it will be ablated with I-131 therapy and the higher the mortality rate.

Given all of these facts, it follows that early detection and treatment are important goals in improving long-term outcome. To support these goals, any steps that can be safely taken to encourage patients to comply with-or even to seek out-a regular follow-up routine, like prescribing Thyrogen when appropriate rather than relying on withdrawal testing, should be taken.

For more information, please see the important safety information below.

1. Introduction
2. Recurrence rates and the need for follow-up
3. Thyrogen in follow-up
4. Summary
5. About the Author