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Panel Presentations

Endocrine Surgery

Advanced Thyroid Cancer – Molecular Testing and Therapeutic Options

Sunday, October 12, 2025
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM EDT
Location: 128
Disclosure(s):
Elizabeth E. Cottrill, MD:

faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

David C. Shonka, MD, Jr.:

faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

Mark E. Zafereo, MD:

faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: Advanced thyroid cancer is often encountered by otolaryngologists specializing in head and neck surgical oncology and occasionally by comprehensive otolaryngologists in the private practice setting. Management of patients with advanced thyroid cancer can present multiple challenges including decisions about extent of surgical intervention as well as the order and timing of adjuvant therapies. Complicating the issue further, over the past 3-5 years, we have seen the development and approval of multiple new chemotherapeutic and immunotherapeutic agents with the potential to radically change our treatment algorithms for certain patients. Many of these drugs are still in clinical trials but given the possibility of substantial clinical benefit for select patients, it is important that there is general knowledge of these options.
The first goal of this session is to define advanced thyroid cancer and identify the diagnostic studies that are indicated to confirm advanced disease. The second goal is to discuss the specific molecular mutations and profiles that can be identified in advanced thyroid cancer and the targeted and non-targeted treatment options that are available depending on the results of molecular testing. Finally, the session will discuss and debate aspects of surgical decision making, appropriate surgical aggressiveness, and the role of adjuvant therapies and clinical trials. The session will use case presentations to illustrate state-of-the-art management of patients with advanced thyroid cancer.

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 1: Define and identify cases that represent advanced thyroid cancer.

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 2: Identify the specific mutations that drive advanced disease and corresponding targeted treatment options.

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 3: Debate extent of surgical intervention and discuss the role of peri-operative adjuvant therapy in the management of advanced thyroid cancer.

BACKGROUND STATEMENT: This is a rapidly changinng area within the field and there is a need for continuing education and updated review for the management of advanced thyroid cancer in light of new developments in molecular testing and targeted treatment options, many of which are currently in clinical trials.

Comprehensive Otolaryngology Track Statement :

    Moderator(s)

  • Elizabeth E. Cottrill, MD

    Associate Professor of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery
    Thomas Jefferson University Hospital
    Philadelphia, PA, United States

    Disclosure(s):

    faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

    • Panelist(s)

  • David C. Shonka, Jr., MD

    Associate Professor
    Univ of Virginia School of Medicine Dept of Oto
    Charlottesville, Virginia, United States

    Disclosure(s):

    faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

  • GR

    Gregory W. Randolph, MD

    Professor
    Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary
    Boston, MA, United States

    Disclosure information not submitted.

  • Mark E. Zafereo, MD

    Professor, Head & Neck Surgery
    University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
    Houston, TX, United States

    Disclosure(s):

    faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.