An examination of recently revised differentiated thyroid cancer guidelines

Abstract

To examine the most recent changes in published guidelines by various organizations for the treatment of patients with differentiated thyroid cancer. This document provides a comparison of recommendations for common topics currently found in available thyroid cancer care guidelines. Recent changes to guidelines have focused on controversial topics, including extent of thyroidectomy based on tumor size, prophylactic central neck dissection, use of radioactive iodine, and degree of thyrotropin suppression. Regional variations between guidelines exist. Adherence to thyroid cancer guidelines at national levels is less than ideal. Guidelines for the management of differentiated thyroid cancer should continue to reflect minor regional variations in thyroid cancer treatment based on factors unique to that population while remaining otherwise similar to ensure optimal state-of-the-art patient care and outcomes. In the future, individual patient molecular information will likely play an important role in assessing the risk of tumor recurrence and overall survival. Consideration of multiple patient and tumor factors will allow thyroid cancer specialists to use a risk-adapted approach to patient care, from both a surgical and medical standpoint, to ensure optimal patient outcomes on an individual basis and at a disease level.