Molecular Aspects of Thyroid Cancer

Rodrigo Arrangoiz MS, MD, FACS, FSSO
  • Understanding the genetic mutations associated with thyroid cancer has become increasingly important. The most common genetic mutations found in thyroid cancer include BRAF, RAS, RET/PTC, and PAX8/PPARγ. These mutations can provide valuable information for diagnosis, prognosis, and targeted treatment approaches.
  • Molecular testing, such as next-generation sequencing (NGS), has gained prominence in thyroid cancer diagnosis and management. It allows for the identification of specific genetic alterations and can guide treatment decisions. Testing for specific genetic mutations, such as BRAF V600E, may help determine the use of targeted therapies like BRAF inhibitors.
  • Advances in understanding the molecular alterations in thyroid cancer have led to the development of targeted therapies. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have shown promise in treating advanced or metastatic thyroid cancer, particularly those with RET rearrangements, BRAF mutations, or vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) mutations.
  • Immune checkpoint inhibitors, such as pembrolizumab and nivolumab, have shown effectiveness in a subset of patients with advanced or refractory thyroid cancer. These therapies work by unleashing the immune system to target cancer cells. However, response rates can vary, and not all patients will benefit from immunotherapy.
  • Molecular testing can help refine risk stratification in thyroid cancer. Genetic profiling of the tumor can aid in distinguishing low-risk from high-risk thyroid cancers, allowing for tailored treatment plans and surveillance strategies.
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Published by Rodrigo Arrangoiz MS, MD, FACS, FSSO

My name is Rodrigo Arrangoiz I am a breast surgeon/ thyroid surgeon / parathyroid surgeon / head and neck surgeon / surgical oncologist that works at Center for Advanced Surgical Oncology in Miami, Florida. I was trained as a surgeon at Michigan State University from (2005 to 2010) where I was a chief resident in 2010. My surgical oncology and head and neck training was performed at the Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia from 2010 to 2012. At the same time I underwent a masters in science (Clinical research for health professionals) at the University of Drexel. Through the International Federation of Head and Neck Societies / Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center I performed a two year head and neck surgery and oncology / endocrine fellowship that ended in 2016. Mi nombre es Rodrigo Arrangoiz, soy cirujano oncólogo / cirujano de tumores de cabeza y cuello / cirujano endocrino que trabaja Center for Advanced Surgical Oncology en Miami, Florida. Fui entrenado como cirujano en Michigan State University (2005 a 2010 ) donde fui jefe de residentes en 2010. Mi formación en oncología quirúrgica y e n tumores de cabeza y cuello se realizó en el Fox Chase Cancer Center en Filadelfia de 2010 a 2012. Al mismo tiempo, me sometí a una maestría en ciencias (investigación clínica para profesionales de la salud) en la Universidad de Drexel. A través de la Federación Internacional de Sociedades de Cabeza y Cuello / Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center realicé una sub especialidad en cirugía de cabeza y cuello / cirugia endocrina de dos años que terminó en 2016.

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