Chinese researchers have made a significant breakthrough in the management of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), a challenging form of thyroid cancer known for its difficulty in identifying metastatic lesions.
A collaborative team led by Liu Shaoyan from the Cancer Hospital of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Liu Zhibo from Peking University and Changping Laboratory has developed a novel imaging technique utilizing a new class of radiopharmaceuticals called covalent targeted radioligand (CTR). This innovative approach enhances the ability to precisely locate metastatic lesions, which is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment of MTC.
“Surgery remains the primary curative option for MTC,” said Liu Shaoyan, director of the Department of Head and Neck Surgery at the Cancer Hospital. “A precise imaging method is crucial to assist surgeons in accurately determining the extent of the surgical procedure.”
The new imaging method allows for selective targeting of tumor cells, enabling higher concentrations and longer retention of radioactive agents within the tumor. This results in better imaging contrast, clearer tumor identification, and more precise treatment planning.
“This approach provides a significant advantage in visualizing tumors,” explained Kong Ziren, a member of Liu’s team and co-first author of the study. “By allowing the radioactive agents to remain in the tumor longer, we can achieve clearer images and improve surgical outcomes.”
The team’s findings were published online in Cancer Discovery, a leading journal of the American Association for Cancer Research, in late October. Their research represents a promising advancement in the field of oncology, particularly for patients battling MTC.
Looking ahead, Liu expressed optimism about the potential applications of CTR. “As this imaging approach continues to evolve, it has the potential to become a valuable diagnostic tool not only for MTC but also for various other cancers,” he noted.
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Chinese researchers make breakthrough in thyroid cancer management
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