Debate on Radioidine Treatment in Low Risk Thyroid Cancer

Newswise — A panel of thyroid cancer experts will debate the appropriate use of radioiodine for low risk papillary thyroid cancer in a panel session held Friday, January 23, 2009 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. in Americana 3, 2rd level, at the American Thyroid Association's National Thyroid Cancer Workshop II to be held January 23 " 24, 2009 at the Loews Miami Beach Hotel, Miami Beach, Florida.

Moderated by Matthew D. Ringel, M.D., professor of medicine in the division of endocrinology and metabolism at Ohio State University and Arthur G. James Comprehensive Cancer Center, the panel will lay out goals and objectives using case studies. The discussion - featuring panel members Ernest L. Mazzaferri, M.D., emeritus professor of medicine and physiology at the Ohio State University, and R. Michael Tuttle, M.D., of the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center - is important because the incidence of thyroid cancer, for both men and women, is increasing at faster rates than any other cancer, and many of these are diagnosed at an early stage. According to Dr. Ringel, there are several potential causes for the increased rates of thyroid cancer. The enhanced ability to diagnose small thyroid cancer using ultrasound likely accounts for most of the increase; however, environmental factors may also play a role. The panel will define "low risk" thyroid cancer and debate the role of I-131 therapy for this increasingly prevalent cohort of patients.

Members of the media can find additional information at the ATA's Media Room, the Lucina Room, 3rd floor, Loews Miami Beach Hotel.

The American Thyroid Association (ATA) is the lead organization in promoting thyroid health and understanding thyroid biology. The ATA values scientific inquiry, clinical excellence, public service, education, collaboration, and collegiality. ATA members are physicians and scientists who work to enhance the understanding of thyroid physiology and pathophysiology, improve diagnosis and treatment of thyroid diseases, and promote the education of physicians, patients, and the public about thyroid cancer. Thyroid diseases are the most disorders of the endocrine system, affecting almost 13 million Americans.