Initial clinical and treatment patterns of advanced differentiated thyroid cancer: ERUDIT study.

Background: Up to 30% of differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) will develop advanced-stage disease (aDTC) with reduced overall survival (OS). Objective: The aim of this study is to characterize initial diagnosis of aDTC, its therapeutic management, and prognosis in Spain and Portugal. Methods: A multicentre, longitudinal, retrospective study of adult patients diagnosed with aDTC in the Iberian Peninsula was conducted between January 2007 and December 2012. Analyses of baseline characteristics and results of initial treatments, relapse- or progression-free survival ((RP)FS) from first DTC diagnosis, OS, and prognostic factors impacting the evolution of advanced disease were evaluated. Results: Two hundred and thirteen patients (median age: 63 years; 57% female) were eligible from 23 hospitals. Advanced disease presented at first diagnosis (de novo aDTC) included 54% of patients, while 46% had relapsed from early disease (recurrent/progressive eDTC). At initial stage, most patients received surgery (98%) and/or radioiodine (RAI) (89%), with no differences seen between median OS (95% CI) (10.4 (7.3-15.3) years) and median disease-specific-survival (95% CI) (11.1 (8.7-16.2) years; log-rank test P = 0.4737). Age at diagnosis being <55 years was associated with a lower risk of death (Wald chi-square (Wc-s) P < 0.0001), while a poor response to RAI to a higher risk of death ((Wc-s) P < 0.05). In the eDTC cohort, median (RP)FS (95% CI) was of 1.7 (1.0-2.0) years after RAI, with R0/R1 surgeries being the only common significant favourable factor for longer (RP)FS and time to aDTC ((Wc-s) P < 0.05). Conclusion: Identification of early treatment-dependent prognostic factors for an unfavourable course of advanced disease is possible. An intensified therapeutic attitude may reverse this trend and should be considered in poor-performing patients. Prospective studies are required to confirm these findings.

Portfolio of services in Endocrinology and Nutrition. 2020 update. / Cartera de servicios en Endocrinología y Nutrición. Actualización 2020.

Endocrinology and Nutrition is a medical specialty covering the study and treatment of diseases of the endocrine system, metabolism and those derived from the nutritional process, including knowledge of diagnostic techniques and dietary and therapeutic measures. In order to develop these activities and plan the management of resources allocated for this purpose, the so-called Portfolio of Services of the specialty has to be defined. A Portfolio of Services is defined as the set of techniques, technologies or procedures through which care services are provided in a healthcare centre, department or institution. It is an essential tool for organization of a hospital Unit or Department by defining the roles and procedures of its healthcare professionals, and also for structuring the resources required to perform the activity. It also allows for defining how to use these resources and identifying the objectives to be achieved, improving the quality of clinical care. Finally, the definition and preparation of the portfolio of services makes it possible to have an inventory of the offer of healthcare services and to detect new healthcare needs.

Spanish consensus for the management of patients with advanced radioactive iodine refractory differentiated thyroid cancer / Consenso español sobre el tratamiento de los pacientes con cáncer de tiroides diferenciado avanzado resistente al yodo radiactivo

Background: Approximately one third of the patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) who develop structurally-evident metastatic disease are refractory to radioactive iodine (RAI). Most deaths from thyroid cancer occur in these patients. The main objective of this consensus is to address the most controversial aspects of management of these patients. Methods: On behalf of the Spanish Society of Endocrinology & Nutrition (SEEN) and the Spanish Group for Orphan and Infrequent Tumors (GETHI), the Spanish Task Force for Thyroid Cancer, consisting of endocrinologists and oncologists, reviewed the relevant literature and prepared a series of clinically relevant questions related to management of advanced RAI-refractory DTC. Results: Ten clinically relevant questions were identified by the task force. In answering to these 10 questions, the task force included recommendations regarding the best definition of refractoriness; the best therapeutic options including watchful waiting, local therapies, and systemic therapy (e.g. kinase inhibitors), when sodium iodide symporter (NIS) restoration may be expected; and how recent advances in molecular biology have increased our understanding of the disease. Conclusions: In response to our appointment as a task force by the SEEN and GHETI, we developed a consensus to help in clinical management of patients with advanced RAI-refractory DTC. We think that this consensus will provide helpful and current recommendations that will help patients with this disorder to get optimal medical care (AU)

Antecedentes: Alrededor de un tercio de los pacientes con cáncer diferenciado de tiroides (CDT) que desarrollan enfermedad metastásica estructural son refractarios al yodo radiactivo. Desafortunadamente, la mayoría de las muertes debidas al cáncer de tiroides ocurren en pacientes con CDT avanzado refractario al yodo radiactivo. El principal objetivo de este consenso es abordar los aspectos más controvertidos del manejo de estos pacientes. Métodos: En nombre de la Sociedad Española de Endocrinología y Nutrición (SEEN) y del Grupo Español de Tumores Raros e Infrecuentes (GETHI), el grupo de trabajo para el Cáncer de Tiroides, compuesto por endocrinólogos y oncólogos, revisó la literatura más destacada y desarrolló una serie de preguntas clínicamente relevantes concernientes al manejo de los pacientes con CDT refractario. Resultados: Diez preguntas clínicamente relevantes fueron identificadas por el grupo de trabajo. En las respuestas el grupo incluyó recomendaciones sobre la mejor definición de la refractariedad, las mejores opciones terapéuticas, entre las cuales se incluyen la actitud expectante, las terapias locales y la terapia sistémica (por ejemplo inhibidores de tirosín-cinasa), cuándo esperar la recaptación de yodo radiactivo mediada por NIS y cómo los recientes avances en genética molecular han ayudado a comprender mejor la enfermedad. Conclusión: En respuesta a nuestro compromiso como grupo de trabajo de la SEEN y GETHI hemos creado un consenso para asistir al manejo clínico de los pacientes con CDT avanzado refractario al yodo radiactivo. Pensamos que este consenso proporcionará unas recomendaciones útiles y actualizadas que ayuden a los pacientes con esta enfermedad a tener un cuidado óptimo (AU)

Spanish consensus for the management of patients with advanced radioactive iodine refractory differentiated thyroid cancer.

BACKGROUND: Approximately one third of the patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) who develop structurally-evident metastatic disease are refractory to radioactive iodine (RAI). Most deaths from thyroid cancer occur in these patients. The main objective of this consensus is to address the most controversial aspects of management of these patients. METHODS: On behalf of the Spanish Society of Endocrinology & Nutrition (SEEN) and the Spanish Group for Orphan and Infrequent Tumors (GETHI), the Spanish Task Force for Thyroid Cancer, consisting of endocrinologists and oncologists, reviewed the relevant literature and prepared a series of clinically relevant questions related to management of advanced RAI-refractory DTC. RESULTS: Ten clinically relevant questions were identified by the task force. In answering to these 10 questions, the task force included recommendations regarding the best definition of refractoriness; the best therapeutic options including watchful waiting, local therapies, and systemic therapy (e.g. kinase inhibitors), when sodium iodide symporter (NIS) restoration may be expected; and how recent advances in molecular biology have increased our understanding of the disease. CONCLUSIONS: In response to our appointment as a task force by the SEEN and GHETI, we developed a consensus to help in clinical management of patients with advanced RAI-refractory DTC. We think that this consensus will provide helpful and current recommendations that will help patients with this disorder to get optimal medical care.

Consensus on the management of advanced medullary thyroid carcinoma on behalf of the Working Group of Thyroid Cancer of the Spanish Society of Endocrinology (SEEN) and the Spanish Task Force Group for Orphan and Infrequent Tumors (GETHI) / Consenso sobre la gestión del carcinoma medular de tiroides avanzado en nombre del grupo de trabajo sobre cáncer de tiroides de la Sociedad Española de Endocrinología (SEEN) y el grupo español de trabajo sobre tumores huérfanos e infrecuentes (GETHI)

BACKGROUND: In Spain medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) would not exceed 80 new cases per year and less than half of them would be good candidates for systemic treatment with novel agents. METHODS: Relevant literature was reviewed, including PubMed searches supplemented with additional articles. RESULTS: The consensus summarizes the clinical outcomes in terms of activity and toxicity of each of the available drugs. A brief summary of the minimum requirements in terms of follow up and genetic counselling around MTC is also included. CONCLUSIONS: Only those patients with objective imaging progression in the last 12-14 months with large volume of disease are clear candidates to start systemic treatment. However, those patients with low disease volume should be considered for 'wait and see' strategy until symptoms of the disease appear. Multidisciplinary approach for the management of MTC patient is mandatory nowadays

CONTEXTO: Se calcula que la incidencia de cáncer medular de tiroides (MTC) en España no supera los 80 nuevos casos por año y menos de la mitad podrán ser buenos candidatos para recibir tratamiento sistémico con nuevas terapias. Métodos: Se ha revisado la información científica pertinente a través de búsquedas en PubMed y otras fuentes adicionales. Resultados: Este consenso compendia los resultados clínicos en términos de actividad y toxicidad de los fármacos actualmente disponibles. También se aborda un breve resumen con los requerimientos mínimos para el seguimiento y el consejo genético en el CMT. Conclusiones: Los pacientes candidatos para iniciar tratamientos sistémicos son únicamente aquellos con gran carga tumoral en los que se objetiva, mediante pruebas de imagen, una progresión en los últimos 12-14 meses. En aquellos pacientes con escasa carga de enfermedad se debe considerar la observación hasta que aparezcan síntomas de enfermedad. Hoy en día es preceptivo manejar al paciente con MTC por un equipo multidisciplinar

Consensus on the management of advanced medullary thyroid carcinoma on behalf of the Working Group of Thyroid Cancer of the Spanish Society of Endocrinology (SEEN) and the Spanish Task Force Group for Orphan and Infrequent Tumors (GETHI).

BACKGROUND: In Spain medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) would not exceed 80 new cases per year and less than half of them would be good candidates for systemic treatment with novel agents. METHODS: Relevant literature was reviewed, including PubMed searches supplemented with additional articles. RESULTS: The consensus summarizes the clinical outcomes in terms of activity and toxicity of each of the available drugs. A brief summary of the minimum requirements in terms of follow up and genetic counseling around MTC is also included. CONCLUSIONS: Only those patients with objective imaging progression in the last 12-14 months with large volume of disease are clear candidates to start systemic treatment. However, those patients with low disease volume should be considered for 'wait and see' strategy until symptoms of the disease appear. Multidisciplinary approach for the management of MTC patient is mandatory nowadays.

Spanish consensus for the management of patients with anaplastic cell thyroid carcinoma / Consenso español para el tratamiento de los pacientes con carcinoma anaplásico de tiroides

Anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) is the most aggressive solid tumour known and is a rare but highly lethal form of thyroid cancer that requires a multidisciplinary team approach. No Spanish consensus exists for management of patients with ATC. The Thyroid Cancer Group of the Spanish Society of Endocrinology and Nutrition and the GETHI (Grupo Español de Enfermedades Huérfanas e Infrecuentes) of the Spanish Society of Oncology, in agreement with the Boards of these Societies, commissioned an independent task force to develop a wide consensus on ATC. The relevant literature was reviewed, including serial PubMed searches supplemented with additional articles. The consensus includes the characteristics, diagnosis, initial evaluation, establishment of treatment goals, approaches to locoregional disease (surgery, radiotherapy, systemic therapy, supportive care during active treatment), approaches to advanced/metastatic disease, palliative care options, monitoring, and long-term follow-up of ATC. For operable disease, a combination of radical surgery with adjuvant radiotherapy or chemotherapy, using agents such as doxorubicin, cisplatin and paclitaxel, is the best treatment strategy. Cytotoxic drugs are poorly effective for advanced/metastatic ATC. On the other hand, targeted agents may represent a viable therapeutic option. Patients with stage IVA/IVB resectable disease have the best prognosis, particularly if a multimodal approach is used, and some stage IVB unresectable patients may respond to aggressive therapy. Patients with stage IVC disease should be considered for clinical trials or or for hospice/palliative care depending on their preference. This is the first Spanish consensus for ATC, and provides recommendations for management of this extremely aggressive malignancy. Novel systemic therapies are being tested, and more effective combinations are needed to improve patient outcomes. Although more aggressive radiotherapy has reduced locoregional recurrence, mean overall survival has not improved in the past 50 years

El cáncer anaplásico de tiroides (CAT) es el tumour sólido más agresivo conocido y es una forma rara pero muy letal de cáncer de tiroides que requiere un enfoque multidisciplinario. No existe ningún consenso español para definir la conducta a seguir en los pacientes con CAT. El Grupo de Cáncer de Tiroides de la Sociedad Española de Endocrinología y Nutrición y el GETHI (Grupo Español de Enfermedades Huérfanas e Infrecuentes) de la Sociedad Española de Oncología, de acuerdo con las Juntas Directivas de estas Sociedades decidieron que un grupo de trabajo independiente desarrollaran un amplio consenso sobre el CAT. Se revisó la literatura relevante, incluyendo la búsqueda en PubMed de las series más relevantes. En el consenso se incluyen las características, el diagnóstico, la evaluación inicial, el establecimiento de los objetivos del tratamiento, la actitud a seguir ante la enfermedad locorregional (cirugía, radioterapia, terapia sistémica, la atención de apoyo durante el tratamiento activo), acerca a la enfermedad avanzada/metastásica, las opciones de cuidados paliativos, la vigilancia y el seguimiento a largo plazo del CAT. Para la enfermedad operable, la combinación de la cirugía radical con radioterapia o quimioterapia adyuvante, utilizando agentes tales como doxorrubicina, cisplatino y paclitaxel, es la mejor estrategia de tratamiento. Los fármacos citotóxicos para los casos avanzados/metastásicos de CAT son poco eficaces. Por otra parte, los agentes dirigidos a dianas específicas pueden representar una opción terapéutica viable. Los pacientes con enfermedad resecable en estadio IVA/IVB tienen el mejor pronóstico, sobre todo si se utiliza un enfoque multimodal, y algunos pacientes no resecables etapa IVB pueden responder a una terapia agresiva. En los pacientes con enfermedad en estadio IVC se debe considerar o bien si son aptos para entrar en un ensayo clínico o bien para cuidados paliativos, dependiendo de la preferencia del paciente. Este es el primer consenso español para el CAT y ofrece recomendaciones para la conducta a seguir en este tumour maligno extremadamente agresivo. Las terapias sistémicas más recientes están siendo evaluadas, y se necesitan combinaciones más eficaces para mejorar los resultados en los pacientes tratados. Aunque la radioterapia más agresiva ha reducido las recurrencias locorregionales, la media de supervivencia global no ha mejorado en los últimos 50 años

Spanish consensus for the management of patients with anaplastic cell thyroid carcinoma.

Anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) is the most aggressive solid tumour known and is a rare but highly lethal form of thyroid cancer that requires a multidisciplinary team approach. No Spanish consensus exists for management of patients with ATC. The Thyroid Cancer Group of the Spanish Society of Endocrinology and Nutrition and the GETHI (Grupo Español de Enfermedades Huérfanas e Infrecuentes) of the Spanish Society of Oncology, in agreement with the Boards of these Societies, commissioned an independent task force to develop a wide consensus on ATC. The relevant literature was reviewed, including serial PubMed searches supplemented with additional articles. The consensus includes the characteristics, diagnosis, initial evaluation, establishment of treatment goals, approaches to locoregional disease (surgery, radiotherapy, systemic therapy, supportive care during active treatment), approaches to advanced/metastatic disease, palliative care options, monitoring, and long-term follow-up of ATC. For operable disease, a combination of radical surgery with adjuvant radiotherapy or chemotherapy, using agents such as doxorubicin, cisplatin and paclitaxel, is the best treatment strategy. Cytotoxic drugs are poorly effective for advanced/metastatic ATC. On the other hand, targeted agents may represent a viable therapeutic option. Patients with stage IVA/IVB resectable disease have the best prognosis, particularly if a multimodal approach is used, and some stage IVB unresectable patients may respond to aggressive therapy. Patients with stage IVC disease should be considered for clinical trials or for hospice/palliative care depending on their preference. This is the first Spanish consensus for ATC, and provides recommendations for management of this extremely aggressive malignancy. Novel systemic therapies are being tested, and more effective combinations are needed to improve patient outcomes. Although more aggressive radiotherapy has reduced locoregional recurrence, mean overall survival has not improved in the past 50 years.