Targeted Therapy in Thyroid Cancer

Targeted therapy uses medicines that specifically block the abnormal genes or pathways driving thyroid cancer growth. Unlike chemotherapy, these drugs work more precisely on cancer cells.

It is usually recommended when thyroid cancer is:

• Advanced or metastatic.
• Not responding to radioactive iodine (RAI-refractory).
• Aggressive types such as medullary, poorly differentiated, or anaplastic cancers.

• Papillary/Follicular cancers that are RAI-refractory.
• Medullary thyroid cancer.
• Anaplastic thyroid cancer, especially when specific mutations are found.

Common groups include:

• TKIs (Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors): Lenvatinib, Sorafenib, Cabozantinib
• RET inhibitors: Selpercatinib, Pralsetinib
• NTRK inhibitors: Larotrectinib, Entrectinib
• BRAF/MEK inhibitors: Dabrafenib + Trametinib (mainly for anaplastic cancer)

Treatment is guided by molecular testing of your cancer to identify mutations (RET, NTRK, BRAF, etc.) and by how advanced or fast-growing the tumour is.

For most thyroid cancers, yes. They are usually more effective and have fewer side effects than traditional chemotherapy.

Side effects vary by drug but may include high blood pressure, fatigue, diarrhoea, hand-foot syndrome, skin changes, or appetite loss. Most can be managed with timely medical care.

Some patients remain on the medication long-term if they respond well. Others may need dose adjustments, breaks, or alternative treatments depending on tolerance and tumour behaviour.