11. Thyrotropin Alfa: The Diagnostic Aide
Thyrotropin Alfa, also known as recombinant human thyroid-stimulating hormone (rhTSH), holds a unique place in the management of thyroid cancer. Unlike the other entries on this list, it doesn’t treat thyroid cancer directly. Instead, it’s used to aid in the diagnosis and follow-up of patients with differentiated thyroid cancer.
This medication is essentially a laboratory-made version of the natural thyroid-stimulating hormone, which stimulates the thyroid gland to produce and release thyroid hormones. It is used as a part of the follow-up protocol post-thyroidectomy, aiding in the detection of any residual or recurrent disease.
Thyrotropin Alfa is typically administered before a radioactive iodine scan or a thyroglobulin test. It stimulates any remaining thyroid cells to take up the radioactive iodine for the scan or to release thyroglobulin, a protein produced by thyroid cells, that serves as a tumor marker for differentiated thyroid cancer.
By using Thyrotropin Alfa, patients can avoid the symptoms of hypothyroidism that can occur with traditional testing methods which require patients to stop taking thyroid hormone replacement therapy.
The side effects of Thyrotropin Alfa are generally mild and may include nausea, headache, and fatigue. Its role in facilitating effective follow-up care without the need for hormone withdrawal underlines its importance in the management of thyroid cancer, making it a valuable tool in ensuring optimal long-term outcomes. (11)
