14. Tiragolumab: Harnessing the Immune System
One of the newest additions to the thyroid cancer treatment repertoire is Tiragolumab, an immunotherapy drug that works differently from the hormone therapies and targeted therapies discussed thus far. Instead of acting directly on the cancer cells, Tiragolumab aims to boost the body’s immune system’s ability to fight the cancer.
Tiragolumab is a type of medication known as a checkpoint inhibitor. It works by blocking a protein called TIGIT on immune cells. When TIGIT is active, it can prevent immune cells from attacking cancer cells. By inhibiting TIGIT, Tiragolumab allows the immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells more effectively.
Initial studies have shown promise for Tiragolumab in advanced or metastatic thyroid cancer, offering hope for patients who have not responded to other treatments.
The effectiveness of Tiragolumab in initial studies underlines the potential of immunotherapy as a complementary approach to the current hormone and targeted therapies. Side effects may include immune-related reactions such as skin problems, diarrhea, and liver inflammation, but these are typically manageable with appropriate medical intervention and supportive care. (14)
