Medication 5: Vandetanib (Caprelsa) – Tackling Medullary Thyroid Cancer
Another medication that is used to manage medullary thyroid cancer is Vandetanib, sold under the brand name Caprelsa. It’s especially used for cancer that cannot be treated with surgery.
Vandetanib works by blocking proteins that promote the growth of cancer cells. It also helps in reducing the blood supply to the cancer cells, thus limiting their growth and spread.
Medullary thyroid cancer is notoriously difficult to treat, and having an effective medication like Vandetanib is invaluable. It has been shown to slow down the progression of this cancer significantly.
However, as with other targeted therapies, there are side effects to consider. These might include diarrhea, rash, nausea, high blood pressure, and headache. Regular monitoring by healthcare professionals is crucial to manage these side effects effectively.
In conclusion, Vandetanib has made a remarkable impact in the field of thyroid cancer treatment. Despite the side effects, the ability to slow down the progression of medullary thyroid cancer is a major breakthrough. (5)
