Thyroid Cancer Treatment in Istanbul
Thyroid cancer (papillary, follicular, medullary, anaplastic) is treated with surgery, I-131 radioiodine, TSH suppression therapy, and targeted agents in Istanbul.
Differentiated Thyroid Cancer (DTC)
- Total thyroidectomy (robotic or open)
- I-131 radioiodine ablation (RAI) for high-risk patients
- TSH suppression with levothyroxine
- Refractory DTC: sorafenib (Nexavar), lenvatinib (Lenvima)
Medullary Thyroid Cancer (MTC)
Vandetanib (Caprelsa) or cabozantinib — FDA-approved for unresectable/metastatic MTC. RET mutation testing essential.
Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer
Dabrafenib + trametinib for BRAF V600E positive. Pembrolizumab + lenvatinib as combination. Urgent multidisciplinary approach.
I-131 IN ISTANBUL
High-activity I-131 (radioiodine) therapy available in Istanbul at licensed nuclear medicine centers. Outpatient for low-dose, inpatient isolation for high-dose.
Cost
Thyroidectomy: $4,000-8,000. I-131 therapy: $2,000-5,000. USA equivalent: $30,000-80,000+.