ScienceDaily: Thyroid Disease News

Relationship of medical interventions in childhood and prevalence of later intellectual disability

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 16:46:46 EDT

A new study examines the relationship between medical interventions in early childhood and the increasing prevalence of later intellectual disability.

Subclinical thyroid condition associated with increased cardiovascular mortality

Sun, 28 Apr 2013 23:03:03 EDT

Having high thyroid activity, and even “high-normal” levels, is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular and all-cause mortality, according to new work.

Chernobyl follow-up study finds high survival rate among young thyroid cancer patients

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 13:26:26 EDT

More than a quarter of a century after the Chernobyl nuclear disaster, many children and teenagers who developed thyroid cancer due to radiation are in complete or near remission, according to a recent study.

Study to treat deadly form of thyroid cancer shows promise

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 12:48:48 EDT

A combination of therapies may prove to be a promising advance for the treatment of anaplastic thyroid cancer based on results of a phase I clinical trial, say researchers. Anaplastic thyroid cancer is one of the deadliest of all cancers. Nearly all patients diagnosed with this cancer die from it, and life expectancies are measured in weeks to a few months.

Thyroid hormones reduce damage and improve heart function after myocardial infarction in rats

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 15:58:58 EST

A new study shows that thyroid hormones administered to rats at the time of a heart attack improved their heart function and significantly reduced their loss of heart muscle cells. Researchers believe the study prepares them to pursue studies on human patients, which could lead to breakthroughs in cardiac failure treatment.

Drug shown to reverse radioiodine resistance in some advanced thyroid cancers

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 17:31:31 EST

Researchers have found that the investigational drug selumetinib shuts down the signaling of genetic mutations that prevent some patients' thyroid cancer tumors from absorbing radioiodine, the most effective treatment for the disease.

Possible genetic clues to organ development, birth defects

Mon, 11 Feb 2013 15:07:07 EST

Using cutting-edge time-lapse photography, researchers have discovered clues to the development of the head at the cellular level, which could point scientists to a better understanding of how organs and birth defects form in humans.

Two-drug combination may slow deadly thyroid cancer

Tue, 08 Jan 2013 16:22:22 EST

A combination of the drugs pazopanib and paclitaxel shows promise in slowing anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC), according to a new study. The two drugs together resulted in greater anti-cancer activity in ATC than either drug alone, according to new research.

A new type of nerve cell found in the brain

Fri, 21 Dec 2012 12:35:35 EST

An international team of scientists has identified a previously unknown group of nerve cells in the brain. The nerve cells regulate cardiovascular functions such as heart rhythm and blood pressure. It is hoped that the discovery will be significant in the long term in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases in humans.

Critical need for iodine supplements during pregnancy and while nursing

Tue, 18 Dec 2012 16:18:18 EST

A new article discusses the issue of iodine deficiency in pregnant women in the U.S. and the potential negative health implications for both mothers and their children from this deficiency.

World Trade Center rescue, recovery workers have had increased incidence of certain types of cancer

Tue, 18 Dec 2012 16:17:17 EST

Among rescue and recovery workers exposed to the dust, debris, and fumes following the World Trade Center terrorist attack, there was an increased incidence of prostate and thyroid cancers and multiple myeloma, although it is not clear how big a factor medical screening and non-WTC risk factors contributed to these increases

Two new genetic mutations associated with Cowden syndrome identified

Thu, 13 Dec 2012 12:17:17 EST

Researchers have uncovered two new genes associated with Cowden syndrome -- a difficult-to-recognize, under-diagnosed condition that carries high risks of breast, thyroid, and other cancers.

Thyroid problems linked to irregular heart rhythm

Tue, 27 Nov 2012 19:03:03 EST

People with an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism) carry a greater risk of developing irregular heart rhythm (known as atrial fibrillation) than those with normal thyroid function, finds a new study.

Scatter radiation from mammography presents no cancer risk, study finds

Tue, 27 Nov 2012 00:33:33 EST

The radiation dose to areas of the body near the breast during mammography is negligible, or very low, and does not result in an increased risk of cancer, according to a new study. The results suggest that the use of thyroid shields during mammography is unnecessary.

BPA shown to disrupt thyroid function in pregnant animals and offspring

Wed, 14 Nov 2012 08:32:32 EST

In utero exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) can be associated with decreased thyroid function in newborn sheep, according to a recent study.

New cause of thyroid hormone deficiency discovered

Mon, 12 Nov 2012 13:56:56 EST

Researchers have discovered a new cause for thyroid hormone deficiency, or hypothyroidism. The scientists identified a new hereditary form of hypothyroidism that is more prevalent in males than in females. This sex bias shone a light on where to look for the underlying cause.

Flame retardant 'Firemaster 550' is an endocrine disruptor, study finds

Wed, 24 Oct 2012 09:29:29 EDT

The flame-retardant mixture known as "Firemaster 550" is an endocrine disruptor that causes extreme weight gain, early onset of puberty and cardiovascular health effects in lab animals, according to a new study.

Generation of functional thyroid tissue from stem cells

Thu, 11 Oct 2012 08:52:52 EDT

The generation of functional thyroid tissue from stem cells could allow the treatment of patients, which suffer from thyroid hormone deficiency due to defective function, or abnormal development of the thyroid gland. Researchers recently developed a protocol that allowed for the first time the efficient generation of functional thyroid tissue from stem cells in mice.

Older age marker may be more appropriate in predicting papillary thyroid cancer prognosis

Wed, 10 Oct 2012 11:22:22 EDT

Researchers have shown that age 45 is no longer a useful predictor of negative outcomes in the staging of papillary thyroid cancer patients.

BPA linked to thyroid hormone changes in pregnant women, newborns

Thu, 04 Oct 2012 09:35:35 EDT

A new study adds to growing concerns about the health effects of Bisphenol A (BPA), a compound commonly found in the lining of tin cans, hard plastics and certain store receipts. Researchers have linked prenatal exposure to BPA to changes in thyroid hormone levels in pregnant women and newborn boys.

iPhone can diagnose thyroid disease

Mon, 24 Sep 2012 10:17:17 EDT

An iPhone and specially-designed image analysis app is able to diagnose and manage the treatment of hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, according to new data.

Disparities exist in surgical management of thyroid cancer

Sun, 23 Sep 2012 14:12:12 EDT

A spectrum of disparities exist in the surgical management of well-differentiated thyroid cancer, according to new data.

Novel sequencing tools to play important role in understanding form of papillary thyroid cancer

Sun, 23 Sep 2012 14:12:12 EDT

Next-generation sequencing analyses of the follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma may elucidate the biological underpinnings and clinical behavior of an increasingly common disease, according to new data.

New mouse model may provide insights into rare genetic syndrome

Sun, 23 Sep 2012 14:12:12 EDT

ew mouse models can help scientists study a rare disease, called SECISBP2 syndrome, that causes abnormal thyroid hormone metabolism, delayed bone maturation, as well as other abnormal characteristics that vary by individual, according to new data.

Screening for specific genetic mutations with fine needle aspirations could reduce need for thyroid surgery

Sun, 23 Sep 2012 14:12:12 EDT

Screening air-dried fine needle aspirations (FNA) for a panel of genetic mutations linked to follicular or papillary thyroid cancer could reduce the need for diagnostic thyroid surgery, according to new data.

Older age marker may be more appropriate for papillary thyroid cancer prognosis

Fri, 21 Sep 2012 12:39:39 EDT

Although age 45 is used to establish staging in well-differentiated papillary thyroid cancer using the American Joint Committee on Cancer and the International Union Against Cancer TNM Classification of Malignant Tumors (TNM) staging system, a new study suggests that > 65 may be a more accurate age marker for prognosis.

Children, young adults treated with radioactive iodine at elevated risk of developing secondary primary cancer

Thu, 20 Sep 2012 15:31:31 EDT

Children and young adult thyroid cancer patients who are treated with radioactive iodine have an elevated risk of developing a second primary malignancy, according to new data.

Environmental exposures unlikely to alter thyroid function of pregnant women, fetuses

Thu, 20 Sep 2012 15:31:31 EDT

Exposures to perchlorate (ClO4), a compound found at low levels in the environment, and thiocyanate (SCN), a compound found in cigarette smoke and some foods, is unlikely to alter thyroid function in pregnant women and fetuses, according to new data.

Subclincial hyperthyroidism not associated with overall or cardiovascular mortality

Thu, 20 Sep 2012 15:31:31 EDT

Subclinical hyperthyroidism is not associated with overall or cardiovascular mortality, new research shows.

New mouse model may provide inroads to understanding severe genetic disorder in children

Thu, 20 Sep 2012 11:56:56 EDT

New mouse models can help scientists study MCT8 deficiency, an inherited genetic disorder affecting children, according to new data.

Socioeconomic status linked to more advanced thyroid cancer at time of diagnosis

Thu, 20 Sep 2012 11:56:56 EDT

Thyroid cancer among people with lower socioeconomic status is diagnosed at a more advanced stage, according to new data.

Genome-wide epigenomic screening reveals role of genes, cellular factors in thyroid disease

Thu, 20 Sep 2012 11:56:56 EDT

Genome-wide epigenomic screening can pinpoint disease-associated variants and identify novel genetic–epigenetic interactions in autoimmune thyroid diseases, according to new data.

Vitamin E may decrease cancer risk in Cowden syndrome patients

Mon, 17 Sep 2012 15:21:21 EDT

Researchers have discovered that vitamin E may prevent cancer in patients with an under-recognized genetic disorder.

Mild increases in thyroid-stimulating hormone not harmful in the elderly

Thu, 13 Sep 2012 08:39:39 EDT

There is no evidence to link mildly elevated thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels to an increase in mortality among the elderly, according to a recent study. The findings suggest that reflexively treating mild elevations of TSH in those of advanced age is unnecessary.

Improving diagnosis of thyroid nodules

Thu, 06 Sep 2012 20:33:33 EDT

Thyroid nodules are thought to be present in about half of all people, but very few of these are cancerous. New research presents a set of diagnostic biomarkers which are able to distinguish between malignant and benign thyroid nodules.

Researcher's fish-eye view could offer insights for human vision

Thu, 02 Aug 2012 13:36:36 EDT

A research team uncovered an enzyme's role in the regulation of eye size in zebrafish. If the enzyme's role is similar in human eyes, it could be relevant to human vision problems, such as nearsightedness and farsightedness. The findings also warn of the potential changes phenylthiourea, a chemical used to block pigment, may have on zebrafish and the results of research using this common animal model.

Detecting thyroid disease by computer

Thu, 02 Aug 2012 11:14:14 EDT

Researchers in India have developed an improved expert system for the diagnosis of thyroid disease.

Maternal iodine supplementation linked to congenital hypothyroidism in newborns

Thu, 26 Jul 2012 09:45:45 EDT

Congenital hypothyroidism is thyroid hormone deficiency at birth that, if left untreated, can lead to neurocognitive impairments in infants and children. Although the World Health Organization recommends 200-300 µg of iodine daily during pregnancy for normal fetal thyroid hormone production and neurocognitive development, the US Institute of Medicine considers 1,100 µg to be the safe upper limit for daily ingestion. A case series describes three infants who developed congenital hypothyroidism as a result of excess maternal iodine supplementation.

Treating vitamin D deficiency may improve depression

Mon, 25 Jun 2012 15:23:23 EDT

Women with moderate to severe depression had substantial improvement in their symptoms of depression after they received treatment for their vitamin D deficiency, a new study finds.

Mild thyroid dysfunction in early pregnancy linked to serious complications

Sat, 23 Jun 2012 14:49:49 EDT

Even moderate thyroid dysfunction during early pregnancy significantly increases the risk of serious complications, underscoring the need for universal screening in the first trimester, a new study finds.

Molecule thought cancer foe actually helps thyroid tumors grow

Wed, 20 Jun 2012 13:29:29 EDT

A molecule widely believed to fight many forms of cancer actually helps deadly thyroid tumors grow, and cancer therapies now being tested in humans might boost the activity of this newly revealed bad guy, researchers say.

Early menopause linked to increased risk of brain aneurysm

Mon, 11 Jun 2012 19:36:36 EDT

The younger a woman is when she goes through the menopause, the greater may be her risk of having a brain aneurysm, suggests new research.

Have no fear: Most cases of thyroid cancer do not affect survival

Mon, 11 Jun 2012 13:39:39 EDT

New research reveals that patients with differentiated thyroid cancer live as long as people in perfect health, unless they are in the minority and have reached the most advanced stages of disease. Survival did not vary based on age, sex, or even if patients' cancer had reached the beginning of stage IV.

Purified lung and thyroid progenitors derived from embryonic stem cells

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 13:16:16 EDT

Researchers have derived a population of pure lung and thyroid progenitor cells in vitro that successfully mimic the developmental milestones of lung and thyroid tissue formation.

Use of iodinated contrast media in imaging procedures appears to affect thyroid function

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 16:33:33 EST

Exposure to iodinated contrast media during imaging procedures is associated with changes in thyroid function, and increased risk of developing hyperthyroidism, according to a new report.

Hip fractures: Coexisting medical conditions increase treatment costs and lengthen hospitalization, study finds

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 11:20:20 EST

More than 250,000 hip fractures occur every year in the U.S., often resulting in hospitalization, surgery, nursing-home admission, long-term disability, and/or extended periods of rehabilitation. Independent existing medical conditions (otherwise known as comorbidities) significantly increase the treatment cost and length of hospitalization for older adults who have sustained a hip fracture, according to a new study.

New drug screening identifies chemical agents with potent anti-cancer activity

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 11:21:21 EST

Drugs already approved for clinical use across a variety of therapeutic categories can be screened to identify effective agents for thyroid cancer according to a recent study. These findings could rapidly be implemented into a clinical trial to test how effective the treatment would be.

New drug screening identifies chemical agents with potent anti-cancer activity

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 10:21:21 EST

Drugs already approved for clinical use across a variety of therapeutic categories can be screened to identify effective agents for thyroid cancer, according to a recent study. These findings could rapidly be implemented into a clinical trial to test how effective the treatment would be.

Genetic cause of thyroid cancer discovered

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 10:19:19 EST

Researchers have discovered three genes that increase the risk of thyroid cancer, which is has the largest incidence increase in cancers among both men and women.

Use of over-the-counter thyroid support pills is risky, researcher finds

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 15:02:02 EDT

People who use over-the-counter "thyroid support'' supplements may be putting their health at risk, according to a new study. The supplements contain varying amounts of two different kinds of thyroid hormones apparently derived in large part from chopped up animal thyroid glands, says an endocrinologist.

Research involving thyroid hormone lays foundation for more targeted drug development

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 12:51:51 EDT

New research advances a strategy for taming the side effects and enhancing the therapeutic benefits of steroids and other medications that work by disrupting the activity of certain hormones.

Antineoplastic agents associated with thyroid dysfunction

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 02:56:56 EDT

Antineoplastic agents such as immunotherapies and targeted therapies that specifically target signaling pathways in cancer cells are associated with thyroid dysfunction in 20-50 percent of cancer patients taking them, which can adversely affect patients' quality of life, according to a new study.

Medical researchers breath new life into fight against primary killer of premature infants

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 09:23:23 EDT

A new discovery might explain why some premature infants fail to respond to existing treatments for a deadly respiratory distress syndrome and offers clues for new ways to treat the breathing disorder.

Possible link between two Type 2 diabetes drugs and pancreatic cancer, new research suggests

Sat, 17 Sep 2011 08:27:27 EDT

Two newer drugs used to treat Type 2 diabetes could be linked to a significantly increased risk of developing pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer, and one could also be linked to an increased risk of thyroid cancer, according to a new study.

Pituitary hormone TSH found to directly influence bone growth

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 15:29:29 EDT

Researchers have found that thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), a hormone produced in the anterior pituitary gland that regulates endocrine function in the thyroid gland, can promote bone growth independent of its usual thyroid functions. The research suggests that TSH, or drugs that mimic its affect on bone, may be key to possible future treatments for osteoporosis and other conditions involving bone loss, such as cancer.

First proof in patients of an improved 'magic bullet' for cancer detection and radio-therapy

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 15:29:29 EDT

Oncologists have long sought a powerful "magic bullet" that can find tumors wherever they hide in the body so that they can be imaged and then destroyed.

Use of radioactive iodine for treatment of thyroid cancer on the rise

Tue, 16 Aug 2011 16:23:23 EDT

Despite uncertainty about the appropriate use of radioactive iodine after surgery for different stages of thyroid cancer, between 1990 and 2008 its use has increased among patients with all tumor sizes, and there was wide variation in use of this treatment among hospitals, according to a new study.

Thyroid cancer treatment varies by hospital, study finds

Tue, 16 Aug 2011 16:22:22 EDT

Where thyroid cancer patients go for care plays a large role in whether they receive radioactive iodine treatment, a new study finds.

Nerve identification technique during thyroid removal associated with fewer complications

Mon, 15 Aug 2011 16:23:23 EDT

During thyroidectomy (surgery to remove the thyroid gland), the technique surgeons use to identify an important nerve appears to make a difference in terms of complications such as impairment of the parathyroid glands (which make a hormone that controls calcium levels), according to a new report.

High levels of potentially toxic flame retardants in California pregnant women

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 09:38:38 EDT

Pregnant women in Northern California have the highest PBDE flame retardant exposures reported to date among pregnant women worldwide. A new article describes some of the first evidence from humans that certain flame retardants may interfere with thyroid hormone signaling during pregnancy, which is critical to brain development.