American Oncology Institute Successfully Treats Advanced Thyroid Cancer Cases
Imphal: The American Oncology Institute (AOI) in Imphal has achieved a significant milestone by successfully treating two patients with advanced thyroid cancer, a condition that has seen a rapid rise in cases, especially among East Asian populations and in northeast India.
Thyroid cancer is recognized as the most common malignant tumor of the endocrine system, with an estimated 570,000 cases diagnosed globally each year. The increasing incidence of this cancer is particularly notable among women in East Asia, where the rate has surged tenfold over the past two decades. Northeast India, which shares genetic and ethnic similarities with Southeast Asia, has also been significantly impacted by this trend.
The recent success stories at AOI Imphal involve two patients who faced aggressive forms of thyroid cancer. The first patient, a 43-year-old news anchor, initially experienced hoarseness and difficulty swallowing. A CT scan identified multiple thyroid nodules, with the largest—measuring 4 cm—compressing his windpipe and esophagus. The second patient, a 67-year-old woman, suffered from severe lower back pain for two years before being diagnosed with advanced follicular thyroid cancer. MRI results showed bone lesions due to cancer spread, while a PET-CT scan revealed a thyroid nodule along with affected lymph nodes in the neck.
Both patients underwent comprehensive thyroidectomy surgeries at AOI Imphal, followed by radioactive iodine therapy. After six months, whole-body iodine scans confirmed complete remission for both patients, with no evidence of disease.
Commenting on these outcomes, Harish Trivedi, CEO of CTSI – South Asia, said, “Our goal is to provide world-class cancer care in the region. The successful treatment of these patients reflects the exceptional quality of care available at AOI Imphal. While the rates of thyroid cancer continue to rise, advancements in treatment are helping patients achieve better outcomes and lead healthier lives.”
Dr. Amit Dhawan, Regional Chief Operating Officer (RCOO) at AOI, emphasized the importance of a multidisciplinary approach, stating, “These patients had aggressive, advanced-stage cancers, but with the combined efforts of our surgical and nuclear medicine teams, we were able to achieve complete remission.”
Dr. Dhaneshwor Naorem, Consultant Head & Neck Onco-Surgery at AOI Imphal, further highlighted the potential for curability even in advanced stages of thyroid cancer, provided timely diagnosis and comprehensive treatment are available. He stressed that the combination of surgical expertise and radioactive iodine therapy is essential to achieving positive outcomes.
The success at AOI Imphal not only emphasizes the importance of advanced cancer care but also reinforces the need for public education on early detection. Both patients have now returned to normal lives, offering hope to others battling thyroid and other complex cancers in the region.
Nidhi Srivastava is a dietician. She holds a post-graduate degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from MRIIRS. With a profound passion for utilizing nutrition and lifestyle modifications to manage diseases, she is dedicated to advancing the field through rigorous research and fact-checking. Her expertise lies in evidence-based practice, ensuring the highest standards of dietary health and wellness.