Clinical Thyroidology for the Public summarizes selected research studies discussed in the previous month’s issue of Clinical Thyroidology, an official publication of the American Thyroid Association. Editor-in-chief, Alan Farwell, MD, FACE
Volume 19 Issue 10
Available in pdf format for saving and printing and Web page format for viewing online
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Clinical Thyroidology for the Public Volume 19 Issue 10 (PDF file, 2.62 MB)
TABLE OF CONTENTS – Web Format
THYROID CANCER
2025 ATA Differentiated Thyroid Cancer Guidelines: De-escalating therapy and monitoring
The 2025 ATA guidelines recommends continuing risk assessment after each treatment decision and subsequent action to reassess the risk of cancer recurrence. The appropriate future monitoring and treatment is therefore based on the new risk assessment, rather than the initial risk assessment driven largely by the initial diagnosis and cancer staging data. Thus, treatment and monitoring can be “de-escalated,” or cut back, in patients with a low risk of thyroid cancer recurrence.
Ringel MD et al. 2025 American Thyroid Association management guidelines for adult patients with differentiated thyroid cancer. Thyroid 2025;35(8):841-985.
GRAVES’ DISEASE
Smoking and clinical outcomes in Graves’ disease
It is well known that smoking can make thyroid eye disease worse. However, several studies have suggested that smoking is also associated with worse outcomes of Graves’ disease, including decreased remission and relapse rates. This study sought to further clarify the effects of smoking on clinical outcomes in patients with Graves’ disease.
Forbes S et al. Cigarette smoking exposure and clinical outcomes in Graves’ disease. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2026;111(7): e1805–e1812.
THYROID EYE DISEASE
Effect of Tepezza™ (Teprotumumab) on thyroid eye disease
Thyroid eye disease (TED) occurs in about half of the people who have Graves’ disease. A major breakthrough in treating TED is a newer medication called Tepezza™ (Teprotumumab). Even though this medication can improve TED, it is not clear that the benefits last over time. This study looked at whether Teprotumumab can provide long-term benefits in people with TED.
Rosenblatt TR et al. Extended long-term follow-up of proptosis regression after teprotumumab treatment for thyroid eye disease. Ophthalmic Plast Reconstr Surg. Epub 2026 Feb 16.
GRAVES DISEASE
Can we safely shorten antithyroid drug therapy in some patients with Graves’ disease?
Graves’ disease is treated with antithyroid medications, usually for 12–18 months before stopping the medication to determine if the Grave’ disease is in remission. Studies have suggested that level of TRAb at the diagnosis of Graves’ disease can help predict the likelihood of remission or recurrence, with lower levels of TRAb increasing the likelihood of remission. This study evaluated whether less than 12 months of treatment could be as effective as standard-duration therapy in patients with low levels of TRAb in patients with Graves’ disease.
Razvi S, et al. Shorter versus standard antithyroid drug therapy in Graves’ disease with lower baseline thyrotropin receptor antibody (TRAb) levels: relapse outcomes from a propensityweighted analysis. Thyroid 2026;36(9):961–969.
THYROID AND PREGNANCY
Does exposure to chemicals from personal care products affect thyroid function in pregnant women?
Many personal care products used in skin care and cosmetics contain chemical ingredients commonly referred as endocrinedisrupting chemicals (EDCs). These EDCs have been linked to abnormal thyroid function. This study used data from 84 previous studies on the impact of EDCs as a base for more specific assessment of impact of EDCs from personal care products on thyroid function in pregnancy.
Sultan M,, et al. Association of exposure to personal care product chemicals with maternal thyroid health: a prospective cohort study integrated with targeted risk assessment for environmental chemicals strategy. Environ Int. 2026;208:110121.
HYPOTHYROIDISM
Keeping thyroid levels in target may help prevent heart failure
Thyroid hormone plays a critical role in heart health. Both too much and too little thyroid hormone, even when mild, can adversely affect heart function. Given the important effects of thyroid hormone on the cardiovascular system, the authors sought to determine whether patients with high or low TSH levels were at increased risk of heart failure.
Evron J, et al. Association between over- and under-replacement with thyroid hormone and incident heart failure. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2026;111(6):e1634–e1642.
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