The fight against cancer continues to evolve on multiple fronts. Although there has been notable advancement in recent years, there are still specific types of tumors that pose substantial difficulties in terms of treatment.
Thyroid cancer, a multifaceted and frequently aggressive ailment, poses a significant public health issue. Recent research has identified a disturbing link between exposure to aqueous film-forming (AFFF) foam and an increased risk of developing thyroid cancer.
AFFF foams came into the market in the 1960s and ruled the firefighting landscape for almost four decades. In the process, they unleashed dangerous amounts of carcinogens in the environment.
This blog post will delve into the class of toxins that make AFFF so lethal. Moreover, it will also shed light on the potential of recent, groundbreaking treatment options for AFFF-related thyroid cancer.
Table Of Contents
AFFF and Thyroid Cancer
AFFF firefighting foam contains per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These synthetic chemicals are found in almost everything that we use today—from firefighting foams to raincoats and Teflon containers.
However, The Lancet suggests a link between PFAS exposure and an increased risk of thyroid cancer. Epidemiological studies have identified a correlation between PFAS levels in blood serum and thyroid cancer diagnoses.
Almost all military bases used this PFAS-laden foam at some point in time, either for fire drills or actual operations. As a result, huge quantities of the foam were dumped at these sites without treatment, polluting the environment. The PFAS chemicals do not degrade for even a thousand years, accumulating over time in our bodies through food and water.
How Does PFAS Trigger Thyroid Cancer?
The mechanism is believed to involve the chemicals’ interference with thyroid hormone regulation. This attack disrupts the body’s ability to produce and utilize thyroid hormones, leading to abnormal cell growth and tumor formation.
Individuals with PFAS-related thyroid cancer may experience common symptoms like fatigue, weight fluctuations, and neck swelling. Diagnosis typically involves a combination of various processes.
Physical examination is followed by blood tests measuring thyroid hormone levels. Imaging techniques like ultrasound or fine-needle aspiration biopsy then confirm the presence and type of thyroid cancer.
According to TorHoerman Law, many veterans are now filing lawsuits against the manufacturers of firefighting foam. The basic allegation is that neither the government nor the manufacturers ever warned them about the fatal nature of the foam.
If you or anyone you know is suffering from AFFF foam-induced thyroid cancer, you can file a firefighting foam lawsuit. It is highly advised that you get help from an experienced attorney. Obtaining compensation for your health condition can be a challenging endeavor due to the complex legal process involved.
Traditional Treatment Options
Following a definitive diagnosis of thyroid cancer, several established treatment modalities exist, each with its specific applications and considerations. Choosing the most suitable treatment strategy relies on several parameters, such as tumor dimensions, stage, and patient attributes.
Radioactive Iodine Therapy (RIT)
Mechanism of Action: According to the American Cancer Society, your thyroid gland has the natural ability to absorb all of the body’s iodine. RIT leverages this action. Radioactive iodine isotopes are administered orally, targeting and destroying any remaining thyroid tissue after surgery or ablating microscopic cancer foci.
Side Effects and Precautions: RAI therapy can cause temporary side effects like fatigue, dry mouth, and altered taste perception. Additionally, precautions are necessary to minimize radiation exposure to others during the post-treatment period.
Surgery
Total Thyroidectomy: According to Mayo Clinic, this surgical procedure involves the complete removal of the thyroid gland. It is the most common treatment option for differentiated thyroid cancers, particularly papillary and follicular carcinomas. The procedure entails a small incision at the base of the neck and then the gland is taken out.
Lymph Node Dissection: In some cases, depending on the extent of cancer spread, surgeons may also remove lymph nodes in the neck during a thyroidectomy. This aims to prevent further cancer cell dissemination.
Thyroid Hormone Replacement Therapy
Maintaining Hormonal Balance: If you opt for total thyroidectomy or extensive thyroid destruction with RAI therapy, lifelong thyroid hormone replacement therapy is essential. Synthetic thyroid hormones like levothyroxine sodium are administered orally to maintain normal physiological levels and prevent hypothyroidism.
Monitoring and Dosage Adjustment: Get regular blood tests (TSH, free T4) done to assess thyroid hormone levels and determine optimal dosage. This ensures the patient remains euthyroid (having normal thyroid function) and avoids potential complications associated with under- or over-treatment.
New-Age Treatment Options
The traditional treatment options are tried and tested, and they do work well. However, technological advancements in medical science have rendered groundbreaking solutions that are patient-centric and customizable.
Targeted Molecular Therapies
According to the National Library of Medicine, drugs like Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors (TKIs) target specific molecular pathways crucial for cancer cell growth. By disrupting these pathways, TKIs can shrink tumors and improve patient outcomes.
Immunotherapy
This groundbreaking method utilizes the body’s immune system to fight against cancer. Checkpoint inhibitors, such as PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors, have the potential to activate the immune system, enabling it to identify and eliminate cancer cells.
Moreover, adoptive cell therapy involves engineering a patient’s immune cells (CAR T-cells) to target and eliminate cancer cells.
Personalized Medicine
Genomic profiling enables the customization of treatment based on an individual’s distinct genetic composition. This approach identifies mutations driving cancer growth, enabling the selection of the most effective targeted therapies.
The combination of various therapeutic techniques, such as targeted treatments and immunotherapy, can result in a synergistic impact. It has the potential to enhance effectiveness and increase the chances of survival.
Ongoing clinical trials are exploring these combinations to optimize treatment outcomes for PFAS-related thyroid cancer.
Lifestyle Modifications and Supportive Care
Lifestyle modifications and supportive care play a crucial role in managing PFAS-related thyroid cancer. Dietary changes, such as consuming iodine-rich foods like seaweed and dairy products, can support thyroid function. However, you must avoid environmental toxins and endocrine disruptors that may exacerbate thyroid issues.
Stress management and mental health support are vital for coping with cancer-related anxiety and depression. Engaging in relaxation techniques and mindfulness practices and seeking professional counseling can help patients manage emotional distress. Joining support groups can provide a sense of community and shared understanding.
Regular follow-up and long-term surveillance are critical for detecting and managing potential recurrence or metastasis. This involves periodic physical examinations and blood tests to monitor thyroid function and cancer status, ensuring timely intervention if necessary.
FAQs
1. What is the link between AFFF and thyroid cancer?
AFFF firefighting foam contains per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) chemicals. Research suggests exposure to PFAS may increase the risk of developing thyroid cancer.
Common symptoms include fatigue, weight fluctuations, and neck swelling.
Traditional treatments include surgery, radioactive iodine therapy, and hormone replacement therapy. Newer, groundbreaking options include targeted molecular therapies, immunotherapy, and personalized medicine.
To conclude, while AFFF firefighting foams have undoubtedly saved lives, their legacy is tainted by the environmental release of PFAS chemicals. These persistent toxins pose a growing public health threat, with links to thyroid cancer emerging.
The medical community is actively researching and developing groundbreaking treatment options beyond traditional surgery and radioactive iodine therapy.
Targeted therapies, immunotherapy, and personalized medicine offer a beacon of hope for those battling PFAS-related thyroid cancer. However, continued research and public awareness are crucial for mitigating PFAS exposure and ensuring optimal patient care in the years to come.
