The Parumala Oncoinsight 2.0, held on March 16, 2025, was an enriching academic event that brought together some of the finest minds in thyroid oncology. As an invited chairperson for one of the afternoon sessions, I had the privilege of engaging with esteemed experts and gaining new insights into thyroid cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Understanding Incidental Thyroid Nodules
The sessions began at 2:20 PM with Dr. Belinda George’s talk on “Incidental Thyroid Nodules: Redefining the Approach.” She explained classification systems such as TIRADS and Bethesda, highlighting their role in clinical decision-making. Her presentation provided a strong foundation for the more complex discussions that followed.
Exploring Alternative Treatments
Next, Dr. Brijesh Ray R S delivered a compelling talk on “Ultrasound-Guided Percutaneous Ablation of Thyroid Nodules – An Alternative for Surgery?” Dr. Brijesh, my senior during undergraduate studies, explained that ablation is recommended for carefully selected patients, mostly TBSRTC 2, and in rare cases of malignancies where surgery is not feasible or declined. His insights into minimally invasive techniques emphasized the growing shift toward non-surgical interventions.
Surgical Challenges in Thyroid Cancer
A major highlight was Dr. Shawn T Joseph’s session on “Unresolved Issues in the Extent of Thyroid Cancer Surgery: A Call for Clarity.” His discussion focused on thyroidectomy, indications for neck dissection, and surgical considerations. The talk emphasized the urgent need for clear surgical guidelines, particularly for low-risk thyroid cancer cases.
Rethinking Radioiodine Therapy
I had the honor of chairing Dr. Santhosh Sampath’s session on “Challenging the Status Quo: Rethinking Radio Iodine Therapy on Low-Risk Thyroid Cancer.” He provided an in-depth analysis of the current randomized controlled trials (RCTs) available on radioiodine ablation for low-risk cancers. Notably, he referenced a recent study published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, which demonstrated that radioiodine ablation did not provide significant benefits in low-risk thyroid cancer patients compared to observation. This groundbreaking study challenges conventional treatment protocols and underscores the need for more personalized approaches in post-surgical management.
The Importance of Individualized Treatment
The final panel discussion, led by Dr. Krishna Kumar T, focused on “Beyond One Size Fits All: Individualizing Thyroid Cancer Management.” The session reinforced the importance of patient-specific treatment plans, considering tumor biology, patient preferences, and emerging molecular markers.
Parumala Oncoinsight 2.0 – A Rewarding Experience
Participating in Parumala Oncoinsight 2.0 as a chairperson was an honor and a professionally fulfilling experience. The depth of discussions, exchange of ideas, and collaboration among specialists reaffirmed the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to thyroid oncology. Events like these drive medical advancements, ensuring that patient care continues to improve.
I look forward to more such engaging academic sessions that bridge the gap between research and clinical practice, ultimately enhancing thyroid cancer management.