Update on the clinical assessment and management of thyroid eye disease

Abstract

Purpose of review: To offer an update on advances and controversies in the assessment, investigation and treatment of thyroid eye disease (TED), a disfiguring orbital autoimmune disease, which can manifest with diplopia and threaten not only sight - but also life.

Recent findings: Developments in biomarkers and imaging are helping to tailor the management of patients. Emerging therapies target different pathways in the disease and are informed by studies into TED pathogenesis: the last 2 years has, for example, seen the culmination of a two-decade long bench-to-bedside story in which an original focus on the IGF1 receptor has translated into an effective treatment for proptosis in thyroid eye disease. Whether this will result in a real-world reduction in TED-related morbidity will depend on access; commercial pricing decisions may preclude widespread adoption of novel therapies.

Summary: Thyroid eye disease research is enjoying a renaissance with advances in both monitoring and treatment coupled with a renewed emphasis on a holisitic approach, which includes aesthetic care for patients; this is perhaps the most exciting time to be part of the international thyroid eye disease community in decades - for physicians, surgeons and patients. The commercial window for break-through drugs are narrowing with an array of new therapeutic agents in the pipeline over the coming decade.