This protocol addresses a specific complication seen in Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2B: diarrhea occurring in the setting of advanced medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). Diarrhea occurs most frequently in patients with advanced disease and hepatic metastases, and warrants targeted management as part of overall care.
First-line management centres on antimotility agents — a class of therapies that can provide meaningful symptom control in this population. The full protocol specifies the agents of choice, their selection criteria, and the sequencing of further options when initial therapy is insufficient.
DOI: 10.1089/thy.2014.0335
Diarrhea occurs most frequently in patients with advanced disease and hepatic metastases.
Patients with advanced MTC and diarrhea should be treated initially with antimotility agents.
The antimotility agents loperamide, diphenoxylate/atropine, or codeine have minimal side effects and should be used as first-line therapy.
View source ↗