Thymoma and Thymic Carcinoma Treatment (Adult) (PDQ®)–Health Professional Version

General Information About Thymoma and Thymic Carcinoma Treatment

Thymoma and thymic carcinoma (collectively termed thymic epithelial tumors [TETs]) are relatively rare tumors arising from the thymus. Although infrequent, TETs are the most common tumors of the anterior mediastinum in adults. TETs, particularly thymomas, have unique biological properties and are associated with autoimmune paraneoplastic diseases. TETs have the lowest tumor mutational burden of all solid tumors in adults. All TETs have malignant potential and the ability to metastasize. The clinical behavior of TETs can vary from relatively indolent to aggressive, resulting in a range of clinical outcomes.

Surgery is the main treatment, especially for early-stage disease. Multimodality therapy, including chemotherapy and radiation therapy, is used to treat locally advanced disease, and systemic therapy alone is indicated for metastatic TETs.[1]