SUMMARY
Marius N. Stan, M.D., studies autoimmune thyroid diseases, with a specific interest in Graves' disease and thyroid eye disease. A second area of interest centers on nonsurgical ablative therapies for thyroid nodules.
Through his research, Dr. Stan identifies preventive approaches and new treatments for these conditions. He is primarily dedicated to planning and conducting clinical trials, from first-in-human studies to phase 3 randomized controlled trials.
Focus areas
- Graves' disease. Dr. Stan and his colleagues have evaluated CD40 pathway intervention for Graves' disease. They are now assessing neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) inhibitors and other thyrotropin receptor antibody elimination agents. Their main goal is to induce remission of Graves' disease and prevent other manifestations of thyroid autoimmunity, such as thyroid eye disease and pretibial dermopathy.
- Thyroid eye disease. Dr. Stan and his colleagues have contributed to clinical trials that clarified the impact of somatostatin analogues, rituximab, FcRn inhibitors and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) receptor blockers in thyroid eye disease. His team is further exploring this pathology, focusing on therapies that manipulate the IGF-1 receptor. Team members also are studying therapeutic options that address thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor autoantibodies and their targets.
- Thyroid nodules. Dr. Stan and his collaborators have pioneered the use of radiofrequency ablation in the United States to treat large, compressive or toxic thyroid nodules. This effort was a highly successful translation of promising results from South Korea and Italy. The team aims to identify the groups most likely to have successful long-term results and quantify the impact of thermal ablation therapy on a patient's quality of life.
Significance to patient care
Dr. Stan improves care for patients with autoimmune thyroid disease. His research helps patients with Graves' disease go into remission and prevent other related health issues.
Separately, Dr. Stan and his team use nonsurgical treatments to control nodular thyroid tissue. This approach helps patients avoid surgery, lowers the risk of hypothyroidism, prevents scarring and improves quality of life.