There is a great deal of research being conducted in the area of thyroid cancer including clinical trials and scientific studies. Researchers are currently studying the role of genetics in the development of thyroid cancer to develop new treatments. Scientists are working on genetic tests that can identify abnormal genes in individuals with a family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma.

Other clinical trials focus on treatment methods. These include trials for the use of chemotherapy drugs and combinations. Newer targeted therapies that have shown some success with other cancers are being tested on thyroid cancers. This includes the use of tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Researchers are studying the effectiveness of radiolabeled antibodies (antibodies with radioactive material attached). This method may make it more feasible to treat medullary thyroid cancer with radiation.