Graves' Disease

Research

Dr. Charles Mayo, one of the founders of the Mayo Clinic, was a pioneer in thyroid surgery. He published the first article in the medical literature on a surgical treatment for Graves' ophthalmopathy in 1914. The tradition of innovation in treatment and research of thyroid disorders, including Graves' disease, continues today.

Mayo physicians are continually conducting basic and clinical research on Graves' disease, which allows them to remain at the forefront of treatment innovations. A team of endocrinologists and ophthalmologists is currently studying the potential benefits of a medication called rituximab in patients with severe Graves' ophthalmopathy. Researchers at Mayo Clinic also are investigating the relationship between the thyroid gland and the eyes, as well as the eye cells involved in Graves' ophthalmopathy.

Mayo Clinic has a thyroid core group within its Division of Endocrinology that facilitates diagnosis, treatment and research of thyroid disease. Researchers at Mayo Clinic are actively investigating the causes of Graves' disease and Graves' ophthalmopathy. In addition, clinical trials at Mayo Clinic are underway to determine the effectiveness of new medications to treat Graves' ophthalmopathy.

Mayo Publications

See a list of publications by Mayo doctors on Graves' disease on PubMed, a service of the National Library of Medicine.