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Wu Z, Yu Y, Xie F, Chen Q, Cao Z, Chen S, Liu GG. Economic burden of patients with leading cancers in China: a cost-of-illness study. BMC Health Serv Res 2024; 24:1135. [PMID: 39334309 PMCID: PMC11429825 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-024-11514-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 08/30/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND China accounts for 24% of newly diagnosed cancer cases and 30% of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Comprehensive analyses of the economic burden on patients across different cancer treatment phases, based on empirical data, are lacking. This study aims to estimate the financial burden borne by patients and analyze the cost compositions of the leading cancers with the highest number of new cases in China. METHODS This cross-sectional cost-of-illness study analyzed patients diagnosed with lung, breast, colorectal, esophageal, liver, or gastric cancer, identified through electronic health records (EHRs) from 84 hospitals across 17 provinces in China. Patients completed any one of the initial treatment phase, follow-up phase, and relapse/metastasis phase were recruited by trained attending physicians through a stratified sampling procedure to ensure enough cases for each cancer progression stage and cancer treatment phase. Direct and indirect costs by treatment phase were collected from the EHRs and self-reported surveys. We estimated per case cost for each type of cancer, and employed subgroup analyses and multiple linear regression models to explore cost drivers. RESULTS We recruited a total of 13,745 cancer patients across three treatment phases. The relapse/metastasis phase incurred the highest per case costs, varying from $8,890 to $14,572, while the follow-up phase was the least costly, ranging from $1,840 to $4,431. Being in the relapse/metastasis phase and having an advanced clinical stage of cancer at diagnosis were associated with significantly higher cost, while patients with low socioeconomic status borne lower costs. CONCLUSIONS There were substantial financial burden on patients with six leading cancers in China. Health policymakers should emphasize comprehensive healthcare coverage for marginalized populations such as the uninsured, less educated, and those living in underdeveloped regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziting Wu
- National School of Development, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
- Institute for Global Health and Development, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
- PKU China Center for Health Economic Research, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Yiwen Yu
- School of Population Medicine and Public Health, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China.
- Office of Cancer Screening, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, National Cancer Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
| | - Feng Xie
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
- Centre for Health Economics and Policy Analysis, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Qiushi Chen
- The Harold and Inge Marcus Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Zhong Cao
- State Key Lab of Intelligent Technologies and Systems, Beijing National Research Center for Information Science and Technology, Department of Automation, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Simiao Chen
- School of Population Medicine and Public Health, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China
- Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Gordon G Liu
- National School of Development, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China.
- Institute for Global Health and Development, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China.
- PKU China Center for Health Economic Research, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China.
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Uppal N, Broekhuis JM, Gomez-Mayorga JL, Chen HW, Chaves N, James B. Association between patient-reported financial burden and catastrophic health expenditures in cancer survivors. HEALTHCARE (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2024; 12:100752. [PMID: 39317137 DOI: 10.1016/j.hjdsi.2024.100752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2024] [Accepted: 09/16/2024] [Indexed: 09/26/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE To measure rates of patient-reported financial burden, compare them across cancer types, and determine whether they are predictive of catastrophic health expenditures (CHE). METHODS We extracted data from the Medical Expenditures Panel Survey from 2011 to 2017 to conduct a retrospective population-based cohort study and multivariable logistic regression to assess the financial burden of cancer across 16 cancer types and compare patient-reported metrics to CHE rates. RESULTS Patients with ovarian cancer were most likely to report inability paying bills (34.5 %) and filing for bankruptcy (9.4 %), while patients with thyroid cancer were most likely to incur debt (22.4 %). Patients with kidney cancer had the highest mean debt ($46,915). CHEs were independently predicted by inability to pay medical bills (OR [95 % CI], 1.96 [1.14-3.35]) and bankruptcy filing (OR [95 % CI], 3.90 [1.21-12.60]. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS We report important variations in the financial burden across cancer types and underscore the importance of assessing how patient-reported measures are related to CHEs. POLICY IMPLICATIONS The financial burden of cancer care could explain the lack of improved outcomes with increased national health spending.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nishant Uppal
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jordan M Broekhuis
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Hao Wei Chen
- Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Natalia Chaves
- Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Benjamin James
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA.
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3
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Lin X, Zhao R, Bin Y, Huo R, Xue G, Wu J. TIMP1 promotes thyroid cancer cell progression through macrophage phenotypic polarization via the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Genomics 2024; 116:110914. [PMID: 39128817 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2024.110914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2024] [Revised: 07/21/2024] [Accepted: 08/08/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024]
Abstract
Increasing evidence suggests that tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP1) played a pivotal role in immune regulation. Our study focused on examining the expression and function of TIMP1 in humans, particularly in its regulation of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). We observed an upregulation of TIMP1 in 16 different types of malignancies, including thyroid cancer. TIMP1 shaped the inflammatory TME in PTC. Inhibiting the expression of TIMP1 has been demonstrated to reduce the malignant biological traits of PTC cells. Furthermore, reducing TIMP1 expression impeded M2 macrophage polarization as well as facilitated M1 macrophage polarization in PTC. ELISA results demonstrated that downregulated TIMP1 expression correlated with decreased levels of IL10 and TGF-β in cell supernatants. Furthermore, the supernatant from polarized macrophages in the TIMP1-silenced group inhibited the motility of wild-type PTC cells. Therefore, TIMP1 may enhance the progression of PTC by stimulating the PI3K/AKT pathway via the secretion of IL10 and TGF-β, consequently influencing M2-type polarization in TAMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Lin
- Department of Morphology Laboratory, Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou 075000, China
| | - Ruhua Zhao
- Department of Morphology Laboratory, Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou 075000, China
| | - Yu Bin
- Department of Morphology Laboratory, Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou 075000, China
| | - Ronghua Huo
- Department of Morphology Laboratory, Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou 075000, China
| | - Gang Xue
- Department of Morphology Laboratory, Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou 075000, China; Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou 075000, China.
| | - Jingfang Wu
- Department of Morphology Laboratory, Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou 075000, China.
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Fan S, Jiang H, Shen J, Lin H, Yu D, Yang L, Zheng N, Chen L. Association between educational attainment and thyroid cancer: evidence from a univariable and multivariable Mendelian randomization study. Endocrine 2024; 85:1238-1243. [PMID: 38565797 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-024-03796-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Thyroid cancer and educational attainment have been related in observational studies. It is unclear if these correlations indicate causative relationships. METHODS Using large-scale genome-wide association studies (GWAS) datasets, we conducted an univariable and multivariable Mendelian randomization (MR) study to assess a potential connection between educational attainment and thyroid cancer. The inverse-variance weighted (IVW) analysis method is used as our primary outcome. Additionally, we carry out several sensitivity analyses to evaluate the pleiotropy and robustness of the causal estimates. RESULTS Univariate MR study shows 4.2 years of additional education is associated with a 41.4% reduction in thyroid cancer risk (OR = 0.586; 95% CI: 0.378-0.909; P = 0.017). Further multivariable MR analysis revealed that body mass index (BMI) acted as a partial mediating factor in the protective impact of higher educational attainment against thyroid cancer. CONCLUSION This MR study provided genetic evidence that longer education attainment is related to a lower risk of thyroid cancer. Strategies of expanding education may reduce the burden of thyroid cancer in the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyue Fan
- Nursing College, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China
| | - Hongzhan Jiang
- Nursing College, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jiali Shen
- Nursing College, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China
| | - Huihui Lin
- Nursing College, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China
| | - Doudou Yu
- Nursing College, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China
| | - Liping Yang
- Nursing College, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China
| | - Nengtong Zheng
- Nursing College, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China
| | - Lijuan Chen
- Nursing College, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China.
- Department of General Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen, China.
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Kotwal A, Fingeret A, Knape A, Patel A, Bradford Bell E, Goldner W. Thyroid Cancer Survivorship: Challenges and Opportunities. Endocr Pract 2024:S1530-891X(24)00652-9. [PMID: 39209023 DOI: 10.1016/j.eprac.2024.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2024] [Revised: 08/14/2024] [Accepted: 08/20/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To provide a narrative review of challenges and opportunities in the care of thyroid cancer survivors. METHODS A literature search for full-text articles pertaining to quality of life and survivorship in thyroid cancer was performed and supplemented with personal experience of the authors. RESULTS Despite usually favorable prognosis for most thyroid cancer survivors, health-related quality of life (HRQOL) can be as poor or even worse than that in more aggressive cancers. Worry of cancer recurrence and long-term effects from cancer treatment adversely affects HRQOL in addition to other factors. Disparities and financial hardships among thyroid cancer survivors further affect HRQOL. In addition to monitoring for cancer recurrence and managing hypothyroidism, long-term effects from cancer treatment, including surgical complications, effects from radioactive iodine therapy, a small but increased risk of second primary malignancies, and aging-related health conditions (bone, cardiac, and fertility), need to be monitored for and addressed during survivorship care. CONCLUSION Survivorship care models can vary depending on the specifics of the population served; however, a team-based survivor-centered approach provides the best care to thyroid cancer survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anupam Kotwal
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska; Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska.
| | - Abbey Fingeret
- Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska; Division of Endocrine Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Anne Knape
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska; Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Anery Patel
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska; Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Elizabeth Bradford Bell
- Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska; Division of Head and Neck Oncology, Department of Otolaryngology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Whitney Goldner
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska; Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
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Grani G, Sponziello M, Filetti S, Durante C. Thyroid nodules: diagnosis and management. Nat Rev Endocrinol 2024:10.1038/s41574-024-01025-4. [PMID: 39152228 DOI: 10.1038/s41574-024-01025-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/19/2024]
Abstract
Thyroid nodules, with a prevalence of almost 25% in the general population, are a common occurrence. Their prevalence varies considerably depending on demographics such as age and sex as well as the presence of risk factors. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the prevalence, risk stratification and current management strategies for thyroid nodules, with a particular focus on changes in diagnostic and therapeutic protocols that have occurred over the past 10 years. Several sonography-based stratification systems (such as Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data Systems (TIRADS)) might help to predict the malignancy risk of nodules, potentially eliminating the need for biopsy in many instances. However, large or suspicious nodules necessitate cytological evaluation following fine-needle aspiration biopsy for accurate classification. In the case of cytology yielding indeterminate results, additional tools, such as molecular testing, can assist in guiding the management plan. Surgery is no longer the only treatment for symptomatic or malignant nodules: active surveillance or local ablative treatments might be beneficial for appropriately selected patients. To enhance clinician-patient interactions and discussions about diagnostic options, shared decision-making tools have been developed. A personalized, risk-based protocol promotes high-quality care while minimizing costs and unnecessary testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgio Grani
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Marialuisa Sponziello
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Sebastiano Filetti
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Cosimo Durante
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
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7
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He X, Chen J, Zhang L, Li Q, Zhu X, Zhao J, Chen Y. Identifying the factors affecting financial toxicity status in patients with middle and advanced colorectal cancer: a cross-sectional study. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1421314. [PMID: 39081353 PMCID: PMC11286404 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1421314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Colorectal cancer (CRC) ranks as the second most prevalent type of cancer in China. The financial implications of treatment are a significant factor to be taken into account for patients diagnosed with middle and advanced stages of colorectal cancer (III-IV CRC). The research aims to explore current financial toxicity (FT) conditions and analyze factors that may influence it in patients with middle and advanced CRC. Method This is a cross-sectional survey. The participants of the study were individuals diagnosed with middle and advanced colorectal cancer who were admitted to the hospital between January and June 2023. The cross-sectional survey utilized a variety of instruments, including a general information questionnaire, a cancer patient report outcome economic toxicity scale, a medical coping style questionnaire, an Anderson symptom assessment scale, a disease shame scale, and a social support scale. Multiple linear regression analysis was employed to examine the factors influencing FT. Result A cohort of 264 patients diagnosed with stage III-IV CRC were included in the study. The majority of patients with intermediate and advanced CRC (87.1%, n = 230) reported experiencing substantial financial strain. Multivariate analysis revealed that factors influencing FT included low family monthly income, out-of-pocket expenses, unemployment, undergoing surgical treatment, the level of stigma, and the severity of symptoms (P < 0.001). Conclusion Patients with stage III-IV cancer (CRC) demonstrate increased levels of financial toxicity (FT), a common occurrence in individuals with moderate to severe CRC. In patients with stage III-IV CRC, the presence of FT is correlated with various factors including family monthly income, medical payment methods, work status, surgical treatment, stigma levels, and symptom severity. These characteristics may serve as influencing factors for subsequent treatment decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofang He
- Medical School, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Department of Nursing, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang, China
| | - Jie Chen
- Medical School, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Lin Zhang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, China
| | - Qiuping Li
- Medical School, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Xiaoli Zhu
- Department of Nursing, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang, China
| | - Jie Zhao
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Ying Chen
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
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8
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Ma J, Li Z, Xu J, Lai J, Zhao J, Ma L, Sun X. PRDM1 promotes the ferroptosis and immune escape of thyroid cancer by regulating USP15-mediated SELENBP1 deubiquitination. J Endocrinol Invest 2024:10.1007/s40618-024-02385-4. [PMID: 39014173 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-024-02385-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The deubiquitinating enzyme Ubiquitin-specific peptidase 15 (USP15) is upregulated in various cancers and promotes tumor progression by increasing the expression of several oncogenes. This project is designed to explore the role and mechanism of USP15 in thyroid cancer (TC) progression. METHODS Selenium-binding protein 1 (SELENBP1), USP15, CCL2/5, CXCL10/11, IL-4, and TGF-β1 mRNA levels were detected using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). SELENBP1, USP15, GPX4, IL-10, Arg-1, Granzyme B, TNF-α, and PR domain zinc finger protein 1 (PRDM1) protein levels were examined by western blot assay. Fe+ level, malondialdehyde (MDA), and lipid-ROS levels were determined using special kits. The proportion of CD11b+CD206+ positive cells was detected using a flow cytometry assay. The role of SELENBP1 on TC cell growth was examined using a xenograft tumor model in vivo. After GeneMANIA prediction, the interaction between USP15 and SELENBP1 was verified using Co-immunoprecipitation (CoIP) assay. The binding between PRDM1 and USP15 promoter was predicted by JASPAR and validated using Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and dual-luciferase reporter assays. RESULTS SELENBP1 was increased in TC subjects and cell lines, and its knockdown repressed TC cell proliferation, migration, invasion, immune escape, and induced ferroptosis in vitro, as well as blocked tumor growth in vivo. In mechanism, USP15 interacted with SELENBP1 and maintained its stabilization by removing ubiquitin. Meanwhile, the upregulation of USP15 was induced by the transcription factor PRDM1. CONCLUSION USP15 transcriptionally mediated by PRDM1 might boost TC cell malignant behaviors through deubiquitinating SELENBP1, providing a promising therapeutic target for TC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Ma
- Department of Vascular Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an City, 710004, Shaanxi, China
| | - Z Li
- Department of Vascular Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an City, 710004, Shaanxi, China
| | - J Xu
- Department of General Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an City, 710004, Shaanxi, China
| | - J Lai
- Department of Vascular Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an City, 710004, Shaanxi, China
| | - J Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an City, 710004, Shaanxi, China
| | - L Ma
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an City, 710061, Shaanxi, China
| | - X Sun
- Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 277 West Yanta Road, Xi'an City, 710061, Shaanxi, China.
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Kotwal A, Simpson R, Whiteman N, Swanson B, Yuil-Valdes A, Fitch M, Nguyen J, Elhag S, Shats O, Goldner W, Bennett R. Relaxin-2 is a novel biomarker for differentiated thyroid carcinoma in humans. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 225:116323. [PMID: 38815632 PMCID: PMC11470803 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
Relaxin's role in differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) has been suggested but its characterization in a large clinical sample remains limited. We performed immunohistochemistry for relaxin-2 (RLN2), CD68 (total macrophages), CD163 (M2 macrophages) on tissue microarrays from 181 subjects with non-distant metastatic DTC, and 185 subjects with benign thyroid tissue. Mean pixels/area for each marker was compared between tumor and adjacent tissue via paired-t test and between DTC and benign subjects via t-test assuming unequal variances. RNA qPCR was performed for expression of RLN2, RLN1, and RXFP1 in cell lines. Amongst 181 cases, the mean age was 46 years, 75 % were females. Tumoral tissue amongst the DTC cases demonstrated higher mean expression of RLN2 (53.04 vs. 9.79; p < 0.0001) compared to tumor-adjacent tissue. DTC tissue also demonstrated higher mean expression of CD68 (14.46 vs. 4.79; p < 0.0001), and CD163 (23.13 vs. -0.73; p < 0.0001) than benign thyroid. These markers did not differ between tumor-adjacent and benign thyroid tissue groups; and amongst cases, did not differ by demographic or clinicopathologic features. RLN1 and RXFP1 expression was detected in a minority of the cell lines, while RLN2 was expressed by 6/7 cell lines. In conclusion, widespread RLN2 expression in DTC tissue and most cell lines demonstrates that RLN2 acts in a paracrine manner, and that RLN1 and RXFP1 are probably not involved in thyroid cancer cell signaling. RLN2 is a biomarker for thyroid carcinogenesis, being associated with but not secreted by immunosuppressive macrophages. These findings will guide further investigations for therapeutic avenues against thyroid cancer.
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MESH Headings
- Humans
- Relaxin/metabolism
- Relaxin/genetics
- Thyroid Neoplasms/pathology
- Thyroid Neoplasms/metabolism
- Thyroid Neoplasms/genetics
- Thyroid Neoplasms/diagnosis
- Female
- Middle Aged
- Male
- Biomarkers, Tumor/metabolism
- Biomarkers, Tumor/genetics
- Adult
- Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/metabolism
- Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/genetics
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Antigens, CD/genetics
- Antigens, CD/metabolism
- Aged
- Receptors, Peptide/metabolism
- Receptors, Peptide/genetics
- Antigens, Differentiation, Myelomonocytic/metabolism
- Antigens, Differentiation, Myelomonocytic/genetics
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Affiliation(s)
- Anupam Kotwal
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA; VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE, USA; Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Ronda Simpson
- VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Nicholas Whiteman
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Benjamin Swanson
- Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA; Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Ana Yuil-Valdes
- Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA; Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Madelyn Fitch
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Joshua Nguyen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Salma Elhag
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Oleg Shats
- Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Whitney Goldner
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA; Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Robert Bennett
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA; VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.
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10
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Kravchenko T, Chen V, Hsu D, Manzella A, Kheng M, Laird AM, Simon M, Trooskin S, Beninato T. Which Ultrasound Characteristics Predict Lymphatic Spread of Papillary Thyroid Cancer? J Surg Res 2024; 299:263-268. [PMID: 38781736 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2024.04.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The 2015 American Thyroid Association guidelines recommend lymph node mapping US in patients with definitive cytological evidence of thyroid cancer. Suspicious lymph node features on imaging including enlarged size (>1 cm in any dimension), architectural distortion, loss of fatty hilum, and microcalcifications often prompt evaluation with fine needle aspiration. There is no universally agreed upon model for determining which ultrasound characteristics most strongly correlate with metastatic disease. METHODS A retrospective review of patients with confirmed papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) undergoing lymph node mapping ultrasound from 2013 to 2019 was performed. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value were calculated for each individual ultrasound characteristic as well as for characteristic combinations. RESULTS Data from 119 lymph nodes were included. Malignant lymph nodes were more likely to be enlarged (71% versus 61%, P < 0.001) and to have each individual suspicious feature. Loss of fatty hilum had the highest sensitivity (89%) but was not specific (19%) for metastatic disease. Architectural distortion was found to have the highest specificity (87%). A combination of the four features was found to have higher specificity (97%) and PPV (88%) than any individual feature or combination of two/three features. CONCLUSIONS A combination of four sonographic features correlates with metastatic PTC to lymph nodes and has the highest specificity and PPV for malignancy. A risk stratification model based on these features may lead to better classification of ultrasound findings in PTC patients with concern for nodal metastases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Vivian Chen
- Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson School of Medicine, New Brunswick, New Jersey
| | - Daniel Hsu
- Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson School of Medicine, New Brunswick, New Jersey
| | - Alexander Manzella
- Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson School of Medicine, New Brunswick, New Jersey
| | - Marin Kheng
- Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson School of Medicine, New Brunswick, New Jersey
| | - Amanda M Laird
- Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson School of Medicine, New Brunswick, New Jersey; Section of Endocrine Surgery, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey
| | - Mitchell Simon
- Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson School of Medicine, New Brunswick, New Jersey
| | - Stanley Trooskin
- Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson School of Medicine, New Brunswick, New Jersey
| | - Toni Beninato
- Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson School of Medicine, New Brunswick, New Jersey; Section of Endocrine Surgery, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey
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11
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Zhang L, Wong C, Li Y, Huang T, Wang J, Lin C. Artificial intelligence assisted diagnosis of early tc markers and its application. Discov Oncol 2024; 15:172. [PMID: 38761260 PMCID: PMC11102422 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-024-01017-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Thyroid cancer (TC) is a common endocrine malignancy with an increasing incidence worldwide. Early diagnosis is particularly important for TC patients, because it allows patients to receive treatment as early as possible. Artificial intelligence (AI) provides great advantages for complex healthcare systems by analyzing big data based on machine learning. Nowadays, AI is widely used in the early diagnosis of cancer such as TC. Ultrasound detection and fine needle aspiration biopsy are the main methods for early diagnosis of TC. AI has been widely used in the detection of malignancy in thyroid nodules by ultrasound images, cytopathology images and molecular markers. It shows great potential in auxiliary medical diagnosis. The latest clinical trial has shown that the performance of AI models matches with the diagnostic efficiency of experienced clinicians, and more efficient AI tools will be developed in the future. Therefore, in this review, we summarized the recent advances in the application of AI algorithms in assessing the risk of malignancy in thyroid nodules. The objective of this review was to provide a data base for the clinical use of AI-assisted diagnosis in TC, as well as to provide new ideas for the next generation of AI-assisted diagnosis in TC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laney Zhang
- Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Chinting Wong
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Yungeng Li
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | | | - Jiawen Wang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Chenghe Lin
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China.
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12
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Baek HS, Ha J, Kim K, Bae JS, Kim JS, Kim S, Lim DJ, Kim CM. Cost-Utility Analysis of Early Detection with Ultrasonography of Differentiated Thyroid Cancer: A Retrospective Study on a Korean Population. Endocrinol Metab (Seoul) 2024; 39:310-323. [PMID: 38590123 PMCID: PMC11066449 DOI: 10.3803/enm.2023.1870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGRUOUND There is debate about ultrasonography screening for thyroid cancer and its cost-effectiveness. This study aimed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of early screening (ES) versus symptomatic detection (SD) for differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) in Korea. METHODS A Markov decision analysis model was constructed to compare the cost-effectiveness of ES and SD. The model considered direct medical costs, health outcomes, and different diagnostic and treatment pathways. Input data were derived from literature and Korean population studies. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was calculated. Willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold was set at USD 100,000 or 20,000 per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to address uncertainties of the model's variables. RESULTS In a base case scenario with 50 years of follow-up, ES was found to be cost-effective compared to SD, with an ICER of $2,852 per QALY. With WTP set at $100,000, in the case with follow-up less than 10 years, the SD was cost-effective. Sensitivity analysis showed that variables such as lobectomy probability, age, mortality, and utility scores significantly influenced the ICER. Despite variations in costs and other factors, all ICER values remained below the WTP threshold. CONCLUSION Findings of this study indicate that ES is a cost-effective strategy for DTC screening in the Korean medical system. Early detection and subsequent lobectomy contribute to the cost-effectiveness of ES, while SD at an advanced stage makes ES more cost-effective. Expected follow-up duration should be considered to determine an optimal strategy for DTC screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han-Sang Baek
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Uijeongbu St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Uijeongbu, Korea
| | - Jeonghoon Ha
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kwangsoon Kim
- Department of Surgery, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ja Seong Bae
- Department of Surgery, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jeong Soo Kim
- Department of Surgery, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sungju Kim
- Healthcare Group, Lee & Ko, Seoul, Korea
| | - Dong-Jun Lim
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Chul-Min Kim
- Department of Family Medicine, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
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13
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Espinosa De Ycaza AE, Brito JP, McCoy RG, Shao H, Singh Ospina N. Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists and Thyroid Cancer: A Narrative Review. Thyroid 2024; 34:403-418. [PMID: 38343381 PMCID: PMC10998705 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2023.0530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
Background: Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) are highly effective medications for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity. Pharmacological studies in rodents support an association between the use of GLP-1 RAs and the development of medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) resulting in a black box warning for these agents in patients at risk for this condition. Yet, the association between GLP-1 RAs and non-MTC remains controversial. Excessive worry about unproven thyroid cancer risk might lead to underutilizing GLP-1 RAs in patients who could otherwise experience substantial benefits. Unwarranted concerns about thyroid cancer could lead to unnecessary thyroid cancer screening and harms from overdiagnosis. Summary: The body of evidence assessing the association between GLP-1 RA use and thyroid cancer spans a wide range of methodologies, including basic and translational research investigating biological plausibility; randomized trials assessing clinical efficacy and providing the strongest evidence for causality; observational studies providing real-life outcome evaluation in larger populations but with limited evaluation of covariates or dependable outcome definitions; and pharmacovigilance studies that provide postmarketing assessments of a safety signal but do not address causality. There is biological plausibility supporting an association between GLP-1 RA and MTC in rodents, which is less clear for non-MTC in humans. Clinical evidence from randomized trials and associated meta-analysis suggest thyroid cancer as a rare event making effect estimates imprecise but without conclusive and consistent evidence of increase risk in those receiving GLP-1 RA. Observational studies at higher risk of bias also show low event rates for thyroid cancer, with effect estimates that are inconsistent among different studies. Pharmacovigilance studies consistently show a signal of increased reporting of thyroid cancer in patients treated with GLP-1 RA. Conclusions: Evidence from randomized controlled trials indicates occurrence of thyroid cancer is infrequent in individuals exposed to GLP-1 RA. Observational studies at higher risk of bias yield inconsistent results. Overall there is no conclusive evidence of elevated thyroid cancer risk. These findings can help clinicians when addressing patient's concerns about a potential yet unproven link between GLP-1 RA therapy and thyroid cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Juan P. Brito
- Knowledge and Evaluation Research Unit, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Rozalina G. McCoy
- Knowledge and Evaluation Research Unit, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- University of Maryland Institute for Health Computing, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Hui Shao
- Emory Global Diabetes Research Center of Woodruff Health Sciences Center, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollin School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Naykky Singh Ospina
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
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14
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Sun X, Chen S, Zhao S, Wang J, Cheng H. Causal relationship of genetically predicted gut microbiota with thyroid cancer: a bidirectional two-sample mendelian randomization study. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1284472. [PMID: 38495789 PMCID: PMC10940398 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1284472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Previous investigations have demonstrated a correlation between the composition of gut microbiota and the development of thyroid cancer (TC). Nonetheless, there was no consensus on the causal effect of gut microbiota composition on TC risk. Therefore, the present study aimed to perform a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to explore potential causal associations between gut microbiota and TC risk. Methods Utilizing data from the MiBioGen consortium's genome-wide association studies (GWAS) meta-analysis involving a sample size of 18,340, we identified instrumental variables for 211 gut microbiota taxa. The summary statistics for TC was from relevant large-scale GWAS conducted by the FinnGen consortium. In the first stage, the Inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method was used as the primary estimate method, and the stability of estimations was tested by a battery of sensitivity analyses. In the second stage, a reverse MR analysis was applied to determine whether reverse causality existed. Results According to the IVW method, we identified 9 genetically predicted gut microbiota that were causally correlated with TC risk. Among them, we observed a positive causal effect of Family Christensenellaceae (OR = 1.664, 95% CI: 1.103-2.511, P = 0.015), Family Victivallaceae (OR = 1.268, 95% CI: 1.009-1.594, P = 0.042), Genus Methanobrevibacter (OR = 1.505, 95% CI: 1.049-2.159, P = 0.027), Genus Ruminococcus2 (OR = 1.846, 95% CI: 1.261-2.704, P = 0.002), Genus Subdoligranulum (OR = 1.907, 95% CI: 1.165-3.121, P = 0.010), Phylum Verrucomicrobia (OR = 1.309, 95% CI: 1.027-1.668, P = 0.029) on TC risk, while Class Betaproteobacteria (OR = 0.522, 95% CI: 0.310-0.879, P = 0.015), Family Family XI (OR = 0.753, 95% CI: 0.577-0.983, P = 0.037), Genus Sutterella (OR = 0.596, 95% CI: 0.381-0.933, P = 0.024) might be correlated with a decreased risk of TC. Subsequently, various sensitivity analyses indicated no heterogeneity, directional pleiotropy or outliers. In addition, reverse analysis demonstrated a negative causal effect of TC risk on the abundance of the gut microbiota (Genus Ruminococcus2, OR = 0.947, 95% CI: 0.907-0.989, P = 0.014). Conclusion Genetic evidence suggested that bidirectional causal associations of specific bacteria taxa and the risk of TC, highlighting the association of the "gut-thyroid" axis. Further exploration of the potential microbiota-related mechanisms might have profound implications for public health in terms of the early prevention and treatment of TC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohe Sun
- Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of TCM Prevention and Treatment of Tumor, The First Clinical Medical College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shuai Chen
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shuoqi Zhao
- Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of TCM Prevention and Treatment of Tumor, The First Clinical Medical College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jingwen Wang
- Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of TCM Prevention and Treatment of Tumor, The First Clinical Medical College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Haibo Cheng
- Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of TCM Prevention and Treatment of Tumor, The First Clinical Medical College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
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15
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Alagoz O, Zhang Y, Arroyo N, Fernandes-Taylor S, Yang DY, Krebsbach C, Venkatesh M, Hsiao V, Davies L, Francis DO. Modeling Thyroid Cancer Epidemiology in the United States Using Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma Microsimulation Model. VALUE IN HEALTH : THE JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR PHARMACOECONOMICS AND OUTCOMES RESEARCH 2024; 27:367-375. [PMID: 38141816 PMCID: PMC10922958 DOI: 10.1016/j.jval.2023.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/25/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Thyroid cancer incidence increased over 200% from 1992 to 2018, whereas mortality rates had not increased proportionately. The increased incidence has been attributed primarily to the detection of subclinical disease, raising important questions related to thyroid cancer control. We developed the Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma Microsimulation model (PATCAM) to answer them, including the impact of overdiagnosis on thyroid cancer incidence. METHODS PATCAM simulates individuals from age 15 until death in birth cohorts starting from 1975 using 4 inter-related components, including natural history, detection, post-diagnosis, and other-cause mortality. PATCAM was built using high-quality data and calibrated against observed age-, sex-, and stage-specific incidence in the United States as reported by the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database. PATCAM was validated against US thyroid cancer mortality and 3 active surveillance studies, including the largest and longest running thyroid cancer active surveillance cohort in the world (from Japan) and 2 from the United States. RESULTS PATCAM successfully replicated age- and stage-specific papillary thyroid cancers (PTC) incidence and mean tumor size at diagnosis and PTC mortality in the United States between 1975 and 2015. PATCAM accurately predicted the proportion of tumors that grew more than 3 mm and 5 mm in 5 years and 10 years, aligning with the 95% confidence intervals of the reported rates from active surveillance studies in most cases. CONCLUSIONS PATCAM successfully reproduced observed US thyroid cancer incidence and mortality over time and was externally validated. PATCAM can be used to identify factors that influence the detection of subclinical PTCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oguzhan Alagoz
- Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
| | - Yichi Zhang
- Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Natalia Arroyo
- Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | | | - Dou-Yan Yang
- Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Craig Krebsbach
- Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Manasa Venkatesh
- Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Vivian Hsiao
- Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Louise Davies
- Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth and The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy & Clinical Practice, Hanover, NH, USA; Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, White River Junction, VT, USA
| | - David O Francis
- Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
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16
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Chen DW, Ospina NS, Haymart MR. Social Determinants of Health and Disparities in Thyroid Care. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2024; 109:e1309-e1313. [PMID: 38057150 PMCID: PMC10876391 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgad716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There have been documented racial and ethnic disparities in the care and clinical outcomes of patients with thyroid disease. CONTEXT Key to improving disparities in thyroid care is understanding the context for racial and ethnic disparities, which includes acknowledging and addressing social determinants of health. Thyroid disease diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship care are impacted by patient- and system-level factors, including socioeconomic status and economic stability, language, education, health literacy, and health care systems and health policy. The relationship between these factors and downstream clinical outcomes is intricate and complex, underscoring the need for a multifaceted approach to mitigate these disparities. CONCLUSION Understanding the factors that contribute to disparities in thyroid disease is critically important. There is a need for future targeted and multilevel interventions to address these disparities, while considering societal, health care, clinician, and patient perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debbie W Chen
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology & Diabetes, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Naykky Singh Ospina
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Megan R Haymart
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology & Diabetes, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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17
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Tran TVT, Schonfeld SJ, Pasqual E, Haymart MR, Morton LM, Kitahara CM. All-Cause and Cause-Specific Mortality Among Low-Risk Differentiated Thyroid Cancer Survivors in the United States. Thyroid 2024; 34:215-224. [PMID: 38149602 PMCID: PMC10884550 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2023.0449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
Background: Despite the excellent disease-specific survival associated with low-risk differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC), its diagnosis and management have been linked to patient concerns about cancer recurrence, treatment-related health risks, and mortality. Lack of information regarding long-term health outcomes can perpetuate these concerns. Therefore, we assessed all-cause and cause-specific mortality in a large cohort of individuals diagnosed with low-risk DTC. Methods: From the U.S. Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-12 cancer registry database (1992-2019), we identified 51,854 individuals (81.8% female) diagnosed with first primary DTC at low risk of recurrence (≤4 cm, localized). We estimated cause-specific cumulative mortality by time since diagnosis, accounting for competing risks. Standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) and CIs were used to compare observed mortality rates in DTC patients with expected rates in the matched U.S. general population, overall and by time since DTC diagnosis. We used Cox proportional hazards models to examine associations between radioactive iodine (RAI) treatment and cause-specific mortality. Results: During follow-up (median = 8.8, range 0-28 years), 3467 (6.7%) deaths were recorded. Thyroid cancer accounted for only 4.3% of deaths (n = 148). The most common causes of death were malignancies (other than thyroid cancer) (n = 1031, 29.7%) and cardiovascular disease (CVD; n = 912, 26.3%). The 20-year cumulative mortality rate from thyroid cancer, malignancies (other than thyroid or nonmelanoma skin cancer), and CVD was 0.6%, 4.6%, and 3.9%, respectively. Lower than expected mortality was observed for all causes excluding thyroid cancer (SMR = 0.69 [CI 0.67-0.71]) and most specific causes, including all malignancies combined (other than thyroid cancer; SMR = 0.80 [CI 0.75-0.85]) and CVD (SMR = 0.64 [CI 0.60-0.69]). However, mortality rates were elevated for specific cancers, including pancreas (SMR = 1.58 [CI 1.18-2.06]), kidney and renal pelvis (SMR = 1.85 [CI 1.10-2.93]), and brain and other nervous system (SMR = 1.62 [CI 0.99-2.51]), and myeloma (SMR = 2.35 [CI 1.46-3.60]) and leukemia (SMR = 1.62 [CI 1.07-2.36]); these associations were stronger ≥10 years after diagnosis. RAI was not associated with risk of cause-specific death, but numbers of events were small and the range of administered activities was likely narrow. Conclusions: Overall, our findings provide reassurance regarding low overall and cause-specific mortality rates in individuals with low-risk DTC. Additional research is necessary to confirm and understand the increased mortality from certain subsequent cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thi-Van-Trinh Tran
- Radiation Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Sara J. Schonfeld
- Radiation Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Elisa Pasqual
- Evidence Synthesis and Classification Branch, International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyon, France
| | - Megan R. Haymart
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Lindsay M. Morton
- Radiation Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Cari M. Kitahara
- Radiation Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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18
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Chen J, Wang C, Shao B. Global, regional, and national thyroid cancer age-period-cohort modeling and Bayesian predictive modeling studies: A systematic analysis of the global burden of disease study 2019. Heliyon 2023; 9:e22490. [PMID: 38045179 PMCID: PMC10689957 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e22490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective To analyze the changing trend of the global burden of thyroid cancer (TC) and its associated risk factors using data from the Global Burden of Disease study 2019 (GBD 2019). Methods This study utilized the GBD 2019 database to analyze the burden trend of TC in various regions and countries from 1990 to 2019, while also examining the age-period-cohort (APC) effect. Additionally, the study used Bayesian age-period-cohort (BAPC) and predictive models to forecast TC incidence up until 2030. Results According to data from 2019, there were 233,846.64 (95 % UI 211,636.89-252,806.55) cases of TC worldwide. The burden of TC varies among regions and countries, with higher incidence rates observed in moderate and above SDI regions. Age and gender also play a role, with incidence rates peaking in the >95 age group for men and the 70-74 age group for women. Additionally, women have a higher incidence than men. The APC model revealed that the impact of age was most significant among individuals aged 95 years and older, while it was lowest among those aged 0-14 years. Additionally, the period effect showed a relatively low risk of morbidity with a Period RR < 0 during 1990-2004 and a high relative risk of morbidity with a Period RR > 0 during 2005-2019. Furthermore, the cohort effect demonstrated that the relative risk of developing the disease was lower before 1950 and higher after 1950. Predicted values show an increasing trend in thyroid incidence over the next 30 years. Conclusions The findings of this study highlight the continued significance of thyroid cancer as a global public health issue. It is crucial to develop targeted interventions that address the specific risk factors associated with thyroid cancer. Furthermore, health policies should be customized and adapted to the unique needs of different regions and populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Chen
- Hospital Office, Shandong Second Provincial General Hospital, Jinan, 250000, China
| | - Chong Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao, 266000, China
| | - Beibei Shao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, 250000, China
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19
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Grani G, Lamartina L, Montesano T, Maranghi M, Filetti S, Durante C, Lopatriello S. Ultrasound screening for thyroid nodules and cancer in individuals with family history of thyroid cancer: a micro-costing approach. J Endocrinol Invest 2023; 46:2327-2330. [PMID: 37052872 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-023-02087-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Screening programs that target healthy populations are an important tool for identifying unrecognized, asymptomatic disease. However, ultrasound screening for thyroid cancer has no obvious advantage in terms of cost-effectiveness in asymptomatic adults. There is far less consensus (and data) on the indications for screening in high-risk individuals. The aim of the study was to estimate the costs of ultrasound screening for individuals with first-degree family history of thyroid cancer. METHODS We conducted a prospective cross-sectional study from January 1, 2009 through December 31, 2018 in the Thyroid Cancer Outpatient Clinic of a large teaching hospital in Rome, Italy. We estimated the costs of an ultrasound screening protocol using the micro-costing bottom-up method. RESULTS For individuals without thyroid nodules, the screening examination had an estimated cost of €66.21 per screenee. For those found to have unsuspicious nodules, the estimated cost rose to €119.52 per screenee, owing to the addition of thyroid function tests. The estimated cost of screening for a subject with newly diagnosed nodules that were submitted to cytology was €259.89. The total cost of screening for the entire population of 1176 individuals was € 118,133.85. The total expenditure to confirm a single thyroid cancer diagnosis was €10,598.71. CONCLUSION A sonographic screening implies a significant direct expenditure and is likely to detect a very large number of individuals with benign nodules (more than 45 asymptomatic individuals are diagnosed with a thyroid nodule for each newly detected cancer case), whose long-term follow-up will further increase healthcare costs.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Grani
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - L Lamartina
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy
- Service de Médecine Nucléaire et Cancérologie Endocrinienne, Gustave Roussy, Département d'Imagerie Médicale112 Rue Edouard Vaillant, 94805, Villejuif, France
| | - T Montesano
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - M Maranghi
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - S Filetti
- School of Health, UNITELMA Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 295, 00161, Rome, Italy.
| | - C Durante
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy
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20
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Jiang H, Li Y, Shen J, Lin H, Fan S, Qiu R, He J, Lin E, Chen L. Cigarette smoking and thyroid cancer risk: A Mendelian randomization study. Cancer Med 2023; 12:19866-19873. [PMID: 37746910 PMCID: PMC10587937 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.6570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The association between cigarette smoking and thyroid cancer has been reported in prospective cohort studies, but the relationship remains controversial. To investigate this potential correlation further, we employed Mendelian randomization methodology to evaluate the causative impact of smoking on thyroid cancer incidence. METHODS From the genome-wide association study and Sequencing Consortium of Alcohol and Nicotine use, we obtained genetic variants associated with smoking initiation and cigarettes per day (1.2 million individuals). We also extracted genetic variants associated with past tobacco smoking from the UK Biobank (424,960 individuals). Thyroid cancer outcomes were selected from the FinnGen GWAS (989 thyroid cancer cases and 217,803 control cases). Sensitivity analyses employing various approaches such as weighted median, MR-Egger, and MR-pleiotropy residual sum and outlier (MR-PRESSO) have been executed, as well as leave-one-out analysis to identify pleiotropy. RESULTS Using the IVW approach, we did not find evidence that any of the three smoking phenotypes were related to thyroid cancer (smoking initiation: odds ratio (OR) = 1.56, p = 0.61; cigarettes per day: OR = 0.85, p = 0.51; past tobacco smoking: OR = 0.80, p = 0.78). The heterogeneity (p > 0.05) and pleiotropy (p > 0.05) testing provided confirmatory evidence for the validity of our MR estimates. CONCLUSIONS The MR analysis revealed that there may not exist a causative link between smoking exposure and elevated incidence rates of thyroid malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongzhan Jiang
- School of NursingFujian University of Traditional Chinese MedicineFuzhouChina
| | - Yi Li
- The School of Clinical MedicineFujian Medical UniversityFuzhouChina
| | - Jiali Shen
- School of NursingFujian University of Traditional Chinese MedicineFuzhouChina
| | - Huihui Lin
- School of NursingFujian University of Traditional Chinese MedicineFuzhouChina
| | - Siyue Fan
- School of NursingFujian University of Traditional Chinese MedicineFuzhouChina
| | - Rongliang Qiu
- The School of Clinical MedicineFujian Medical UniversityFuzhouChina
| | - Jiaxi He
- School of MedicineXiamen UniversityXiamenChina
| | - Ende Lin
- Department of General SurgeryZhongshan Hospital of Xiamen University, School of MedicineXiamenChina
| | - Lijuan Chen
- Department of General SurgeryZhongshan Hospital of Xiamen University, School of MedicineXiamenChina
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Baek HS, Ha J, Kim K, Bae J, Kim JS, Kim S, Lim DJ, Kim C. Cost-Effectiveness of Active Surveillance Compared to Early Surgery of Small Papillary Thyroid Cancer: A Retrospective Study on a Korean Population. J Korean Med Sci 2023; 38:e264. [PMID: 37644680 PMCID: PMC10462480 DOI: 10.3346/jkms.2023.38.e264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recently, active surveillance (AS) has been introduced as an alternative to early surgery (ES) for the management of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC), because of its indolent features and low mortality. However, its cost effects have not been determined and the findings of current studies differ, according to each country's medical system. METHODS A Markov model was constructed to compare the cost-effectiveness of AS and ES, based on a reference case of a 40-year-old patient diagnosed with PTMC. Costs and transition probabilities were derived from previous clinical studies in Korean populations, and the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) and net monetary benefit (NMB) were calculated. The willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold was set at USD 100,000 per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to address the uncertainties in the model's variables. RESULTS From the base scenario, the cumulative costs and effectiveness were both higher in ES than AS. The ICER for ES, compared with AS, was USD 6,619.86/QALY, lower than the set WTP. The NMB difference between AS and ES increased across the stages (USD 5,980 at the first stage and USD 159,667 at the last stage). The ICER increased along with decreasing age and increasing cost of surgery. The higher the ES utility score and the lower that of AS, the more cost-effective ES, with WTP set at USD 30,000. CONCLUSION In the current Korean medical system, ES is more cost-effective than AS. ES is more cost-effective as it is diagnosed at young age and followed-up for a long time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han-Sang Baek
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jeonghoon Ha
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kwangsoon Kim
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jaseong Bae
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jeong Soo Kim
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sungju Kim
- Healthcare Group, Lee & Ko, Seoul, Korea
| | - Dong-Jun Lim
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea.
| | - Chulmin Kim
- Department of Family Medicine, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea.
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22
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Abstract
Purpose: Disparities in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) have been described. This review includes the most recent literature on existing diagnostic and treatment disparities in the United States and proposes practical clinical and policy ideas for improving the gap in the treatment of DTC. Methodology: We performed a comprehensive literature review to include key articles related to DTC and disparities of treatment, diagnosis, and outcomes for disadvantaged patient populations. Results: Vulnerable patient populations with DTC have been extensively studied, and the literature shows that clear disparities of diagnosis and treatment exist. Socioeconomically disadvantaged patients, uninsured, rural, elderly, and patients belonging to minoritized racial and ethnic groups are more likely to present with advanced disease at presentation. These same vulnerable patient populations are less likely to have access to high-volume surgeons, less likely to be treated according to guidelines, and receive less aggressive treatment (such as radioactive iodine) compared with white patients. Further, these patients experience financial toxicity more so than their counterparts. Conclusions: Disparities of care exist for certain vulnerable patient populations with DTC. Approaches to rectify these should be multipronged and involve improving access to high-volume specialists with ongoing use of telehealth consults, language concordant care, an emphasis on guideline-directed therapies, ensuring continuity of care and long-term follow-up with better community partnerships, engage diverse patients in national guideline-writing committees of prominent societies and reducing the financial burden of cancer treatments at the state and national policy level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Davis
- Department of Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Timothy M Ullmann
- Department of Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Sanziana Roman
- Department of Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
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23
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Endocrine Tumor Classification via Machine-Learning-Based Elastography: A Systematic Scoping Review. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15030837. [PMID: 36765794 PMCID: PMC9913672 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15030837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Elastography complements traditional medical imaging modalities by mapping tissue stiffness to identify tumors in the endocrine system, and machine learning models can further improve diagnostic accuracy and reliability. Our objective in this review was to summarize the applications and performance of machine-learning-based elastography on the classification of endocrine tumors. Two authors independently searched electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, IEEEXpress, CINAHL, and EMBASE. Eleven (n = 11) articles were eligible for the review, of which eight (n = 8) focused on thyroid tumors and three (n = 3) considered pancreatic tumors. In all thyroid studies, the researchers used shear-wave ultrasound elastography, whereas the pancreas researchers applied strain elastography with endoscopy. Traditional machine learning approaches or the deep feature extractors were used to extract the predetermined features, followed by classifiers. The applied deep learning approaches included the convolutional neural network (CNN) and multilayer perceptron (MLP). Some researchers considered the mixed or sequential training of B-mode and elastographic ultrasound data or fusing data from different image segmentation techniques in machine learning models. All reviewed methods achieved an accuracy of ≥80%, but only three were ≥90% accurate. The most accurate thyroid classification (94.70%) was achieved by applying sequential training CNN; the most accurate pancreas classification (98.26%) was achieved using a CNN-long short-term memory (LSTM) model integrating elastography with B-mode and Doppler images.
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Uppal N, Collins R, James B. Thyroid nodules: Global, economic, and personal burdens. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1113977. [PMID: 36755911 PMCID: PMC9899850 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1113977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Thyroid nodules have garnered attention due to changes in population surveillance systems and rising concerns about the associated financial burden on healthcare systems, payers, and patients. In this review, we find that prevalence rates vary widely based on method of detection and may particularly pronounced in asymptomatic patients undergoing routine screening. Incidence rates may be particularly rising in lower-income and middle-income countries and may be declining in higher-income countries. Despite high incidence rates, survival rates continue to be as high as 97% for papillary thyroid cancer. Over the last few decades, thyroid nodule workup and management has grown more sophisticated with the advent of fine-needle aspiration biopsy, specialized biomarkers, and molecular testing. However, gaps remain in risk stratification that can lead to substantial costs of care. Certain molecular tests, such as the Afirma Gene Sequencing Classifier can lead to a cost per diagnosis of $17,873 while achieving only mild decreases in diagnostic lobectomies for patients (11.6% to 9.7% in one study). Out-of-pocket costs associated with thyroid nodule management continue to drive significant financial toxicity for patients, especially for individuals with thyroid cancer. Financial toxicity has been defined as a term that describes how direct and indirect medical costs of cancer care strain patients and households via decreased income, assets, and spending on basic necessities. Recent studies suggest that such toxicity can lead to adverse financial outcomes, such as foreclosure and bankruptcy. Additional cost-effectiveness analyses are needed to improve existing thyroid nodule management systems and new clinical tools are needed to avoid unnecessary workup and management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nishant Uppal
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Reagan Collins
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Benjamin James
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States
- *Correspondence: Benjamin James,
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