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O'Brien O, Hilmi O, Wright S, McArthur C. Value of surveillance ultrasound following hemithyroidectomy. J Laryngol Otol 2024; 138:232-236. [PMID: 37309205 DOI: 10.1017/s0022215123001056] [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] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is limited evidence or agreement on the benefit, duration and frequency of post-operative surveillance neck ultrasound in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer treated with hemithyroidectomy alone. This study's primary aim was to assess the benefit of neck ultrasound in this situation, with a secondary aim to assess the detection of malignancy in the contralateral lobe in patients undergoing completion surgery. METHODS A retrospective observational study was conducted involving patients who had differentiated thyroid cancer found at diagnostic hemithyroidectomy between 1 December 2013 and 31 December 2016. RESULTS Of 105 patients, 74 underwent completion thyroidectomy. Thirty-five per cent of these patients had malignancy identified in the contralateral lobe, the majority were unsuspected sonographically. Of 31 hemithyroidectomy patients, 1 had a nodule classified as 'U3' (indeterminate) at the first ultrasound surveillance, ultimately identified as incidental papillary microcarcinomas on completion thyroidectomy. There was no other disease recurrence or malignancy at a median of 3.8 years' follow up. CONCLUSION The findings indicate a limited role for ultrasound follow up of patients with differentiated thyroid cancer treated with hemithyroidectomy alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Owen O'Brien
- Radiology, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Glasgow, Scotland, UK
| | - Omar Hilmi
- ENT Surgery, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Glasgow, Scotland, UK
| | - Sylvia Wright
- Department of Pathology, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow, Scotland, UK
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2
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Tang S, Zi H, Tao H, Huang Q, Guo X, Deng T, Li F. Secular trends of morbidity and mortality of thyroid cancer in five Asian countries from 1990 to 2019 and their predictions to 2035. Thorac Cancer 2023; 14:3540-3548. [PMID: 37941298 PMCID: PMC10733153 DOI: 10.1111/1759-7714.15160] [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: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The rising burden of thyroid cancer (TC) is a public health problem in Asia. Predicting the future burden of TC in Asian countries is essential for disease prevention. METHODS Data were obtained from the Global Burden of Disease 2019 for five Asian countries. We applied Bayesian age-period-cohort models to predict morbidity and mortality to 2035 and calculated age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) and age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR). Furthermore, the estimated annual percentage change was calculated to evaluate the variation of ASIR and ASMR. RESULTS By 2035, predictions suggest that cases of TC will reach 75.56 × 103 in China, 70.22 × 103 in India, 15.78 × 103 in the Republic of Korea, 9.01 × 103 in Japan and 5.55 × 103 in Thailand, respectively. Except Japan, a significant upward trend of ASIR of TC will be observed in five Asian countries. The deaths from TC will increase in five countries and India will become the highest reaching 14.07 × 103 . The ASMR will rise to 0.83/100 000 in India and 1.06/100 000 in the Republic of Korea, while it will drop to 0.35/100 000 in China, 0.43/100 000 in Japan and 0.50/100 000 in Thailand. In further predictions projected by sex, the growth rate of ASIR is reported higher in males than in females among most countries. ASMR of male will exceed that of females in China and Thailand by 2035. CONCLUSION The disease burden caused by TC will further increase in five Asian countries, especially for men. It is necessary to develop more rational and timely disease prevention and manage strategies facing this disease trend.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi‐Di Tang
- Center for Evidence‐Based and Translational MedicineZhongnan Hospital of Wuhan UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Hao Zi
- Center for Evidence‐Based and Translational MedicineZhongnan Hospital of Wuhan UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Hua Tao
- Department of Medical Social ServicesZhengzhou Second HospitalZhengzhouChina
| | - Qiao Huang
- Center for Evidence‐Based and Translational MedicineZhongnan Hospital of Wuhan UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Xing‐Pei Guo
- Department of General SurgeryZhengzhou Central Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouChina
| | - Tong Deng
- Center for Evidence‐Based and Translational MedicineZhongnan Hospital of Wuhan UniversityWuhanChina
- Department of Thyroid and Breast SurgeryZhongnan Hospital of Wuhan UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Fei Li
- Center for Evidence‐Based and Translational MedicineZhongnan Hospital of Wuhan UniversityWuhanChina
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3
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Bogdanovski AK, Sturgeon C, James BC. Financial toxicity in thyroid cancer survivors. Curr Opin Endocrinol Diabetes Obes 2023; 30:238-243. [PMID: 37470486 DOI: 10.1097/med.0000000000000826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Financial burden and distress are high in patients with thyroid cancer. However, little has been done to evaluate potential interventions to mitigate financial toxicity in survivors. This review will cover current data on the impact of financial toxicity on quality of life and clinical outcomes in patients with thyroid cancer and highlight areas for future study. RECENT FINDINGS Thyroid cancer incidence has nearly tripled in the past decades, and cost of treatment is predicted to rise more than other cancers over the next decade. With mean age of diagnosis at 51 years, most patients begin treatment while still working, do not qualify for Medicare or Social Security, and are susceptible to higher financial burden. Though thyroid cancer has high survival rates, some studies suggest patients have worse quality of life and higher financial burden than more morbid cancers. SUMMARY Thyroid cancer survivors have high rates of financial toxicity, and there remains need for longitudinal studies to evaluate how financial burden may change during the treatment process while also assessing potential tools to mitigate this burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia K Bogdanovski
- Harvard Medical School
- Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Cord Sturgeon
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
- Department of Surgery, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Benjamin C James
- Harvard Medical School
- Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Li M, Meheus F, Polazzi S, Delafosse P, Borson-Chazot F, Seigneurin A, Simon R, Combes JD, Dal Maso L, Colonna M, Duclos A, Vaccarella S. The Economic Cost of Thyroid Cancer in France and the Corresponding Share Associated With Treatment of Overdiagnosed Cases. VALUE IN HEALTH : THE JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR PHARMACOECONOMICS AND OUTCOMES RESEARCH 2023; 26:1175-1182. [PMID: 36921898 DOI: 10.1016/j.jval.2023.02.016] [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: 09/10/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Thyroid cancer incidence in France has increased rapidly in recent decades. Most of this increase has been attributed to overdiagnosis, the major consequence of which is overtreatment. We aimed to estimate the cost of thyroid cancer management in France and the corresponding cost proportion attributable to the treatment of overdiagnosed cases. METHODS Multiple data sources were integrated: the mean cost per patient with thyroid cancer was estimated by using the Echantillon Généraliste des Bénéficiaires data set; thyroid cancer cases attributable to overdiagnosis were estimated for 21 departments using data from the French network of cancer registries and extrapolated to the whole country; medical records from 6 departments were used to refine the diagnosis and care pathway. RESULTS Between 2011 and 2015, 33 911 women and 10 846 men in France were estimated to be diagnosed of thyroid cancer, with mean cost per capita of €6248. Among those treated, 8114 to 14 925 women and 1465 to 3626 men were due to overdiagnosis. The total cost of thyroid cancer patient management was €203.5 million (€154.3 million for women and €49.3 million for men), of which between €59.9 million (or 29.4% of the total cost, lower bound) and €115.9 million (or 56.9% of the total cost, upper bound) attributable to treatment of overdiagnosed cases. CONCLUSIONS The management of thyroid cancer represents not only a relevant clinical and public health problem in France but also a potentially important economic burden. Overdiagnosis and corresponding associated treatments play an important role on the total costs of thyroid cancer management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengmeng Li
- Cancer Surveillance Branch, International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyon, France; Department of Cancer Prevention, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Filip Meheus
- Cancer Surveillance Branch, International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyon, France; Department of Health Systems Governance and Financing, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Stephanie Polazzi
- Research on Healthcare Performance (RESHAPE), INSERM U1290, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France; Health Data Department, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | | | - Françoise Borson-Chazot
- Research on Healthcare Performance (RESHAPE), INSERM U1290, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France; Fédération d'Endocrinologie, Groupement Hospitalier Est and Registre des Cancers Thyroïdiens du Rhône, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | | | - Raphael Simon
- Cancer Surveillance Branch, International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyon, France
| | - Jean-Damien Combes
- Cancer Surveillance Branch, International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyon, France
| | - Luigino Dal Maso
- Cancer Epidemiology Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO), Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Aviano, Italy
| | | | - Antoine Duclos
- Research on Healthcare Performance (RESHAPE), INSERM U1290, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France; Health Data Department, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Salvatore Vaccarella
- Cancer Surveillance Branch, International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyon, France.
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Sipos JA, Aloi J, Gianoukakis A, Lee SL, Klopper JP, Kung JT, Lupo MA, Morgenstern D, Prat-Knoll C, Schuetzenmeister A, Goldner WS. Thyroglobulin Cutoff Values for Detecting Excellent Response to Therapy in Patients With Differentiated Thyroid Cancer. J Endocr Soc 2023; 7:bvad102. [PMID: 37564885 PMCID: PMC10410295 DOI: 10.1210/jendso/bvad102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Context Serum thyroglobulin (Tg) is a biochemical marker for detecting persistent or recurrent differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) post-thyroidectomy. Tg can indicate DTC before structural disease (SD) is visible with imaging procedures. Objective This work aimed to evaluate the clinical performance of the Elecsys® Tg II assay at a Tg cutoff of 0.2 ng/mL for ruling out SD in adults with DTC after total/near-total thyroidectomy, with or without radioiodine ablation (RAI). Methods Patients were enrolled into 2 cohorts: longitudinal (Tg assessed every 6 months over 2 years under thyroid-stimulating hormone [TSH] suppression therapy following thyroidectomy with or without RAI) and cross-sectional with confirmed SD (Tg assessed once >12 weeks after thyroidectomy). Analyses were performed for both cohorts combined and in the longitudinal cohort. Results The study included 530 clinically evaluable samples, the majority (n = 424 samples) from patients who had not received RAI treatment. Following correction for SD prevalence (4.97% in the longitudinal cohort), an Elecsys Tg II cutoff of 0.2 ng/mL ruled out SD with a negative predictive value of 99.9% (95% CI, 99.5%-100%). The assay had excellent sensitivity (98.5%-100%) and acceptable specificity (53.4%-53.5%) for detecting SD (Tg ≥ 0.2 ng/mL) for both cohorts combined and in the longitudinal cohort, with similar findings in RAI-treated and non-RAI-treated subgroups. Conclusion In this cohort of DTC patients post-thyroidectomy, a Tg cutoff of 0.2 ng/mL was highly effective for ruling out the presence of SD under TSH-suppressed conditions, including in patients who had not received RAI treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer A Sipos
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Joseph Aloi
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, USA
| | - Andrew Gianoukakis
- Division of Endocrinology, The Lundquist Research Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA 90502, USA
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California—Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Stephanie L Lee
- Department of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Joshua P Klopper
- Department of Endocrinology, Kaiser Permanente of Colorado, Denver, CO 80920, USA
| | - Jacqueline T Kung
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA 02111, USA
| | - Mark A Lupo
- The Thyroid & Endocrine Center of Florida, Sarasota, FL 34231, USA
| | - David Morgenstern
- Clinical Development and Medical Affairs, Roche Molecular Systems, Pleasanton, CA 94588, USA
| | - Cristina Prat-Knoll
- Clinical Development and Medical Affairs, Roche Diagnostics GmbH, 68305 Mannheim, Germany
| | | | - Whitney S Goldner
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
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Widjaja W, Rowe CW, Oldmeadow C, Cope D, Fradgley EA, Paul C, O'Neill CJ. Current patterns of care in low-risk thyroid cancer-A national cross-sectional survey of Australian thyroid clinicians. Endocrinol Diabetes Metab 2023; 6:e398. [PMID: 36738092 PMCID: PMC10000626 DOI: 10.1002/edm2.398] [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: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION De-escalated treatment of hemithyroidectomy without radioactive iodine (RAI) is now accepted for patients with low-risk, well-differentiated thyroid cancer (WDTC). The benefit of long-term follow-up care remains controversial. This study aims to describe parameters associated with less than total thyroidectomy, and discharge from specialist follow-up in patients with low-risk WDTC in Australia. METHODS An online survey was distributed to Australian members of Endocrine Society of Australia, Australian and New Zealand Endocrine Surgeons, and Australian Society of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery. Clinicians completed a survey of management and follow-up care preferences for four clinical vignettes (all low-risk WDTC). RESULTS 119 clinicians (48% endocrinologists, 55% male) answered at least one question. The majority (59%) of respondents recommended less than total thyroidectomy and omission of RAI in patients with WDTC <2 cm. Most (62%) would discharge a patient with micropapillary thyroid cancer within 1 year following total thyroidectomy. In contrast, for WDTC 1-4 cm, >90% of clinicians would continue specialist follow-up for at least 5 years. The majority of clinicians felt that patients experienced disproportionate fear of recurrence and were reassured by follow-up. After multivariable analysis, clinicians who participated in multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) were more likely to choose de-escalated care for both initial treatment (p = .005) and follow-up care (>5 years, p = .05). CONCLUSION Clinician attitudes captured by this survey reflect recent changes in guidelines towards hemithyroidectomy for low-risk WDTC, particularly amongst MDT attendees. There is a need to further examine the impact of de-escalated care on fear of recurrence and quality of life in thyroid cancer survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Winy Widjaja
- Surgical Services, John Hunter HospitalNewcastleNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Christopher W. Rowe
- Department of EndocrinologyJohn Hunter HospitalNewcastleNew South WalesAustralia
- University of NewcastleNewcastleNew South WalesAustralia
- Hunter Medical Research InstituteNewcastleNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Christopher Oldmeadow
- University of NewcastleNewcastleNew South WalesAustralia
- Hunter Medical Research InstituteNewcastleNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Daron Cope
- Surgical Services, John Hunter HospitalNewcastleNew South WalesAustralia
- University of NewcastleNewcastleNew South WalesAustralia
- Hunter Medical Research InstituteNewcastleNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Elizabeth A. Fradgley
- University of NewcastleNewcastleNew South WalesAustralia
- Hunter Medical Research InstituteNewcastleNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Christine Paul
- University of NewcastleNewcastleNew South WalesAustralia
- Hunter Medical Research InstituteNewcastleNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Christine J. O'Neill
- Surgical Services, John Hunter HospitalNewcastleNew South WalesAustralia
- University of NewcastleNewcastleNew South WalesAustralia
- Hunter Medical Research InstituteNewcastleNew South WalesAustralia
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7
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Fernández-Velasco P, Díaz-Soto G, Pérez López P, Torres Torres B, de Luis D. Predictive value and dynamic risk stratification of high sensitive basal or stimulated thyroglobulin assay in a long-term thyroid carcinoma cohort. Endocrine 2023:10.1007/s12020-023-03320-y. [PMID: 36820996 PMCID: PMC10239375 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-023-03320-y] [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: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the predictive value of the rhTSH thyroglobulin stimulation test (rhTSH-Tg) compared to basal high-sensitive thyroglobulin (hs-Tg) under TSH suppressive therapy at 12 months after the completion of initial treatment to predict the long-term response and Dynamic Risk Stratification (DRS) at the last follow-up visit in a long-term DTC cohort. METHODS Prospective study in 114 DTC patients (77.2% women, mean age 46.4 ± 14.1 years old, median/IQR evolution 6.7[3.1-8.0] years) from 2013 to 2020 undergoing total thyroidectomy and radioiodine ablation in whom hs-Tg and rhTSH-Tg was performed 12 months after completing initial treatment. Pearson correlation, receiving operating characteristics (ROC) and DRS at initial and last follow-up visit were analyzed. RESULTS hs-Tg and rhTSH-Tg show a strong positive linear correlation (r = 0.864, p < 0.001). The diagnostic performance of initial hs-Tg and rhTSH-Tg levels were evaluated via ROC-AUC as a predictor of excellent response (ER) in the last follow-up visit. Hs-Tg showed a better AUC (0.969, 95%CI = 0.941-0.997) than rhTSH-Tg (0.944, 95%IC = 0.905-0.984; p < 0.001). The hs-Tg and rhTSH-Tg cutoff point of highest sensitivity (S) and specificity (E) was 0.110 and 0.815 ng/dl, respectively. Hs-Tg showed a higher diagnostic accuracy than rhTSH-Tg (S = 100% vs 96.8%, E = 84.3% vs 84.3%, NPV = 100% vs 98.6%, PPV = 70.5% vs 69.7%; p < 0.05). The DRS based on initial hs-Tg showed better ability to predict ER (93.3% vs 86.7%) and biochemical incomplete response (53.3%vs13.3%) in the last follow-up visit compared to rhTSH-Tg. CONCLUSIONS Both initial hs-Th and rhTSH-Tg were good predictors of long-term ER. In patients with hs-Tg, the rhTSH-test did not provide relevant prognosis information. An ER after initial treatment was associated with a very high NPV at subsequent follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Fernández-Velasco
- Endocrinology and Nutrition Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación de Endocrinología y Nutrición Clinica (CIENC), Facultad de Medicina. Universidad de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Gonzalo Díaz-Soto
- Endocrinology and Nutrition Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación de Endocrinología y Nutrición Clinica (CIENC), Facultad de Medicina. Universidad de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain.
| | - Paloma Pérez López
- Endocrinology and Nutrition Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación de Endocrinología y Nutrición Clinica (CIENC), Facultad de Medicina. Universidad de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Beatriz Torres Torres
- Endocrinology and Nutrition Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación de Endocrinología y Nutrición Clinica (CIENC), Facultad de Medicina. Universidad de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Daniel de Luis
- Endocrinology and Nutrition Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación de Endocrinología y Nutrición Clinica (CIENC), Facultad de Medicina. Universidad de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
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Tessler I, Leshno M, Feinmesser G, Alon EE, Avior G. Is There a Role for Molecular Testing for Low-Risk Differentiated Thyroid Cancer? A Cost-Effectiveness Analysis. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15030786. [PMID: 36765745 PMCID: PMC9913469 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15030786] [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: 12/18/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Molecular testing for thyroid nodules has been rapidly developed in recent years, aiming to predict the presence of malignancy and aggressive features. While commonly utilized to predict malignancy, its role in guiding the management approach is still developing. The high cost of genetic tests and long-term sequences of thyroid cancer is limiting to real-life studies. Objective: To evaluate the cost effectiveness of molecular testing for low-risk differentiated thyroid cancer (lrDTC). Methods: We developed a Markovian decision tree model of a simulated lrDTC cohort, comparing two management strategies: (I) Conducting genetic tests (GT)-patients are stratified into three risk groups for distant metastasis by the identified molecular markers: low-, intermediate- and high-risk molecular profile; followed by management accordingly: patients with low-risk will undergo hemithyroidectomy (HT), patients with intermediate-risk will undergo total thyroidectomy (TT), and high-risk patients will undergo TT with central neck dissection; (II) Without genetic tests (wGT)-all patients will undergo HT according to the ATA recommendations for lrDTC. Outcomes were measured as quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) and costs of each strategy. Results: GT was found as cost effective, leading to a gain of 1.7 QALYs with an additional cost of $327 per patient compared to wGT strategy. This yielded an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of $190 per QALY. Sensitivity analysis demonstrated robust results across the variables' ranges. The most impactful variable was the benefit from performing TT rather than HT for intermediate to high-risk patients. Conclusions: Our model found that molecular testing for lrDTC is cost-effective, allowing tailored management according to the patient's personal risk level reflected in the genetic profile, hence improving outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Idit Tessler
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan 52621, Israel
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6423906, Israel
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +972-52-8916133
| | - Moshe Leshno
- Coller School of Management, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6423906, Israel
| | - Gilad Feinmesser
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan 52621, Israel
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6423906, Israel
| | - Eran E. Alon
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan 52621, Israel
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6423906, Israel
| | - Galit Avior
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan 52621, Israel
- Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Haifa 3200003, Israel
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9
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Ullmann TM, Papaleontiou M, Sosa JA. Current Controversies in Low-Risk Differentiated Thyroid Cancer: Reducing Overtreatment in an Era of Overdiagnosis. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2023; 108:271-280. [PMID: 36327392 PMCID: PMC10091361 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgac646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Low-risk differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) is overdiagnosed, but true incidence has increased as well. Owing to its excellent prognosis with low morbidity and mortality, balancing treatment risks with risks of disease progression can be challenging, leading to several areas of controversy. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION This mini-review is an overview of controversies and difficult decisions around the management of all stages of low-risk DTC, from diagnosis through treatment and follow-up. In particular, overdiagnosis, active surveillance vs surgery, extent of surgery, radioactive iodine (RAI) treatment, thyrotropin suppression, and postoperative surveillance are discussed. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS Recommendations regarding the diagnosis of DTC, the extent of treatment for low-risk DTC patients, and the intensity of posttreatment follow-up have all changed substantially in the past decade. While overdiagnosis remains a problem, there has been a true increase in incidence as well. Treatment options range from active surveillance of small tumors to total thyroidectomy followed by RAI in select cases. Recommendations for long-term surveillance frequency and duration are similarly broad. CONCLUSION Clinicians and patients must approach each case in a personalized and nuanced fashion to select the appropriate extent of treatment on an individual basis. In areas of evidential equipoise, data regarding patient-centered outcomes may help guide decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy M Ullmann
- Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, Albany Medical College, 50 New Scotland Ave., MC-193, Albany, NY 12208, USA
| | - Maria Papaleontiou
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, 2800 Plymouth Road, Bldg. 16, Rm 453S, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Julie Ann Sosa
- Section of Endocrine Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, 513 Parnassus Ave. Ste. S320, Box 0104, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
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10
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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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11
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Bahçecioğlu AB, Erdoğan MF. Is lifelong follow-up necessary for low-risk papillary thyroid carcinoma? Case series and a review of the literature. J Cancer Res Ther 2023; 19:S1009-S1013. [PMID: 38384104 DOI: 10.4103/jcrt.jcrt_1216_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Late recurrences of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) are seen rarely, especially for low-risk PTC. However, there are cases of late metastasis described in the literature, even four decades after the first treatment. We presented three low-risk PTC cases with late recurrences. In the first case, recurrence with distant organ metastasis without locoregional disease occurred 36 years after the first treatment. Recurrences in second and third cases were seen with lateral neck metastasis without central (skip metastasis), 17 and 10 years after the primary treatment. Initial treatment was ideal, and all three were followed with a complete response for years, after recurrences were diagnosed and appropriate treatments were administered. Increasing frequency of low-risk PTC increases medical costs of these patients. Thus, some suggest shortening the follow-up period not only because the increasing health burden but also because of the rarity of late recurrences as well. Some authors suggest that dynamically risk-stratified (DRS) low-risk thyroid cancer patients having excellent response to treatment after 5 years of follow-up can be discharged to primary care. Primary care facilities may follow patients with unmeasurable Thyroglobulin (Tg) levels; however, our cases suggest continuing thyroglobulin measurements (annual or at least every few years) for the exceptional but possible late recurrences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adile Begüm Bahçecioğlu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, School of Medicine/Ankara University/Ibni Sina Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
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12
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Uppal N, Cunningham Nee Lubitz C, James B. The Cost and Financial Burden of Thyroid Cancer on Patients in the US: A Review and Directions for Future Research. JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2022; 148:568-575. [PMID: 35511135 DOI: 10.1001/jamaoto.2022.0660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Importance In the US, thyroid cancer has been identified as a cancer type with a high degree of associated financial burden on patients, and survivors of thyroid cancer report higher rates of bankruptcy than those of other cancer types. However, the available literature on the financial burden of thyroid cancer has not yet been described. Observations Estimates of the out-of-pocket costs of initial thyroid cancer diagnosis and treatment range widely ($1425-$17 000) and are influenced by age, surgical treatment type, and health insurance coverage. The rates of patient-reported financial burden are heterogeneous (16%-50%) and are rarely compared with those of other cancer types. Independent risk factors of financial burden have included younger age, lack of health insurance, and annual household income of less than $49 000. Two studies measured medical debt associated with thyroid cancer diagnosis and treatment at notably different rates (2.1% vs 18.7%). The bankruptcy incidence at 1 year after cancer diagnosis is highest for thyroid cancer (9.3 per 1000 person-years) than other studied cancer types (ie, lung, uterine, leukemia/lymphoma, colorectal, melanoma, breast, prostate) and 4.39-fold higher than control individuals among those aged 35 to 49 years. Conclusions and Relevance Current estimates of the financial burden of thyroid cancer are methodologically limited and are based on cross-sectional analyses of patient-reported data. We propose novel frameworks for new research by improvements in (1) data sourcing and utilization, (2) study design, and (3) pilot interventions. To understand how out-of-pocket thyroid cancer-related expenditures transition to various forms of debt, how households finance ongoing costs of care, and rates at which debts are sent to collection agencies, future research should focus on integrating underutilized sources of primary data, including credit reports, public records, and mortgage-backed securities loan-level data. Improvements in study design, such as the development of prospective cohorts, can allow for more objectively measured estimates of out-of-pocket costs, and robust covariate analysis can further reveal the influence of demographic factors, including age, sex, race, income, and health insurance coverage. Finally, new pilot interventions on cost controls can both enable further study and alleviate financial burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nishant Uppal
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.,Harvard Business School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Carrie Cunningham Nee Lubitz
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.,Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Benjamin James
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.,Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
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13
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Ahmadi S, Coleman A, de Morais NS, Landa I, Pappa T, Kang A, Kim MI, Marqusee E, Alexander EK. Clinical experience following implementation of routine SPECT-CT imaging following 131-iodine administration for thyroid cancer. Endocr Connect 2022; 11:e210371. [PMID: 35521806 PMCID: PMC9175585 DOI: 10.1530/ec-21-0371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Background Planar scintigraphy has long been indicated in patients receiving I-131 therapy for thyroid cancer to determine the anatomic location of metastases. We studied our experience upon implementing additional single-photon emission (SPECT)-CT scanning in these patients. Method We performed a retrospective study of consecutive adult patients with newly diagnosed thyroid cancer treated with I-131 between 2011 and 2017. Radiologic findings detected with planar scintigraphy alone vs those identified with SPECT-CT scanning were primary endpoints. Result In this study, 212 consecutive patients with thyroid cancer were analyzed in two separate cohorts (107 planar scintigraphy alone and 105 planar scintigraphy with SPECT-CT). The addition of SPECT-CT resulted in more findings, both thyroid-related and incidental. However, we identified only 3 of 21 cases in which SPECT-CT provided an unequivocal additional benefit by changing clinical management beyond planar scintigraphy alone. No difference in the detection of distant metastatic disease or outcome was identified between cohorts. Conclusion Synergistic SPECT-CT imaging in addition to planar nuclear scintigraphy adds limited clinical value to thyroid cancer patients harboring a low risk of distant metastases, while frequently identifying clinically insignificant findings. These data from a typical cohort of patients receiving standard thyroid cancer care provide insight into the routine use of SPECT-CT in such patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Ahmadi
- Thyroid Section Brigham & Women’s Hospital & Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Alexandra Coleman
- Thyroid Section Brigham & Women’s Hospital & Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Nathalie Silva de Morais
- Thyroid Section Brigham & Women’s Hospital & Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Endocrinology Service, Instituto Nacional de Câncer, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Iñigo Landa
- Thyroid Section Brigham & Women’s Hospital & Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Theodora Pappa
- Thyroid Section Brigham & Women’s Hospital & Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Alex Kang
- Thyroid Section Brigham & Women’s Hospital & Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Matthew I Kim
- Thyroid Section Brigham & Women’s Hospital & Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ellen Marqusee
- Thyroid Section Brigham & Women’s Hospital & Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Erik K Alexander
- Thyroid Section Brigham & Women’s Hospital & Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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14
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Seejore K, Mulla O, Gerrard GE, Gill VM, Al-Qaissi A, Moor JW, Murray RD. Outcomes of 756 patients with differentiated thyroid cancer and excellent response to treatment: An evidence-based paradigm for long-term surveillance strategies. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2022; 96:395-401. [PMID: 34185343 DOI: 10.1111/cen.14549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Revised: 06/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The 2014 British Thyroid Association thyroid cancer guidelines recommend lifelong follow-up of all thyroid cancer patients. This is probably unnecessary, particularly for differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) patients with an excellent response to treatment and places significant demand on health service resources. DESIGN Single centre retrospective cohort analysis of patients diagnosed and treated at the Leeds Cancer Centre between 2001 and 2014. PATIENTS A total of 756 patients were dynamically risk-stratified (DRS) as having 'excellent response to treatment' after total thyroidectomy and radioiodineremnant ablation (RRA) for DTC. RESULTS Median follow-up was 11.2 (range: 6.5-18.5) years. Radiological recurrence occurred in 15/756 (2.0%) patients and was always preceded by a raised thyroglobulin or thyroglobulin antibody level. The vast majority of tumour recurrences (13/15, 85%) were identifiable within 5 years of diagnostic surgery. Patients classified as having high-risk disease as per American Thyroid Association (ATA) guidelines had an almost threefold higher recurrence rate (2/34 [5.9%] vs. 13/722 [1.8%]) than those with ATA low-risk or intermediate-risk disease. Tumour histology subtype was a significant contributing factor, with Hürthle cell cancer having a worse prognosis than papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) (5/68 [7.4%] vs. 9/582 [1.5%]; relative risk: 4.76 [95% confidence interval: 1.64-13.8]). CONCLUSIONS The recurrence rate of DRS patients with excellent response to treatment is low. It is reasonable to consider discharge of ATA low-risk or intermediate-risk patients with PTC who remain disease-free after 5 years of secondary care follow-up. Lifelong follow-up, however, currently remains the standard for subgroups at greater risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khyatisha Seejore
- Department of Endocrinology, Leeds Centre for Diabetes and Endocrinology, St James's University Hospital, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK
- Division of Cardiovascular and Diabetes Research, Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine (LICAMM), University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Omar Mulla
- Department of ENT Surgery, Doncaster Royal Infirmary, Doncaster, UK
| | - Georgina E Gerrard
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Leeds Cancer Centre, St James's University Hospital, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK
| | - Vanessa M Gill
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Leeds Cancer Centre, St James's University Hospital, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK
| | - Ahmed Al-Qaissi
- Department of Endocrinology, Leeds Centre for Diabetes and Endocrinology, St James's University Hospital, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK
| | - James W Moor
- Department of ENT Surgery, Leeds General Infirmary, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK
| | - Robert D Murray
- Department of Endocrinology, Leeds Centre for Diabetes and Endocrinology, St James's University Hospital, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK
- Division of Cardiovascular and Diabetes Research, Leeds Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine (LICAMM), University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
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15
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Albani V, Vale LD, Pearce M, Ostroumova E, Liutsko L. Aspects of economic costs and evaluation of health surveillance systems after a radiation accident with a focus on an ultrasound thyroid screening programme for children. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2021; 156:106571. [PMID: 33975128 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2021.106571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Health surveillance initiatives targeted at populations evacuated from, and residing in, areas affected by radiation contamination were implemented by international institutions as well as national and local governments after the nuclear accidents of Chernobyl and Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plants. Most of these initiatives included a component of childhood thyroid cancer monitoring, with the more comprehensive schemes corresponding to national programmes of health monitoring for adults and children around general health and wellbeing. This article provides a short overview of available data on the costs and resources associated with surveillance responses to two recent nuclear accidents: Chernobyl and the Fukushima Dai-Ichi nuclear plant accidents. Moreover, because the balance of costs and benefits of health surveillance after a nuclear accident can influence decisions on implementation, we also present a brief overview of the principles of economic evaluation for collecting and presenting data on costs and outcomes of a surveillance programme after a nuclear accident. We apply these principles in a balance sheet analysis of a post-accident ultrasound thyroid screening programme for children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viviana Albani
- Health Economics Group, Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Luke D Vale
- Health Economics Group, Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Mark Pearce
- Health Protection Research Unit for Chemical & Radiation Threats and Hazards, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
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16
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Yang N, Yang H, Guo JJ, Hu M, Li S. Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Ultrasound Screening for Thyroid Cancer in Asymptomatic Adults. Front Public Health 2021; 9:729684. [PMID: 34631648 PMCID: PMC8494179 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.729684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives: This study evaluated the long-term cost-effectiveness of ultrasound screening for thyroid cancer compared with non-screening in asymptomatic adults. Methods: Applying a Markov decision-tree model with effectiveness and cost data from literature, we compared the long-term cost-effectiveness of the two strategies: ultrasound screening and non-screening for thyroid cancer. A one-way sensitivity analysis and a probabilistic sensitivity analysis were performed to verify the stability of model results. Results: The cumulative cost of screening for thyroid cancer was $18,819.24, with 18.74 quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), whereas the cumulative cost of non-screening was $15,864.28, with 18.71 QALYs. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of $106,947.50/QALY greatly exceeded the threshold of $50,000. The result of the one-way sensitivity analysis showed that the utility values of benign nodules and utility of health after thyroid cancer surgery would affect the results. Conclusions: Ultrasound screening for thyroid cancer has no obvious advantage in terms of cost-effectiveness compared with non-screening. The optimized thyroid screening strategy for a specific population is essential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Yang
- West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Han Yang
- West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jeff Jianfei Guo
- James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy, University of Cincinnati Academic Health Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Ming Hu
- West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Sheyu Li
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Chinese Evidence-Based Medicine Center, Cochrane China Center and MAGIC China Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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17
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Broekhuis JM, Li C, Chen HW, Chaves N, Duncan S, Lopez B, Maeda AH, Hasselgren PO, Mowschenson P, James BC. Patient-Reported Financial Burden in Thyroid Cancer. J Surg Res 2021; 266:160-167. [PMID: 34000639 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2021.03.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Revised: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The incidence of thyroid cancer is increasing at a rapid rate. Prior studies have demonstrated financial burden and decreased quality of life in patients with thyroid cancer. Here, we characterize patient-reported financial burden in patients with thyroid cancer over a 28y period. MATERIALS AND METHODS Patients who underwent thyroidectomy for thyroid cancer from 1990-2018 completed a phone survey assessing financial burden and its related psychological financial hardship. Descriptive statistics were performed to characterize these outcomes and correlation with sociodemographic data was assessed. RESULTS Respondents (N = 147) were 73% female, 75% white, and had a median follow up of 7 y. The majority had a full-time job (59%) and private insurance (81%) at the time of diagnosis. Overall, 16% of respondents reported financial burden and 50% reported psychological financial hardship. Those reporting financial burden were disproportionately impacted by psychological financial hardship (87% versus 43%, P < 0.001). One in four (25%) respondents reported not being adequately informed about costs. CONCLUSIONS Financial burdens are important outcomes of thyroid cancer which occur even among patients with protective financial factors, suggesting an even greater impact on the general population of patients with thyroid cancer. Further research is needed to explore the intersection of financial burden, cost, and quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan M Broekhuis
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts.
| | - Chun Li
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Hao Wei Chen
- Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Natalia Chaves
- Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Sarah Duncan
- Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Anthony H Maeda
- Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Per-Olaf Hasselgren
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Peter Mowschenson
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Benjamin C James
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts.
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18
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Postoperative Surveillance in Older Adults With T1N0M0 Low-risk Papillary Thyroid Cancer. J Surg Res 2021; 264:37-44. [PMID: 33765509 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2021.01.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The frequency and cost of postoperative surveillance for older adults (>65 y) with T1N0M0 low-risk papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) have not been well studied. METHODS Using the SEER-Medicare (2006-2013) database, frequency and cost of surveillance concordant with American Thyroid Association (ATA) guidelines (defined as an office visit, ≥1 thyroglobulin measurement, and ultrasound 6- to 24-month postoperatively) were analyzed for the overall cohort of single-surgery T1N0M0 low-risk PTC, stratified by lobectomy versus total thyroidectomy. RESULTS Majority of 2097 patients in the study were white (86.7%) and female (77.5%). Median age and tumor size were 72 y (interquartile range 68-76) and 0.6 cm (interquartile range 0.3-1.1 cm), respectively; 72.9% of patients underwent total thyroidectomy. Approximately 77.5% of patients had a postoperative surveillance visit; however, only 15.9% of patients received ATA-concordant surveillance. Patients who underwent total thyroidectomy as compared with lobectomy were more likely to undergo surveillance testing, thyroglobulin (61.7% versus 24.8%) and ultrasound (37.5% versus 29.2%) (all P < 0.01), and receive ATA-concordant surveillance (18.5% versus 9.0%, P < 0.001). Total surveillance cost during the study period was $621,099. Diagnostic radioactive iodine, ablation, and advanced imaging (such as positron emission tomography scans) accounted for 55.5% of costs ($344,692), whereas ATA-concordant care accounted for 44.5% of costs. After multivariate adjustment, patients who underwent total thyroidectomy as compared with lobectomy were twice as likely to receive ATA-concordant surveillance (adjusted odds ratio 2.0, 95% confidence interval: 1.5-2.8, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Majority of older adults with T1N0M0 low-risk PTC do not receive ATA-concordant surveillance; discordant care was costly. Total thyroidectomy was the strongest predictor of receiving ATA-concordant care.
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19
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Frates MC, Parziale MP, Alexander EK, Barletta JA, Benson CB. Role of Sonographic Characteristics of Thyroid Bed Lesions Identified Following Thyroidectomy in the Diagnosis or Exclusion of Recurrent Cancer. Radiology 2021; 299:374-380. [PMID: 33650902 DOI: 10.1148/radiol.2021201596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Background US of the thyroid bed in patients with thyroid cancer often depicts small lesions, but it is unclear whether US characteristics of lesions can help predict cancer recurrence. Purpose To determine whether size or US features of lesions in the thyroid bed after thyroidectomy in conjunction with clinical features can help predict thyroid cancer recurrence. Materials and Methods With use of a US reporting database, all patients imaged between July 2006 and June 2016 with an indication of post-thyroidectomy follow-up were retrospectively identified. Recorded data included patient demographic characteristics; date of thyroidectomy; thyroid cancer type; presence, size, and US characteristics of thyroid bed lesions; and results of fine-needle aspiration (FNA). Images were reviewed for lesions that underwent FNA. The Fisher exact test was used for analysis. Results A total of 1885 patients (mean age ± standard deviation, 48 years ± 15; 1493 female patients) underwent 5732 US examinations. Most patients (1541 of 1885 [82%]) had papillary cancer. Overall, 3163 thyroid bed lesions were reported in 5732 US examinations (40.4%). More than half of these lesions (1860 of 3163 [58.8%]) had a maximum measurement of 6 mm or greater. FNA was performed in 144 of the 3163 lesions (4.6%), of which 61 (42.4%) were malignant, 33 (22.9%) were benign, and 50 (34.7%) were nondiagnostic. Five nondiagnostic lesions eventually proved malignant. Only the presence of punctate echogenicities in the lesion (28 of 61 malignant lesions [45.9%]; three of 33 benign lesions [9%]; 12 of 50 nondiagnostic lesions [24%]; P < .001) or the history of positive lymph nodes at thyroidectomy (44 of 61 malignant lesions [72.1%]; 10 of 33 benign lesions [30%]; 19 of 50 nondiagnostic lesions [38%]; P < .001) were associated with malignancy. Of 3019 thyroid bed lesions that did not undergo FNA, three were malignant and 2248 showed no growth at follow-up US ranging from 6 months to 10 years and are presumed benign. Of the 1303 lesions smaller than 6 mm, only two (0.2%) were malignant. Conclusion Small lesions are commonly found in the thyroid bed after thyroidectomy, and most are likely to be benign. Lesions smaller than 6 mm with no punctate echogenicities had a minimal risk for malignancy. © RSNA, 2021 See also the editorial by Grant and Malhi in this issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary C Frates
- From the Department of Radiology (M.C.F., C.B.B.), Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension (E.K.A.), and Department of Pathology (J.A.B.), Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis St, Boston, MA 02067; and University of Vermont Medical School, Burlington, Vt (M.P.P.)
| | - Melanie P Parziale
- From the Department of Radiology (M.C.F., C.B.B.), Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension (E.K.A.), and Department of Pathology (J.A.B.), Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis St, Boston, MA 02067; and University of Vermont Medical School, Burlington, Vt (M.P.P.)
| | - Erik K Alexander
- From the Department of Radiology (M.C.F., C.B.B.), Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension (E.K.A.), and Department of Pathology (J.A.B.), Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis St, Boston, MA 02067; and University of Vermont Medical School, Burlington, Vt (M.P.P.)
| | - Justine A Barletta
- From the Department of Radiology (M.C.F., C.B.B.), Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension (E.K.A.), and Department of Pathology (J.A.B.), Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis St, Boston, MA 02067; and University of Vermont Medical School, Burlington, Vt (M.P.P.)
| | - Carol B Benson
- From the Department of Radiology (M.C.F., C.B.B.), Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension (E.K.A.), and Department of Pathology (J.A.B.), Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis St, Boston, MA 02067; and University of Vermont Medical School, Burlington, Vt (M.P.P.)
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20
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Yang F, Zhang J, Li B, Zhao Z, Liu Y, Zhao Z, Jing S, Wang G. Identification of Potential lncRNAs and miRNAs as Diagnostic Biomarkers for Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma Based on Machine Learning. Int J Endocrinol 2021; 2021:3984463. [PMID: 34335744 PMCID: PMC8318749 DOI: 10.1155/2021/3984463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) accounts for most of the proportion of thyroid cancer (TC). The objective of this study was to identify diagnostic, differentially expressed long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs), contributing to understanding the epigenetics mechanism of PTC. METHODS The data of lncRNA, miRNA, and mRNA were downloaded from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset, followed by functional analysis of differentially expressed mRNAs. Optimal diagnostic lncRNA and miRNA biomarkers were identified via random forest. The regulatory network between optimal diagnostic lncRNA and mRNAs and optimal diagnostic miRNA and mRNAs was identified, followed by the construction of ceRNA network of lncRNA-mRNA-miRNA. Expression validation and diagnostic analysis of lncRNAs, miRNAs, and mRNAs were performed. Overexpression of ADD3-AS1 was performed in PTC-UC3 cell lines, and cell proliferation and invasion assay were used for investigating the role of ADD3-AS1 in PTC. RESULTS A total of 107 differentially expressed lncRNAs, 81 differentially expressed miRNAs, and 515 differentially expressed mRNAs were identified. 11 lncRNAs and 6 miRNAs were regarded as the optimal diagnostic biomarkers for PTC. The epigenetic modifications via the above diagnostic lncRNAs and miRNAs were identified, including MIR181A2HG-FOXP2-hsa-miR-146b-3p, BLACAT1/ST7-AS1-RPS6KA5-hsa-miR-34a-5p, LBX2-AS1/MIR100HG-CDHR3-hsa-miR-34a-5p, ADD3-AS1-PTPRE-hsa-miR-9-5p, ADD3-AS1-TGFBR1-hsa-miR-214-3p, LINC00506-MMRN1-hsa-miR-4709-3p, and LOC339059-STK32A-hsa-miR-199b-5p. In the functional analysis, MMRN1 and TGFBR1 were involved in cell adhesion and endothelial cell migration, respectively. Overexpression of ADD3-AS1 inhibited cell growth and invasion in PTC cell lines. CONCLUSION The identified lncRNAs/miRNAs/mRNA were differentially expressed between normal and cancerous tissues. In addition, identified altered lncRNAs and miRNAs may be potential diagnostic biomarkers for PTC. Additionally, epigenetic modifications via the above lncRNAs and miRNAs may be involved in tumorigenesis of PTC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Yang
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Hebei, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Hebei, China
| | - Baokun Li
- General Surgical Department, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Hebei, China
| | - Zhijun Zhao
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Hebei, China
| | - Yan Liu
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Hebei, China
| | - Zhen Zhao
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Hebei, China
| | - Shanghua Jing
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Hebei, China
| | - Guiying Wang
- General Surgical Department, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Hebei, China
- General Surgical Department, The Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Hebei, China
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21
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Addasi N, Fingeret A, Goldner W. Hemithyroidectomy for Thyroid Cancer: A Review. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2020; 56:E586. [PMID: 33153139 PMCID: PMC7692138 DOI: 10.3390/medicina56110586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Revised: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Thyroid cancer incidence is on the rise; however, fortunately, the death rate is stable. Most persons with well-differentiated thyroid cancer have a low risk of recurrence at the time of diagnosis and can expect a normal life expectancy. Over the last two decades, guidelines have recommended less aggressive therapy for low-risk cancer and a more personalized approach to treatment of thyroid cancer overall. The American Thyroid Association (ATA) and National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) thyroid cancer guidelines recommend hemithyroidectomy as an acceptable surgical treatment option for low-risk thyroid cancer. Given this change in treatment paradigms, an increasing number of people are undergoing hemithyroidectomy rather than total or near-total thyroidectomy as their primary surgical treatment of thyroid cancer. The postoperative follow-up of hemithyroidectomy patients differs from those who have undergone total or near-total thyroidectomy, and the long-term monitoring with imaging and biomarkers can also be different. This article reviews indications for hemithyroidectomy, as well as postoperative considerations and management recommendations for those who have undergone hemithyroidectomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noor Addasi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA;
| | - Abbey Fingeret
- Department of General Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA;
| | - Whitney Goldner
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA;
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Giovanella L, Castellana M, Trimboli P. Unstimulated high-sensitive thyroglobulin is a powerful prognostic predictor in patients with thyroid cancer. Clin Chem Lab Med 2020; 58:130-137. [PMID: 31444962 DOI: 10.1515/cclm-2019-0654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2019] [Accepted: 07/30/2019] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Background Differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) has an excellent prognosis and the role of high-sensitive thyroglobulin measured during levothyroxine (ON-T4 hs-Tg) testing to discriminate patients with structural from not-evidence of disease (SED and NED, respectively) has been investigated. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating the performance of ON-T4 hs-Tg in two clinical scenarios considering its negative predictive value (NPV) as primary outcome: (1) diagnostic performance of Tg when undetectable value and NED status are simultaneously demonstrated; (2) prognostic performance of undetectable Tg in predicting NED in the subsequent follow-up. Methods This systematic review and meta-analysis were registered on PROSPERO (CRD42019125092). PubMed, Scopus, CENTRAL and Web of Science were searched until February 12, 2019. Original articles reporting data on SED/NED in patients with detectable/undetectable ON-T4 hs-Tg were selected. Summary operating points were estimated using a random-effects model. Results Out of 1413 retrieved papers, 10 studies evaluating 1796 patients were included. Participants were outpatients diagnosed with DTC, treated with near-total (NTx) or total thyroidectomy (TTx) with or without radioactive iodine (RAI). The NPV of ON-T4 hs-Tg for diagnostic and prognostic performance was 99.4% (95% CI 98.9-99.9; I2 = 13%) and 99.4% (95% CI 98.8-100; I2 = 0%), respectively. Conclusions Our findings show that ON-T4 hs-Tg is an excellent diagnostic tool and prognostic factor to rule-out SED. A high level of evidence is provided to decrease the intensity and frequency of follow-up in those DTC patients having undetectable high-sensitive Tg.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Giovanella
- Clinic for Nuclear Medicine and Competence Center for Thyroid Diseases, Imaging Institute of Southern Switzerland, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Bellinzona, Switzerland.,Laboratory for Endocrinology and Tumour Markers, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Bellinzona, Switzerland.,Clinic for Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital and University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland, Phone: +41-91-811 86 72, Fax: +41-91-811 85 20
| | - Marco Castellana
- Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, Section of Internal Medicine, Endocrinology, Andrology and Metabolic Diseases, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Pierpaolo Trimboli
- Clinic for Nuclear Medicine and Competence Center for Thyroid Diseases, Imaging Institute of Southern Switzerland, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Bellinzona, Switzerland
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Yoon J, Yoon JH, Han K, Lee J, Kim EK, Moon HJ, Park VY, Kwak JY. Ultrasonography surveillance in papillary thyroid carcinoma patients after total thyroidectomy according to dynamic risk stratification. Endocrine 2020; 69:347-357. [PMID: 32449109 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-020-02347-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2019] [Accepted: 05/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the role of neck US surveillance in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) after total thyroidectomy according to dynamic risk stratification (DRS) based on response to initial therapy. METHODS This retrospective study included 812 patients with PTC who underwent total thyroidectomy with prophylactic central neck dissection from January 2003 through February 2007. The relative risk of recurrence/persistence according to DRS was evaluated with the multivariable Cox regression proportional hazard model. RESULTS There were 132 men and 680 women. The mean age at surgery was 45.2 years. Postoperative US was used for DRS. According to DRS, 676 patients had excellent response, 78 indeterminate response, 40 biochemical incomplete response, and 18 structural incomplete response to initial therapy. Neck US was performed during follow-up and detected locoregional recurrences in 21 patients (2.6%): 12 with excellent response, 2 with biochemical incomplete response, and 7 with structural incomplete response according to DRS. Only 1 patient (0.1%) with excellent response had a locoregional recurrence that exceeded 8 mm in its shortest diameter, which is the size cut-off for diagnostic US fine-needle aspiration in suspicious lymph nodes. This patient did not develop biochemical abnormalities during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS Postoperative neck US surveillance after total thyroidectomy with prophylactic central neck dissection is not essential in PTC patients who show excellent response to initial therapy. Future studies are needed to verify the role of US surveillance in patients who receive variable degrees of treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiyoung Yoon
- Department of Radiology and Research Institute of Radiological Science, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemungu, Seoul, 03722, Korea
| | - Jung Hyun Yoon
- Department of Radiology and Research Institute of Radiological Science, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemungu, Seoul, 03722, Korea
| | - Kyunghwa Han
- Department of Radiology and Research Institute of Radiological Science, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemungu, Seoul, 03722, Korea
| | - Jandee Lee
- Department of Surgery, Severance Hospital, Yonsei Cancer Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, Korea
| | - Eun-Kyung Kim
- Department of Radiology and Research Institute of Radiological Science, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemungu, Seoul, 03722, Korea
| | - Hee Jung Moon
- Department of Radiology and Research Institute of Radiological Science, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemungu, Seoul, 03722, Korea
| | - Vivian Youngjean Park
- Department of Radiology and Research Institute of Radiological Science, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemungu, Seoul, 03722, Korea
| | - Jin Young Kwak
- Department of Radiology and Research Institute of Radiological Science, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemungu, Seoul, 03722, Korea.
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Grani G, Ramundo V, Falcone R, Lamartina L, Montesano T, Biffoni M, Giacomelli L, Sponziello M, Verrienti A, Schlumberger M, Filetti S, Durante C. Thyroid Cancer Patients With No Evidence of Disease: The Need for Repeat Neck Ultrasound. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2019; 104:4981-4989. [PMID: 31206157 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2019-00962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Ultrasonography (US) is considered the most sensitive tool for imaging persistent or recurrent papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) in the neck. OBJECTIVE To clarify the usefulness of routine neck US in low- and intermediate-risk patients with PTC with no evidence of disease 1 year after thyroidectomy. DESIGN Retrospective analysis of prospectively recorded data. SETTING Academic center. PATIENTS Two hundred twenty-six patients with PTC with sonographically normal neck lymph nodes and unstimulated serum thyroglobulin (Tg) levels that were either undetectable (<0.20 ng/mL) or low (0.21 to 0.99 ng/mL) at the 1-year evaluation. INTERVENTIONS Yearly assessment: unstimulated serum Tg level, anti-Tg-antibody (TgAb) titer, TSH levels, and ultrasound examination of neck lymph nodes. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Rates of ultrasonographic lymph node abnormalities at the 3-year and last follow-up visits. RESULTS In patients with an undetectable Tg level at the 1-year evaluation, sonographically suspicious neck lymph nodes were found in 1.2% of patients at 3 years and in 1.8% at the last visit [negative predictive values (NPVs) of 1-year Tg < 0.2 ng/mL: 98.8% (95% CI 95.8% to 99.9%) and 98.2% (95% to 99.6%), respectively]. Similar NPVs emerged for low detectable 1-year Tg levels [98.2% (90.3% to 99.9%) and 94.5% (84.9% to 98.9%) at the 3-year and last visits, respectively]. Seventy-five percent of the nodal lesions were likely false positive; none required treatment. CONCLUSIONS Low- and intermediate-risk patients with PTC with negative ultrasound findings and unstimulated Tg levels <1 ng/mL at the 1-year evaluation can be safely followed with clinical assessments and unstimulated serum Tg determinations. Neck US might be repeated if TgAb titers rise, or unstimulated Tg levels exceed 1 ng/mL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgio Grani
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Valeria Ramundo
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Rosa Falcone
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Livia Lamartina
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Teresa Montesano
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Biffoni
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Giacomelli
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Marialuisa Sponziello
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Verrienti
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Martin Schlumberger
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Endocrine Oncology, Gustave Roussy and University Paris-Saclay, Villejuif, France
| | - 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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Barrows CE, Belle JM, Fleishman A, Lubitz CC, James BC. Financial burden of thyroid cancer in the United States: An estimate of economic and psychological hardship among thyroid cancer survivors. Surgery 2019; 167:378-384. [PMID: 31653488 DOI: 10.1016/j.surg.2019.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2019] [Revised: 09/02/2019] [Accepted: 09/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Annual cancer-related healthcare expenditure in the United States is estimated to exceed $150 billion by 2020. As the prevalence of thyroid cancer increases worldwide, thyroid cancer survivorship is associated with increasing personal and cumulative costs. Few studies have examined the psychological and material economic costs experienced by thyroid cancer survivors. We seek to estimate the comparative prevalence of financial and psychological hardship among thyroid cancer and non-thyroid cancer patients in the United States. METHODS The 2011 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey Experiences with Cancer databank was queried to identify thyroid and non-thyroid (colon, breast, lung, prostate) cancer survivors. This survey includes assessments of financial stress, material hardship, and psychological financial hardship. Cancer incidence-based weighted estimates of responses were compared between thyroid and non-thyroid cancer survivors. Independent predictors of material and psychological financial burden were identified through separate multivariate regression models. RESULTS Thyroid cancer survivors more frequently reported psychological financial burden compared to non-thyroid cancer (46.1% vs 24.0%, P = .04). Material financial hardship (28.1% vs 19.9%, P = .37) and concurrent material and psychological hardship (25.1% vs 12.5%, P = .09) were noted at similar frequencies between thyroid and non-thyroid cancer survivors. However, on multivariate analysis, only younger age and lack of health insurance coverage were independently associated with psychological financial hardship. CONCLUSION Thyroid cancer survivors report greater psychological financial hardship than non-thyroid cancer survivors. Because this financial burden may be underrecognized in the medical community, further studies should be conducted to aid physicians in better understanding the impact of a thyroid cancer diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney E Barrows
- Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Janeil M Belle
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, PA
| | - Aaron Fleishman
- Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA
| | - Carrie C Lubitz
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA; Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA; Institute for Technology Assessment, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Benjamin C James
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA; Section of Endocrine Surgery, Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA.
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Bongers PJ, Verzijl R, Dzingala M, Vriens MR, Yu E, Pasternak JD, Rotstein LE. Preoperative Computed Tomography Changes Surgical Management for Clinically Low-Risk Well-Differentiated Thyroid Cancer. Ann Surg Oncol 2019; 26:4439-4444. [PMID: 31583547 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-019-07618-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the current guidelines for differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC), computed tomography (CT) of the neck has a limited role. The authors hypothesized that adding CT to the workup of clinically low-risk DTC size 4 cm or smaller changes the surgical management for a portion of patients due to detection of clinically significant lymph node metastases not located by ultrasound of the neck. METHODS A prospective cohort of DTC patients at an academic referral center between 2012 and 2016 was reviewed. All the patients with fine-needle aspiration cytopathology results suspicious for malignancy or malignant tumor (Bethesda category 5 or 6, respectively) underwent CT before surgery. Clinically low-risk DTC patients were selected if they had a tumor diameter of 4 cm or less and no evidence for local invasion or suspicious lymph nodes seen on ultrasound. Outcomes focused on alteration of the surgical plan based on CT and correlation with pathology. RESULTS The CT findings for 25 (22.5%) of 111 patients with clinically low-risk DTC led to a change in surgical management. Of these 25 patients, 16 (14.4% of the entire cohort) benefited due to the removal of clinically significant lymph node disease not seen on ultrasound. Categorization of the group that had a change in management showed that 6 (85.7%) of 7 lateral neck dissections and 10 (55.6%) of 18 central neck dissections (CND) harbored metastatic nodes larger than 2 mm. CONCLUSIONS In the group with clinically low-risk DTC, CT changed surgical management for a substantial number of the patients with clinically significant nodal disease not detected by ultrasound. This highlights the fact that in certain practice settings, adding CT to the preoperative staging may be favorable for the detection of nodal metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pim J Bongers
- Department of Surgery, University Health Network, 200 Elizabeth Street, Toronto, ON, M5G 2C4, Canada.,Department of Surgical Oncology and Endocrine Surgery, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Raoul Verzijl
- Department of Surgery, University Health Network, 200 Elizabeth Street, Toronto, ON, M5G 2C4, Canada.,Department of Surgical Oncology and Endocrine Surgery, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Michael Dzingala
- Department of Surgery, University Health Network, 200 Elizabeth Street, Toronto, ON, M5G 2C4, Canada
| | - Menno R Vriens
- Department of Surgical Oncology and Endocrine Surgery, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Eugene Yu
- Department of Medical Imaging, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Jesse D Pasternak
- Department of Surgery, University Health Network, 200 Elizabeth Street, Toronto, ON, M5G 2C4, Canada.
| | - Lorne E Rotstein
- Department of Surgery, University Health Network, 200 Elizabeth Street, Toronto, ON, M5G 2C4, Canada
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27
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Orr LE, Yeh MW, Livhits MJ. Do Patients with Low- and Intermediate-Risk Thyroid Cancer Need Continuing Postoperative Neck Surveillance Ultrasounds? ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019. [DOI: 10.1089/ct.2019;31.343-345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lauren E. Orr
- Division of Endocrine Surgery, Department of Surgery, UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, U.S.A
| | - Michael W. Yeh
- Division of Endocrine Surgery, Department of Surgery, UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, U.S.A
| | - Masha J. Livhits
- Division of Endocrine Surgery, Department of Surgery, UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, U.S.A
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Panato C, Serraino D, De Santis E, Forgiarini O, Angelin T, Bidoli E, Zanier L, Del Zotto S, Vaccarella S, Franceschi S, Dal Maso L. Thyroid cancer in Friuli Venezia Giulia, northeastern Italy: incidence, overdiagnosis, and impact of type of surgery on survival. TUMORI JOURNAL 2019; 105:296-303. [PMID: 30917766 DOI: 10.1177/0300891619839307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Incidence rates of thyroid cancer (TC) increased in the last decades worldwide. This study aimed to describe TC incidence in the Friuli Venezia Giulia (FVG) region, to estimate the quota of overdiagnosis, and to investigate the impact of surgery on long-term survival after TC diagnosis. METHODS TC cases reported to the FVG population-based cancer registry during 2002-2013, aged <85 years, were included. Age standardized rates (ASR) on the European population were computed, while proportion of TC overdiagnosis was estimated in comparison with expected age-specific incidence rates from published time series. Adjusted hazard ratios of death, with 95% confidence intervals, were also estimated. RESULTS During 2002-2013, 1701 TC cases were reported to the FVG cancer registry, with papillary TC (78.2%) as the most frequent histologic type. ASR increased from 12.4 to 16.5 in women and from 4.3 to 6.2 in men (+33.1% and +44.2%, respectively). Overdiagnosis was estimated as 79% of TC cases in women and 64% in men. Almost all TC cases (97.1%) underwent surgery, including 84.6% of women and 78.9% of men who underwent total thyroidectomy. Up to 10 years after TC diagnosis, the type of surgery did not appear to influence survival. CONCLUSIONS This study documented an increase in TC incidence in FVG in the last decade, with overdiagnosis accounting for a large proportion of TC diagnoses and total thyroidectomy in more than 80% of cases. These findings suggest reconsidering thyroid screening practice and aggressive therapeutic strategies, as recommended by new TC guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Panato
- 1 Cancer Epidemiology Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO) IRCCS, Aviano, Italy
| | - Diego Serraino
- 1 Cancer Epidemiology Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO) IRCCS, Aviano, Italy
| | - Emilia De Santis
- 2 Friuli Venezia Giulia Cancer Registry, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO) IRCCS, Aviano, Italy
| | - Ornella Forgiarini
- 2 Friuli Venezia Giulia Cancer Registry, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO) IRCCS, Aviano, Italy
| | - Tiziana Angelin
- 1 Cancer Epidemiology Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO) IRCCS, Aviano, Italy
| | - Ettore Bidoli
- 1 Cancer Epidemiology Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO) IRCCS, Aviano, Italy
| | - Loris Zanier
- 3 Epidemiological Service, Azienda Regionale di Coordinamento per la Salute (ARCS), Udine, Italy
| | - Stefania Del Zotto
- 3 Epidemiological Service, Azienda Regionale di Coordinamento per la Salute (ARCS), Udine, Italy
| | | | - Silvia Franceschi
- 5 Scientific Directorate, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO) IRCCS, Aviano, Italy
| | - Luigino Dal Maso
- 1 Cancer Epidemiology Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO) IRCCS, Aviano, Italy
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Liu T, You X, Sui J, Shen B, Zhang Y, Zhang XM, Yang S, Yao YZ, Yang F, Yin LH, Pu YP, Liang GY. Prognostic value of a two-microRNA signature for papillary thyroid cancer and a bioinformatic analysis of their possible functions. J Cell Biochem 2019; 120:7185-7198. [PMID: 30390338 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.27993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2018] [Accepted: 10/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent scientific evidence has suggested that microRNAs (miRNAs) play an important role in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). In the current study, we aim to identify a miRNA-related signature as the sensitive and novel prognostic biomarkers. METHODS We performed a comprehensive analysis of the data downloaded from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. The association between survival outcome and miRNA was assessed by the univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards model. The risk score model was built to evaluate the predicting value of miRNA signature. The potential biofunctions and transcription factors of target miRNAs were investigated through bioinformatic analysis. The result was verified by the quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) in 32 pairs of PTC and adjacent nontumor tissues. In addition, the results were verified by other cohorts from gene expression omnibus (GEO) as detected by microarrays. RESULTS A total of 1030 miRNAs were identified from the TCGA database. Thirty-six key intersection miRNAs were obtained. The associations between clinical features and key miRNAs were evaluated. Eventually, a two-miRNA signature (hsa-miR-181a-2-3p and hsa-miR-138-1-3p) was identified. The power of the miRNA prognostic signature was effective. In total, we identified 202 genes that were associated with 2 miRNAs above, and the top 10 enriched transcript factors that highly related with the target miRNAs were explored. The qRT-PCR and GEO data validation were consistent with bioinformatics results. CONCLUSIONS A tumor-specific miRNA signature was identified, and the joint prognostic power was evaluated, which may be potential biomarkers for prognosis of PTC. IMPACT The two-miRNA signature could become the potential prognostic indicator of PTC in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong Liu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xin You
- Department of General Surgery, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jing Sui
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Bo Shen
- Department of Oncology, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiao-Mei Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Sheng Yang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yong-Zhong Yao
- Department of General Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Fei Yang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Li-Hong Yin
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yue-Pu Pu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ge-Yu Liang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
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Kim SY, Kim SM, Chang H, Kim BW, Lee YS, Kwon SS, Shin H, Chang HS, Park CS. Cost for treatment and follow-up of thyroid cancer increases according to the severity of disease. Head Neck 2019; 41:2376-2379. [PMID: 30784141 DOI: 10.1002/hed.25706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2018] [Accepted: 01/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to provide an analysis of thyroid cancer-related health care costs over a 5-year period, according to the extent of thyroid surgery. METHODS The study included 33 patients from our institutional database who underwent thyroid cancer surgery in 2010. Patients were divided into four groups based on surgical extent: (1) hemithyroidectomy, (2) total thyroidectomy, (3) total thyroidectomy with ipsilateral radical neck dissection, and (4) total thyroidectomy with bilateral radical neck dissection and mediastinal dissection. Costs for admission and outpatient follow-up for 5 years were analyzed. RESULTS Costs for outpatient follow-up and admission, and overall cost increased with increasing stage of disease and increasing extent of thyroid surgery. Patients who underwent only hemithyroidectomy had the lowest costs for outpatient follow-up and admission, as well as the lowest overall cost. CONCLUSION Over the 5-year follow-up period, surgery performed at an early disease stage was the most cost-effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soo Young Kim
- Department of Surgery, Thyroid Cancer Center, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Institute of Refractory Thyroid Cancer, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seok-Mo Kim
- Department of Surgery, Thyroid Cancer Center, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Institute of Refractory Thyroid Cancer, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hojin Chang
- Department of Surgery, Thyroid Cancer Center, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Institute of Refractory Thyroid Cancer, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Bup-Woo Kim
- Department of Surgery, Thyroid Cancer Center, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Institute of Refractory Thyroid Cancer, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yong Sang Lee
- Department of Surgery, Thyroid Cancer Center, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Institute of Refractory Thyroid Cancer, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Soon-Sun Kwon
- Department of Mathematics/Data Science, Ajou University, Suwon, Korea
| | - Hyunjung Shin
- Department of Industrial Engineering, Ajou University, Suwon, Korea
| | - Hang-Seok Chang
- Department of Surgery, Thyroid Cancer Center, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Institute of Refractory Thyroid Cancer, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Cheong Soo Park
- Department of Surgery, Thyroid Cancer Center, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Institute of Refractory Thyroid Cancer, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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Dinan MA, Li Y, Reed SD, Sosa JA. INITIAL ADOPTION OF RECOMBINANT HUMAN THYROID-STIMULATING HORMONE FOLLOWING THYROIDECTOMY IN THE MEDICARE THYROID CANCER PATIENT POPULATION. Endocr Pract 2018; 25:31-42. [PMID: 30383499 DOI: 10.4158/ep-2018-0253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Recombinant human thyroid-stimulating hormone (rhTSH) has been approved for diagnostic (1998) and therapeutic (2008) indications in conjunction with radioactive iodine (RAI) administration post-thyroidectomy. Potential benefits of rhTSH, including avoidance of hypothyroidism side effects and shorter, less costly hospital stays, have not been assessed at the population level within the United States. In this study we quantify utilization, outcomes, and associated costs of rhTSH within the nationally representative Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)-Medicare patient population. METHODS We conducted a retrospective analysis of beneficiaries aged >65 years diagnosed within the SEER-Medicare data with differentiated thyroid cancer. Endpoints examined included ( 1) rhTSH utilization in the 2 years post-thyroidectomy (patients diagnosed 1996-2011 [utilization cohort]) and ( 2) comparison of resource utilization and costs as a function of rhTSH receipt in the 30 days prior to and 1 year following therapeutic RAI administration (patients diagnosed 2008-2011 [resource use cohort]). All costs were adjusted to reflect 2013 dollars. RESULTS A total of 6,482 patients met inclusion criteria, of which, 1,363 (21.0%) received rhTSH. Receipt varied by region and was higher in the South (18%), Northeast (28%), and West (44%) compared to the Midwest (10%), and lower in census tracts in the bottom quartile of high school education rates (odds ratio 0.68, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.55-0.83). rhTSH receipt was not associated with patient sex, age, comorbidities, or stage. Post-therapeutic RAI, 1,444 patients were assessed for resource utilization (2008-2011). The average cost of rhTSH was $905 per patient, with $2,483 being spent on average among patients who received rhTSH in association with therapeutic RAI. rhTSH receipt was not significantly associated with total inpatient days or number of outpatient and emergency department visits. Multivariable analyses showed similar overall costs among patients who did versus did not receive rhTSH (cost ratio [CR] 0.96, 95% CI 0.86-1.09), partially due to increased mean outpatient costs ($5,213 vs. $4,190) being offset by lower inpatient costs ($3,493 vs. $6,143). Overall costs were significantly higher in multivariable analyses among patients with distant metastatic disease (CR 1.92, 95% CI 1.58-2.32) and multiple comorbidities (CR 2.15, 95% CI 1.83-2.53). CONCLUSION rhTSH recipients had higher outpatient, lower inpatient, and similar total Medicare payments as those not receiving rhTSH in conjunction with RAI, lending support to the use of rhTSH as a cost-neutral treatment option from the payer perspective. ABBREVIATIONS CI = confidence interval; CMS = Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services; CR = cost ratio; HCPCS = Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System; IQR = interquartile range; mCi = millicurie; OR = odds ratio; PET = positron emission tomography; RAI = radioactive iodine; rhTSH = recombinant human thyroid-stimulating hormone; RR = risk ratio; SEER = Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results.
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Gray JL, Singh G, Uttley L, Balasubramanian SP. Routine thyroglobulin, neck ultrasound and physical examination in the routine follow up of patients with differentiated thyroid cancer-Where is the evidence? Endocrine 2018; 62:26-33. [PMID: 30128957 PMCID: PMC6153587 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-018-1720-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2018] [Accepted: 08/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) typically have a favourable prognosis and recurrence as late as 45 years after diagnosis has been reported. International clinical guidelines for monitoring recommend routine thyroglobulin, ultrasound and physical examination for the detection of recurrence. The aim of this review was to systematically review whether routine monitoring using thyroglobulin (Tg), neck ultrasound and physical examination for recurrence in differentiated thyroid cancer patients is effective in improving patient survival and/or quality of life. METHODS Primary studies were retrieved via a comprehensive search of three electronic bibliographic databases (PubMed, Web of Science Core Collection and Cochrane Library) without time restriction. Eligible studies must have reported on disease-free patients with DTC subject to long-term routine surveillance. The primary and secondary outcomes of interest were overall survival (or other survival parameters) and quality of life, respectively. RESULTS Literature searches yielded 5529 citations, which were screened by two reviewers. 241 full texts were retrieved. No randomised controlled trials or two-arm cohort studies on the effectiveness of any of the three specified interventions were identified. However, three 'single-arm' studies reporting long-term follow-up outcomes in patients undergoing regular surveillance were identified and appraised. CONCLUSIONS This review highlights a lack of empirical evidence to support current use of routine surveillance in DTC. Although early detection is possible, routine surveillance may lead to unnecessary intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L Gray
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Gautam Singh
- Endocrine Surgery Unit, Directorate of General Surgery, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals, Sheffield, UK
| | - Lesley Uttley
- School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Saba P Balasubramanian
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.
- Endocrine Surgery Unit, Directorate of General Surgery, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals, Sheffield, UK.
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Lamartina L, Grani G, Durante C, Borget I, Filetti S, Schlumberger M. Follow-up of differentiated thyroid cancer - what should (and what should not) be done. Nat Rev Endocrinol 2018; 14:538-551. [PMID: 30069030 DOI: 10.1038/s41574-018-0068-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The treatment paradigm for thyroid cancer has shifted from a one-size-fits-all approach to more personalized protocols that range from active surveillance to total thyroidectomy followed by radioiodine remnant ablation. Accurate surveillance tools are available, but follow-up protocols vary widely between centres and clinicians, owing to the lack of clear, straightforward recommendations on the instruments and assessment schedule that health-care professionals should adopt. For most patients (that is, those who have had an excellent response to the initial treatment and have a low or intermediate risk of tumour recurrence), an infrequent assessment schedule is sufficient (such as a yearly determination of serum levels of TSH and thyroglobulin). Select patients will benefit from second-line imaging and more frequent assessments. This Review discusses the strengths and weaknesses of the surveillance tools and follow-up strategies that clinicians use as a function of the initial treatment and each patient's risk of recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Livia Lamartina
- Dipartimento di Medicina Interna e Specialità Mediche, Università di Roma "Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | - Giorgio Grani
- Dipartimento di Medicina Interna e Specialità Mediche, Università di Roma "Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | - Cosimo Durante
- Dipartimento di Medicina Interna e Specialità Mediche, Università di Roma "Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | - Isabelle Borget
- Department of Biostatistic and Epidemiology, Gustave Roussy and University Paris-Saclay, Villejuif, France
| | - Sebastiano Filetti
- Dipartimento di Medicina Interna e Specialità Mediche, Università di Roma "Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | - Martin Schlumberger
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Endocrine Oncology, Gustave Roussy and University Paris-Saclay, Villejuif, France.
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Postoperative serum thyroglobulin and neck ultrasound to drive decisions about iodine-131 therapy in patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma: an evidence-based strategy? Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging 2018; 45:2155-2158. [DOI: 10.1007/s00259-018-4110-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2018] [Accepted: 07/25/2018] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
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Rosario PW. Re: "A Follow-Up Strategy for Patients with Excellent Response to Initial Therapy for Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma" by Jeon et al. (Thyroid 2018;28:187-192). Thyroid 2018; 28:547-548. [PMID: 29583109 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2017.0644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Weslley Rosario
- Instituto de Ensino e Pesquisa da Santa Casa de Belo Horizonte , Belo Horizonte, Brazil
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Liao D, Lv G, Wang T, Min J, Wang Y, Liu S. Prognostic value of long non-coding RNA BLACAT1 in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma. Cancer Cell Int 2018; 18:47. [PMID: 29599647 PMCID: PMC5870533 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-018-0544-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2018] [Accepted: 03/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been reported to have potential diagnostic and prognostic values for numerous cancers. However, the plasma expression of lncRNA BLACAT1 and its clinical value in patients with papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) remain unknown. Methods The expression profile of BLACAT1 in 87 PTC patients (case group) and 36 patients with nodular goiter (control group) were investigated by qRT-PCR. The Kaplan–Meier method was used for RFS curves, and the univariate survival differences were analyzed by the log-rank test. Results BLACAT1 expression was downregulated in the plasma of case group compared with control group (P = 0.003). We also found that low plasma BLACAT1 expression was correlated with lymph node metastasis (LNM) (P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that BLACAT1 was an independent risk factor for lymph node metastasis and gender (P < 0.05). The area under the ROC curve for BLACAT1 was 0.825 in LNM prediction (P < 0.001). Conclusion The present study demonstrated that BLACAT1 could act as a possible suppressor gene in PTC and may serve as a potential biomarker for prognosis prediction of PTC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denghui Liao
- 1Department of Endocrinology and Breast Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400043 China
| | - Gang Lv
- 1Department of Endocrinology and Breast Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400043 China
| | - Ting Wang
- Department of Breast and Thyroid, Chongqing Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Chongqing, 400021 China
| | - Jie Min
- Department of Breast and Thyroid, Chongqing Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Chongqing, 400021 China
| | - Yadong Wang
- Department of Breast and Thyroid, Chongqing Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Chongqing, 400021 China
| | - Shengchun Liu
- 1Department of Endocrinology and Breast Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400043 China
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Ryoo I, Kim DW, Lee CY, Huh JY, Lee S, Ahn HS, Sung JY. Analysis of postoperative ultrasonography surveillance after total thyroidectomy in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma: a multicenter study. Acta Radiol 2018; 59:196-203. [PMID: 28343399 DOI: 10.1177/0284185117700448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Background In papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) patients, postoperative ultrasonography (US) surveillance is recommended at intervals of six or 12 months even though evidence is weak. Purpose To determine the optimal interval of postoperative US surveillance in patients after total thyroidectomy for the treatment of PTC using multicenter data. Material and Methods A total of 1400 patients from seven tertiary hospitals who underwent total thyroidectomy for treatment of PTC were included. Based on a retrospective review of clinical and pathologic results, multiple factors were analyzed according to recurrence/persistence or no recurrence/persistence. In recurrence/persistence group, the interval and number of follow-up US sessions in the initial detection of recurrence/persistence were investigated. Results Of the 1400 patients, 115 (8.2%) showed tumor recurrence/persistence on follow-up US. Of 115 recurrence/persistence cases, 89 (77.4%) were initially detected on US: nodal recurrence/persistence (n = 92), non-nodal recurrence/persistence (n = 22), and both (n = 1). Among the clinical and pathologic factors, only tumor size and N stage were significant predictors for recurrence/persistence. In the recurrence/persistence group, the mean interval and number of follow-up US sessions in the initial detection of recurrence/persistence was 22.3 ± 16.8 months and 2.2 ± 1.9, respectively. Approximately two-thirds of recurrence/persistence cases (76/115, 66.1%) were detected in follow-up US within two years after total thyroidectomy. Conclusion In PTC patients after total thyroidectomy, the optimal interval of the first US follow-up may be one to two years after thyroid surgery, and the appropriate number of postoperative US surveillance sessions within the first five years may be only one or two.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inseon Ryoo
- Department of Radiology, Korea University Guro Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong Wook Kim
- Department of Radiology, Busan Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang Yoon Lee
- Department of Radiology, Research Institute and Hospital, National Cancer Center, Gyeonggi, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Yin Huh
- Department of Radiology, CHA University College of Medicine, Gangnam CHA Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Song Lee
- Department of Radiology, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye Shin Ahn
- Department of Radiology, Chung-Ang University Hospital, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Yong Sung
- Department of Radiology, Thyroid Center, Daerim St. Mary’s Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Haymart MR, Esfandiari NH, Stang MT, Sosa JA. Controversies in the Management of Low-Risk Differentiated Thyroid Cancer. Endocr Rev 2017; 38. [PMID: 28633444 PMCID: PMC5546880 DOI: 10.1210/er.2017-00067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Controversy exists over optimal management of low-risk differentiated thyroid cancer. This controversy occurs in all aspects of management, including surgery, use of radioactive iodine for remnant ablation, thyroid hormone supplementation, and long-term surveillance. Limited and conflicting data, treatment paradigm shifts, and differences in physician perceptions contribute to the controversy. This lack of physician consensus results in wide variation in patient care, with some patients at risk for over- or undertreatment. To reduce patient harm and unnecessary worry, there is a need to design and implement studies to address current knowledge gaps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan R Haymart
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109
| | - Nazanene H Esfandiari
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109
| | - Michael T Stang
- Division of Endocrine Surgery, Department of Surgery, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27710
| | - Julia Ann Sosa
- Division of Endocrine Surgery, Department of Surgery, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27710
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Wang LY, Ganly I. Post-treatment surveillance of thyroid cancer. Eur J Surg Oncol 2017; 44:357-366. [PMID: 28754228 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejso.2017.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2016] [Revised: 07/10/2017] [Accepted: 07/13/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
An increased incidence of differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) has resulted in an increased population of thyroid cancer survivors requiring ongoing disease surveillance. Our institution's risk-adapted surveillance strategy is based on a contemporary understanding of disease biology, guided by analysis of prognostic factors and balanced application of available surveillance modalities. The goal of this strategy is to detect recurrent disease early, identify patients who would benefit from further treatment and reduce over investigation of low-risk patients. This article describes our center's risk-stratified approach to the postoperative surveillance of patients with differentiated thyroid cancer with reference to the recent 2015 American Thyroid Association management guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Y Wang
- Head and Neck Service, Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, USA
| | - I Ganly
- Head and Neck Service, Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, USA.
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Lubitz C, Ali A, Zhan T, Heberle C, White C, Ito Y, Miyauchi A, Gazelle GS, Kong CY, Hur C. The thyroid cancer policy model: A mathematical simulation model of papillary thyroid carcinoma in The U.S. population. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0177068. [PMID: 28481909 PMCID: PMC5421766 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0177068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2016] [Accepted: 04/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Thyroid cancer affects over ½ million people in the U.S. and the incidence of thyroid cancer has increased worldwide at a rate higher than any other cancer, while survival has remained largely unchanged. The aim of this research was to develop, calibrate and verify a mathematical disease model to simulate the natural history of papillary thyroid cancer, which will serve as a platform to assess the effectiveness of clinical and cancer control interventions. Methods Herein, we modeled the natural pre-clinical course of both benign and malignant thyroid nodules with biologically relevant health states from normal to detected nodule. Using established calibration techniques, optimal parameter sets for tumor growth characteristics, development rate, and detection rate were used to fit Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) incidence data and other calibration targets. Results Model outputs compared to calibration targets demonstrating sufficient calibration fit and model validation are presented including primary targets of SEER incidence data and size distribution at detection of malignancy. Additionally, we show the predicted underlying benign and malignant prevalence of nodules in the population, the probability of detection based on size of nodule, and estimates of growth over time in both benign and malignant nodules. Conclusions This comprehensive model provides a dynamic platform employable for future comparative effectiveness research. Future model analyses will test and assess various clinical management strategies to improve patient outcomes related to thyroid cancer and optimize resource utilization for patients with thyroid nodules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carrie Lubitz
- Institute for Technology Assessment, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Ayman Ali
- Institute for Technology Assessment, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Tiannan Zhan
- Institute for Technology Assessment, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Curtis Heberle
- Institute for Technology Assessment, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Craig White
- PhD Program in Health Policy, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Yasuhiro Ito
- Department of Surgery, Kuma Hospital, Kobe, Japan
| | | | - G. Scott Gazelle
- Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- PhD Program in Health Policy, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Chung Yin Kong
- Institute for Technology Assessment, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Chin Hur
- Institute for Technology Assessment, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
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Midorikawa S, Tanigawa K, Suzuki S, Ohtsuru A. Psychosocial Issues Related to Thyroid Examination After a Radiation Disaster. Asia Pac J Public Health 2017; 29:63S-73S. [DOI: 10.1177/1010539516686164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
A thyroid ultrasound examination program has been conducted in the aftermath of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident to address concerns about the increased risk of thyroid cancer similar to those experienced by local residents after the 1986 Chernobyl accident. This is the second-largest thyroid cancer screening in younger age ever, following only that conducted after Chernobyl. As the natural history of thyroid cancer in younger populations is not well characterized, large-scale screening using thyroid ultrasound could result in overdiagnosis, even with careful planning, as has been experienced in South Korea. Awareness regarding the thyroid gland is generally low among residents, who tend to directly associate examination results with radiation exposure and are likely to develop newfound anxiety and feelings of self-condemnation and guilt. We reviewed the dilemma surrounding cancer screening and particularly underscored the need to address psychosocial issues associated with possible overdiagnosis. We modified our approach to address individual and social anxiety induced by results of screening conducted after the Fukushima accident. These findings and our experiences regarding the psychosocial issues related to thyroid examination should assist residents in their lifelong decision making and help them prepare for future disasters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanae Midorikawa
- Department of Radiation Health Management, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Koichi Tanigawa
- Radiation Medical Science Center for the Fukushima Health Management Survey, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Satoru Suzuki
- Radiation Medical Science Center for the Fukushima Health Management Survey, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Akira Ohtsuru
- Department of Radiation Health Management, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
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Wang LY, Ganly I. Nodal metastases in thyroid cancer: prognostic implications and management. Future Oncol 2016; 12:981-94. [PMID: 26948758 PMCID: PMC4992997 DOI: 10.2217/fon.16.10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2015] [Accepted: 01/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The significance of cervical lymph node metastases in differentiated thyroid cancer has been controversial and continues to evolve. Current staging systems consider nodal metastases to confer a poorer prognosis, particularly in older patients. Increasingly, the literature suggests that characteristics of the metastatic lymph nodes such as size and number are also prognostic. There is a growing trend toward less aggressive treatment of low-volume nodal disease. The aim of this review is to summarize the current literature and discuss prognostic and management implications of lymph node metastases in differentiated thyroid cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Y Wang
- Department of Surgery, Head & Neck Service, Memorial Sloan–Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Ian Ganly
- Department of Surgery, Head & Neck Service, Memorial Sloan–Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA
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