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Antonia TD, Maria LI, Ancuta-Augustina GG. Preoperative evaluation of thyroid nodules - Diagnosis and management strategies. Pathol Res Pract 2023; 246:154516. [PMID: 37196471 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.154516] [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: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Thyroid cancer is the most common endocrine malignancy, with increasing incidence over the past few decades. Fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy is the gold standard for preoperative diagnosis of thyroid malignancies. Nevertheless, this method renders indeterminate results in up to 30% of the cases. Therefore, these patients are often referred to unnecessary surgery to establish the diagnosis. To improve the accuracy of preoperative diagnosis, several other ways, such as ultrasonography, elastography, immunohistochemical analysis, genetic testing, and core needle biopsy, have been developed and can be used either in association with or as an alternative to FNA. This review aims to evaluate all these diagnostic tools to determine the most appropriate way of managing thyroid nodules and subsequently improve the selection of cases referred to surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tapoi Dana Antonia
- Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Department of Pathology, Bucharest, Romania; University Emergency Hospital, Department of Pathology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Lambrescu Ioana Maria
- Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology and Histology, Bucharest, Romania; Victor Babes National Institute of Pathology, Bucharest, Romania.
| | - Gheorghisan-Galateanu Ancuta-Augustina
- Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology and Histology, Bucharest, Romania; CI Parhon National Institute of Endocrinology, Bucharest, Romania
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2
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Hall EA, Hartzband P, VanderLaan PA, Nishino M. Risk stratification of cytologically indeterminate thyroid nodules with nondiagnostic or benign cytology on repeat FNA: Implications for molecular testing and surveillance. Cancer Cytopathol 2023; 131:313-324. [PMID: 36792948 DOI: 10.1002/cncy.22684] [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: 10/09/2022] [Revised: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence guiding the management of cytologically indeterminate thyroid nodules with nondiagnostic (ND) or benign cytology on repeat fine-needle aspiration (FNA) is limited. This study evaluates the utility of molecular testing and estimates the risk of noninvasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary-like nuclear features (NIFTP) and cancer among such nodules. METHODS This was a retrospective single-institution review of thyroid nodules from adults that were classified as atypia of undetermined significance (AUS) or follicular neoplasm (FN) on initial FNA and underwent repeat FNA for cytology and Afirma testing (June 2013-July 2021). The association between repeat FNA cytology and RNA yield for Afirma was determined. Histologic outcomes were integrated with Afirma results to define end points for each nodule. RESULTS A total of 691 AUS and FN nodules underwent repeat FNA and Afirma testing. Diagnostic Afirma results were obtained in 98% of cases overall and in 91% of nodules with ND cytology on repeat FNA. Using combined molecular and histologic end points, the NIFTP and/or cancer prevalence for nodules with ND cytology on repeat FNA was 9% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.042-0.182), falling between those nodules classified as benign (5%; 95% CI, 0.029-0.094) and those classified as AUS or FN (18%; 95% CI, 0.140-0.218) on repeat FNA, although not reaching statistical significance from either subgroup (p = .38 and .10, respectively). CONCLUSIONS AUS and FN nodules that are ND on repeat FNA have low but nonnegligible risk of NIFTP and/or cancer and may benefit from molecular testing, given the low test failure rate in this subgroup. Conversely, AUS and FN nodules reclassified as benign on repeat FNA have a very low risk of NIFTP and/or cancer and are unlikely to benefit from molecular testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A Hall
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Pamela Hartzband
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Paul A VanderLaan
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Michiya Nishino
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Surgical Outcomes of Thyroid Nodules Positive for Gene Expression Alterations Using ThyroSeq V3 Genomic Classifier. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 15:cancers15010049. [PMID: 36612045 PMCID: PMC9817510 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15010049] [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: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
ThyroSeq V3 (TsV3) tests for various genetic alterations, including gene expression alterations (GEAs), to improve diagnostic accuracy and clinical decision-making for indeterminate thyroid nodules. This study aimed to clarify the clinico-pathological features and outcomes of GEA-positive thyroid nodules, which have not yet been well-described in the literature. A retrospective chart review was performed whereby patients were included if they underwent thyroid surgery between January 2018 and May 2022 at two McGill University teaching hospitals and their surgery was preceded by pre-operative molecular TsV3 testing. In total, 75 of the 328 patients with thyroid nodules (22.9%) who underwent molecular testing and surgery were GEA-positive. On surgical pathology, GEA-positive nodules showed a significantly higher malignancy rate compared to their GEA-negative counterparts (90.7% vs. 77.7%, respectively, p = 0.011). Among those that were malignant, 48.5% had at least one aggressive pathological feature, including histological subtype, extra-thyroidal extension, or lymph node metastasis. BRAF V600E mutation had a significantly greater association with aggressive malignant GEA-positive nodules compared to non-aggressive ones (p < 0.001). This study demonstrates that GEA may be an effective diagnostic and prognostic tool for thyroid nodule management. However, further investigation is needed to characterize the clinico-pathological features of GEA in isolation and in association with other gene alterations.
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DiGennaro C, Vahdatzad V, Jalali MS, Toumi A, Watson T, Gazelle GS, Mercaldo N, Lubitz CC. Assessing Bias and Limitations of Clinical Validation Studies of Molecular Diagnostic Tests for Indeterminate Thyroid Nodules: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Thyroid 2022; 32:1144-1157. [PMID: 35999710 PMCID: PMC9595633 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2022.0269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Background: Molecular tests for thyroid nodules with indeterminate fine needle aspiration results are increasingly used in clinical practice; however, true diagnostic summaries of these tests are unknown. A systematic review and meta-analysis were completed to (1) evaluate the accuracy of commercially available molecular tests for malignancy in indeterminate thyroid nodules and (2) quantify biases and limitations in studies that validate those tests. Summary: PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science were systematically searched through July 2021. English language articles that reported original clinical validation attempts of molecular tests for indeterminate thyroid nodules were included if they reported counts of true-negative, true-positive, false-negative, and false-positive results. We performed screening and full-text review, followed by assessment of eight common biases and limitations, extraction of diagnostic and histopathological information, and meta-analysis of clinical validity using a bivariate linear mixed-effects model. Forty-nine studies were included. Meta-analysis of Afirma Gene expression classifiers (GEC; n = 38 studies) revealed a sensitivity of 0.92 (confidence interval: 0.90-0.94), specificity of 0.26 (0.20-0.32), negative likelihood ratio (LR-) of 0.32 (0.23-0.44), positive LR+ of 1.24 (1.15-1.35), and area under the curve (AUC) of 0.83 (0.74-0.89). Afirma Genomic Sequencing Classifier (GSC; n = 10) had a sensitivity of 0.94 (0.89-0.96), specificity of 0.38 (0.27-0.50), LR- of 0.18 (0.10-0.30), LR+ of 1.52 (1.28-1.87), and AUC of 0.91 (0.62-0.92). ThyroSeq v1 and v2 (n = 10) had a sensitivity of 0.86 (0.82-0.90), specificity of 0.74 (0.59-0.85), LR- of 0.19 (0.13-0.26), LR+ of 3.52 (2.08-5.92), and AUC of 0.86 (0.81-0.90). ThyroSeq v3 (n = 6) had a sensitivity of 0.92 (0.86-0.95), specificity of 0.41 (0.18-0.69), LR- of 0.24 (0.09-0.62), LR+ of 1.67 (1.09-2.98), and AUC of 0.90 (0.63-0.92). Fourteen percent of studies conducted a blinded histopathologic review of excised thyroid nodules, and 8% made the decision to go to surgery blind to molecular test results. Conclusions: Meta-analyses reveal a high diagnostic accuracy of molecular tests for thyroid nodule assessment of malignancy risk; however, these studies are subject to several limitations. Limitations and their potential clinical impacts must be addressed and, when feasible, adjusted for using valid statistical methodologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine DiGennaro
- Institute for Technology Assessment, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Vahab Vahdatzad
- Institute for Technology Assessment, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Mohammad S. Jalali
- Institute for Technology Assessment, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Asmae Toumi
- Institute for Technology Assessment, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Tina Watson
- Institute for Technology Assessment, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - G. Scott Gazelle
- Institute for Technology Assessment, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Nathaniel Mercaldo
- Institute for Technology Assessment, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Carrie Cunningham Lubitz
- Institute for Technology Assessment, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Talmor G, Badash I, Zhou S, Kim YJ, Kokot NC, Hsueh W, Chambers T. Association of patient characteristics, ultrasound features, and molecular testing with malignancy risk in Bethesda
III–V
thyroid nodules. Laryngoscope Investig Otolaryngol 2022; 7:1243-1250. [PMID: 36000058 PMCID: PMC9392397 DOI: 10.1002/lio2.847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To evaluate the role of patient characteristics, ultrasound findings, and molecular testing in predicting risk of malignancy in Bethesda III, IV, and V thyroid nodules. Design Single institution retrospective review of 230 patients with Bethesda III, IV, and V cytopathology undergoing thyroidectomy between 2009 and 2018. Setting Private and public tertiary urban university hospitals at the same academic institution. Subjects and methods Patients who underwent thyroidectomy with Bethesda III, IV, and V nodules were included. Patient demographics, presence of underlying thyroid disease, nodule size, sonographic features, gene expression results, and surgical procedure were documented. Correlation between these variables and final histopathologic diagnosis of malignancy was analyzed. Results The 230 patients (103 Bethesda III, 64 Bethesda IV, and 63 Bethesda V) were included for analysis. Bethesda III nodules harbored malignancy in 26.2% of cases compared with 26.6% of Bethesda IV nodules and 82.5% of Bethesda V nodules. On multivariate analysis, age was inversely correlated with a diagnosis of malignancy (OR: 0.98, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.96–0.99, p = .03) Although the presence of microcalcifications was positively associated with cancer (OR: 2.31, CI: 1.24–4.29, p = .008) The co‐occurrence of microcalcifications and irregular margins was associated with a higher odds of malignancy (OR: 4.42, 95% CI: 1.32–14.93, p = .016), whereas the combination of microcalcifications, irregular margins, and hypoechogenicity was associated with the greatest cancer risk (OR: 5.52, 95% CI: 1.12–27.78, p = .036). Conclusions The presence of microcalcifications in thyroid nodules categorized as Bethesda III–V is an independent risk factor for malignancy. The combination of microcalcifications, irregular margins, and hypoechogenicity is associated with a greater malignancy risk in nodules indeterminate for thyroid cancer on cytopathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guy Talmor
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Rutgers–New Jersey Medical School Newark New Jersey USA
| | - Ido Badash
- Caruso Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, Keck School of Medicine University of Southern California Los Angeles California USA
| | - Sheng Zhou
- Caruso Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, Keck School of Medicine University of Southern California Los Angeles California USA
| | - Yun Ji Kim
- Caruso Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, Keck School of Medicine University of Southern California Los Angeles California USA
| | - Niels C. Kokot
- Caruso Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, Keck School of Medicine University of Southern California Los Angeles California USA
| | - Wayne Hsueh
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Rutgers–New Jersey Medical School Newark New Jersey USA
| | - Tamara Chambers
- Caruso Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, Keck School of Medicine University of Southern California Los Angeles California USA
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6
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Polavarapu P, Fingeret A, Yuil-Valdes A, Olson D, Patel A, Shivaswamy V, Matthias TD, Goldner W. Comparison of Afirma GEC and GSC to Nodules Without Molecular Testing in Cytologically Indeterminate Thyroid Nodules. J Endocr Soc 2021; 5:bvab148. [PMID: 34708178 PMCID: PMC8543699 DOI: 10.1210/jendso/bvab148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Analysis of cytologically indeterminate thyroid nodules with Afirma Gene Expression Classifier (GEC) and Genomic Sequencing Classifier (GSC) can reduce surgical rate and increase malignancy rate of surgically resected indeterminate nodules. Methods Retrospective cohort analysis of all adults with cytologically indeterminate thyroid nodules from January 2013 through December 2019. We compared surgical and malignancy rates of those without molecular testing to those with GEC or GSC, analyzed test performance between GEC and GSC, and identified variables associated with molecular testing. Results 468 indeterminate thyroid nodules were included. No molecular testing was performed in 273, 71 had GEC, and 124 had GSC testing. Surgical rate was 68% in the group without molecular testing, 59% in GEC, and 40% in GSC. Malignancy rate was 20% with no molecular testing, 22% in GEC, and 39% in GSC (P = 0.022). GEC benign call rate (BCR) was 46%; sensitivity, 100%; specificity, 61%; and positive predictive value (PPV), 28%. GSC BCR was 60%; sensitivity, 94%; specificity, 76%; and PPV, 41%. Those with no molecular testing had larger nodule size, preoperative growth of nodules, and constrictive symptoms and those who underwent surgery in the no molecular testing group had higher body mass index, constrictive symptoms, higher Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System and Bethesda classifications. Type of provider was also associated with the decision to undergo surgery. Conclusion Implementation of GEC showed no effect on surgical or malignancy rate, but GSC resulted in significantly lower surgical and higher malignancy rates. This study provides insight into the factors that affect the real-world use of these molecular markers preoperatively in indeterminate thyroid nodules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Preethi Polavarapu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology, Metabolism, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.,Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology, Metabolism, VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health System, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Abbey Fingeret
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Ana Yuil-Valdes
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Daniel Olson
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health System, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Anery Patel
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology, Metabolism, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Vijay Shivaswamy
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology, Metabolism, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.,Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology, Metabolism, VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health System, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Troy D Matthias
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Whitney Goldner
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology, Metabolism, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
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7
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Nishino M, Mateo R, Kilim H, Feldman A, Elliott A, Shen C, Hasselgren PO, Wang H, Hartzband P, Hennessey JV. Repeat Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology Refines the Selection of Thyroid Nodules for Afirma Gene Expression Classifier Testing. Thyroid 2021; 31:1253-1263. [PMID: 33813868 PMCID: PMC8377518 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2020.0969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Background: Molecular testing (MT) refines risk stratification for thyroid nodules that are indeterminate for cancer by fine needle aspiration (FNA) cytology. Criteria for selecting nodules for MT vary and remain largely untested, raising questions about the best strategy for maximizing the usefulness of MT while minimizing the harms of overtesting. We used a unique data set to examine the effects of repeat FNA cytology-based criteria for MT on management decisions and nodule outcomes. Methods: This was a study of adults (age 25-90 years; 281 women and 72 men) with cytologically indeterminate (Bethesda III/IV) thyroid nodules who underwent repeat FNA biopsy and Afirma Gene Expression Classifier (GEC) testing (N = 363 nodules from 353 patients) between June 2013 and October 2017 at a single institution, with follow-up data collected until December 2019. Subgroup analysis was performed based on classification of repeat FNA cytology. Outcomes of GEC testing, clinical/sonographic surveillance of unresected nodules, and histopathologic diagnoses of thyroidectomies were compared between three testing approaches: (i) Reflex (MT sent on the basis of the initial Bethesda III/IV FNA), (ii) SemiRestrictive (MT sent if repeat FNA is Bethesda I-IV), and (iii) Restrictive (MT sent only if repeat FNA is Bethesda III/IV) testing approaches. Results: Restricting MT to nodules that remain Bethesda III/IV on repeat FNA would have missed 4 low-risk cancers and 3 noninvasive follicular thyroid neoplasms with papillary-like nuclear features (NIFTP) (collectively 2% of the test population) but would have avoided diagnostic surgery for 42 benign nodules (12% of the test population). The Restrictive testing strategy was more specific (delta 0.126 confidence interval [CI 0.093 to 0.159] and 0.129 [CI 0.097 to 0.161], respectively) but less sensitive (delta -0.339 [CI -0.424 to -0.253] and -0.340 [CI -0.425 to -0.255], respectively) than the Reflex and SemiRestrictive approaches for detecting NIFTP or cancer. Conclusions: Repeat FNA cytology can guide the selection of cytologically indeterminate thyroid nodules that warrant MT. The Restrictive model of performing Afirma GEC only on nodules with two separate biopsies showing Bethesda III/IV cytology would reduce the rate of diagnostic surgery for histologically benign nodules while missing only rare low-risk tumors. Given the low but nontrivial risks of thyroidectomy, the higher specificity of the Restrictive testing approach disproportionately outweighs the potential harms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michiya Nishino
- Department of Pathology; Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Address correspondence to: Michiya Nishino, MD, PhD, Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, 330 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Roselyn Mateo
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine; Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Holly Kilim
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine; Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Anna Feldman
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine; Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Amanda Elliott
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine; Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Changyu Shen
- Smith Center for Outcomes Research in Cardiology, Department of Medicine; Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Per-Olof Hasselgren
- Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Helen Wang
- Department of Pathology; Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Pamela Hartzband
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine; Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - James V. Hennessey
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine; Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Ngo HTT, Nguyen TPX, Vu TH, Jung CK, Hassell L, Kakudo K, Vuong HG. Impact of Molecular Testing on the Management of Indeterminate Thyroid Nodules Among Western and Asian Countries: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Endocr Pathol 2021; 32:269-279. [PMID: 32767256 DOI: 10.1007/s12022-020-09643-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Molecular testing has a potential to improve the management of patients with indeterminate thyroid nodules considered for surgery. This study examined the influence of molecular tests on the treatment of indeterminate nodules, particularly the differences between Western and Asian countries. Electronic databases including PubMed and Web of Science were searched for relevant articles from 2010 to March 2019. We computed meta-analysis of proportion and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) utilizing the random-effect model. We used independent samples t test to compare the resection rate (RR), rate of malignancy (ROM), rate of preoperative molecular testing (RMT), and rate of positive test (RP) between subgroups. We included a total of 34 studies with 7976 indeterminate nodules. The multigene panel testing methods were exclusively used in the USA. Compared with the non-molecular era, molecular testing was associated with a significantly increased ROM (47.9% versus 32.1%; p = 0.001). The ROM of indeterminate nodules in Asian institutes was significantly higher than that in Western countries (75.3% versus 36.6%; p < 0.001, respectively). Institutes employing single-gene tests achieved a higher ROM (59.8% versus 37.9%; p = 0.013). Molecular testing is a promising method to tailor the clinical management for indeterminate thyroid FNA. Certain differences in routine thyroid cytopathology practice among the West and the East are still present. The combination of molecular testing and active surveillance enhances the accuracy of case selection for surgery in Asian countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanh Thi Tuyet Ngo
- Department of Pathology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, 700-000, Vietnam
| | | | - Trang Huyen Vu
- Department of Pathology, Oncology Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, 700-000, Vietnam
| | - Chan Kwon Jung
- Department of Hospital Pathology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Lewis Hassell
- Department of Pathology, Oklahoma University Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA
| | - Kennichi Kakudo
- Department of Pathology and Thyroid Disease Center, Izumi City General Hospital, Wake-cho 4-5-1, Izumi City, 594-0073, Japan
| | - Huy Gia Vuong
- Department of Pathology, Oklahoma University Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA.
- Stephenson Cancer Center, Oklahoma University Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, USA.
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Thodou E, Canberk S, Schmitt F. Challenges in Cytology Specimens With Hürthle Cells. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:701877. [PMID: 34248855 PMCID: PMC8267832 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.701877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
In fine-needle aspirations (FNA) of thyroid, Hürthle cells can be found in a broad spectrum of lesions, ranging from non-neoplastic conditions to aggressive malignant tumors. Recognize them morphologically, frequently represents a challenging for an adequately diagnosis and are associated with a significant interobserver variability. Although the limitations of the morphologic diagnosis still exist, the interpretation of the context where the cells appear and the recent advances in the molecular knowledge of Hürthle cells tumors are contributing for a more precise diagnosis. This review aims to describe the cytology aspects of all Hürthle cells neoplastic and non-neoplastic thyroid lesions, focusing on the differential diagnosis and reporting according to The Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytology (TBSRTC). New entities according to the latest World Health Organization (WHO) classification are included, as well as an update of the current molecular data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleni Thodou
- Department of Pathology, Medical School, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Sule Canberk
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, University of Porto (Ipatimup), Porto, Portugal
| | - Fernando Schmitt
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, University of Porto (Ipatimup), Porto, Portugal
- Medical Faculty, Porto University, Porto, Portugal
- CINTESIS@RISE, Porto, Portugal
- *Correspondence: Fernando Schmitt,
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10
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Silaghi CA, Lozovanu V, Georgescu CE, Georgescu RD, Susman S, Năsui BA, Dobrean A, Silaghi H. Thyroseq v3, Afirma GSC, and microRNA Panels Versus Previous Molecular Tests in the Preoperative Diagnosis of Indeterminate Thyroid Nodules: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:649522. [PMID: 34054725 PMCID: PMC8155618 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.649522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Molecular tests are being used increasingly as an auxiliary diagnostic tool so as to avoid a diagnostic surgery approach for cytologically indeterminate thyroid nodules (ITNs). Previous test versions, Thyroseq v2 and Afirma Gene Expression Classifier (GEC), have proven shortcomings in malignancy detection performance. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of the established Thyroseq v3, Afirma Gene Sequencing Classifier (GSC), and microRNA-based assays versus prior iterations in ITNs, in light of "rule-in" and "rule-out" concepts. It further analyzed the impact of noninvasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary-like nuclear features (NIFTP) reclassification and Bethesda cytological subtypes on the performance of molecular tests. METHODS Pubmed, Scopus, and Web of Science were the databases used for the present research, a process that lasted until September 2020. A random-effects bivariate model was used to estimate the summary sensitivity, specificity, positive (PLR) and negative likelihood ratios (NLR), and area under the curve (AUC) for each panel. The conducted sensitivity analyses addressed different Bethesda categories and NIFTP thresholds. RESULTS A total of 40 eligible studies were included with 7,831 ITNs from 7,565 patients. Thyroseq v3 showed the best overall performance (AUC 0.95; 95% confidence interval: 0.93-0.97), followed by Afirma GSC (AUC 0.90; 0.87-0.92) and Thyroseq v2 (AUC 0.88; 0.85-0.90). In terms of "rule-out" abilities Thyroseq v3 (NLR 0.02; 95%CI: 0.0-2.69) surpassed Afirma GEC (NLR 0.18; 95%CI: 0.10-0.33). Thyroseq v2 (PLR 3.5; 95%CI: 2.2-5.5) and Thyroseq v3 (PLR 2.8; 95%CI: 1.2-6.3) achieved superior "rule-in" properties compared to Afirma GSC (PLR 1.9; 95%CI: 1.3-2.8). Evidence for Thyroseq v3 seems to have higher quality, notwithstanding the paucity of studies. Both Afirma GEC and Thyroseq v2 performance have been affected by NIFTP reclassification. ThyGenNEXT/ThyraMIR and RosettaGX show prominent preliminary results. CONCLUSION The newly emerged tests, Thyroseq v3 and Afirma GSC, designed for a "rule-in" purpose, have been proved to outperform in abilities to rule out malignancy, thus surpassing previous tests no longer available, Thyroseq 2 and Afirma GEC. However, Thyroseq v2 still ranks as the best rule-in molecular test. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO, identifier CRD42020212531.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Alina Silaghi
- Department of Endocrinology, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Vera Lozovanu
- Department of Endocrinology, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- *Correspondence: Vera Lozovanu, ; Raluca Diana Georgescu,
| | - Carmen Emanuela Georgescu
- Department of Endocrinology, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Raluca Diana Georgescu
- International Institute for the Advanced Studies of Psychotherapy and Applied Mental Health, Babeş-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- *Correspondence: Vera Lozovanu, ; Raluca Diana Georgescu,
| | - Sergiu Susman
- Department of Morphological Sciences-Histology, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Department of Pathology, IMOGEN Research Center, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Bogdana Adriana Năsui
- Department of Community Health, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Anca Dobrean
- International Institute for the Advanced Studies of Psychotherapy and Applied Mental Health, Babeş-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Babeş-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Horatiu Silaghi
- Department of Surgery V, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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11
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Geng Y, Aguilar-Jakthong JS, Moatamed NA. Comparison of Afirma Gene Expression Classifier with Gene Sequencing Classifier in indeterminate thyroid nodules: A single-institutional experience. Cytopathology 2020; 32:187-191. [PMID: 33010060 DOI: 10.1111/cyt.12920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 09/05/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The Afirma test has been used in the diagnosis of cytologically indeterminate thyroid nodules to reduce diagnostic uncertainty and unnecessary surgeries. Gene Sequencing Classifier (GSC) was developed to improve the positive predictive value and overall test performance of Gene Expression Classifier (GEC). Here we present our experience comparing the performance of first-generation assay of Afirma (GEC) with the new assay (GSC). METHODS Retrospective analysis was performed on all Bethesda III and IV cytology thyroid nodules tested with GEC and GSC. Test performance was evaluated by surgical pathology outcomes. RESULTS In total, 167 cases were tested with GEC, of which 49% were reported as benign. Fourteen cases had surgical follow-up with 11 benign, one non-invasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary-like nuclear features (NIFTP) and two malignant diagnoses. Of the 167 cases, 51% had suspicious GEC result. Fifty-seven of these suspicious GEC cases had surgical follow-up with 28 benign, nine NIFTP and 20 malignant histology. There 133 cases tested with GSC, of which 61% were reported as benign. Ten cases had surgical follow-up, all of which showed benign results and 32% of the cases were tested as suspicious. Thirty-six cases with suspicious GSC had surgical follow-up. Fourteen of them had benign, five NIFTP, and 17 malignant surgical pathology. Based on molecular testing, surgical resection could have been be prevented 61% with GSC, compared to 49% with GEC test. CONCLUSION Our experience shows that GSC has a better test performance than GEC. Also, our data support that GSC identify more cases as benign and reduces the number of unnecessary surgeries compared to GEC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yipeng Geng
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Josephine S Aguilar-Jakthong
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Neda A Moatamed
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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12
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Endo M, Porter K, Long C, Azaryan I, Phay JE, Ringel MD, Sipos JA, Nabhan F. Features of Cytologically Indeterminate Molecularly Benign Nodules Treated With Surgery. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2020; 105:5890166. [PMID: 32772084 PMCID: PMC7497819 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgaa506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most cytologically indeterminate thyroid nodules (ITNs) with benign molecular testing are not surgically removed. The data on clinical outcomes of these nodules are limited. METHODS We retrospectively analyzed all ITNs where molecular testing was performed either with the Afirma gene expression classifier or Afirma gene sequencing classifier between 2011 and 2018 at a single institution. RESULTS Thirty-eight out of 289 molecularly benign ITNs were ultimately resected. The most common reason for surgery was compressive symptoms (39%). In multivariable modeling, patients aged <40 years, nodules ≥3 cm, presence of an Afirma suspicious nodule other than the index nodule, and compressive symptoms were associated with higher surgery rates with hazard ratios for surgery of 3.5 (P < 0.001), 3.2 (P < 0.001), 16.8 (P < 0.001), and 7.31 (P < 0.001), respectively. Of resected nodules, 5 were malignant. False-negative rate (FNR) was 1.7%, presuming all unresected nodules were truly benign and 13.2% restricting analysis to resected cases. The FNR was significantly higher in nodules with a high-risk sonographic appearance for cancer (American Thyroid Association high-risk classification and American College of Radiology Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data Systems score of 5) compared with nodules with all other sonographic categories (11.8% vs 1.1%; P = 0.03 and 11.1% vs 1.1%; P = 0.02, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Younger age, larger nodule size, presence of an Afirma suspicious nodule other than the index nodule, and compressive symptoms were associated with a higher rate of surgery. The FNR of benign Afirma was significantly higher in nodules with high-risk sonographic features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayumi Endo
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, The Ohio State University and Arthur G. James Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Nutrition, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Kyle Porter
- Center for Biostatistics, Department of Biomedical Informatics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Clarine Long
- The Ohio State University, College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Irina Azaryan
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, The Ohio State University and Arthur G. James Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio
| | - John E Phay
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Matthew D Ringel
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, The Ohio State University and Arthur G. James Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Jennifer A Sipos
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, The Ohio State University and Arthur G. James Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Fadi Nabhan
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, The Ohio State University and Arthur G. James Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio
- Correspondence and Reprint Requests: Fadi Nabhan, MD, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, The Ohio State University, 1581 Dodd Drive, Columbus, OH 43210, USA. E-mail:
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13
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Zhu CY, Sha S, Tseng CH, Yang SE, Orr LE, Levin M, Wong CW, Livhits MJ, Rao J, Yeh MW. Trends in the Surgical Management of Known or Suspected Differentiated Thyroid Cancer at a Single Institution, 2010-2018. Thyroid 2020; 30:1639-1645. [PMID: 32515290 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2019.0783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Background: The surgical management of nodular thyroid disease has been influenced by the advent of molecular diagnostics and recent guidelines recommending a more conservative approach to low-risk thyroid tumors. The purpose of this study was to assess practice changes arising from the early adoption of current literature within a single high-volume center. Methods: A retrospective cohort study of all patients evaluated or surgically treated for known or suspected thyroid cancer at a single institution was performed (2010-2018). We analyzed the yield of diagnostic thyroidectomy for indeterminate (Bethesda III and IV) nodules, the choice of initial operation for likely malignant (Bethesda V and VI) nodules, and the rate of completion thyroidectomy. The Cochran-Armitage test was used to assess the significance of any observed trends. Results: Of 2497 patients who underwent initial thyroidectomy from 2010 to 2018, 1791 patients had a tissue diagnosis of suspected or known thyroid cancer by cytopathology (Bethesda III-VI) or surgical pathology (differentiated thyroid cancer). In patients with likely malignant nodules but no clinical evidence of invasive or metastatic disease, the proportion managed with total thyroidectomy plus prophylactic neck dissection fell from 50% to 10% (p = 0.007). The proportion with likely malignant nodules managed definitively with thyroid lobectomy rose from 2% to 19% (p < 0.001). The rate of completion thyroidectomy for thyroid cancer found in the initial lobectomy specimen declined from 73% to 26% (p < 0.001). Among all patients with cytologically indeterminate nodules (n = 1036), we observed a decrease in the rate of diagnostic thyroidectomy from 67% to 35% over the study period (p = 0.015). Conclusions: The early adoption of new diagnostic technology and management guidelines has manifested in a less aggressive surgical approach to known or suspected thyroid cancer. Long-term follow-up will be required to assess oncologic and patient-centered outcomes arising from this modern strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Y Zhu
- Section of Endocrine Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of California Los Angeles David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Sophie Sha
- Section of Endocrine Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of California Los Angeles David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Chi-Hong Tseng
- Department of Biostatistics, University of California Los Angeles Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Sung-Eun Yang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Lauren E Orr
- Section of Endocrine Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of California Los Angeles David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Mary Levin
- Department of Pathology, University of California Los Angeles David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Calvin W Wong
- Section of Endocrine Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of California Los Angeles David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Masha J Livhits
- Section of Endocrine Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of California Los Angeles David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Jianyu Rao
- Department of Pathology, University of California Los Angeles David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Michael W Yeh
- Section of Endocrine Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of California Los Angeles David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) is an important diagnostic tool for the evaluation of thyroid nodules. However, in almost ¼ of all nodules submitted to FNA cytology is indeterminate. Since the majority of genetic alterations in thyroid cancer have been identified, the use of molecular testing platforms has been endorsed by American Thyroid Association for management of indeterminate nodules. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION Several commercial tests were based on mRNA expression of FNA samples (Afirma®, Veracyte, South San Francisco, CA, USA) while others detect DNA alterations (ThyroSeq, UPMC, Pittsburgh, PA, USA). Noncommercial tests detect limited number of point mutations or re-arrangements (gene panels). Literature study included a Pubmed research for adult original studies from 2003 to 2020, focusing on terms such as "molecular tests," "nodules with indeterminate AUS/FLUS and FN/SFN cytology." EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS Gene expression profile tests serve as "rule out" tests due to their high negative predictive value and perform better in a setting of low cancer pretest probability. Genetic alteration platforms display high positive predictive value and serve as rather "rule in" tests but their diagnostic accuracy is hampered either because a small proportion of nodules does not harbor any of these alterations targeted (gene panels) or because commonly identified RAS mutations can also be found in benign nodules. CONCLUSIONS Next generation sequencing development and incorporation of other genetic markers such as miRNA can improve diagnostic accuracy of molecular tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Karapanou
- 401Hellenic Army General Military Hospital of Athens, Athens, Greece -
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15
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Muzza M, Colombo C, Pogliaghi G, Karapanou O, Fugazzola L. Molecular markers for the classification of cytologically indeterminate thyroid nodules. J Endocrinol Invest 2020; 43:703-716. [PMID: 31853887 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-019-01164-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The diagnosis of indeterminate lesions of the thyroid is a challenge in cytopathology practice. Indeed, up to 30% of cases lack the morphological features needed to provide definitive classification. Molecular tests have been developed to assist in the diagnosis of these indeterminate cases. The first studies dealing with the preoperative molecular evaluation of FNA samples focused on the analysis of BRAFV600E or on the combined evaluation of two or three genetic alterations. The sensitivity of molecular testing was then improved through the introduction of gene panels, which became available for clinical use in the late 2000s. Two different categories of molecular tests have been developed, the 'rule-out' methods, which aim to reduce the avoidable treatment of benign nodules, and the 'rule-in' tests that have the purpose to optimize surgical management. The genetic evaluation of indeterminate thyroid nodules is predicted to improve patient care, particularly if molecular tests are used appropriately and with the awareness of their advantages and weaknesses. The main disadvantage of these tests is the cost, which makes them rarely used in Europe. To overcome this limitation, customized panels have been set up, which are able to detect the most frequent genetic alterations of thyroid cancer. CONCLUSIONS In the present review, the most recent available versions of commercial molecular tests and of custom, non-commercial panels are described. Their characteristics and accuracy in the differential diagnosis of indeterminate nodules, namely Bethesda classes III (Atypical follicular lesion of undetermined significance, AUS/FLUS) and IV (Suspicious for follicular neoplasm, FN/SFN) are fully analyzed and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Muzza
- Division of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, IRCCS IstitutoAuxologicoItaliano, 20149, Milan, Italy
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, P.le Brescia 20, 20149, Milano, Italy
| | - C Colombo
- Division of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, IRCCS IstitutoAuxologicoItaliano, 20149, Milan, Italy
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, P.le Brescia 20, 20149, Milano, Italy
| | - G Pogliaghi
- Division of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, IRCCS IstitutoAuxologicoItaliano, 20149, Milan, Italy
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, P.le Brescia 20, 20149, Milano, Italy
| | - O Karapanou
- Department of Endocrinology, 401 Military Hospital, 11525, Athens, Greece
| | - L Fugazzola
- Division of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, IRCCS IstitutoAuxologicoItaliano, 20149, Milan, Italy.
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, P.le Brescia 20, 20149, Milano, Italy.
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16
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Vora A, Holt S, Haque W, Lingvay I. Long-Term Outcomes of Thyroid Nodule AFIRMA GEC Testing and Literature Review: An Institutional Experience. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2020; 162:634-640. [DOI: 10.1177/0194599820911718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Objective To assess outcomes of thyroid nodules analyzed with the AFIRMA gene expression classifier (GEC) and to perform a comprehensive literature review. Study Design Retrospective analysis of patients with thyroid nodules who underwent AFIRMA GEC testing at our institution. Settings A tertiary care academic institution. Subjects and Methods We collected clinical outcomes for 416 thyroid nodules that were analyzed with AFIRMA GEC between 2011 and 2015, including long-term follow-up through 2019. We performed a comprehensive literature review. Results The resection rate for nodules with “suspicious” GEC results was 85% with a positive predictive value of 37%. The resection rate for nodules with “benign” GEC results was 24% with a negative predictive value of 90%. The prevalence of thyroid malignancy in patients with thyroid nodules with indeterminate cytology at our institution during this timeframe was 41%, thus lowering our negative predictive value. Mean follow-up duration for unresected nodules was 27.8 months. Our resection rates for nodules with “benign” GEC were among the highest reported in the literature. Conclusions Molecular marker testing of thyroid nodules with indeterminate cytology can aid in the surgical decision making by obviating the need for diagnostic surgery and/or guiding extent of resection. Patients with other indications for surgery may not benefit from such costly testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Vora
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Shelby Holt
- Department of Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | | | - Ildiko Lingvay
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, Texas, USA
- Department of Clinical Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, Texas, USA
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17
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The Diagnostic Performance of Afirma Gene Expression Classifier for the Indeterminate Thyroid Nodules: A Meta-Analysis. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 2019:7150527. [PMID: 31531363 PMCID: PMC6720051 DOI: 10.1155/2019/7150527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2019] [Revised: 06/25/2019] [Accepted: 07/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Background Approximately 15 to 30% of thyroid nodules evaluated by fine-needle aspiration (FNA) were classified as indeterminate; the accurate diagnostic molecular tests of these nodules remain a challenge. We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of Afirma gene expression classifier (GEC) for the indeterminate thyroid nodules (ITNs). Methods Studies published from January 2005 to December 2018 were systematically reviewed. The gold reference standard relied on the histopathologic results diagnosis from thyroidectomy surgical specimens. MetaDisc software was used to investigate the pooled sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value (NPV), positive predictive value (PPV), diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), and summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curves. Results A total of 18 studies involving 5290 patients with 3290 cases of ITNs were included. Collected data revealed that the pooled sensitivity of GEC was 95.5% (95% CI 93.3%–97.0%, p < 0.001), the specificity was 22.1% (95% CI 19.4%-24.9%, p < 0.001), the NPV was 88.2% (95% CI 0.833–0.921, p < 0.001), the PPV was 44.3% (95% CI 0.416–0.471, p < 0.001), and the DOR was 5.25 (95% CI 3.42–8.04, p= 0.855). Conclusion The GEC has quite high sensitivity of 95.5% but low specificity of 22.1%. The high sensitivity makes it probable to rule out malignant nodules. Thus, over half of nodules with GEC-suspicious results still require further validation like molecular markers, diagnostic surgery, or long follow-up, which limits its use in future clinical practice.
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Endo M, Nabhan F, Porter K, Roll K, Shirley LA, Azaryan I, Tonkovich D, Perlick J, Ryan LE, Khawaja R, Meng S, Phay JE, Ringel MD, Sipos JA. Afirma Gene Sequencing Classifier Compared with Gene Expression Classifier in Indeterminate Thyroid Nodules. Thyroid 2019; 29:1115-1124. [PMID: 31154940 PMCID: PMC7141558 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2018.0733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Background: The Afirma Gene Expression Classifier (GEC) has been used to further characterize cytologically indeterminate (cyto-I) thyroid nodules into either benign or suspicious categories. However, its relatively low positive predictive value (PPV) limited its use as a classifier for patients with suspicious results. The Afirma Gene Sequencing Classifier (GSC) was developed to improve PPV while maintaining a high negative predictive value (NPV), yet real-world assessment of its performance is lacking. Methods: We analyzed all patients who had cyto-I nodules and molecular testing with either GEC or GSC between 2011 and 2018 at a single academic medical center. Clinical information was obtained for 343 GEC-tested nodules and 164 GSC-tested nodules. Results: The GSC had a statistically significant higher benign call rate (76.2% vs. 48.1%, p < 0.001), PPV (60.0% vs. 33.3%, p = 0.01), and specificity (94.3% vs. 61.4%, p < 0.001) than the GEC. Improvement was statistically significant in both Bethesda III and Bethesda IV nodules. In particular, the benign call rate of GSC was significantly higher in nodules with Hürthle cell changes (88.8% vs. 25.7%, p < 0.01). The rate of surgical intervention in the indeterminate nodule cohort has decreased by 66.4% since switching to the GSC; 52.5% of indeterminate nodules went to surgery while using the GEC compared with 17.6% with the GSC (p < 0.001). This reduction was statistically significant in nodules with Bethesda III diagnoses, demonstrating a 70.9% decrease (GEC 51.3% vs. GSC 14.9%, p < 0.001), and in nodules with Bethesda IV cytology, a 39.2% decrease was noted (GEC 54.8% vs. GSC 33.3%, p = 0.003). Conclusions: Data from a single academic tertiary center show an improved specificity and PPV while maintaining high sensitivity and NPV for GSC compared with GEC. A statistically significant increase in benign call rates was observed in GSC compared with GEC, likely indicating fewer false positive results. After implementation of GSC, surgical interventions have been reduced by 68%.
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MESH Headings
- Adenocarcinoma, Follicular/diagnosis
- Adenocarcinoma, Follicular/genetics
- Adenocarcinoma, Follicular/pathology
- Adenoma, Oxyphilic/diagnosis
- Adenoma, Oxyphilic/genetics
- Adenoma, Oxyphilic/pathology
- Adult
- Aged
- Biopsy, Fine-Needle
- Carcinoma, Papillary/diagnosis
- Carcinoma, Papillary/genetics
- Carcinoma, Papillary/pathology
- Female
- Gene Expression
- Gene Expression Profiling
- Humans
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Predictive Value of Tests
- Retrospective Studies
- Sequence Analysis, DNA
- Thyroid Cancer, Papillary/diagnosis
- Thyroid Cancer, Papillary/genetics
- Thyroid Cancer, Papillary/pathology
- Thyroid Neoplasms/diagnosis
- Thyroid Neoplasms/genetics
- Thyroid Neoplasms/pathology
- Thyroid Nodule/genetics
- Thyroid Nodule/pathology
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayumi Endo
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism; The Ohio State University and Arthur G. James Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio
- Address correspondence to: Mayumi Endo, MD, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, The Ohio State University and Arthur G. James Cancer Center, 1581 Dodd Drive, Columbus, OH 43210
| | - Fadi Nabhan
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism; The Ohio State University and Arthur G. James Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Kyle Porter
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Center for Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Katie Roll
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism; The Ohio State University and Arthur G. James Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Lawrence A. Shirley
- Division of Surgical Oncology; The Ohio State University and Arthur G. James Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Irina Azaryan
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism; The Ohio State University and Arthur G. James Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Dena Tonkovich
- Division of Pathology, The Ohio State University and Arthur G. James Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Jeanette Perlick
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism; The Ohio State University and Arthur G. James Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Laura E. Ryan
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism; The Ohio State University and Arthur G. James Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Raheela Khawaja
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism; The Ohio State University and Arthur G. James Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Shumei Meng
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism; The Ohio State University and Arthur G. James Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio
| | - John E. Phay
- Division of Surgical Oncology; The Ohio State University and Arthur G. James Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Matthew D. Ringel
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism; The Ohio State University and Arthur G. James Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Jennifer A. Sipos
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism; The Ohio State University and Arthur G. James Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio
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Parajuli S, Jug R, Ahmadi S, Jiang X“S. Hurthle cell predominance impacts results of Afirma gene expression classifier and ThyroSeq molecular panel performance in indeterminate thyroid nodules. Diagn Cytopathol 2019; 47:1177-1183. [DOI: 10.1002/dc.24290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2019] [Revised: 06/30/2019] [Accepted: 07/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Shobha Parajuli
- Department of PathologyUniversity of Cincinnati College of Medicine Cincinnati Ohio
| | - Rachel Jug
- Department of PathologyDuke University Medical Center Durham North Carolina
| | - Sara Ahmadi
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of MedicineDuke University Medical Center Durham North Carolina
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20
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Partyka KL, Trevino K, Randolph ML, Cramer H, Wu HH. Risk of malignancy and neoplasia predicted by three molecular testing platforms in indeterminate thyroid nodules on fine-needle aspiration. Diagn Cytopathol 2019; 47:853-862. [DOI: 10.1002/dc.24250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2019] [Revised: 05/02/2019] [Accepted: 05/23/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Kristen L. Partyka
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine; Indiana University School of Medicine; Indianapolis Indiana
| | - Karen Trevino
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine; Indiana University School of Medicine; Indianapolis Indiana
| | - Melissa L. Randolph
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine; Indiana University School of Medicine; Indianapolis Indiana
| | - Harvey Cramer
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine; Indiana University School of Medicine; Indianapolis Indiana
| | - Howard H. Wu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine; Indiana University School of Medicine; Indianapolis Indiana
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21
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Ali SZ, Siperstein A, Sadow PM, Golding AC, Kennedy GC, Kloos RT, Ladenson PW. Extending expressed RNA genomics from surgical decision making for cytologically indeterminate thyroid nodules to targeting therapies for metastatic thyroid cancer. Cancer Cytopathol 2019; 127:362-369. [PMID: 31017745 PMCID: PMC6618055 DOI: 10.1002/cncy.22132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2019] [Revised: 03/12/2019] [Accepted: 03/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The Afirma Genomic Sequencing Classifier (GSC) is a rule‐out test for malignancy/noninvasive follicular thyroid neoplasms with papillary‐like nuclear features among patients with Bethesda category III/IV nodules, whereas the complimentary Xpression Atlas provides genomic insights from a curated panel of 511 genes among GSC suspicious and Bethesda category V/VI nodules. Together, they facilitate personalized treatment decisions based on genomic insights derived from the transcriptome of the biopsied target and extend the diagnostic and therapeutic reach of cytopathologists and fine‐needle aspiration biopsy sample collection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syed Z Ali
- Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland.,Department of Radiology, The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Allan Siperstein
- Department of Endocrine Surgery, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Peter M Sadow
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Allan C Golding
- Department of Medicine, Florida International University, Memorial Healthcare System, Hollywood, Florida
| | - Giulia C Kennedy
- Department of Clinical Affairs, Veracyte Inc, South San Francisco, California.,Department of Medical Affairs, Veracyte Inc, South San Francisco, California.,Department of Research and Development, Veracyte Inc, South San Francisco, California
| | - Richard T Kloos
- Department of Medical Affairs, Veracyte Inc, South San Francisco, California
| | - Paul W Ladenson
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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22
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Borowczyk M, Szczepanek-Parulska E, Olejarz M, Więckowska B, Verburg FA, Dębicki S, Budny B, Janicka-Jedyńska M, Ziemnicka K, Ruchała M. Evaluation of 167 Gene Expression Classifier (GEC) and ThyroSeq v2 Diagnostic Accuracy in the Preoperative Assessment of Indeterminate Thyroid Nodules: Bivariate/HROC Meta-analysis. Endocr Pathol 2019; 30:8-15. [PMID: 30591992 DOI: 10.1007/s12022-018-9560-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the performance of the Gene Expression Classifier (GEC) and ThyroSeq v2 (ThyroSeq) in the preoperative diagnosis of thyroid nodules with indeterminate fine-needle aspiration biopsy results. We searched literature databases from January 2001 to April 2018. The bivariate model analysis was performed to estimate pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio (LR+), negative likelihood ratio (LR-), positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV). Pooled data from 1086 nodules with histopathologic confirmation from 16 GEC studies enabled calculation of diagnostic parameters (95% confidence interval): sensitivity 98% (96-99%), specificity 12% (8-20%), PPV 45% (37-53%), and NPV 91% (85-96%). Pooled data from five ThyroSeq studies assessing 459 nodules showed sensitivity of 84% (74-91%), specificity 78% (50-92%), PPV 58% (31-81%), and NPV 93% (89-97%). When both tools were compared, GEC had a significantly higher sensitivity (p = 0.003), while ThyroSeq had a significantly higher specificity (p < 0.001) and accuracy (p = 0.015). Pooled LR+ was higher for ThyroSeq: 3.79 (1.40-10.27) vs. 1.12 (1.05-1.20). Pooled LR- was higher for GEC, 0.20 (0.10-0.39) vs. 0.13 (0.05-0.31). The bivariate summary estimates of sensitivity and specificity for GEC and ThyroSeq and their pooled accuracy showed a superiority of the ThyroSeq test. The GEC with a high sensitivity and NPV may be helpful in ruling out malignancy in cases of indeterminate thyroid nodule cytology. ThyroSeq has a significantly higher specificity and accuracy with an acceptable sensitivity so that it has the potential for use as an all-round test of malignancy of thyroid nodules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martyna Borowczyk
- Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Internal Medicine, Poznań University of Medical Sciences, 49, Przybyszewskiego Street, 60-355, Poznan, Poland.
| | - Ewelina Szczepanek-Parulska
- Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Internal Medicine, Poznań University of Medical Sciences, 49, Przybyszewskiego Street, 60-355, Poznan, Poland
| | - Michał Olejarz
- Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Internal Medicine, Poznań University of Medical Sciences, 49, Przybyszewskiego Street, 60-355, Poznan, Poland
| | - Barbara Więckowska
- Department of Computer Science and Statistics, Poznań University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Frederik A Verburg
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Szymon Dębicki
- Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Internal Medicine, Poznań University of Medical Sciences, 49, Przybyszewskiego Street, 60-355, Poznan, Poland
| | - Bartłomiej Budny
- Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Internal Medicine, Poznań University of Medical Sciences, 49, Przybyszewskiego Street, 60-355, Poznan, Poland
| | | | - Katarzyna Ziemnicka
- Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Internal Medicine, Poznań University of Medical Sciences, 49, Przybyszewskiego Street, 60-355, Poznan, Poland
| | - Marek Ruchała
- Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Internal Medicine, Poznań University of Medical Sciences, 49, Przybyszewskiego Street, 60-355, Poznan, Poland
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23
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Abstract
Genomic, clinical, and pathologic studies have prompted a more risk-stratified approach to the management of patients with thyroid nodules. The recent nomenclature change concerning noninvasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary-like nuclear features reflects the clinical trend toward conservative treatment choices for carefully selected low-risk thyroid neoplasms. These developments have occurred in parallel with a growing array of molecular tests intended to improve clinical triage for patients with indeterminate fine needle aspiration diagnoses. This review discusses the implications of the nomenclature revision on the interpretation of thyroid fine needle aspiration and updates available ancillary molecular tests for thyroid fine needle aspirations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michiya Nishino
- Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, 330 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
| | - Jeffrey F Krane
- Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital, 75 Francis Street, Amory 3, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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24
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Geramizadeh B, Bos-Hagh S, Maleki Z. Cytomorphologic, Imaging, Molecular Findings, and Outcome in Thyroid Follicular Lesion of Undetermined Significance/Atypical Cell of Undetermined Significance (AUS/FLUS): A Mini-Review. Acta Cytol 2018; 63:1-9. [PMID: 30380529 DOI: 10.1159/000493908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2018] [Accepted: 09/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Since the introduction of the entity of "Atypical cell of undetermined significance /follicular lesion of undetermined significance" (AUS/FLUS) by The Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytology (TBSRTC) in 2007, there have been many published studies about the cytomorphologic criteria, subclassification, outcome, and management of patients with the diagnosis of AUS/FLUS. There have been many studies in different aspects of this indeterminate category, i.e., cytologic and molecular findings, ultrasonographic findings, and in some instances even core-needle biopsy to address a better and safer way of the management of patients with this fine-needle aspiration cytology diagnosis. The second edition of TBSRTC and the 2015 American Thyroid Association guidelines provide an update on the follow-up and management of AUS/FLUS. A multidisciplinary team consisting of pathologists, endocrinologists, surgeons, and radiologists should be involved in the diagnosis and management of AUS/FLUS, and all of them should be aware of the heterogeneity of this lesion for the prediction of the treatment and outcome. STUDY DESIGN In this review, we consider different research platforms (2008-2017) to find the best and key reports for the above-mentioned challenging aspects of AUS/FLUS. CONCLUSION AUS/FLUS is now a well-defined group of thyroid lesions, which can be most accurately diagnosed and managed with cytomorphology, molecular, and ancillary studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bita Geramizadeh
- Department of Pathology, Medical School of Shiraz University, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Somayeh Bos-Hagh
- Department of Pathology, Medical School of Shiraz University, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Transplant Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Zahra Maleki
- Division of Cytopathology, Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland,
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25
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de Koster EJ, de Geus-Oei LF, Dekkers OM, van Engen-van Grunsven I, Hamming J, Corssmit EPM, Morreau H, Schepers A, Smit J, Oyen WJG, Vriens D. Diagnostic Utility of Molecular and Imaging Biomarkers in Cytological Indeterminate Thyroid Nodules. Endocr Rev 2018; 39:154-191. [PMID: 29300866 DOI: 10.1210/er.2017-00133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2017] [Accepted: 12/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Indeterminate thyroid cytology (Bethesda III and IV) corresponds to follicular-patterned benign and malignant lesions, which are particularly difficult to differentiate on cytology alone. As ~25% of these nodules harbor malignancy, diagnostic hemithyroidectomy is still custom. However, advanced preoperative diagnostics are rapidly evolving.This review provides an overview of additional molecular and imaging diagnostics for indeterminate thyroid nodules in a preoperative clinical setting, including considerations regarding cost-effectiveness, availability, and feasibility of combining techniques. Addressed diagnostics include gene mutation analysis, microRNA, immunocytochemistry, ultrasonography, elastosonography, computed tomography, sestamibi scintigraphy, [18F]-2-fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET), and diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging.The best rule-out tests for malignancy were the Afirma® gene expression classifier and FDG-PET. The most accurate rule-in test was sole BRAF mutation analysis. No diagnostic had both near-perfect sensitivity and specificity, and estimated cost-effectiveness. Molecular techniques are rapidly advancing. However, given the currently available techniques, a multimodality stepwise approach likely offers the most accurate diagnosis, sequentially applying one sensitive rule-out test and one specific rule-in test. Geographical variations in cytology (e.g., Hürthle cell neoplasms) and tumor genetics strongly influence local test performance and clinical utility. Multidisciplinary collaboration and implementation studies can aid the local decision for one or more eligible diagnostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth J de Koster
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Lioe-Fee de Geus-Oei
- Department of Radiology, Section of Nuclear Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Olaf M Dekkers
- Department of Endocrinology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands.,Department of Epidemiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | | | - Jaap Hamming
- Department of Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Eleonora P M Corssmit
- Department of Endocrinology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Hans Morreau
- Department of Pathology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Abbey Schepers
- Department of Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Jan Smit
- Department of Endocrinology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Wim J G Oyen
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.,Division of Radiotherapy and Imaging, Institute of Cancer Research, and Department of Nuclear Medicine, Royal Marsden Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Dennis Vriens
- Department of Radiology, Section of Nuclear Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
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26
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Vargas-Salas S, Martínez JR, Urra S, Domínguez JM, Mena N, Uslar T, Lagos M, Henríquez M, González HE. Genetic testing for indeterminate thyroid cytology: review and meta-analysis. Endocr Relat Cancer 2018; 25:R163-R177. [PMID: 29255094 PMCID: PMC5799829 DOI: 10.1530/erc-17-0405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2017] [Accepted: 12/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Thyroid cancer is the most frequent endocrine malignancy, and its incidence is increasing. A current limitation of cytological evaluation of thyroid nodules is that 20-25% are reported as indeterminate. Therefore, an important challenge for clinicians is to determine whether an indeterminate nodule is malignant, and should undergo surgery, or benign, and should be recommended to follow-up. The emergence of precision medicine has offered a valuable solution for this problem, with four tests currently available for the molecular diagnosis of indeterminate cytologies. However, efforts to critically analyze the quality of the accumulated evidence are scarce. This systematic review and meta-analysis is aimed to contribute to a better knowledge about the four available molecular tests, their technical characteristics, clinical performance, and ultimately to help clinicians to make better decisions to provide the best care options possible. For this purpose, we address three critical topics: (i) the proper theoretical accuracy, considering the intended clinical use of the test (rule-in vs rule-out) and the impact on clinical decisions; (ii) the quality of the evidence reported for each test (iii) and how accurate and effective have the tests proved to be after their clinical use. Together with the upcoming evidence, this work provides significant and useful information for healthcare system decision-makers to consider the use of molecular testing as a public health need, avoiding unnecessary surgical risks and costs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Vargas-Salas
- Department of Surgical OncologyFaculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile , Santiago, Chile
| | - José R Martínez
- Department of Surgical OncologyFaculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile , Santiago, Chile
| | - Soledad Urra
- Department of Surgical OncologyFaculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile , Santiago, Chile
| | - José Miguel Domínguez
- Department of EndocrinologyFaculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | | | - Thomas Uslar
- Department of Internal MedicinePontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Marcela Lagos
- Department of Clinical LaboratoriesFaculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Marcela Henríquez
- Department of Clinical LaboratoriesFaculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Hernán E González
- Department of Surgical OncologyFaculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile , Santiago, Chile
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27
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Azizi G, Keller JM, Mayo ML, Piper K, Puett D, Earp KM, Malchoff CD. Shear wave elastography and Afirma™ gene expression classifier in thyroid nodules with indeterminate cytology: a comparison study. Endocrine 2018; 59:573-584. [PMID: 29350311 PMCID: PMC5847162 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-017-1509-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2017] [Accepted: 12/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To compare shear wave elastography (SWE) and Afirma™ gene expression classifier (GEC) for diagnosis of malignancy in thyroid nodules (TNs) with Bethesda Classification (BC) III or IV indeterminate cytology. METHODS This preliminary single-center prospective study was approved by the Institutional Review Board. We evaluated 151 consented patients with 151 indeterminate TNs (123 BC III, 28 BC IV) on fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB). B-mode ultrasound, vascularity, and SWE were performed prior to FNAB. TN stiffness was measured as shear wave velocity (SWV) in meters per second (m/s). The stiffest area of the TN was selected for SWV measurement. GEC testing was performed with a second FNAB. Surgery was recommended for GEC-suspicious TNs, or GEC-benign TNs with two or more worrisome B-mode US features. RESULTS Surgical pathology confirmed 31 malignant TNs. Among the GEC-suspicious group, 28 of 59 TNs were malignant. The SWV value of ≥3.59 m/s was the best cut-off for malignancy risk based on the receiver operating curve (ROC). Twenty-six malignant TNs had SWV ≥ 3.59 m/s. The sensitivity and specificity for SWV ≥ 3.59 m/s were 83.9 and 79.2%, respectively. Positive predictive value (PPV) was 51.0% and negative predictive value (NPV) was 95.0%. For the GEC-suspicious group, sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV were 90.3, 74.2, 47.5, and 96.7%, respectively. In multivariate analysis, SWV and GEC-suspicious were significant predictors of malignancy, but B-mode features and vascularity were not. CONCLUSION This preliminary study indicates that SWE and GEC are independent predictors of malignancy in TNs with BC III or IV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghobad Azizi
- Wilmington Endocrinology, 1717 Shipyard Boulevard, Wilmington, NC, 28403, USA.
| | - James M Keller
- Wilmington Pathology Associates, 1915 South 17th Street, Suite 100, Wilmington, NC, 28401, USA
| | - Michelle L Mayo
- Wilmington Endocrinology, 1717 Shipyard Boulevard, Wilmington, NC, 28403, USA
| | - Kelé Piper
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, 109 Brookline, Suite 200, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - David Puett
- Carolina Arthritis, 1710 South 17th Street, Wilmington, NC, 28401, USA
| | - Karly M Earp
- Wilmington Endocrinology, 1717 Shipyard Boulevard, Wilmington, NC, 28403, USA
| | - Carl D Malchoff
- UConn Health, 263 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, CT, 06030, USA
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28
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Nishino M, Nikiforova M. Update on Molecular Testing for Cytologically Indeterminate Thyroid Nodules. Arch Pathol Lab Med 2018; 142:446-457. [PMID: 29336606 DOI: 10.5858/arpa.2017-0174-ra] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT - Approximately 15% to 30% of thyroid nodules that undergo fine-needle aspiration are classified as cytologically indeterminate, presenting management challenges for patients and clinicians alike. During the past several years, several molecular tests have been developed to reduce the diagnostic uncertainty of indeterminate thyroid fine-needle aspirations. OBJECTIVE - To review the methodology, clinical validation, and recent peer-reviewed literature for 4 molecular tests that are currently marketed for cytologically indeterminate thyroid fine-needle aspiration specimens: Afirma, ThyroSeq, ThyGenX/ThyraMIR, and RosettaGX Reveal. DATA SOURCES - Peer-reviewed literature retrieved from PubMed search, data provided by company websites and representatives, and authors' personal experiences. CONCLUSIONS - The 4 commercially available molecular tests for thyroid cytology offer unique approaches to improve the risk stratification of thyroid nodules. Familiarity with data from the validation studies as well as the emerging literature about test performance in the postvalidation setting can help users to select and interpret these tests in a clinically meaningful way.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marina Nikiforova
- From the Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts (Dr Nishino); and the Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (Dr Nikiforova)
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29
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Sahli ZT, Smith PW, Umbricht CB, Zeiger MA. Preoperative Molecular Markers in Thyroid Nodules. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2018; 9:179. [PMID: 29720964 PMCID: PMC5915469 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2018.00179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2018] [Accepted: 04/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The need for distinguishing benign from malignant thyroid nodules has led to the pursuit of differentiating molecular markers. The most common molecular tests in clinical use are Afirma® Gene Expression Classifier (GEC) and Thyroseq® V2. Despite the rapidly developing field of molecular markers, several limitations exist. These challenges include the recent introduction of the histopathological diagnosis "Non-Invasive Follicular Thyroid neoplasm with Papillary-like nuclear features", the correlation of genetic mutations within both benign and malignant pathologic diagnoses, the lack of follow-up of molecular marker negative nodules, and the cost-effectiveness of molecular markers. In this manuscript, we review the current published literature surrounding the diagnostic value of Afirma® GEC and Thyroseq® V2. Among Afirma® GEC studies, sensitivity (Se), specificity (Sp), positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) ranged from 75 to 100%, 5 to 53%, 13 to 100%, and 20 to 100%, respectively. Among Thyroseq® V2 studies, Se, Sp, PPV, and NPV ranged from 40 to 100%, 56 to 93%, 13 to 90%, and 48 to 97%, respectively. We also discuss current challenges to Afirma® GEC and Thyroseq® V2 utility and clinical application, and preview the future directions of these rapidly developing technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeyad T. Sahli
- Department of Surgery, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Philip W. Smith
- Department of Surgery, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Christopher B. Umbricht
- Department of Surgery, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Martha A. Zeiger
- Department of Surgery, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
- *Correspondence: Martha A. Zeiger,
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30
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Duh QY, Busaidy NL, Rahilly-Tierney C, Gharib H, Randolph G. A Systematic Review of the Methods of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies of the Afirma Gene Expression Classifier. Thyroid 2017; 27:1215-1222. [PMID: 28741442 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2016.0656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Afirma® Gene Expression Classifier (GEC) risk stratifies The Bethesda System for the Reporting of Thyroid Cytopathology class III/IV (indeterminate) thyroid nodules (ITNs) as suspicious for malignancy or benign. Several authors have published studies describing the diagnostic accuracy of the GEC. However, the quality of these methods has not been rigorously examined. SUMMARY In this study, MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched for studies published between January 1, 2010, and June 30, 2016, examining the sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value, and positive predictive value of the GEC. The Quality of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2 was customized to evaluate the methods of included studies in each of four domains: nodule selection, index test execution, reference standard assignment, and flow and timing. Signaling questions were used to identify sources of potential bias in calculation of diagnostic accuracy, and issues of applicability were assessed. Three panelists applied the Quality of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2 tool to each study included, and divergence was resolved in conference. In 12 studies evaluated, the most common methodologic flaw was lack of reference standard diagnosis assignment to un-excised GEC-benign ITNs. Exclusion of these ITNs from the analyses resulted in unreliable estimates of specificity and negative predictive value. Other flaws identified included restriction to ITNs that had already been selected for referral for thyroidectomy or lobectomy. CONCLUSIONS Future studies should define and assign a "true negative" label to GEC-benign nodules that do not develop malignant signs or symptoms during a pre-specified period of follow-up, and these nodules should be included in calculations of diagnostic accuracy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quan-Yang Duh
- 1 Section of Endocrine Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of California San Francisco Medical Center , San Francisco, California
| | - Naifa L Busaidy
- 2 Department of Endocrine Neoplasia and Hormonal Disorders, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center , Houston, Texas
| | - Catherine Rahilly-Tierney
- 3 Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School , Boston, Massachusetts
- 4 Strategic Research Partners , LLC, Falmouth, Massachusetts
| | - Hossein Gharib
- 5 Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism, and Nutrition, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine , Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Gregory Randolph
- 3 Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School , Boston, Massachusetts
- 6 Department of Otolaryngology, Divisions of Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary , Boston, Massachusetts
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31
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Hang JF, Westra WH, Cooper DS, Ali SZ. The impact of noninvasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary-like nuclear features on the performance of the Afirma gene expression classifier. Cancer Cytopathol 2017; 125:683-691. [PMID: 28544601 DOI: 10.1002/cncy.21879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2017] [Revised: 04/11/2017] [Accepted: 05/05/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A recent revision in thyroid tumor nomenclature has resulted in a change from a malignant diagnosis (noninvasive follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma) to one that is nonmalignant (noninvasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary-like nuclear features [NIFTP]). The objective of the current study was to evaluate the impact of this change on the performance of the Afirma gene expression classifier (GEC). METHODS The authors retrospectively analyzed consecutive thyroid fine-needle aspiration specimens with indeterminate diagnoses on which GEC was performed. Surgical pathology material was reviewed with the reclassification of nodules into NIFTP. RESULTS GEC testing was performed on 384 fine-needle aspiration specimens diagnosed as atypia of undetermined significance (AUS) (304 cases) and suspicious for a follicular neoplasm (SFN) (80 cases) and yielded a suspicious result in 152 of the AUS cases (50%) and 50 of the SFN cases (63%). Thyroidectomy was performed on 177 patients. After reclassifying NIFTP, the positive predictive value of GEC decreased from 42% (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 39%-45%) to 24% (95% CI, 22%-26%) in the AUS group and from 23% (95% CI, 19%-27%) to 13% (95% CI, 9%-18%) in the SFN group. Total thyroidectomy was performed more frequently than a partial thyroidectomy in patients with AUS with a suspicious GEC result compared with pre-GEC controls (68% vs 49%; P = .037). CONCLUSIONS Reclassification of NIFTP significantly decreases the positive predictive value of GEC in indeterminate thyroid nodules. Nevertheless, the majority of patients with indeterminate thyroid nodules with a suspicious GEC result in the study institution have undergone total thyroidectomy. This finding raises concerns over reliance on a suspicious GEC result by clinicians to justify total thyroidectomy. Cancer Cytopathol 2017;125:683-91. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jen-Fan Hang
- Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - William H Westra
- Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland.,Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland.,Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - David S Cooper
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Syed Z Ali
- Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland.,Department of Radiology, The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland
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Harrison G, Sosa JA, Jiang X. Evaluation of the Afirma Gene Expression Classifier in Repeat Indeterminate Thyroid Nodules. Arch Pathol Lab Med 2017; 141:985-989. [PMID: 28467214 DOI: 10.5858/arpa.2016-0328-oa] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT - Molecular testing in indeterminate thyroid nodules is a rapidly evolving field with variable reported outcomes. OBJECTIVE - To report our experience at a tertiary thyroid referral center with the Afirma Gene Expression Classifier (Veracyte, San Francisco, California) in repeat fine-needle aspirations of thyroid nodules with a previous indeterminate cytologic result. DESIGN - Results of cytopathology and the Afirma test were collected from August 2013 to March 2015, as were diagnoses from surgical resection when performed. RESULTS - One hundred and fifteen thyroid nodules were evaluated by Afirma. The fine-needle aspiration diagnostic categories for these nodules were 100 (87%) Bethesda III, 10 (9%) Bethesda IV, 3 (2%) Bethesda II, 1 (1%) Bethesda V, and 1 (1%) Bethesda I. Afirma results for 52 of the nodules (45%) were benign, 57 (50%) were suspicious, and 6 (5%) specimens yielded no result because of low messenger RNA content. Three of the benign nodules (6%) were treated surgically, and all were benign on final surgical pathology. Forty-six (81%) of the suspicious nodules were treated surgically; final surgical pathology revealed 30 (65%) were benign and 16 (35%) malignant, yielding a positive predictive value of 35%. CONCLUSIONS - In our experience, 50% of the indeterminate nodules were classified as suspicious by Afirma, with a 35% rate of malignancy in these nodules at surgical resection, in comparison with a historical rate of malignancy at our institution of 11% for Bethesda III nodules and 23% for Bethesda IV. Our use of Afirma is consistent with prior reports in that it has a low positive predictive value in indeterminate thyroid nodules.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Xiaoyin Jiang
- From the Department of Pathology (Drs Harrison and Jiang) and the Section of Endocrine Surgery (Dr Sosa), Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
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Moore MD, Panjwani S, Gray KD, Finnerty BM, Zarnegar R, Fahey TJ. The role of molecular diagnostic testing in the management of thyroid nodules. Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2017; 17:567-576. [PMID: 28423960 DOI: 10.1080/14737159.2017.1321987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Fine needle aspiration (FNA) with cytologic examination remains the standard of care for investigation of thyroid nodules. However, as many as 30% of FNA samples are cytologically indeterminate for malignancy, which confounds clinical management. To reduce the burden of repeat diagnostic testing and unnecessary surgery, there has been extensive investigation into molecular markers that can be detected on FNA specimens to more accurately stratify a patient's risk of malignancy. Areas covered: In this review, the authors discuss recent evidence and progress in molecular markers used in the diagnosis of thyroid cancer highlighting somatic gene alterations, molecular technologies and microRNA analysis. Expert commentary: The goal of molecular markers is to improve diagnostic accuracy and aid clinicians in the preoperative management of thyroid lesions. Modalities such as direct mutation analysis, mRNA gene expression profiling, next-generation sequencing, and miRNA expression profiling have been explored to improve the diagnostic accuracy of thyroid nodule FNA. Although no perfect test has been discovered, molecular diagnostic testing has revolutionized the management of thyroid nodules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maureen D Moore
- a Department of Surgery , New York Presbyterian-Weill Cornell Medicine , New York , NY , USA
| | - Suraj Panjwani
- a Department of Surgery , New York Presbyterian-Weill Cornell Medicine , New York , NY , USA
| | - Katherine D Gray
- a Department of Surgery , New York Presbyterian-Weill Cornell Medicine , New York , NY , USA
| | - Brendan M Finnerty
- a Department of Surgery , New York Presbyterian-Weill Cornell Medicine , New York , NY , USA
| | - Rasa Zarnegar
- a Department of Surgery , New York Presbyterian-Weill Cornell Medicine , New York , NY , USA
| | - Thomas J Fahey
- a Department of Surgery , New York Presbyterian-Weill Cornell Medicine , New York , NY , USA
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Quaglino F, Marchese V, Mazza E, Gottero C, Lemini R, Taraglio S. When Is Thyroidectomy the Right Choice? Comparison between Fine-Needle Aspiration and Final Histology in a Single Institution Experience. Eur Thyroid J 2017; 6:94-100. [PMID: 28589091 PMCID: PMC5422848 DOI: 10.1159/000452622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2016] [Revised: 10/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to compare SIAPEC-IAP-based cytological reports with their corresponding histological diagnoses to establish when thyroidectomy is the right choice in the management of thyroid diseases. STUDY DESIGN This is a retrospective review of all the consecutive thyroidectomies/lobectomies performed at Maria Vittoria Hospital during the 10-year period between January 2005 and December 2015. Patients who underwent both fine-needle aspiration (FNA) and surgical procedures in our institution were included in the study. RESULTS A total of 260 patients underwent both FNA and a thyroid surgical procedure at Maria Vittoria Hospital; 111 (42.69%) had a malignant histological report. The final cytological diagnosis was nondiagnostic (TIR-1) in 19 cases (7.31%), benign (TIR-2) in 83 cases (31.92%), indeterminate (TIR-3) in 96 cases (36.92%), suspicious for malignancy (TIR-4) in 22 cases (8.46%), and diagnostic for malignancy (TIR-5) in 40 cases (15.38%). Among the 96 cases with TIR-3 cytology, after the review, 44 (16.92%) were classified as TIR-3A and 52 (20%) as TIR-3B. The prevalence of malignancy among TIR-3A cases was 20.45% (9/44) and among TIR-3B cases 53.85% (28/52). The difference was statistically significant (p = 0.0007). CONCLUSIONS Our data suggest that follow-up alone is not sufficient in TIR-3A patients given the high prevalence of malignancy within that diagnostic category (20.45%) and the low sensitivity (75.68%) and specificity (59.32%) in the distinction between TIR-3A and TIR-3B. Regarding patients with a multinodular goiter and TIR-2 at FNA, the surgical approach should not be excluded.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Enrico Mazza
- Endocrinology and Metabolism Unit, Maria Vittoria Hospital ASL TO2, Turin, Italy
| | - Cristina Gottero
- Endocrinology and Metabolism Unit, Maria Vittoria Hospital ASL TO2, Turin, Italy
| | - Riccardo Lemini
- General Surgery Unit, Maria Vittoria Hospital ASL TO2, Turin, Italy
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Baca SC, Wong KS, Strickland KC, Heller HT, Kim MI, Barletta JA, Cibas ES, Krane JF, Marqusee E, Angell TE. Qualifiers of atypia in the cytologic diagnosis of thyroid nodules are associated with different Afirma gene expression classifier results and clinical outcomes. Cancer Cytopathol 2017; 125:313-322. [PMID: 28152275 PMCID: PMC5484344 DOI: 10.1002/cncy.21827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2016] [Revised: 12/20/2016] [Accepted: 12/22/2016] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Thyroid nodules with atypia of undetermined significance (AUS) on fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) have a low risk of malignancy that appears to vary based on specific features described in the AUS diagnosis. The Afirma gene expression classifier (GEC) is a molecular test designed to improve preoperative risk stratification of thyroid nodules, but its performance for different patterns of AUS has not been defined. The objective of this study was to assess GEC results and clinical outcomes in AUS nodules with architectural atypia (AUS‐A), cytologic atypia (AUS‐C) or both (AUS‐C/A). METHODS This was a retrospective review of all thyroid nodules with AUS cytopathology that underwent GEC testing at the authors' institution over a period of >4 years. RESULTS In 227 nodules that had AUS cytology results and Afirma GEC testing, the rate of benign GEC results was higher in AUS‐A nodules (70 of 107; 65%) than in AUS‐C/A nodules (25 of 65; 38%; P = .0008), and AUS‐C nodules exhibited an intermediate rate of benign results (27 of 55 nodules; 59%). The risk of cancer among patients who had GEC‐suspicious nodules, 86% of whom underwent resection, was 19% (6 of 25) for AUS‐A nodules compared with 57% (21 of 37) for AUS‐C/A nodules (P = .003) and 45% (10 of 22) for AUS‐C nodules (P = .07). In nodules that had an indeterminate repeat cytology result, no difference was observed in the rate of benign GEC results or in the malignancy rate compared with nodules that had a single cytology result. CONCLUSIONS The performance characteristics of Afirma GEC testing vary, depending on qualifiers of cytologic atypia. Recognition of these differences may enable clinicians to provide improved counseling and treatment recommendations to patients. Cancer Cytopathol 2017;125:313–322. © 2017 American Cancer Society. Thyroid nodules with atypia of undetermined significance cytology and Afirma gene expression classifier (GEC) testing are analyzed based on the presence of architectural, cytologic, or both cytologic and architectural atypia. Nodules with architectural atypia are the most likely to have a benign GEC result and least likely to be malignant, suggesting that clinicians should be aware of these cytologic qualifiers when advising patients regarding GEC testing and the risk of malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvan C Baca
- Department of Medicine, The Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Kristine S Wong
- Department of Pathology, The Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Kyle C Strickland
- Department of Pathology, The Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Howard T Heller
- Department of Radiology, The Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Matthew I Kim
- Thyroid Section, Division of Endocrinology, Hypertension, and Diabetes, The Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Justine A Barletta
- Department of Pathology, The Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Edmund S Cibas
- Department of Pathology, The Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jeffrey F Krane
- Department of Pathology, The Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ellen Marqusee
- Thyroid Section, Division of Endocrinology, Hypertension, and Diabetes, The Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Trevor E Angell
- Thyroid Section, Division of Endocrinology, Hypertension, and Diabetes, The Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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Kloos RT. Molecular Profiling of Thyroid Nodules: Current Role for the Afirma Gene Expression Classifier on Clinical Decision Making. Mol Imaging Radionucl Ther 2017; 26:36-49. [PMID: 28117288 PMCID: PMC5283710 DOI: 10.4274/2017.26.suppl.05] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Thyroid fine-needle aspiration biopsy results are cytologically indeterminate in 15-30% of cases. When these nodules undergo diagnostic surgery, approximately three-quarters are histologically benign. These unnecessary surgeries diminish quality of life, generate complications, and increase healthcare costs. The Afirma gene expression classifier (GEC) is validated to pre-operatively identify cytologically indeterminate nodules likely to be truly benign so that surgery can be avoided. Its performance is supported by robust multicenter prospective and blinded clinical validation studies, and supported by extensive independent clinical utility publications which show a marked reduction in surgery among patients with benign Afirma GEC results. To rule-out cancer and avoid unnecessary diagnostic surgery, Afirma’s quality and depth of validation stand alone. The accuracy of a benign result is the negative predictive value (NPV). Afirma achieves an NPV ≥94% among cytologically indeterminate nodules (Bethesda III or IV). Thirteen clinical utility studies describing 1468 GEC benign patients demonstrate that few Afirma GEC benign nodules undergo surgery, including after 3 years of follow-up. With a specificity of 52%, over half of the truly benign nodules with indeterminate cytology receive a benign GEC result. High test sensitivity is critical to safely rule out cancer. The Afirma GEC’s 90% sensitivity means that regardless of the pre-test risk of malignancy, 90% of all malignant nodules are GEC suspicious. The Afirma GEC has transformed patient care. Where the majority of cytologically indeterminate patients were once operated to determine if the nodule was benign or malignant, now nearly half of these surgeries can be avoided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard T Kloos
- Veracyte, Inc., Department of Medical Affairs, Senior Medical Director-Endocrinology, California, USA, Phone: +1(650)243-6300, E-mail:
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Jiang X“S, Harrison GP, Datto MB. Young Investigator Challenge: Molecular testing in noninvasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary-like nuclear features. Cancer Cytopathol 2016; 124:893-900. [DOI: 10.1002/cncy.21802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2016] [Revised: 10/31/2016] [Accepted: 11/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Grant P. Harrison
- Department of Pathology; Duke University Hospital; Durham North Carolina
| | - Michael B. Datto
- Department of Pathology; Duke University Hospital; Durham North Carolina
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Wang QX, Chen ED, Cai YF, Li Q, Jin YX, Jin WX, Wang YH, Zheng ZC, Xue L, Wang OC, Zhang XH. A panel of four genes accurately differentiates benign from malignant thyroid nodules. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2016; 35:169. [PMID: 27793213 PMCID: PMC5084448 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-016-0447-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2016] [Accepted: 10/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Background Clinicians are confronted with an increasing number of patients with thyroid nodules. Reliable preoperative diagnosis of thyroid nodules remains a challenge because of inconclusive cytological examination of fine-needle aspiration biopsies. Although molecular analysis of thyroid tissue has shown promise as a diagnostic tool in recent years, it has not been successfully applied in routine clinical use, particularly in Chinese patients. Methods Whole-transcriptome sequencing of 19 primary papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) samples and matched adjacent normal thyroid tissue (NT) samples were performed. Bioinformatics analysis was carried out to identify candidate diagnostic genes. Then, RT-qPCR was performed to evaluate these candidate genes, and four genes were finally selected. Based on these four genes, diagnostic algorithm was developed (training set: 100 thyroid cancer (TC) and 65 benign thyroid lesions (BTL)) and validated (independent set: 123 TC and 81 BTL) using the support vector machine (SVM) approach. Results We discovered four genes, namely fibronectin 1 (FN1), gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptor beta 2 subunit (GABRB2), neuronal guanine nucleotide exchange factor (NGEF) and high-mobility group AT-hook 2 (HMGA2). A SVM model with these four genes performed with 97.0 % sensitivity, 93.8 % specificity, 96.0 % positive predictive value (PPV), and 95.3 % negative predictive value (NPV) in training set. For additional independent validation, it also showed good performance (92.7 % sensitivity, 90.1 % specificity, 93.4 % PPV, and 89.0 % NPV). Conclusions Our diagnostic panel can accurately distinguish benign from malignant thyroid nodules using a simple and affordable method, which may have daily clinical application in the near future. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13046-016-0447-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing-Xuan Wang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, 325000, China
| | - En-Dong Chen
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, 325000, China
| | - Ye-Feng Cai
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, 325000, China
| | - Quan Li
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, 325000, China
| | - Yi-Xiang Jin
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, 325000, China
| | - Wen-Xu Jin
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, 325000, China
| | - Ying-Hao Wang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, 325000, China
| | - Zhou-Ci Zheng
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, 325000, China
| | - Lu Xue
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200000, China
| | - Ou-Chen Wang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, 325000, China
| | - Xiao-Hua Zhang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, 325000, China.
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Samulski TD, LiVolsi VA, Wong LQ, Baloch Z. Usage trends and performance characteristics of a "gene expression classifier" in the management of thyroid nodules: An institutional experience. Diagn Cytopathol 2016; 44:867-873. [PMID: 27534929 DOI: 10.1002/dc.23559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2016] [Revised: 07/25/2016] [Accepted: 08/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The gene expression classifier (GEC; Afirma-Veracyte) has proven to be an effective triage modality in the management of thyroid nodules. We evaluate our institutional experience with GEC, specifically examining performance as a first line testing strategy versus in conjunction with repeat fine needle aspiration (FNA), usage trends based on clinical setting, and performance related to diagnostic categories of The Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytology (TBSRTC). METHODS All nodules undergoing GEC analysis from 1/2011 to 12/2015 at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania were identified using electronic database search methods. Corresponding cytologic diagnoses, GEC results, origin of the sample (in-house vs. satellite site), number and diagnosis of prior FNA's, and clinical and histologic follow-up were collected. RESULTS The cohort included 294 nodules. Of these, 145 (49%) were classified as benign, 136 (46%) as suspicious, and 13 (5%) as quantity insufficient by GEC. Surgical resection was performed in 130 (130/294-44%) cases (107, 82% "suspicious" by GEC); final histopathologic diagnosis was benign in 85 (65%) and malignant in 45 (35%) cases. Three false negative diagnoses were identified in the setting of GEC analysis as a first line testing strategy. Most cases with GEC as a first line testing strategy came from satellite clinical sites (112, 66%). CONCLUSIONS The GEC showed improved performance characteristics when coupled with a repeat FNA. It continues to be of low specificity and positive predictive value in oncocytic follicular lesions. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2016;44:867-873. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Danielle Samulski
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
| | - Virginia A LiVolsi
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Lawrence Q Wong
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Zubair Baloch
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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Sacks WL, Bose S, Zumsteg ZS, Wong R, Shiao SL, Braunstein GD, Ho AS. Impact of Afirma gene expression classifier on cytopathology diagnosis and rate of thyroidectomy. Cancer Cytopathol 2016; 124:722-728. [PMID: 27347838 DOI: 10.1002/cncy.21749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2016] [Revised: 05/12/2016] [Accepted: 05/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Afirma gene expression classifier (GEC) assesses malignancy risk in patients with indeterminate thyroid nodules. Afirma putatively reduces costs by classifying certain nodules as benign and thereby avoiding unnecessary surgery. Prior studies have evaluated its impact exclusively on GEC-tested nodules. The objective of the current study was to analyze the effect of Afirma on 1) cytopathology diagnosis, 2) the rate of surgery, and 3) the rate of malignancy on all indeterminate nodules at a high-volume thyroid center. METHODS A retrospective cohort analysis of indeterminate (Bethesda III/IV) thyroid nodules from 2012 through 2014 was performed. Cases were evaluated from January 2012 to July 2013 (pre-Afirma), and from July 2013 to December 2014 (post-Afirma). RESULTS Of 4292 fine-needle aspirations (FNAs) performed, 13.2% were classified as indeterminate. The GEC was used in 45.3% of post-Afirma cases, with the GEC-Benign call rate at 37.1%. In comparing pre-Afirma and post-Afirma cohorts, a significant increase in Bethesda III (10.7% vs 13.4%; P<.005) and Bethesda IV (1.8% vs 2.9%; P<.01) rates were observed. Conversely, the incidence of Bethesda II was found to be significantly decreased (74.6% vs 68.8%; P<.001). The rate of surgery did not change significantly between pre-Afirma and post-Afirma cohorts (37.7% vs 45.1%; P = .11), nor did the malignancy rate (25.3% vs 36.0%; P = .12). CONCLUSIONS The incidence of indeterminate FNA diagnoses significantly increased after Afirma became routinely available, whereas the incidence of benign diagnoses significantly decreased. These data suggest that Afirma may shift FNA interpretation toward Bethesda III/IV, in which molecular testing is used. Moreover, the institutional rates of surgery and malignancy did not appear to change, raising uncertainty regarding the benefits of molecular assay risk stratification. Afirma may produce unintended collateral effects, increasing the number of indeterminate FNA diagnoses while not affecting the institutional thyroidectomy rate or malignancy yield. Cancer Cytopathol 2016;124:722-8. © 2016 American Cancer Society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wendy L Sacks
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Shikha Bose
- Department of Pathology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Zachary S Zumsteg
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Ronnie Wong
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Stephen L Shiao
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Glenn D Braunstein
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Allen S Ho
- Department of Surgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California.
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Chaudhary S, Hou Y, Shen R, Hooda S, Li Z. Impact of the Afirma Gene Expression Classifier Result on the Surgical Management of Thyroid Nodules with Category III/IV Cytology and Its Correlation with Surgical Outcome. Acta Cytol 2016; 60:205-10. [PMID: 27344463 DOI: 10.1159/000446797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2016] [Accepted: 05/12/2016] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The Afirma gene expression classifier (GEC) is a molecular test to further classify indeterminate fine-needle aspiration (FNA) as benign or suspicious for malignancy. STUDY DESIGN A total of 158 FNAs with Bethesda category III/IV cytology were sent for an Afirma GEC test. We correlated the Afirma GEC results with surgical outcome and also compared the data after Afirma's implementation with the data before. RESULTS Among the 158 FNAs, the Afirma result was benign in 63 (40%), suspicious in 85 (54%) and unsatisfactory in 10 (6%). In total, 73 (86%) suspicious Afirma cases had surgery and 28 (38%) showed carcinoma. In contrast, only 8 (13%) benign Afirma cases had surgery and all of them were benign. The sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value and positive predictive value (PPV) of Afirma were 100, 15, 100 and 38%, respectively. The PPV was 20% in cases with follicular lesion of undetermined significance, but was 50% in cases suspicious for follicular neoplasm (SFN). The surgical excisional rate was significantly decreased in SFN cases after the Afirma test. CONCLUSIONS The Afirma GEC is useful for further risk stratifying SFN cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shweta Chaudhary
- Department of Pathology, Wexner Medical Center, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
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Abeykoon JP, Mueller L, Dong F, Chintakuntlawar AV, Paludo J, Mortada R. The Effect of Implementing Gene Expression Classifier on Outcomes of Thyroid Nodules with Indeterminate Cytology. Discov Oncol 2016; 7:272-8. [PMID: 27102883 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-016-0263-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2016] [Accepted: 04/07/2016] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Thyroid nodules are classified into six cytological categories under the Bethesda classification system. Two of these categories, atypical of undetermined significance (AUS) and suspicious for a follicular neoplasm (SFN), are further labeled as "indeterminate" diagnosis. Starting in June, 2012, Kansas University-Wichita Endocrine clinic implemented Afirma® Gene Expression Classifier (AGEC) to evaluate the need for surgical resection of thyroid nodules in patients with an indeterminate diagnosis. Electronic medical records of patients who underwent thyroid nodule fine-needle aspiration from 2004-2014 were reviewed. The aim of this study was to find whether implementing AGEC was associated with decreased surgical recommendation rate, decreased cost, and increased incidence of thyroid malignancy diagnosed by surgery in patients with indeterminate diagnosis. A total of 299 consecutive patients' charts were screened. Sixty-one (20 %) patients had an indeterminate diagnosis. Out of these, 27 (44 %) patients underwent evaluation before and 34 (56 %) patients underwent evaluation after AGEC implementation, respectively. Surgical recommendation for patients with indeterminate finding decreased from 81.5 to 50 % (p = 0.01) after AGEC implementation. Surgical pathology was read as malignant in 20 and 85.7 % (p < 0.01) of patients before and after AGEC implementation, respectively. Primary cost-benefit estimate showed implementing AGEC has saved $1048/patient in medical evaluation and initial management of patients with indeterminate diagnosis. AGEC implementation has decreased the number of surgical recommendations, has lowered financial burden, and has increased incidence of thyroid malignancy diagnosed by surgical pathology in patients with indeterminate diagnosis of thyroid nodules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jithma Prasad Abeykoon
- Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 200, First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Luke Mueller
- University of Kansas School of Medicine-Wichita Family Medicine Residency at Via Christi, Wichita, KS, 27208, USA
| | - Frank Dong
- Graduate College of Biomedical Sciences, Western University of Health Science, Pomona, FL, 91766, USA
| | | | - Jonas Paludo
- Department of Medical Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Rami Mortada
- University of Kansas School of Medicine-Wichita Endocrinology, 8533 E. 32nd St. N., Wichita, KS, 67226, USA.
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