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Ryu YJ, Kim JW, Park SC, Hur YH, Kim HJ, Kim TH. Differential diagnosis of thyroid nodules using heterogeneity quantification software on ultrasound images: correlation with the Bethesda system and surgical pathology. Sci Rep 2024; 14:10288. [PMID: 38704392 PMCID: PMC11069538 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-60881-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Ultrasonography (US)-guided fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is the primary modality for evaluating thyroid nodules. However, in cases of atypia of undetermined significance (AUS) or follicular lesion of undetermined significance (FLUS), supplemental tests are necessary for a definitive diagnosis. Accordingly, we aimed to develop a non-invasive quantification software using the heterogeneity scores of thyroid nodules. This cross-sectional study retrospectively enrolled 188 patients who were categorized into four groups according to their diagnostic classification in the Bethesda system and surgical pathology [II-benign (B) (n = 24); III-B (n = 52); III-malignant (M) (n = 54); V/VI-M (n = 58)]. Heterogeneity scores were derived using an image pixel-based heterogeneity index, utilized as a coefficient of variation (CV) value, and analyzed across all US images. Differences in heterogeneity scores were compared using one-way analysis of variance with Tukey's test. Diagnostic accuracy was determined by calculating the area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve. The results of this study indicated significant differences in mean heterogeneity scores between benign and malignant thyroid nodules, except in the comparison between III-M and V/VI-M nodules. Among malignant nodules, the Bethesda classification was not observed to be associated with mean heterogeneity scores. Moreover, there was a positive correlation between heterogeneity scores and the combined diagnostic category, which was based on the Bethesda system and surgical cytology grades (R = 0.639, p < 0.001). AUROC for heterogeneity scores showed the highest diagnostic performance (0.818; cut-off: 30.22% CV value) for differentiating the benign group (normal/II-B/III-B) from the malignant group (III-M/V&VI-M), with a diagnostic accuracy of 72.5% (161/122). Quantitative heterogeneity measurement of US images is a valuable non-invasive diagnostic tool for predicting the likelihood of malignancy in thyroid nodules, including AUS or FLUS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young Jae Ryu
- Department of Surgery, Chonnam National University Medical School, Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital, 322 Seoyang-ro, Hwasun-eup, Hwasun-gun, Jeonnam, 58128, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Woong Kim
- Department of Radiology, Chosun University College of Medicine, Chosun University Hospital, Gwangju, 61452, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Chun Park
- Department of Surgery, Chonnam National University Medical School, Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital, 322 Seoyang-ro, Hwasun-eup, Hwasun-gun, Jeonnam, 58128, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Hoe Hur
- Department of Surgery, Chonnam National University Medical School, Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital, 322 Seoyang-ro, Hwasun-eup, Hwasun-gun, Jeonnam, 58128, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyung Joong Kim
- Medical Science Research Institute, Kyung Hee University Hospital, 23 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae-Hoon Kim
- Medical Science Research Institute, Kyung Hee University Hospital, 23 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea.
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Azaryan I, Endo M, Sipos JA, Ma J, Peng J, Nabhan F. Ultrasound Features and Performance of Afirma Gene Sequencing Classifier in Cytologically Indeterminate Thyroid Nodules. J Endocr Soc 2024; 8:bvae010. [PMID: 38348302 PMCID: PMC10859306 DOI: 10.1210/jendso/bvae010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Cytologically indeterminate thyroid nodules (ITN) pose a management challenge. Here we analyze if adding ultrasound characteristics to Afirma Genome Sequence Classifier (GSC) results increases GSC diagnostic performance. Methods We retrospectively analyzed 237 GSC-tested Bethesda III/IV ITNs between July 2017 and December 2019 and classified them by American Thyroid Association (ATA) and the Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TIRADS) of the American College of Radiology. Results The benign call rate was higher in Bethesda III ITNs with TIRADS <5 vs TIRADS 5 (89% vs 68%. P = .015). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of GSC in ATA high-risk Bethesda III ITNs vs lower were 100% vs 80% (P = 1), 89.5% vs 91.5% (P = .67), 66.7% vs 25% (P = .13), and 100% vs 99.2% (P = 1), respectively, and for TIRADS 5 vs <5 were 100% vs 80% (P = 1), 88.2% vs 91.4% (P = .65), 71.4% vs 23.5% (P = .06), and 100% vs 99.3% (P = 1). The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of GSC in high-risk ATA Bethesda IV ITNs vs lower were 66.7% vs 100% (P = .42), 83.3% vs 85.7% (P = 1), 66.7% vs 64.3% (P = 1), and 83.3% vs 100% (P = .3), respectively, and for TIRADS 5 vs <5 were 66.7% vs 90% (P = .42), 88.9% vs 83.8% (P = 1), 66.7% vs 60% (P = 1), and 88.9% vs 96.9% (P = .39). Conclusion Sensitivity, specificity, NPV, and PPV of GSC were not significantly different in ATA high-risk and TIRADS 5 ITNs compared to ATA < high-risk and TIRADS 1-4 ITNs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina Azaryan
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, The Ohio State University and Arthur G. James Cancer Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Mayumi Endo
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, The Ohio State University and Arthur G. James Cancer Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Nutrition, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98105, USA
| | - Jennifer A Sipos
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, The Ohio State University and Arthur G. James Cancer Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Jianing Ma
- Center of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Jing Peng
- Center of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Fadi Nabhan
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, The Ohio State University and Arthur G. James Cancer Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
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Raghunathan R, Praw SS, Livhits M. Molecular testing for indeterminate thyroid nodules: past, present, and future. Curr Opin Endocrinol Diabetes Obes 2023; 30:231-237. [PMID: 37530703 DOI: 10.1097/med.0000000000000829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To examine the origin, current progress, and future directions of molecular testing in indeterminate Bethesda III and Bethesda IV thyroid nodules. RECENT FINDINGS The diagnostic performance of current genomic tests shows improved benign call rates, specificity and positive-predictive values over prior test versions. The choice of test platform for clinical use should consider test performance, institutional rate of malignancy, nodule cytology and the potential for prognostication to help guide decision-making. Current challenges include test reliability, defining the optimal duration of surveillance, and improving test performance in challenging cytology, such as oncocytic nodules and NIFTP. Opportunities also remain to optimize cost-effectiveness across multiple clinical and practice settings and to refine the use of molecular testing for dynamic risk stratification, such as with BRAF V600E mutation testing. SUMMARY Molecular testing of indeterminate thyroid nodules has helped to reduce the burden of diagnostic surgery, associated healthcare costs, and potential complications. Current-generation tests have demonstrated improvement in diagnostic performance, but challenges remain in improving test performance and refining the scope of testing in care. Decision-making for the management of indeterminate thyroid nodules should consider cytology, clinical and sonographic features, patient values and preferences and molecular testing results, whenever available.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stephanie Smooke Praw
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
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Abstract
Molecular diagnostic testing has had a profound impact on the diagnosis and management of thyroid nodules and thyroid cancer. Based on the tremendous expansion of knowledge of the genomic landscape of thyroid cancer over the past few decades, tests have been developed, analyzed, modified, and implemented into clinical practice. Genomic testing of thyroid nodules to improve preoperative diagnosis has become an important component supporting decision-making in clinical care, reducing the need for diagnostic surgeries and improving accuracy of cancer risk assessment. In addition, a role for molecular testing of established thyroid cancers to assist in selection of therapeutic options for patients with advanced and/or progressive disease has been established. Research is ongoing to determine if molecular results should affect management of less aggressive forms of thyroid cancer earlier in clinical management. This review will outline the various commercial platforms for molecular diagnostics for nodules emphasizing their performance parameters and indications for use, as well as discuss the use of genomic analysis for progressive thyroid cancer and highlight opportunities for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer A Sipos
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, 43210, OH, USA
| | - Matthew D Ringel
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Co-leader, Cancer Biology Program, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, 43210, OH, USA.
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Hu TX, Nguyen DT, Patel M, Beckett K, Douek M, Masamed R, Rhyu J, Kim J, Tseng CH, Yeh MW, Livhits MJ. The Effect Modification of Ultrasound Risk Classification on Molecular Testing in Predicting the Risk of Malignancy in Cytologically Indeterminate Thyroid Nodules. Thyroid 2022; 32:905-916. [PMID: 35611970 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2021.0659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Background: Thyroid nodules with indeterminate cytology are increasingly subjected to molecular testing. We evaluated the diagnostic performances of Afirma Genomic Sequencing Classifier (GSC) and ThyroSeq v3 in thyroid nodules with high versus low/intermediate suspicion ultrasound classification. Methods: In this prospective cohort study, we analyzed all Bethesda III and IV thyroid nodules that underwent fine-needle aspiration biopsies in the University of California Los Angeles Health System from July 2017 to April 2020. All patients underwent molecular testing with Afirma GSC or ThyroSeq v3 as part of an institutional randomized trial (NCT02681328). Nodules were categorized according to the American Thyroid Association (ATA) ultrasound risk classification. The benign call rate and the positive predictive value of molecular testing were compared between ATA high suspicion versus all other categories. Results: A total of 343 patients with 375 indeterminate thyroid nodules were included. The malignancy rate in ATA high suspicion nodules was not significantly increased by a suspicious Afirma GSC result (77.8% for all ATA high suspicion nodules vs. 87.5% for nodules with ATA high suspicion and suspicious Afirma GSC results, positive likelihood ratio [LR] = 2.0, 95% confidence interval [CI 0.5-8.0], p = 1.0) or by a positive ThyroSeq v3 result (80.0% vs. 80.0%, positive LR = 1.0 [CI 1.0-1.0], p = 1.0). The rate of malignancy in ATA low/intermediate suspicion nodules increased from 21.0% to 56.3% with a suspicious Afirma GSC result (positive LR = 4.8 [CI 3.4-6.9], p < 0.0001) and decreased to 3.8% with a benign Afirma GSC result (negative LR = 0.1 [CI 0.07-0.3], p < 0.0001). Similarly, the rate of malignancy in ATA low/intermediate suspicion nodules increased from 24.3% to 66.7% with a positive ThyroSeq v3 result (positive LR = 6.2 [CI 4.0-9.7], p < 0.0001) and decreased to 2.1% with a negative ThyroSeq v3 result (negative LR = 0.07 [CI 0.02-0.3], p < 0.0001). Conclusions: Afirma GSC and ThyroSeq v3 performed well in ruling out malignancy in sonographically low/intermediate suspicion thyroid nodules but has limited diagnostic value in sonographically high suspicion nodules. Molecular testing can prognosticate more aggressive thyroid cancers, which can inform treatment decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theodore X Hu
- Section of Endocrine Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Dalena T Nguyen
- Section of Endocrine Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Maitraya Patel
- Department of Radiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Katrina Beckett
- Department of Radiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Michael Douek
- Department of Radiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Rinat Masamed
- Department of Radiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Jane Rhyu
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Jiyoon Kim
- Department of Biostatistics, Fielding School of Public Health at University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Chi-Hong Tseng
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Michael W Yeh
- Section of Endocrine Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Masha J Livhits
- Section of Endocrine Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
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Chen L, Chen M, Li Q, Kumar V, Duan Y, Wu KA, Pierce TT, Samir AE. Machine Learning-Assisted Diagnostic System for Indeterminate Thyroid Nodules. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2022; 48:1547-1554. [PMID: 35660106 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2022.03.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
To develop an ultrasound-based machine learning classifier to diagnose benignity within indeterminate thyroid nodules (ITNs) by fine-needle aspiration, 180 patients with 194 ITNs (Bethesda classes III, IV and V) undergoing surgery over a 5-y study period were analyzed. The data set was randomly divided into training and testing data sets with 155 and 39 ITNs, respectively. All nodules were evaluated by ultrasound using the American College of Radiology Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System by manually scoring composition, echogenicity, shape, margin and echogenic foci. Nodule size, participant age and patient sex were recorded. A support vector machine (SVM) model with a cost-sensitive approach was developed using the aforementioned eight parameters with surgical histopathology as the reference standard. Surgical pathology determined 90 (46.4%) ITNs were malignant and 104 (53.6%) were benign. The SVM model classified 14 nodules as benign in the testing data set, of which 13 were correct (sensitivity = 93.8%, specificity = 56.5%). Considering malignancy prevalence by Bethesda group, the negative predictive values of this model for Bethesda III and IV categories were 93.9% and 93. 8%, respectively. The high negative predictive value of the SVM ultrasound-based model suggests a pathway by which surgical excision of Bethesda III and IV ITNs classified as benign may be avoided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Chen
- Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Department of Ultrasound, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Minda Chen
- Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Qian Li
- Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Viksit Kumar
- Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Yu Duan
- Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Department of Ultrasound, First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kevin A Wu
- Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Theodore T Pierce
- Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Anthony E Samir
- Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
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7
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FDG-PET/CT in indeterminate thyroid nodules: cost-utility analysis alongside a randomised controlled trial. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging 2022; 49:3452-3469. [PMID: 35435497 PMCID: PMC9308600 DOI: 10.1007/s00259-022-05794-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate cost-effectiveness of an [18F]FDG-PET/CT-driven diagnostic workup as compared to diagnostic surgery, for thyroid nodules with Bethesda III/IV cytology. [18F]FDG-PET/CT avoids 40% of futile diagnostic surgeries for benign Bethesda III/IV nodules. METHODS Lifelong societal costs and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) were assessed for 132 patients participating in a randomised controlled multicentre trial comparing [18F]FDG-PET/CT to diagnostic surgery. The observed 1-year trial results were extrapolated using a Markov model. The probability of cost-effectiveness was estimated using cost-effectiveness acceptability curves, taking uncertainty about sampling, imputation, and parameters into account. RESULTS The observed 1-year cost difference of [18F]FDG-PET/CT as compared to diagnostic surgery was - €1000 (95% CI: - €2100 to €0) for thyroid nodule-related care (p = 0.06). From the broader societal perspective, the 1-year difference in total societal costs was - €4500 (- €9200 to €150) (p = 0.06). Over the modelled lifelong period, the cost difference was - €9900 (- €23,100 to €3200) (p = 0.14). The difference in QALYs was 0.019 (- 0.045 to 0.083) at 1 year (p = 0.57) and 0.402 (- 0.581 to 1.385) over the lifelong period (p = 0.42). For a willingness to pay of €50,000 per QALY, an [18F]FDG-PET/CT-driven work-up was the cost-effective strategy with 84% certainty. CONCLUSION Following the observed reduction in diagnostic surgery, an [18F]FDG-PET/CT-driven diagnostic workup reduced the 1-year thyroid nodule-related and societal costs while sustaining quality of life. It is very likely cost-effective as compared to diagnostic surgery for Bethesda III/IV nodules. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02208544 (5 August 2014), https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02208544 .
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Cancela E Penna G, Costa CT, Pires MC, Nunes TA. Are the anatomical, clinical, and ultrasound characteristics of thyroid nodules with Bethesda III or IV cytology and ACR TI-RADS 3, 4, or 5 able to refine the indications for molecular diagnostic tests? ARCHIVES OF ENDOCRINOLOGY AND METABOLISM 2021; 65:625-631. [PMID: 34591407 PMCID: PMC10528568 DOI: 10.20945/2359-3997000000402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To analyze the association of clinical, anatomical, and ultrasound (US) characteristics of malignancies in Bethesda III or IV (III-B or IV-B) thyroid nodules. METHODS The association between malignancies and the following variables were analyzed: III-B or IV-B, age < 55 years and ≥ 55 years, sex, family history of thyroid cancer, history of irradiation, nodule size, and ACR TI-RADS classification in 62 participants who underwent thyroidectomy. RESULTS Of the 62 participants, 87.1% (54/62) were women, 74.2% were < 55 years old, 95.2% had no family history of thyroid cancer, 56.5% had nodules < 2 cm in size, 62.9% were IV-B, and 69.4% were ACR TI-RADS 4. Thirty-two patients had thyroid carcinoma, and 30 had benign histology. Among all factors associated with malignancy, only ACR TI-RADS 5 classification on US was found to be statistically significant (p = 0.014), while III-B with architectural atypia cytological classification was the only one significantly associated with benign status (p = 0.004). CONCLUSION Only a high risk of malignancy as assessed using US was able to refine the indication for molecular tests in a group of patients with indeterminate nodules. We found 85% (53/62) of III-B or IV-B thyroid nodules would benefit from available molecular diagnostic tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo Cancela E Penna
- Departamento de Clínica Médica, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil,
| | - Camila Teixeira Costa
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Aplicadas à Cirurgia e à Oftalmologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil
| | - Magda Carvalho Pires
- Departamento de Estatística, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil
| | - Tarcizo Afonso Nunes
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Aplicadas à Cirurgia e à Oftalmologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil
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Staibano P, Forner D, Noel CW, Zhang H, Gupta M, Monteiro E, Sawka AM, Pasternak JD, Goldstein DP, de Almeida JR. Ultrasonography and Fine-Needle Aspiration in Indeterminate Thyroid Nodules: A Systematic Review of Diagnostic Test Accuracy. Laryngoscope 2021; 132:242-251. [PMID: 34411290 DOI: 10.1002/lary.29778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS Sonographic risk criteria may assist in further prognostication of indeterminate thyroid nodules (ITNs). Our aim was to determine whether sonographic criteria could further delineate the post-test probability of malignancy in ITNs. STUDY DESIGN Meta-analysis of diagnostic test accuracy. METHODS A systematic review of Web of Science, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CINAHL was performed from inception to April 15, 2021. Eligible studies included those which reported ultrasonographic evaluations with the American Thyroid Association (ATA) or the Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TIRADS) in adult patients with ITNs. ATA or TIRADS were scored as low (negative) or high (positive) malignancy risk using a previously validated binary classification. Primary outcomes included pooled sensitivity, specificity, likelihood ratios, and diagnostic odds ratio for all sonographic criteria. Studies were appraised using Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies and the data were pooled using bivariate random-effects models. RESULTS Seventeen studies were included in the analysis. For Bethesda III, ATA had a specificity (0.90, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.74-0.94), but a sensitivity of 0.52 (95% CI: 0.25-0.77). Conversely, K-TIRADS had the highest sensitivity (0.78, 95% CI: 0.62-0.89) with a specificity of 0.53 (95% CI: 0.31-0.74). Furthermore, American College of Radiology and EU TIRADS had specificities of 0.60 (95% CI: 0.36-0.80) and 0.81 (95% CI: 0.73-0.87) with sensitivities of 0.70 (95% CI: 0.37-0.90) and 0.38 (95% CI: 0.20-0.60), respectively. There were few studies with Bethesda IV nodules. CONCLUSIONS Though dependent on malignancy rates, Bethesda III nodules with low-suspicion TIRADS features may benefit from clinical observation, whereas nodules with high-suspicion ATA features may require molecular testing and/or surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE NA Laryngoscope, 2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phillip Staibano
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University Health Network and University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - David Forner
- Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.,Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Christopher W Noel
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University Health Network and University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Han Zhang
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michael Gupta
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Eric Monteiro
- Division of Rhinology, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Anna M Sawka
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jesse D Pasternak
- Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network and University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - David P Goldstein
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University Health Network and University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - John R de Almeida
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University Health Network and University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Institute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Patel SG, Carty SE, Lee AJ. Molecular Testing for Thyroid Nodules Including Its Interpretation and Use in Clinical Practice. Ann Surg Oncol 2021; 28:8884-8891. [PMID: 34275048 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-021-10307-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Despite advances in imaging and biopsy techniques, the management of thyroid nodules often remains a diagnostic and clinical challenge. In particular, patients with cytologically indeterminate nodules often undergo diagnostic thyroidectomy although only a minority of patients are found to have thyroid malignancy on final pathology. More recently, several molecular testing platforms have been developed to improve the stratification of cancer risk for patients with cytologically indeterminate thyroid nodules. Based on numerous studies demonstrating its accuracy, molecular testing has been incorporated as an important diagnostic adjunct in the management of indeterminate thyroid nodules in the National Comprehensive Cancer Network Guidelines as well as in the American Thyroid Association (ATA) and American Association of Endocrine Surgeons (AAES) guidelines. This overview describes the currently available molecular testing platforms and highlights the published data to date on the clinical validity and utility of molecular testing in the contemporary management of thyroid nodules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Snehal G Patel
- Department of Surgery, Division of General Surgery, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Sally E Carty
- Department of Surgery, Division of Endocrine Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Andrew J Lee
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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Hu QL, Schumm MA, Zanocco KA, Yeh MW, Livhits MJ, Wu JX. Cost analysis of reflexive versus selective molecular testing for indeterminate thyroid nodules. Surgery 2021; 171:147-154. [PMID: 34284895 DOI: 10.1016/j.surg.2021.04.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Molecular testing is now commonly used to refine the diagnosis of indeterminate thyroid nodules. The purpose of this study is to compare the costs of a reflexive molecular testing strategy to a selective testing strategy for indeterminate thyroid nodules. METHODS A Markov model was constructed to estimate the annual cost of diagnosis and treatment of a real-world cohort of patients with cytologically indeterminate thyroid nodules, comparing a reflexive testing strategy to a selective testing strategy. Model variables were abstracted from institutional clinical trial data, literature review, and the Medicare physician fee schedule. RESULTS The average cost per patient in the reflexive testing strategy was $8,045, compared with $6,090 in the selective testing strategy. In 10,000 Monte Carlo simulations, diagnostic thyroid lobectomy for benign nodules was performed in 2,440 patients in the reflexive testing arm, compared with 3,389 patients in the selective testing arm, and unintentional observation for malignant nodules occurred in 479 patients in the reflexive testing arm, compared with 772 patients in the selective testing arm. The cost of molecular testing had the greatest impact on overall costs, with $1,050 representing the cost below which the reflexive testing strategy was cost saving compared with the selective testing strategy. CONCLUSION In this cost-modeling study, reflexive molecular testing for indeterminate thyroid nodules enabled patients to avoid unnecessary thyroid lobectomy at an estimated cost of $20,600 per surgery avoided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Q Lina Hu
- Section of Endocrine Surgery, UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA.
| | - Max A Schumm
- Section of Endocrine Surgery, UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA. https://twitter.com/@MSchumm90
| | - Kyle A Zanocco
- Section of Endocrine Surgery, UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA. https://twitter.com/@KyleZanocco
| | - Michael W Yeh
- Section of Endocrine Surgery, UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA. https://twitter.com/@michaelyehmd
| | - Masha J Livhits
- Section of Endocrine Surgery, UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA. https://twitter.com/@MashaLivhitsMD
| | - James X Wu
- Section of Endocrine Surgery, UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA. https://twitter.com/@JamesWuMD
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Wang MM, Beckett K, Douek M, Masamed R, Patel M, Tseng CH, Yeh MW, Leung AM, Livhits MJ. Diagnostic Value of Molecular Testing in Sonographically Suspicious Thyroid Nodules. J Endocr Soc 2020; 4:bvaa081. [PMID: 32856009 PMCID: PMC7442277 DOI: 10.1210/jendso/bvaa081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Molecular testing can refine the diagnosis for the 20% of thyroid fine-needle aspiration biopsies that have indeterminate cytology. We assessed the diagnostic accuracy of molecular testing based on ultrasound risk classification. Methods This retrospective cohort study analyzed all thyroid nodules with indeterminate cytology at an academic US medical center (2012-2016). All indeterminate nodules underwent reflexive molecular testing with the Afirma Gene Expression Classifier (GEC). Radiologists performed blinded reviews to categorize each nodule according to the American Thyroid Association (ATA) ultrasound classification and the American College of Radiology Thyroid Imaging, Reporting and Data System. GEC results and diagnostic performance were compared across ultrasound risk categories. Results Of 297 nodules, histopathology confirmed malignancy in 65 (22%). Nodules by ATA classification were 8% high suspicion, 44% intermediate, and 48% low/very low suspicion. A suspicious GEC result was more likely in ATA high-suspicion nodules (81%) than in nodules of all other ATA categories (57%; P = .04). The positive predictive value (PPV) of GEC remained consistent across ultrasound categories (ATA high suspicion, 64% vs all other ATA categories, 48%; P = .39). The ATA high-suspicion category had higher specificity than a suspicious GEC result (93% vs 51%; P < .01). A suspicious GEC result did not increase specificity for the ATA high-suspicion category. Conclusion The PPV of molecular testing remained consistent across ultrasound risk categories. However, a suspicious GEC result was very likely in ATA high-suspicion nodules and did not improve specificity in this sonographic category.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxwell M Wang
- David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Katrina Beckett
- Department of Radiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Michael Douek
- Department of Radiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Rinat Masamed
- Department of Radiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Maitraya Patel
- Department of Radiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Chi-Hong Tseng
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Michael W Yeh
- Section of Endocrine Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Angela M Leung
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California.,Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism; VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, California
| | - Masha J Livhits
- Section of Endocrine Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
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Kumar N, Gupta R, Gupta S. Molecular testing in diagnosis of indeterminate thyroid cytology: Trends and drivers. Diagn Cytopathol 2020; 48:1144-1151. [PMID: 32501611 DOI: 10.1002/dc.24522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Revised: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Fine needle aspiration (FNA), the cornerstone of diagnosis in thyroid swellings, fails to render a definitive diagnosis in about 20% to 30% of cases that are reported as indeterminate on cytology. Since the clinical management in thyroid rests on the risk of malignancy (ROM) in a given nodule, this distinction between "benign" and "possibly malignant" assumes paramount clinical importance. Over the last two decades, tremendous progress has been achieved in our understanding of the molecular basis of thyroid pathologies leading to identification of several genetic alterations that could potentially be exploited for diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic purposes. An array of molecular tests has hit the markets aiming to predict the ROM in thyroid nodules. A deeper understanding of the strengths and limitations of these tests is imperative to be able to judiciously choose the right molecular test in a given case for maximum clinical benefit. This narrative review provides an overview of current status of molecular testing in the evaluation of thyroid nodules encompassing the current status and applications of these tests in diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic areas along with a brief insight into the future developments in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neeta Kumar
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Dentistry, Jamia Millia Islamia (Central University), New Delhi, India
| | - Ruchika Gupta
- Division of Cytopathology, ICMR-National Institute of Cancer Prevention and Research, Noida, India
| | - Sanjay Gupta
- Division of Cytopathology, ICMR-National Institute of Cancer Prevention and Research, Noida, India
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Khan TM, Zeiger MA. Thyroid Nodule Molecular Testing: Is It Ready for Prime Time? Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:590128. [PMID: 33162941 PMCID: PMC7581778 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.590128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Cytologically indeterminate thyroid nodules remain a diagnostic and clinical challenge, and molecular testing has been advocated and advanced as a diagnostic modality to help guide treatment. While studies have expounded on the improved diagnostic certainty with these tests, data demonstrating meaningful clinical impact and supporting their routine use is still limited at best. In this review, we discuss the limitations regarding diagnostic accuracy, impact on surgical decision-making and outcomes, and cost-effectiveness of molecular testing. By highlighting the limitations of these tests, we aim to promote more thoughtful utilization of these tools in the management of thyroid nodules going forward.
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