Total thyroidectomy versus lobectomy in conventional papillary thyroid microcarcinoma: Analysis of 8,676 patients at a single institution

An age-and sex-matched postoperative therapy should be required in thyroid papillary carcinoma

Background and purpose

Thyroid papillary carcinoma (PTC) had a high possibility of recurrence after surgery, and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) suppression and radioactive iodine (131I) were used for postoperative therapy. This study explored the potential mechanism of lymph node metastasis (LNM) and aimed to develop differentiated treatments for PTC.

Method

This study explored the risk factors of lymph node metastasis in PTC by analyzing the clinical information of 2073 cases. The Cancer Genome Atlas Thyroid Cancer (TCGA-THCA) and the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases of gene expression were analyzed to identify the interrelationships between gene expression to phenotype.

Results

Analyzing clinical data, we found that male gender, younger age, larger tumor size, and extra-thyroidal extension (ETE) were risk significant risk factors for lymph node metastasis(P<0.05). Conversely, thyroid function parameters such as TSH, FT3, FT4, TSH/FT3, and TSH/FT4 didn't correlate with LNM(P>0.05), and TSH levels were observed to be higher in females(P<0.05). Gene expression analysis revealed that SLC5A5 was down-regulated in males, younger individuals, and those with lymph node metastasis, and a lower level of SLC5A5 was associated with a worse disease-free survival(P<0.05). Additionally, our examination of single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data indicated that SLC5A5 expression was reduced in tumors and lymph node metastasis samples, correlating positively with the expression of TSHR.

Conclusion

The impact of TSH on PTC behavior remained unclear, while the capacity for absorbing 131I in dependence on SLC5A5 showed variations across different genders and ages. We conclude that postoperative treatment of PTC should take into account the differences caused by gender and age.

BRAFV600E mutation does not predict lymph node metastases and recurrence in Chinese papillary thyroid microcarcinoma patients

OBJECT

Previous studies suggest BRAFV600E mutation is a marker for poor prognosis in papillary thyroid cancer, however, its ability to further risk stratify papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) remains controversial. We aimed to explore the association between BRAFV600E mutation and the clinicopathological features and recurrence in Chinese PTMC patients.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 2094 PTMC patients who underwent surgery and had a valid BRAFV600E mutation test result. Among them, 1292 patients had complete follow-up data. The mutation incidence was determined. Moreover, the clinicopathological characteristics, disease-free survival (DFS), and response to therapy distribution were compared between the mutation and non-mutation groups.

RESULTS

BRAFV600E mutation was observed in 90.6 % of all patients and 89.2 % of patients with complete follow-up data. No significant difference was observed in lymph node metastases (LNM) number categories between the mutation and non-mutation groups among all patients (P = 0.329) and 1292 patients (P = 0.408). Neither the 3-year DFS (97.9 % vs. 98.0 %, P = 0.832) nor the response to therapy distribution (P > 0.05) indicated a significant difference between the mutation and non-mutation groups. The 3-year DFS differs among patients having different LNM number categories (99.8 % vs. 98.5 % vs. 77.3 %, P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that high-volume (over 5) LNM (Total thyroidectomy (TT): OR = 4.000, 95 % CI 2.390-6.694, P < 0.001; Unilateral thyroidectomy (UT): OR = 4.183, 95 % CI 1.565-11.190, P = 0.004), rather than BRAFV600E mutation (P > 0.05), was an independent risk factor of response to therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggested that BRAFV600E mutation could not accurately predict LNM or the recurrence of Chinese PTMC patients. Moreover, high-volume LNM is significantly associated with PTMC prognosis.

Cost-Utility Analysis of Early Detection with Ultrasonography of Differentiated Thyroid Cancer: A Retrospective Study on a Korean Population

BACKGRUOUND

There is debate about ultrasonography screening for thyroid cancer and its cost-effectiveness. This study aimed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of early screening (ES) versus symptomatic detection (SD) for differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) in Korea.

METHODS

A Markov decision analysis model was constructed to compare the cost-effectiveness of ES and SD. The model considered direct medical costs, health outcomes, and different diagnostic and treatment pathways. Input data were derived from literature and Korean population studies. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was calculated. Willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold was set at USD 100,000 or 20,000 per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to address uncertainties of the model's variables.

RESULTS

In a base case scenario with 50 years of follow-up, ES was found to be cost-effective compared to SD, with an ICER of $2,852 per QALY. With WTP set at $100,000, in the case with follow-up less than 10 years, the SD was cost-effective. Sensitivity analysis showed that variables such as lobectomy probability, age, mortality, and utility scores significantly influenced the ICER. Despite variations in costs and other factors, all ICER values remained below the WTP threshold.

CONCLUSION

Findings of this study indicate that ES is a cost-effective strategy for DTC screening in the Korean medical system. Early detection and subsequent lobectomy contribute to the cost-effectiveness of ES, while SD at an advanced stage makes ES more cost-effective. Expected follow-up duration should be considered to determine an optimal strategy for DTC screening.

A meta-analysis of total thyroidectomy and lobectomy outcomes in papillary thyroid microcarcinoma

INTRODUCTION

Current research on the most effective surgical method for papillary thyroid microcarcinoma is in dispute. Specifically, whether a total thyroidectomy (TT) is superior to a thyroid lobectomy (LT) in terms of recurrence rate, postoperative complications, and recurrence-free survival is an issue to be addressed. The objective of this study was to compare TT with LT in terms of recurrence, postoperative complications, and recurrence-free survival.

METHODS

In accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systemic Reviews and Meta-Analyses standards, the PubMed, Embase, web of science and the Cochrane Library database were searched for relevant studies comparing TT versus LT. By pooling the relative risks (RR) of the 2 surgical procedures, perioperative results of the 2 group can be estimated. Recurrence-free survival was calculated from hazard ratios between the 2 surgical group.

RESULTS

This meta-analysis included 8 studies involving 16,208 patients. In the TT group, there were fewer recurrences than in the LT group. (RR = 0.68; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.39 to 1.18; P = .001). In subgroup analyses based on country and sample size, there were no significant differences between the 2 groups for the recurrence rates. We found that patients that underwent LT had lower total complication rates (RR = 15.12; 95% CI, 8.89 to 25.73; P = .009), wound recurrent laryngeal nerve injury and hypocalcemia. In terms of survival, TT can provide better recurrence-free survival than LT, with a hazard ratios of 0.57 (95% CI 0.36 to 0.90; P = .003).

CONCLUSION

Comparing TT with LT, no statistical difference was found in recurrence rates between the 2 groups. In addition, the analysis showed a slight improvement in long-term recurrence-free survival for patients who underwent TT than for those who underwent LT, a finding with potential clinical implications for management decisions on papillary thyroid microcarcinoma treatment.

Cost-Effectiveness of Active Surveillance Compared to Early Surgery of Small Papillary Thyroid Cancer: A Retrospective Study on a Korean Population

BACKGROUND

Recently, active surveillance (AS) has been introduced as an alternative to early surgery (ES) for the management of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC), because of its indolent features and low mortality. However, its cost effects have not been determined and the findings of current studies differ, according to each country's medical system.

METHODS

A Markov model was constructed to compare the cost-effectiveness of AS and ES, based on a reference case of a 40-year-old patient diagnosed with PTMC. Costs and transition probabilities were derived from previous clinical studies in Korean populations, and the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) and net monetary benefit (NMB) were calculated. The willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold was set at USD 100,000 per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to address the uncertainties in the model's variables.

RESULTS

From the base scenario, the cumulative costs and effectiveness were both higher in ES than AS. The ICER for ES, compared with AS, was USD 6,619.86/QALY, lower than the set WTP. The NMB difference between AS and ES increased across the stages (USD 5,980 at the first stage and USD 159,667 at the last stage). The ICER increased along with decreasing age and increasing cost of surgery. The higher the ES utility score and the lower that of AS, the more cost-effective ES, with WTP set at USD 30,000.

CONCLUSION

In the current Korean medical system, ES is more cost-effective than AS. ES is more cost-effective as it is diagnosed at young age and followed-up for a long time.

Extent of thyroidectomy: When should hemithyroidectomy be performed? Recommendations from the Francophone Association for Endocrine Surgery, the French Society of Endocrinology and the French Society of Nuclear Medicine

These recommendations, drawn from current data in the medical literature, incorporate the risks of hemithyroidectomy (HT) and total thyroidectomy (TT) and clarify the place of these two procedures in clinical settings. Discussions leading to a consensus were then assessed by the Francophone Association for Endocrine Surgery (Association francophone de chirurgie endocrinienne [AFCE]), along with the French Society of Endocrinology (Société française d'endocrinologie [SFE]), and the French Society of Nuclear Medicine (Société française de médecine nucléaire [SFMN]). The complication rate was twice as high after TT compared to HT. Total thyroidectomy requires life-long thyroid hormone supplementation, whereas such supplementation is required in only 30% of patients after HT. When surgery is indicated for Bethesda category II nodules, and in the absence of any indication for surgery on the contralateral lobe, HT is recommended. In patients with thyroid cancer (TC)≤1cm requiring surgical management or TC≤2cm, in the absence of risk factors for TC and in the absence of pre- or intraoperative detection of extrathyroidal extension, lymph node metastases (cN0) and/or suspected contra-lateral disease, HT is the preferred technique as long as the patient accepts the possibility of TT which might be required when aggressive forms of cancer are detected on definitive cytohistology (extrathyroidal extension, lymphovascular invasion, high-grade histology). For TC measuring between 2 and 4cm, the debate between HT and TT remains open today, although some surgeons tend to prefer TT. In patients with TC>4cm, macroscopic lymph node involvement (cN1), signs of extrathyroidal extension or predisposing factors for TC, TT is the treatment of choice.

Retrospective comparison of individual risk factors hemithyroidectomy and thyroidectomy in patients with papillary carcinoma of the thyroid gland in combination with autoimmune thyroiditis

Introduction. Papillary thyroid carcinoma is the most common subtype of thyroid cancer as it comprises 95 % of cases. Frequently, this pathology develops in the presence of autoimmune thyroiditis (Hashimoto’s thyroiditis) which is the main cause of hypothyroidism in various rich in iodine regions. Papillary thyroid carcinoma is characterized by good prognosis, however some patients experience recurrence which depends on the volume of surgical intervention.

Aim. To compare clinical outcomes and complications after hemithyroidectomy (HE) and thyroidectomy (TE) in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma secondary to autoimmune thyroiditis.

Materials and methods. The retrospective study included 2031 patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma. Considering individual risk factors, 67 patients were excluded from the HE group, and 588 patients were excluded from the TE group. Each group included 688 patients for whom data were matched. Such individual factors as age, sex, primary tumor size, extrathyroidal invasion, multifocal tumor and cervical lymph node metastasis were taken into account.

Results. During 10‑year follow-up, recurrence was diagnosed in 26 (3.8 %) patients of the HE group and 11 (1.6 %) patients of the TE group. Relative risk of recurrence was significantly lower after TE than after HE (risk ratio (RR) 0.41; 95 % confidence interval (CI) 0.21–0.81; р = 0.01). In the HE group, for the majority of patients recurrence was observed in the contralateral lobe of the thyroid (84.6 %). In the TE group, there were no recurrences in all patients. There were no significant differences between the groups after exclusion of recurrence in the contralateral thyroid lobe (RR 2.75; 95 % CI 0.08–8.79; р = 0.08). In the TE group, the number of patients with transient and permanent hypothyroidism in the TE group was significantly higher than in the HE group (р <0.001).

Conclusion. Hemithyroidectomy is appropriate for the majority of patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma in the absence of extrathyroidal invasion in the neighboring tissues per preoperative examination. For patients after HE, preoperative and postoperative diagnostic examinations are important as most recurrences develop in the contralateral thyroid lobe.

Current Controversies in Low-Risk Differentiated Thyroid Cancer: Reducing Overtreatment in an Era of Overdiagnosis

CONTEXT

Low-risk differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) is overdiagnosed, but true incidence has increased as well. Owing to its excellent prognosis with low morbidity and mortality, balancing treatment risks with risks of disease progression can be challenging, leading to several areas of controversy.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

This mini-review is an overview of controversies and difficult decisions around the management of all stages of low-risk DTC, from diagnosis through treatment and follow-up. In particular, overdiagnosis, active surveillance vs surgery, extent of surgery, radioactive iodine (RAI) treatment, thyrotropin suppression, and postoperative surveillance are discussed.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

Recommendations regarding the diagnosis of DTC, the extent of treatment for low-risk DTC patients, and the intensity of posttreatment follow-up have all changed substantially in the past decade. While overdiagnosis remains a problem, there has been a true increase in incidence as well. Treatment options range from active surveillance of small tumors to total thyroidectomy followed by RAI in select cases. Recommendations for long-term surveillance frequency and duration are similarly broad.

CONCLUSION

Clinicians and patients must approach each case in a personalized and nuanced fashion to select the appropriate extent of treatment on an individual basis. In areas of evidential equipoise, data regarding patient-centered outcomes may help guide decision-making.

Position paper from the Endocrine Task Force of the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) on the management and shared decision making in patients with low-risk micro papillary thyroid carcinoma

The incidence of differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) has been increasing worldwide, mostly, as an increase in the incidental detection of micro papillary thyroid carcinomas (microPTCs), many of which are potentially overtreated, as suggested by the unchanged mortality. Several international guidelines have suggested a less aggressive approach. More recently, it has been shown that active surveillance or minimally invasive treatments (MIT) are good alternatives for the management of these patients. In this context, patient participation in the decision-making process is paramount. The Endocrine Task Force of the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) has undertaken the task to establish consensus and define its position based on the scientific evidence concerning, 1) the current state of diagnostic and management options in microPTCs, including the current opinion of physicians about shared decision making (SDM), 2) the available evidence concerning patients' needs and the available decision instruments, and 3) to provide practical suggestions for implementation of SDM in this context. To improve SDM and patients' participation, knowledge gaps and research directions were highlighted.

Predictive Factors for Bilateral Disease in Papillary Microcarcinoma: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Background: Based on risk stratification, the therapeutic options in papillary microcarcinoma (PTMC) can be active surveillance or surgery. Multifocal tumor occurrence can be decisive in determining the treatment strategy. The objective of this study was to identify risk factors for bilateral tumor occurrence in PTMC to enable individual therapy planning. Methods: A total of 545 PTMC patients who underwent thyroidectomy from 2008 to 2020 were retrieved. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate risk factors for bilateral PTMC. Results: 25.1% (n = 137) of all patients had multifocal PTMC, and 13.2% (n = 72) bilateral PTMC, respectively. In contrast to the maximum tumor size, the total tumor size significantly influenced a bilateral tumor manifestation (median total tumor size 5 mm versus 8.5 mm for bilateral PTMC, p < 0.001). A cut-off level for the total tumor size of >10 mm resulted in a sensitivity and specificity of 29.2% and 94.7%, respectively, in predicting a bilateral tumor manifestation, AUC 0.680 (95% CI, 0.611−0.748, p < 0.001). A cut-off of >4 tumors showed a sensitivity of 99.4% and a specificity of 97.5%, AUC 0.897 (95% CI, 0.870−0.924, p < 0.001) in predicting bilaterality. Conclusion: We could demonstrate for the first time that a total tumor size of >10 mm and more than four tumors significantly increased the risk of bilateral PTMC tumor involvement. These findings enable a risk-adjusted patient treatment.

Risk-stratified papillary thyroid microcarcinoma: post-operative management and treatment outcome in a single center

PURPOSE

This article aims to review and assess the post-operative management and treatment outcomes of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) in risk-stratified patients.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the data of PTMC patients who underwent thyroid surgery with or without radioactive iodine treatment (RAI) in a single center between January 2011 and December 2017. Demographic and clinicopathologic data were collected. Risk stratification according to the 2015 American Thyroid Association guideline was applied.

RESULTS

Three hundred forty PTMC patients were included. Post-operative RAI was performed in 216/340 (63.53%) patients. In the non-RAI scenario, there were 122 low-risk and two intermediate-risk patients. In total, 261 (76.77%), 57 (16.76%), and 22 (6.47%) patients were classified as low, intermediate, and high risk, respectively. With a median follow-up time of 36 months (interquartile range: 23, 52), we found unfavorable outcomes (evidenced by imaging or out-of-range serum tumor marker levels: high thyroglobulin [Tg] or rising Tg antibody [TgAb] levels) in 8/340 (2.35%) patients, all of which received RAI. PTMC patients with unfavorable outcomes were stratified as low risk (4/261 [1.53%]), intermediate risk (1/57 [1.75%]), or high risk (3/22 [13.64%]). One death occurred in a patient with initial distant metastasis in the high-risk group. Initial high-risk stratification and initial stimulated Tg (of at least 10 ng/mL) were demonstrated as independent predictors for PTMC unfavorable outcomes (persistent or recurrent disease). Five patients with unfavorable outcomes (four with persistent disease and one with recurrent disease) had abnormal Tg or TgAb values despite unremarkable imaging findings. Moreover, 79/124 (63.71%) patients in the non-RAI scenario were only followed up with neck ultrasound.

CONCLUSIONS

In general, at least 98% of low-risk and intermediate-risk PTMC patients showed favorable outcomes without persistent or recurrent disease, defined by either imaging or serum tumor markers. Nevertheless, aggressive disease could occur in few PTMC patients. Decisions on post-operative management and follow-up may be guided by initial high-risk stratification and initial stimulated Tg levels (≥10 ng/mL) as independent predictors for PTMC unfavorable outcomes. Monitoring using both imaging and serum tumor markers is crucial and should be implemented for patients with PTMC.

Is Maintaining Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone Effective in Patients Undergoing Thyroid Lobectomy for Low-Risk Differentiated Thyroid Cancer? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Simple Summary

In order to reduce the recurrence rate after surgical treatment of differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC), suppression of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) or maintenance of a certain level after surgery are important. However, the effectiveness of TSH maintenance in the mid to lower reference range (0.5–2 mU/L) in patients undergoing thyroid lobectomy for low-risk DTC is uncertain. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we compared and analyzed the recurrence rate according to whether TSH maintenance was performed in patients who underwent thyroid lobectomy for low-risk DTC. There was no difference in the recurrence rate with or without TSH control. Therefore, the recommendation to maintain TSH to reduce the recurrence rate after thyroid lobectomy is still controversial.

Abstract

There is no clear evidence that post-operative maintenance of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) in the mid to lower reference range (0.5–2 mU/L) improves prognosis in patients undergoing thyroid lobectomy for low-risk differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to compare and analyze the recurrence rate according to whether the serum TSH level was maintained below 2 mU/L in patients who underwent thyroid lobectomy for low-risk DTC. Clinical data and outcomes were collected from MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. The inclusion criteria were related studies on TSH maintenance or serum TSH concentration after surgery for DTC. Seven observational studies with a total of 3974 patients were included in this study. In the patients who received TSH maintenance less than 2 mU/L, the recurrence rate during the follow-up period was 2.3%. A subgroup analysis of five studies showed that the odds ratio for recurrence in patients who received TSH maintenance was 1.45 (p-value = 0.45) compared to patients who did not receive TSH maintenance. In conclusion, the evidence for the effectiveness of post-operative TSH maintenance less than 2 mU/L in patients undergoing thyroid lobectomy for low-risk DTC is insufficient.

Risk Factors for Contralateral Occult Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma in Patients with Clinical Unilateral Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma: A Case-Control Study

INTRODUCTION

Papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) is one of the most prevalent endocrine malignancies that has increased in recent decades around the world. Although the indicator for navigating the surgical extent in PTC patients is still in debate, a key issue is how to predict that there are undetected preoperative tumors in the contralateral thyroid lobe. This study aims to find risk factors for contralateral occult papillary thyroid cancer (COPTC) to facilitate more accurate surgical decisions made for patients with PTC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In our study, we included 229 patients who underwent total thyroidectomy plus central and ipsilateral lateral lymph nodes dissection from January 1, 2019, to September 1, 2021. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess the association between COPTC and clinical-pathological characteristics, as well as the relation between the diameter of the occult lesions and predictors. The forest plot was plotted to visualize the prediction factors from the output of the multivariate regression analysis. A ROC curve was used to evaluate the combining potency of all the risk factors.

RESULTS

Of the 229 patients included in our study, 46 with COPTC were assigned to the case group, representing 20.1% in this study. Multifocality in one lobe (OR = 2.21, P=0.03), intact capsule (OR = 2.54, P=0.01), central lymph node metastasis (OR = 3.00, P=0.02), and Hashimoto's thyroiditis (OR = 2.08, P = 0.04) are more prone to present contralateral occult papillary thyroid carcinoma. The ROC curve of the aggregate potency of the risk factors presents AUC = 0.701 (P < 0.001), and the best cutoff value was 2.02, with a sensitivity of 78.3% and specificity of 55.2%. Furthermore, there was no statistical correlation between the diameter of the occult tumor and the four obtained variables.

CONCLUSION

Patients with multifocality in one lobe, intact capsule, central lymph node metastasis, and HT may harbor contralateral papillary thyroid carcinoma. It is essential to be prudent to make a surgical or follow-up decision on these patients. In addition, more clinical rather than postoperative pathological indicators need to be revealed in the future.

Benefits and harms of hemithyroidectomy, total or near-total thyroidectomy in 1-4 cm differentiated thyroid cancer

OBJECTIVE

For 1-4 cm differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC), current ATA guideline recommended hemithyroidectomy (HT) as an acceptable alternative initial procedure to total or near-total thyroidectomy (TT). The aim of this study was to evaluate benefits and harms of HT, TT in 1-4 cm DTC.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

PATIENTS

DTC patients aged 18 years or older who underwent initial thyroidectomy in a tertiary medical centre were included from January 2008 to July 2018.

MEASUREMENTS

The structural persistent/recurrent disease, reoperation rates and surgical complications were compared using Cox proportional regression and logistic regression. Propensity score matching was performed to adjust for related clinicopathological variables.

RESULTS

Among 1824 DTC patients, 795 patients sized 1-4 cm were included. A total of 286 patients underwent HT and 509 patients underwent TT. In the matched analysis, no significant difference in disease-free survival (DFS) between HT and TT was observed during the median follow-up period of 56.5 months (hazard ratio [HR] 0.86; 95% CI, 0.37-2.00; p = .733). The difference in DFS between two groups was consistent regardless of age, sex, tumour size, follow-up duration. Meanwhile, HT was associated with a decreased risk of surgical complications (odds ratio [OR] 0.47, 95% CI 0.31-0.71, p < .001), as well as lower proportion of levothyroxine replacement (p = .007). Two cases in HT group received reoperation. Further multivariate analysis showed surgical procedure was not associated with structural persistence/recurrence (HR 0.68; 95%CI, 0.29-1.58, p = .367).

CONCLUSIONS

For patients with 1-4 cm DTC without clinical evidence of lymph node metastasis or extrathyroidal extension, HT was associated with lower risk of surgical complications than TT while provided similar benefits as TT.

Prognostic implications of extranodal extension in papillary thyroid carcinomas: A propensity score matching analysis and proposal for incorporation into current tumor, lymph node, metastasis staging

BACKGROUND

The current American Joint Committee on Cancer tumor, lymph node, metastasis cancer staging system for papillary thyroid carcinoma places low weight on extranodal extension. This study examined the prognostic implications of extranodal extension in papillary thyroid carcinoma patients and attempted to design a new staging system incorporating extranodal extension.

METHODS

We reviewed data from 6,165 consecutive papillary thyroid carcinoma patients from 2012 to 2018. Patients with extrathyroidal extension or extranodal extension were included and then divided into 3 groups: extrathyroidal extension (papillary thyroid carcinoma with extrathyroidal extension but without extranodal extension, N = 457); extranodal extension (papillary thyroid carcinoma with extranodal extension but without extrathyroidal extension, N = 116); and extrathyroidal extension and extranodal extension (papillary thyroid carcinoma with both extrathyroidal extension and extranodal extension, N = 116). Recurrence-free survival and cancer-specific survival were compared before and after adjusting for differences using propensity score matching owing to observed heterogeneity in baseline characteristics in the original cohort. Recurrence-free survival and cancer-specific survival were also compared between patients with and without extranodal extension after matching at a 1:1 ratio. Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were used to identify the relationships of factors associated with structural recurrent disease in the node-positive subset. Then a new staging system incorporating extranodal extension was established, and the discrimination of the new staging system for recurrence-free survival and cancer-specific survival was investigated.

RESULTS

Of the 6,165 patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma, extrathyroidal extension was found in 573 (9.3%) patients, and extranodal extension was observed in 232 (3.8%) patients. The recurrence-free survival and cancer-specific survival rates of patients with extranodal extension were similar to those of patients with extrathyroidal extension (all P > .05). Patients with extrathyroidal extension and extranodal extension experienced worse recurrence-free survival than patients with extrathyroidal extension or extranodal extension and even worse cancer-specific survival than patients with extrathyroidal extension (all P < .05). The recurrence-free survival and cancer-specific survival rates of patients with extranodal extension were worse than those of patients without extranodal extension (P = .003; P = .048). Cox proportional hazards regression analysis demonstrated that after propensity score matching, extranodal extension (hazard ratio 1.911; 95% confidence interval 1.568-3.609; P < .001) remained an independent predictor of structural recurrent disease in patients with node-positive papillary thyroid carcinoma. After incorporating extranodal extension into the current tumor, lymph node, metastasis classification, the new staging system presented a better discrimination for recurrence-free survival and cancer-specific survival for those with lymph node metastasis.

CONCLUSION

Papillary thyroid carcinoma patients with extranodal extension present worse prognosis, and incorporating extranodal extension in tumor, lymph node, metastasis classification identifies poor-risk patients more accurately.

Extent of Surgery and the Prognosis of Unilateral Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinoma

It remains controversial whether patients with papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) benefit from total thyroidectomy (TT) or thyroid lobectomy (TL). We aimed to investigate the impact of extent of surgery on the prognosis of patients with unilateral PTMC. Patients were obtained from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database from 2004 to 2015. Cancer-specific survival (CSS) and overall survival (OS) were evaluated by Cox regression and Kaplan-Meier curves with propensity score matching. Of 31167 PTMC patients enrolled, 22.2% and 77.8% of which underwent TL and TT, respectively. Patients with TT were more likely to be younger, females, present tumors of multifocality, extrathyroidal extension, cervical lymph node metastasis (CLNM), distant metastasis, and receive radioactive iodine (RAI) compared with those receiving TL. The multivariate Cox regression model showed that TT was not associated with an improved CSS and OS compared with TL with hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of 0.53 (0.25-1.12) and 0.86 (0.72-1.04), respectively. In addition, the Kaplan-Meier curves further confirmed the similar survival between TL and TT after propensity score matching. The subgroup analysis showed that TT was associated with better CSS for patients < 55 years, those with tumors of gross extrathyroidal extension, CLNM (N1b), and cases not receiving RAI with HR 95% CI of 0.13 (0.02-0.81), 0.12 (0.02-0.66), 0.11 (0.02-0.64) and 0.36 (0.13-0.90), respectively. TT predicted a trend of better OS for patients with N1b and distant metastasis after adjustment. In addition, TT was associated with better CSS than TL for patients with risk factors like N1b combined with gross extrathyroidal extension, and/or multifocality after matching. In conclusion, TL may be enough for low-risk PTMC patients. TT may improve the prognosis of unilateral PTMC patients with 2 or more risk clinicopathologic factors like CLNM, multifocality, extrathyroidal extension and a younger age compared with TL.

Modulating the extension of thyroidectomy in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma pre-operatively eligible for lobectomy: reliability of ipsilateral central neck dissection

PURPOSE

Pre-operative work-up and macroscopic intraoperative inspection could overlook occult central neck nodal metastases in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). An occult N1a status is able to change the initial risk stratification in small, clinically unifocal PTC potentially scheduled for thyroid lobectomy (TL) making total thyroidectomy (TT) the preferable option. We aimed to verified the reliability of an intraoperative management protocol based on frozen section examination (FSE) of ipsilateral central neck nodes (IpsiCND) to identify, among patients scheduled for TL, those who could benefit of a more extensive surgical resection (TT plus bilateral central neck dissection -CND-).

METHODS

Thirty PTC patients preoperatively classified as T1N0 underwent TL plus IpsiCND-FSE (TL-group). In case of positive FSE, TT plus bilateral CND was accomplished during the same surgical procedure. A comparative analysis was performed between TL-group and a control group (C-group), who underwent TT plus IpsiCND-FSE, matched by a propensity score analysis.

RESULTS

Nodal metastases (>2 mm) were found at final histology in 5/30 patients in the TL-group and in 6/30 in the C-group (p = 1.00). Micrometastases (≤2 mm) were retrieved in 5/30 TL-group patients and in 4/30 C-group patients (p = 1.00). Final histology staged as pN1a 10 (33.3%) patients for each group. FSE correctly identified five patients with occult nodal metastases >2 mm (16.6%) in TL-group, who underwent TT plus bilateral CND during the same surgical procedure. No permanent complications occurred. At a mean follow-up of 22.2 months, no local and/or nodal recurrence were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Intraoperative assessment of N status obtained with IpsiCND plus FSE allows for an accurate risk stratification. IpsiCND plus FSE real time modulated thyroidectomy seems a safe and effective surgical strategy reducing the need of a subsequent completion surgery and, theoretically, the risk of local recurrence.

Recurrence-free survival after total thyroidectomy and lobectomy in patients with papillary thyroid microcarcinoma

PURPOSE

The incidence of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma is increasing. We evaluated the recurrence-free survival following total thyroidectomy and lobectomy to identify the optimal surgical choice.

METHODS

A meta-analysis was performed using the National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health PubMed database to identify eligible studies. Summary 5- and 10-year RFS estimates after TT versus LT were calculated using random effects models.

RESULTS

The literature search yielded 1117 studies (1990-2019). Nine studies met the inclusion criteria comprising 10,186 total thyroidectomy and 11,408 lobectomy patients. The 5-year recurrence-free survival was 98% [95% confidence interval (CI) 97-99%] after total thyroidectomy and 97% (95% CI 96-99%) after lobectomy, based on eight studies (9421 total thyroidectomy and 11,283 lobectomy patients); the 10-year recurrence-free survival was 95% (95% CI 92-98%) after total thyroidectomy and 92% (95% CI 86-96%) after lobectomy, based on eight studies (total thyroidectomy = 10,100, lobectomy = 11,389 patients).

CONCLUSION

The present meta-analysis demonstrates excellent, long-term recurrence-free survival following both total thyroidectomy and lobectomy surgery in patients with papillary thyroid microcarcinoma. The analysis also suggests that patients undergoing total thyroidectomy trended toward a slightly better long-term 10-year recurrence-free survival in comparison to patients undergoing lobectomy, a finding of potential, clinical significance in the management decision-making process.

Protocol for a Korean Multicenter Prospective Cohort Study of Active Surveillance or Surgery (KoMPASS) in Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinoma

BACKGROUND

A Korean Multicenter Prospective cohort study of Active Surveillance or Surgery (KoMPASS) for papillary thyroid microcarcinomas (PTMCs) has been initiated. The aim is to compare clinical outcomes between active surveillance (AS) and an immediate lobectomy for low-risk PTMCs. We here outline the detailed protocol for this study.

METHODS

Adult patients with a cytopathologically confirmed PTMC sized 6.0 to 10.0 mm by ultrasound (US) will be included. Patients will be excluded if they have a suspicious extra-thyroidal extension or metastasis of a PTMC or multiple thyroid nodules or other thyroid diseases which require a total thyroidectomy. Printed material describing the prognosis of PTMCs, and the pros and cons of each management option, will be provided to eligible patients to select their preferred intervention. For the AS group, thyroid US, thyroid function, and quality of life (QoL) parameters will be monitored every 6 months during the first year, and then annually thereafter. Disease progression will be defined as a ≥3 mm increase in maximal diameter of a PTMC, or the development of new thyroid cancers or metastases. If progression is detected, patients should undergo appropriate surgery. For the lobectomy group, a lobectomy with prophylactic central neck dissection will be done within 6 months. After initial surgery, thyroid US, thyroid function, serum thyroglobulin (Tg), anti-Tg antibody, and QoL parameters will be monitored every 6 months during the first year and annually thereafter. Disease progression will be defined in these cases as the development of new thyroid cancers or metastases.

CONCLUSION

KoMPASS findings will help to confirm the role of AS, and develop individualized management strategies, for low-risk PTMCs.

Total Thyroidectomy Versus Lobectomy for Thyroid Cancer: Single-Center Data and Literature Review

Background

Controversies remain about the ideal risk-based surgical approach for differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC).

Methods

At a single tertiary care institution, 370 consecutive patients with low- or intermediate-risk DTC were submitted to either lobectomy (LT) or total thyroidectomy (TT) and were followed up.

Results

Event-free survival by Kaplan–Meier curves was significantly higher after TT than after LT for the patients with either low-risk (P = 0.004) or intermediate-risk (P = 0.032) tumors. At the last follow-up visit, the prevalence of event-free patients was higher in the TT group than in the LT low-risk group (95% and 87.5%, respectively; P = 0.067) or intermediate-risk group (89% and 50%; P = 0.008). No differences in persistence prevalence were found among microcarcinomas treated by LT or TT (low risk, P = 0.938 vs. intermediate-risk, P = 0.553). Nevertheless, 15% of the low-risk and 50% of the intermediate-risk microcarcinomas treated by LT were submitted to additional treatments. On the other hand, macrocarcinomas were significantly more persistent if treated with LT than with TT (low-risk, P = 0.036 vs. intermediate-risk, P = 0.004). Permanent hypoparathyroidism was more frequent after TT (P = 0.01). After LT, thyroglobulin (Tg)/thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) had shown decreasing trend in 68% of the event-free patients and an increasing trend in the persistent cases.

Conclusions

Lobectomy can be proposed for low-risk microcarcinomas, although in a minority of cases, additional treatments are needed, and a longer follow-up period usually is required to confirm an event-free outcome compared with that for patients treated with TT. On the other hand, to achieve an excellent response, TT should be favored for intermediate-risk micro- and macro-DTCs despite the higher frequency of postsurgical complications.

Supplementary Information

The online version of this article (10.1245/s10434-020-09481-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

The appropriateness of thyroid lobectomy as an initial surgery for preoperatively detected unilateral multifocal papillary carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Whether multifocal papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is more associated with recurrence than unifocal PTC is controversial. This study investigates the appropriateness of lobectomy for patients with preoperatively detected unilateral multifocal PTC.

METHODS

This study retrospectively analyzed 198 patients with unilateral multifocal PTC at the Asan Medical Center between 2000 and 2005. Clinicopathological features and locoregional recurrence rates were compared according to operation type (lobectomy, n = 62; total thyroidectomy (TT), n = 136).

RESULTS

The lateral neck lymph node area was the most frequent recurrence site. Univariate analyses showed that gross extrathyroidal extension (ETE), bilateral multifocal malignancy diagnosed after operation (bilaterality), lymph node (LN) metastasis, lymphovascular invasion, tumor size (≥2 vs < 2 cm), and extranodal extension (ENE) were associated with locoregional recurrence (P < 0.05). Multivariate analyses showed that ENE (hazard ratio (HR), 5.7; p = 0.007; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.1-9.8), LN metastasis (HR, 8.6; p = 0.046; 95% CI = 1.1-70.7), and lymphovascular invasion (HR, 11.1; p = 0.001; 95% CI = 2.7-46.1) were significantly associated with locoregional recurrence. The occult contralateral malignancy (rate, 15.4% of TT patients) and gross ETE were not risk factors for locoregional recurrence in the multivariate analysis of this study.

CONCLUSION

Lobectomy may be considered as an alternative treatment to TT for patients with preoperatively detected unilateral multifocal PTC with diameters less than 2 cm, even in the pres-ence of risk fac-tors, such as gross ETE, and the pos-si-bil-ity of oc-cult ma-lig-nancy of the con-tralat-eral lobe. Although recurrence in the contralateral lobe after lobectomy could be diagnosed in unilateral multifocal PTC, it would not increase the rates of locoregional recurrence and death.

Thyroid lobectomy in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer: an analysis of the clinical outcomes in a nationwide multicenter study

Background

Total thyroidectomy is the standard initial surgery for differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC), but the extent of the thyroidectomy remains controversial. Thyroid lobectomy (TL) has been widely used in eastern countries; however, its use has not been generalized in western countries, including Spain. Our aims were to analyse the clinical outcome of a multicentre nation-wide cohort of DTC patients treated by TL and to assess the proportion of patients who required completion of the thyroidectomy and who presented disease recurrence.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed patients who underwent TL for DTC and were followed-up for ≥12 months. We collected demographic, clinical, and histopathological data. Dynamic risk stratification (DRS) was performed at 12 months and at last visit.

Results

One hundred and sixty-four patients (128 women, mean age 50.8 years, median follow-up 45.4 months) from 9 hospitals were included. There were 158 cases of papillary and 6 of follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC). Remission of the disease (excellent response) was shown in 71.6% of the patients at 12 months and in 74.4% at the end of follow-up. At that time, there were 34 patients (20.7%) with indeterminate response, 6 (3.7%) with biochemical incomplete response, and 2 (1.2%) with structural incomplete response. Completion of the thyroidectomy was necessary in 8 patients (4.9%), but only 3 of them (1.8%) had disease recurrence.

Conclusions

These results, obtained in real clinical practice, suggest that TL is a safe operative option for selected patients with DTC and that the intensity of the treatment must be tailored according to the presurgical tumor-associated risk, in line with a personalized medicine.

[Current treatment strategies for papillary thyroid microcarcinoma]

Surgical treatment of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) is evolving more and more into a controversial issue. As in Japan more than 50% of PTMCs are only observed, an increasing number of physicians in the western world are calling for active surveillance instead of lobectomy or total thyroidectomy. Unifocal carcinomas of older patients without extrathyroidal growth or lymph node involvement seem to be candidates for active surveillance. First estimations for a lifelong observation show that patients <30 years old will have a probability of tumor progression of more than 60%. A decision for surgery versus active surveillance has to weigh up all the arguments for and against, which have to be discussed and planned in detail together with the patient.

Thyroid Lobectomy for Low to Intermediate Risk Differentiated Thyroid Cancer

Simple Summary

Total thyroidectomy used to be recommended for all thyroid cancers. We now know that some thyroid cancers have a relatively low risk of recurrence. Today, for some of these cancers, depending on the type of tumor, its’ size and other tumor characteristics, a thyroid lobectomy (or hemithyroidectomy) can be performed without increasing the patient’s risk of cancer recurrence. Thyroid lobectomy has the advantages of having less risk of surgical complications and a less frequent need for thyroid hormone replacement therapy. This approach is not optimal for all thyroid cancers, however, and careful tumor and patient selection are necessary. This review explains the rationale and criteria for patient selection for thyroid lobectomy for selected thyroid cancers.

Abstract

Many recent publications and guidelines have promoted a “more is less” approach in terms of treatment for low to intermediate risk differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC), which comprise the vast majority of thyroid cancers: less extensive surgery, less radioactive iodine, less or no thyroid hormone suppression, and less frequent or stringent follow-up. Following this approach, thyroid lobectomy has been proposed as a means of decreasing short- and long-term postoperative morbidity while maintaining an excellent prognosis for tumors meeting specific macroscopic and microscopic criteria. This article will examine the pros and cons of thyroid lobectomy for low to intermediate risk cancers and discuss, in detail, criteria for patient selection and oncological outcomes.

Potential protection of indocyanine green on parathyroid gland function during near-infrared laparoscopic-assisted thyroidectomy: A case report and literature review

BACKGROUND

In recent decades, significant advances have been made in protecting the parathyroid glands and recurrent laryngeal nerves during thyro-idectomy. However, reliable and convenient technical means are still lacking. In this study, the reliability, safety and feasibility of near-infrared (NIR) laparoscopy-assisted thyroid lobectomy with isthmectomy and prophylactic central lymph node dissection (CLND) were reported.

CASE SUMMARY

A 63-year-old female patient with a free previous medical history, was admitted to our department due to multiple thyroid nodules. Ultrasonic examination suggested diffuse thyroid changes and one thyroid nodule in the right upper lobe with the largest diameter of 1.5 cm adjacent to the trachea and Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System grade 4B. Imaging examination of the neck showed no obvious enlarged lymph nodes. Fine needle aspiration biopsy suggested a papillary thyroid carcinoma. Combined with thyroid function examination, the patient was diagnosed with papillary thyroid carcinoma and Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Considering the risk of invading the capsule and the patient's extreme anxiety, a right thyroid lobectomy with isthmectomy and prophylactic CLND was planned. No significant abnormalities were found during preoperative examinations, except for an increased thyroid stimulating hormone level. The patient underwent NIR laparoscopy-assisted thyroid lobectomy with isthmectomy and prophylactic CLND. During the operation, two right parathyroid glands (PGs) adjacent to the thyroid gland capsule and the right recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) were examined by indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence using a NIR fluorescence camera, and the PGs and RLN were reliably preserved. Considering the ICG-positive PG, prophylactic CLND was performed. The postoperative parathyroid hormone level was in the normal range and no significant hypocalcemia symptoms were observed.

CONCLUSION

During NIR laparoscopy-assisted thyroidectomy, ICG fluorescence may aid PG identification and protection.

Hemithyroidectomy versus total thyroidectomy for well differentiated T1-2 N0 thyroid cancer: systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Evidence for limiting the extent of surgery in patients with low-risk thyroid cancer is lacking.

METHODS

A systematic search was performed according to the PRISMA and MOOSE guidelines to assess the effect of total thyroidectomy (TT) with or without radioactive iodine (RAI) treatment versus hemithyroidectomy (HT) on recurrence and overall mortality in patients with differentiated (papillary or follicular) T1-2 N0 thyroid cancer. PubMed, Embase and Cochrane databases were searched, and two authors independently assessed the articles.

RESULTS

A total of ten eligible articles were identified. All were observational cohort series, representing a total of 23 134 patients, of which 17 699 were available for meta-analysis. Six studies included patients who had TT followed by RAI treatment. The pooled recurrence rate after TT ± RAI and HT was 2·3 and 2·8 per cent respectively (odds ratio (OR) 1·12, 95 per cent c.i. 0·82 to 1·53; P = 0·48). The pooled 20-year overall survival rate after TT ± RAI was 96·8 per cent, compared with 97·4 per cent for HT (OR 1·30, 0·71 to 2·37; P = 0·40). Overall, higher complication rates were found in the TT ± RAI group.

CONCLUSION

Recurrence rates after HT for treatment of well differentiated T1-2 N0 thyroid cancer were similar to those after TT ± RAI, with a lower incidence of treatment-related complications.

Analysis of the strategy of LT4 prescribing and TSH monitoring for thyroid carcinoma after lobectomy

Background

Thyrotropin (TSH) suppression is a critical step in the management of differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC). The objectives of this study were to evaluate changes in TSH levels and a strategy of initial levothyroxine (LT4) supplementation for TSH suppression in low-risk differentiated thyroid carcinoma (lr-DTC) patients after lobectomy.

Methods

One hundred and ten patients with lr-DTC who received lobectomy were enrolled. Each of the patients was given 50 µg LT4 immediately after lobectomy and were retrospectively analyzed to evaluate the initial dose of LT4 suppression during the first year of follow-up. Risk factors influencing the TSH trend were also evaluated.

Results

Median TSH levels decreased significantly after lobectomy and the initiation of LT4 suppression and were stable from 3 to 12 months. Three months after lobectomy, 44.9% of patients fell into the newly recommended first TSH goal (0.35 to 2.0 mIU/L). Insufficient suppression (≥2.0 mIU/L) and oversuppression (<0.35 mIU/L) was observed in 9.4% and 45.8% of the patients, respectively. Preoperative TSH ≥2.0 mIU/L and the coexistence of Hashimoto thyroiditis (HT) were risk factors influencing the TSH trend.

Conclusions

The monitoring of TSH could start from 3 months after lobectomy. An initial dose (50 µg) of LT4 could be adequate for initial suppression therapy in most patients. However, individual adjustment of the first dose may be necessary based on preoperative TSH concentration and the presence of HT.

Impact of prophylactic unilateral central neck dissection needed for patients with papillary thyroid microcarcinoma

Background

Papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC), the increase in the diagnosis of which has led to an overall rise in the diagnostic rate of thyroid malignancies, is generally managed through a reduction in the surgical extent. Nevertheless, a considerable number of patients with PTMC experience subclinical central lymph node (LN) metastases following prophylactic central neck dissection (CND). This study aimed to investigate the impact of prophylactic CND on locoregional recurrence in PTMC patients who underwent hemithyroidectomy.

Methods

We reviewed the medical records of 1,071 patients with clinically LN-negative PTMC who underwent hemithyroidectomy between 2004 and 2012. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was performed to investigate the predictive factors for recurrence. The median follow-up duration was 79 months (range, 12-176 months).

Results

Totally, 613 patients underwent hemithyroidectomy only, whereas 458 underwent hemithyroidectomy plus prophylactic unilateral CND. Recurrence was observed in 27 patients (eight and 19 patients in the prophylactic and non-prophylactic CND groups, respectively). Patients with a tumor size ≤6 mm (hazard ratio, 2.927; 95% confidence interval, 1.372-6.245; P=0.005) had favorable recurrence-free survival (RFS); however, there was no relationship between prophylactic unilateral CND and RFS.

Conclusions

The incidence of locoregional recurrence was low in patients with PTMC who underwent hemithyroidectomy. In addition, prophylactic unilateral CND performance was not associated with RFS in PTMC. Accordingly, the use of prophylactic unilateral CND for clinically LN-negative PTMC should be avoided.

Total thyroidectomy versus lobectomy for papillary thyroid cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

This systematic review and meta-analysis collected data for evaluating the effect of surgical extent on overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) in patients with papillary thyroid cancer (PTC).

METHODS

We searched the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases. The included studies compared two groups of patients with PTC: the total thyroidectomy (TT) group and the lobectomy (LT) group. The combined hazard ratio (HR) was calculated.

RESULTS

Thirteen studies were included in the present study. The TT and LT groups had similar OS results (HR = 1.04; 95% CI: 0.90-1.21; P = .60). In the subgroup analysis, the combined HR of the ≤1 cm group and the 1.0 to 2.0 cm group showed that TT had no advantage with regard to OS compared to LT. In the 2.0 to 4.0 cm group, TT provided better OS than LT (HR = 0.88; 95% CI: 0.79-0.99; P = .03). Patients who underwent TT had a better RFS outcome than those who underwent LT (HR = 0.56; 95% CI: 0.41-0.77; P < .0001). In the subgroup analysis, both the ≤1 cm group and >1 cm group that underwent TT were associated with better RFS.

CONCLUSIONS

Our meta-analysis suggested that LT increased the risk of recurrence in PTC patients with tumors ≤1.0 cm and in PTC patients with tumors >1.0 cm. More importantly, LT was associated with higher mortality in PTC patients with 2.0 to 4.0 cm tumors. Caution is warranted when LT is performed in this group of patients.

Total thyroidectomy versus thyroid lobectomy in the treatment of papillary carcinoma

Extent of thyroidectomy for papillary thyroid carcinoma is still matter of debate. Indeed, recently, international guidelines endorsed thyroid lobectomy as initial surgical approach for low risk, small medium-sized (T1-T2), N0 papillary thyroid carcinoma in absence of extrathyroidal extension. When dealing with a conservative surgery for oncologic disease is of utmost importance to exclude effectively more advanced disease, which could benefit from a more aggressive initial operation. However, in the setting of surgery for papillary thyroid carcinoma, despite an accurate preoperative work up could led to identify some suspicious characteristics as macroscopic evidence of multifocality or extrathyroidal extension, and/or evidence of lateral neck lymph node metastases, it is difficult to reliably assess the central neck nodal status both pre- and intra-operatively. Frozen section examination of the central neck nodes ipsilateral to the side of the tumor has been proposed in patients scheduled for thyroid lobectomy, in order to modulate the extension of both thyroidectomy and central neck dissection. Future molecular and genetic evidences are needed to establish high-risk patients with small papillary thyroid carcinoma in which thyroid lobectomy could be not and adequate surgical treatment.

Postoperative Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone Levels Did Not Affect Recurrence after Thyroid Lobectomy in Patients with Papillary Thyroid Cancer

BACKGROUND

Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) suppression is recommended for patients who undergo thyroidectomy for differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). However, the impact of TSH suppression on clinical outcomes in low-risk DTC remains uncertain. Therefore, we investigated the effects of postoperative TSH levels on recurrence in patients with low-risk DTC after thyroid lobectomy.

METHODS

Patients (n=1,528) who underwent thyroid lobectomy for papillary thyroid carcinoma between 2000 and 2012 were included in this study. According to the mean and dominant TSH values during the entire follow-up period or 5 years, patients were divided into four groups (<0.5, 0.5 to 1.9, 2.0 to 4.4, and ≥4.5 mIU/L). Recurrence-free survival was compared among the groups.

RESULTS

During the 5.6 years of follow-up, 21 patients (1.4%) experienced recurrence. Mean TSH levels were within the recommended low-normal range (0.5 to 1.9 mIU/L) during the total follow-up period or 5 years in 38.1% or 36.0% of patients. The mean and dominant TSH values did not affect recurrence-free survival. Adjustment for other risk factors did not alter the results.

CONCLUSION

Serum TSH levels did not affect short-term recurrence in patients with low-risk DTC after thyroid lobectomy. TSH suppression should be conducted more selectively.

Surgical Management and Factors Affecting the Prognosis for Patients with Thyroid Cancer Spinal Metastases: A Retrospective Analysis of 52 Consecutive Patients from a Single Center

BACKGROUND

Thyroid cancer, one of the most common endocrine malignancies in developed areas and China, is associated with favorable prognosis. However, the presence of spinal metastases will remarkably reduce the life expectancy for patients with thyroid cancer. In addition, limited information is available about such disease.

METHODS

Various potential clinical factors were submitted to univariate and multivariate analyses to identify the independent variables that predicted the prognosis for patients. In addition, the survival rate was estimated according to the Kaplan-Meier method, and statistic differences were calculated by the log-rank test. Moreover, factors with a P value of ≤0.1 were performed multivariate analysis using a multivariate Cox proportional hazards model, and factors with a P value of <0.05 were considered as statistically significant.

RESULTS

Seven potential independent prognostic factors had been identified through univariate analysis, which were then subjected to multivariate analysis. Our results suggested that age of ≤50 years, single segment involved, and follicular thyroid cancer were the independent favorable prognostic factors.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings in this study indicate that age of ≤50 years, single segment involved, and follicular thyroid cancer are favorable prognostic factors for patients with thyroid cancer spinal metastases.

Total vs hemithyroidectomy for intermediate risk papillary thyroid cancer: A 23 year retrospective study in a tertiary center

BACKGROUND

There is much debate in the literature over the extent of surgery for patients with intermediate risk papillary thyroid cancer. We herein report our results in a local tertiary hospital.

METHOD

We identify from our database patients with papillary thyroid cancer who underwent surgery in our hospital and were stratified to be of intermediate risk from the GAMES stratification system. Patients' demographic data, surgical and pathological details were recorded. Primary end points were disease specific survival (DSS) and recurrence free survival (RFS).

RESULTS

From January 1993 to December 2016, 231 patients with papillary thyroid cancer underwent surgery of which 137 (59%) were of intermediate risk. 45 (33%) patients had hemithyroidectomy and 92 (67%) patients had total thyroidectomy. In the total thyroidectomy group, patients had a higher tumor (T) (p value = 0.009) and nodal (N) staging (p value = 0.001). They were also predicted to have a higher risk of recurrence according to the American Thyroid Association (ATA) classification (p value = 0.005). The 5 year DSS in both groups were 100%. The 5 year RFS in the total thyroidectomy and hemithyroidectomy groups were 92% and 100% respectively and were significantly different by the log rank test (p value = 0.02). The median follow up time was 54 months (range 4-276 months).

CONCLUSION

The 5 year survival in intermediate risk papillary thyroid cancer is favorable. Hemithyroidectomy is an acceptable choice of operation in intermediate risk patients with a better risk profile.

Clinicopathologic Differences Between Micropapillary and Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study is observing the clinicopathologic features of thyroid papillary microcarcinomas (PTMs) and comparing these features with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC).

METHODS

A total of 86 surgically treated patients suffering from PTC were evaluated retrospectively. Group 1 (G1) included patients with a tumor <1 cm, while Group 2 (G2) included patients with a tumor >1 cm. The two groups were compared in terms of the preoperative thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) level, anti-thyroid peroxidase antibody (anti-TPO) and antithyroglobulin antibody (TgAb) values, multicentricity, the lymphovascular invasion rate, the presence of extrathyroidal extension, and central and/or lateral lymph node metastasis.

RESULTS

There was no statistically significant difference observed between the groups in terms of the preoperative TSH level, anti-TPO, and TgAb values. The rate of multicentricity of the tumor in G2 was 66%, while it was 36% in G1 (p<0.001). The lymphovascular invasion rate in G1 was 14.2%, while it was 61% in G2 (p<0.001). The extrathyroidal extension rate of the tumor cells in G1 was 21.4%, while it was 63.6% in G2 (p<0.001). The central lymph node metastasis rate in G2 was 38.6%, while it was 4.8% in G1 (p<0.001). The lateral lymph node metastasis rate in G2 was 20.5%, while it was 0% in G1 (p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

PTMs are generally associated with good prognostic factors with high survival rates. However, the risk factors such as multifocality, extrathyroidal extension, and lymphovascular invasion increasing the recurrence risk are not rare in PTM. Thus, the patients having these histopathological features of the tumor should be followed more carefully.

Surgical Treatment in Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinoma

Despite the notable increasing incidence of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC), the optimal treatment of the patients with PTMC remains controversial. Because of no consensus about its treatment, the suggested treatment varies from active surveillance alone to total thyroidectomy. Although the 2015 revised American Thyroid Association guideline recommends hemithyroidectomy as the first-line treatment, active surveillance has also been discussed and accepted as another approach for the patients with PTMC. However, the same guideline does not recommend fine needle aspiration biopsy for nodules sized <1 cm, even it is suspicious. In such situation, neither active surveillance nor hemithyroidectomy could be discussed, with a lack of objective cytologic data about the nodules sized <1 cm. In this situation, the decision to perform FNAB to the nodules <1 cm in size depends on the performer of the thyroid ultrasonography. In this invited review, we have discussed the diagnosis and prognostic factors for PTMCs. We have also discussed surgical strategies as the accepted the first-line treatment in patients with PTMC.

A favorable tumor size to define papillary thyroid microcarcinoma: an analysis of 1176 consecutive cases

Background

The optimal treatment strategy for papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) has remained controversial. The purpose of this study was to provide a new reference value for PTMC to aid the selection of optimal management for minute lesions.

Patients and methods

A pool of 1176 consecutive patients who met the inclusion criteria were ultimately enrolled in this study. The correlation of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) tumor size and lymph node metastasis was analyzed. Receiver operating characteristic curve studies were conducted to identify the reference value by determining the optimal cut-off point of size related to lymph node metastasis. To validate our results, all selected patients were divided into two groups according to the cut-off point and some of the prognostic factors were compared.

Results

A moderate significant correlation was found between the tumor size and the average number of lymph node metastases (r=0.502, P<0.01) and the percentage of lymph node metastasis (r=0.625, P<0.01). The optimal cut-off reference value was 8.5 mm according to the receiver operating characteristic curves. Significant differences were observed for PTC prognostic factors, for example, extrathyroidal extension, multifocality, pathologic (p) N+ stage, occult metastasis in clinical (c) N− stage, radioactive iodine ablation, and recurrence between the two groups.

Conclusion

Due to more aggressive behavior and poorer prognosis in larger tumor size (>8.5 mm), a tumor size ≤8.5 mm in diameter may be favorable to discriminate PTMC from PTC and aid the selection of optimal management.

Independent predictors and lymph node metastasis characteristics of multifocal papillary thyroid cancer

The multifocal papillary thyroid cancer (PTC), with more aggressive and poorer prognosis, is not rare in papillary histotype. Few studies evaluated risk factors and lymph node metastasis in multifocal PTC. The aim of this present study focusing on risk factors and lymph node metastasis characteristics in multifocal PTC was excepted to assist clinical decisions regarding surgery.It was a retrospective study. The 1249 consecutive patients with PTC were reviewed. Of these, 570 patients who met the criteria were selected: 285 with solitary papillary thyroid cancer and 285 with multifocal PTC. The risk factors and lymph node metastasis in multifocal PTC were investigated by univariate and multivariate analysis.Multifocal PTC showed a higher positive rate of capsular invasion, extrathyroidal extension, tumor size >10 mm, pathological T classification, N+ stage, local recurrence, and radioactive iodine ablation (RAI). Capsular invasion (hazard ratio [HR], 1.589; 95% confidence interval [CI],1.352-1.984), advanced pathological T classification (HR, 3.582; 95% CI, 2.184-5.870), and pathological N+ stage (HR, 1.872; 95% CI, 1.278-2.742) were related to increased risk of multifocality and there was a significant increased HR for central neck compartment involvement in male sex (HR, 2.694; 95% CI, 1.740-4.169), advanced pathological T classification (HR, 2.403; 95% CI, 1.479-3.907) and multifocality (HR, 1.988; 95% CI, 1.361-2.906).There is a significant association between capsular invasion, advanced pathological T classification, N+ stage, and multifocal PTC. Total thyroidectomy plus prophylactic bilateral central lymph node dissection should be recommended during surgery due to a stronger predilection for level VI lymph node metastasis in multifocal PTC.

[Surgery of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma]

BACKGROUND

Different countries are currently reporting a substantial increase in the incidence rates of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC).

OBJECTIVE

Presentation of diagnosis and surgical therapy of PTMC and discussion of a more conservative approach, such as active surveillance.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Overview of the current guidelines from different countries and analysis of recent publications reporting the results of active surveillance of PTMC from Japan, Korea and the USA.

RESULTS

The majority of international guidelines for PTMC recommends thyroid lobectomy as the gold standard. Active surveillance as an alternative procedure is described in the Japanese guidelines (JSTS/JAES). Present surveillance studies including more than 1700 patients report a tumor growth in 8-14% of the cases during a median follow-up of up to 75 months. Tumor growth and lymph node metastases are detected most frequently in younger patients (below 40-50 years).

CONCLUSION

Active surveillance might serve as an alternative treatment option for older patients with PTMC. Since the median follow-up periods are currently not long enough, it seems difficult to draw definite conclusions of this procedure right now.

Active Surveillance for Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinoma: Challenges and Prospects

Active surveillance (AS) can be considered as an alternative to immediate surgery in low-risk papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) without clinically apparent lymph nodes, gross extrathyroidal extension (ETE), and/or distant metastasis according to American Thyroid Association. However, in the past AS has been controversial, as evidence supporting AS in the management of PTMC was scarce. The most prominent of these controversies included, the limited accuracy and utility of ultrasound (US) in the detection of ETE, malignant lymph node involvement or the advent of novel lymph node malignancy during AS, and disease progression. We summarized publications and indicated: (1) US, performer-dependent, could not accurately diagnose gross ETE or malignant lymph node involvement in PTMC. However, the combination of computed tomography and US provided more accurate diagnostic performance, especially in terms of selection sensitivity. (2) Compared to immediate surgery patients, low-risk PTMC patients had a slightly higher rate of lymph node metastases (LNM), although the overall rate for both groups remained low. (3) Recent advances in the sensitivity and specificity of imaging and incorporation of diagnostic biomarkers have significantly improved confidence in the ability to differentiate indolent vs. aggressive PTMCs. Our paper reviewed current imagings and biomarkers with initial promise to help select AS candidates more safely and effectively. These challenges and prospects are important areas for future research to promote AS in PTMC.

Risk factors for postoperative haemorrhage after total thyroidectomy: clinical results based on 2,678 patients

The aim of this study was to analyse postoperative haemorrhage (POH) after a total thyroidectomy and explore the possible risk factors. Records of patients receiving a total thyroidectomy were reviewed and analysed for risk factors of POH. From the 2,678 patients in this study, a total of 39 patients had POH, representing an incidence of 1.5%. The majority (59.0%) of POH events occurred within four hours after surgery. Arterial haemorrhage was the primary cause of POH and was identifiable prior to venous bleeding, making it the first sign of POH. A univariate analysis revealed an association between POH, certain disease factors and BMI, but only a BMI greater than 30 was found to significantly increase the risk of POH (almost 6-fold). At the first sign of POH, all patients showed an obvious red drainage, and 92.3% of the patients had neck swelling. In summary, arterial bleeding is the main cause and first sign of postoperative haemorrhage, as it starts earlier than venous bleeding. A BMI greater than 30 significantly increases the risk of neck haematoma.

A comparison of lobectomy and total thyroidectomy in patients with papillary thyroid microcarcinoma: a retrospective individual risk factor-matched cohort study

OBJECTIVE

Papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) accounts for most of the increase in thyroid cancer in recent decades. We compared clinical outcomes and surgical complications of lobectomy and total thyroidectomy (TT) in PTMC patients.

DESIGN AND METHODS

In this retrospective individual risk factor-matched cohort study, 2031 patients with PTMC were initially included. Patients who underwent lobectomy or TT were one-to-one matched according to individual risk factors, including age, sex, primary tumor size, extrathyroidal extension, multifocality and cervical lymph node (LN) metastasis.

RESULTS

In total, 688 patients were assigned to each group. During the median 8.5 years of follow-up, 26 patients (3.8%) in the lobectomy group and 11 patients (1.6%) in the TT group had recurrences. The relative risk of recurrence was significantly less in the TT than that in the lobectomy group (hazard ratio (HR) 0.41; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.21-0.81; P = 0.01). Most recurrences (84.6%) in the lobectomy group occurred in the contralateral lobe, and all patients were disease-free after completion of thyroidectomy. There were no significant differences in recurrence-free survival between the two groups after exclusion of contralateral lobe recurrences (HR, 2.75; 95% CI, 0.08-8.79; P = 0.08). There were significantly more patients with transient and permanent hypoparathyroidism in the TT than that in the lobectomy group (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Lobectomy could be appropriate for most patients with PTMC when there is no evidence of extrathyroidal disease in the preoperative work-up. Preoperative and postoperative imaging studies are important for patients who undergo lobectomy for PTMC, because most recurrences are in the contralateral lobe.