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Giovanella L, Milan L, Roll W, Weber M, Schenke S, Kreissl M, Vrachimis A, Pabst K, Murat T, Petranović Ovčariček P, Campenni A, Görges R, Ceriani L. Thyroglobulin measurement is the most powerful outcome predictor in differentiated thyroid cancer: a decision tree analysis in a European multicenter series. Clin Chem Lab Med 2024; 0:cclm-2024-0405. [PMID: 38706105 DOI: 10.1515/cclm-2024-0405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES An accurate prognostic assessment is pivotal to adequately inform and individualize follow-up and management of patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). We aimed to develop a predictive model for recurrent disease in DTC patients treated by surgery and 131I by adopting a decision tree model. METHODS Age, sex, histology, T stage, N stage, risk classes, remnant estimation, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroglobulin (Tg), administered 131I activities and post-therapy whole body scintigraphy (PT-WBS) were identified as potential predictors and put into regression algorithm (conditional inference tree, c-tree) to develop a risk stratification model for predicting persistent/recurrent disease over time. RESULTS The PT-WBS pattern identified a partition of the population into two subgroups (PT-WBS positive or negative for distant metastases). Patients with distant metastases exhibited lower disease-free survival (either structural, DFS-SD, and biochemical, DFS-BD, disease) compared to those without metastases. Meanwhile, the latter were further stratified into three risk subgroups based on their Tg values. Notably, Tg values >63.1 ng/mL predicted a shorter survival time, with increased DFS-SD for Tg values <63.1 and <8.9 ng/mL, respectively. A comparable model was generated for biochemical disease (BD), albeit different DFS were predicted by slightly different Tg cutoff values (41.2 and 8.8 ng/mL) compared to DFS-SD. CONCLUSIONS We developed a simple, accurate and reproducible decision tree model able to provide reliable information on the probability of structurally and/or biochemically persistent/relapsed DTC after a TTA. In turn, the provided information is highly relevant to refine the initial risk stratification, identify patients at higher risk of reduced structural and biochemical DFS, and modulate additional therapies and the relative follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Giovanella
- Nuclear Medicine, Gruppo Ospedaliero Moncucco, Lugano, Switzerland
- Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Lisa Milan
- Nuclear Medicine, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Wolfgang Roll
- Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Manuel Weber
- Nuclear Medicine, 39081 University Hospital Essen , Essen, Germany
| | - Simone Schenke
- Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Michael Kreissl
- Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | | | - Kim Pabst
- Nuclear Medicine, 39081 University Hospital Essen , Essen, Germany
| | - Tuncel Murat
- Nuclear Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Türkiye
| | | | | | - Rainer Görges
- Nuclear Medicine, 39081 University Hospital Essen , Essen, Germany
| | - Luca Ceriani
- Nuclear Medicine, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Bellinzona, Switzerland
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Giovanella L, D'Aurizio F, Algeciras-Schimnich A, Görges R, Petranovic Ovcaricek P, Tuttle RM, Visser WE, Verburg FA. Thyroglobulin and thyroglobulin antibody: an updated clinical and laboratory expert consensus. Eur J Endocrinol 2023; 189:R11-R27. [PMID: 37625447 DOI: 10.1093/ejendo/lvad109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Thyroglobulin measurement is the cornerstone of modern management of differentiated thyroid cancer, with clinical decisions on treatment and follow-up based on the results of such measurements. However, numerous factors need to be considered regarding measurement with and interpretation of thyroglobulin assay results. DESIGN The present document provides an integrated update to the 2013 and 2014 separate clinical position papers of our group on these issues. METHODS Issues concerning analytical and clinical aspects of highly-sensitive thyroglobulin measurement will be reviewed and discussed based on an extensive analysis of the available literature. RESULTS Thyroglobulin measurement remains a highly complex process with many pitfalls and major sources of interference, especially anti-thyroglobulin antibodies, need to be assessed, considered and, when necessary, dealt with appropriately. CONCLUSIONS Our expert consensus group formulated 53 practical, graded recommendations for guidance on highly-sensitive thyroglobulin and TgAb in laboratory and clinical practice, especially valuable where current guidelines do not offer sufficient guidance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Giovanella
- Clinic for Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Imaging Institute of Southern Switzerland, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Bellinzona, Switzerland
- Clinic for Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Federica D'Aurizio
- Institute of Clinical Pathology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital of Udine, Udine, Italy
| | | | - Rainer Görges
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Petra Petranovic Ovcaricek
- Department of Oncology and Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Center "Sestre Milosrdnice", Zagreb, Croatia
| | - R Michael Tuttle
- Endocrinology Service, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - W Edward Visser
- Academic Center for Thyroid Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Frederik A Verburg
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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3
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Giovanella L, Milan L, Roll W, Weber M, Schenke S, Kreissl M, Vrachimis A, Pabst K, Murat T, Petranovic Ovcaricek P, Riemann B, Ceriani L, Campenni A, Görges R. Postoperative thyroglobulin as a yard-stick for radioiodine therapy: decision tree analysis in a European multicenter series of 1317 patients with differentiated thyroid cancer. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging 2023; 50:2767-2774. [PMID: 37121981 PMCID: PMC10317893 DOI: 10.1007/s00259-023-06239-8] [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: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE An accurate postoperative assessment is pivotal to inform postoperative 131I treatment in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). We developed a predictive model for post-treatment whole-body scintigraphy (PT-WBS) results (as a proxy for persistent disease) by adopting a decision tree model. METHODS Age, sex, histology, T stage, N stage, risk classes, remnant estimation, TSH, and Tg were identified as potential predictors and were put into regression algorithm (conditional inference tree, ctree) to develop a risk stratification model for predicting the presence of metastases in PT-WBS. RESULTS The lymph node (N) stage identified a partition of the population into two subgroups (N-positive vs N-negative). Among N-positive patients, a Tg value > 23.3 ng/mL conferred a 83% probability to have metastatic disease compared to those with lower Tg values. Additionally, N-negative patients were further substratified in three subgroups with different risk rates according to their Tg values. The model remained stable and reproducible in the iterative process of cross validation. CONCLUSIONS We developed a simple and robust decision tree model able to provide reliable informations on the probability of persistent/metastatic DTC after surgery. These information may guide post-surgery 131I administration and select patients requiring curative rather than adjuvant 131I therapy schedules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Giovanella
- Clinic for Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Imaging Institute of Southern Switzerland, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Ospedale San Giovanni, Via A. Gallino 6, 6500, Bellinzona, CH, Switzerland.
- Clinic for Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Lisa Milan
- Clinic for Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Imaging Institute of Southern Switzerland, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Ospedale San Giovanni, Via A. Gallino 6, 6500, Bellinzona, CH, Switzerland
| | - Wolfgang Roll
- Clinic for Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Manuel Weber
- Clinic for Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Simone Schenke
- Clinic for Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Michael Kreissl
- Clinic for Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Alexis Vrachimis
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, German Oncology Center, Limassol, Cyprus
| | - Kim Pabst
- Clinic for Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Tuncel Murat
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Petra Petranovic Ovcaricek
- Department of Oncology and Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Center "Sestre milosrdnice", Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Burkhard Riemann
- Clinic for Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Luca Ceriani
- Clinic for Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Imaging Institute of Southern Switzerland, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Ospedale San Giovanni, Via A. Gallino 6, 6500, Bellinzona, CH, Switzerland
| | - Alfredo Campenni
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morpho-Functional Imaging, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Rainer Görges
- Clinic for Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
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Nasiri S, Meshkati Yazd SM, Mokhtari Ardekani A, Fazlollahpour-Naghibi A, Shahintaj M, Shahriarirad R. The effect of thymectomy during central neck dissection in papillary thyroid carcinoma: a case-controlled study. Updates Surg 2023; 75:227-233. [PMID: 36436160 DOI: 10.1007/s13304-022-01428-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Central lymph-node dissection (CND) as part of total thyroidectomy is recommended in the treatment of papillary thyroid cancer. CND with thymus resection for achieving more oncological clearance is suggested in guidelines, but the benefits of this technique are still unclear due to the risk of parathyroid glands injury and postoperative hypocalcemia. The aim of this study is to evaluate the risk and benefits of thymectomy in CND with total thyroidectomy. We retrospectively reviewed the records of 188 patients with total thyroidectomy and CND. Participants were divided into 110 patients with CND and thymus resection and 78 patients with thymus preservation. Oncological completeness was evaluated by measuring the postoperative thyroglobulin and hypocalcemia as a postoperative complication was measured by blood calcium level. Based on our findings, patients who underwent thymus resection had a higher incidence of hypocalcemia compared to patients with thymus preservation (56.4% vs. 39.2%; P = 0.027), but there was no significant difference in thyroglobulin levels between these two groups. (P = 0.115 and 0.185, respectively) The proportion of involved to total resected lymph nodes in our study was 28%, which did not statistically differ among the thymus groups. Routine thymus resection during the CND and total thyroidectomy is not recommended because of more postoperative hypocalcemia occurrence and minimal oncological benefit in PTC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirzad Nasiri
- Department of Surgery, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Abnoos Mokhtari Ardekani
- Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Institute of Basic and Clinical Physiology Science, & Physiology Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | | | - Mona Shahintaj
- Department of Surgery, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Shahriarirad
- School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran. .,Thoracic and Vascular Surgery Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Science, Shiraz, Iran.
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Campennì A, Aguennouz M, Siracusa M, Alibrandi A, Polito F, Oteri R, Baldari S, Ruggeri RM, Giovanella L. Thyroid Cancer Persistence in Patients with Unreliable Thyroglobulin Measurement: Circulating microRNA as Candidate Alternative Biomarkers. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14225620. [PMID: 36428713 PMCID: PMC9688692 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14225620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We aimed to evaluate the role of circulating miRNAs as a biomarker of the persistence of papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) in patients with an "uninformative" thyroglobulin (Tg) measurement. METHODS We prospectively enrolled 49 consecutive PTC patients with Tg-positive antibodies (TgAb) who had undergone a (near)-total thyroidectomy and 131I therapy (RIT). The serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), Tg, and TgAb levels were measured before and at 6 and 12 months after RIT, respectively. The serum miRNA (221, 222, 375, 155, and 146b) levels were measured simultaneously. RESULTS The response to the initial therapy was assessed according to the 2015 ATA criteria. A decrease in 50% or more of serum miRNA over time was observed in 41/49 PTC patients, who showed an excellent response (ER), but six and two patients were classified to have an indeterminate/incomplete biochemical or incomplete structural response to initial therapy. CONCLUSION Serum miRNA kinetics emerge as a promising biomarker for the early detection of a persistent disease in PTC patients with uninformative Tg results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfredo Campennì
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morpho-Functional Imaging, Unit of Nuclear Medicine, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-090-2217367; Fax: +39-090-2212842
| | - M’hammed Aguennouz
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Unit of Neurology and Neuromuscular Diseases, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Siracusa
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morpho-Functional Imaging, Unit of Nuclear Medicine, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Angela Alibrandi
- Department of Economics, Unit of Statistical and Mathematical Sciences, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Francesca Polito
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Unit of Neurology and Neuromuscular Diseases, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Rosaria Oteri
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Unit of Neurology and Neuromuscular Diseases, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Sergio Baldari
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morpho-Functional Imaging, Unit of Nuclear Medicine, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Rosaria Maddalena Ruggeri
- Department of Human Pathology DETEV, Unit of Endocrinology, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Luca Giovanella
- Clinic for Nuclear Medicine and Competence Centre for Thyroid Diseases, Imaging Institute of Southern Switzerland, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, 6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland
- Clinic for Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital, University of Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
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6
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Rosario PW, Mourão GF. Natural history, predictive factors of apparent disease (structural or biochemical) and spontaneous excellent response in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma and indeterminate response to initial therapy with radioiodine. Endocrine 2022; 76:671-676. [PMID: 35347578 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-022-03040-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND About 20% of patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) submitted to total thyroidectomy followed by radioactive iodine (RAI) exhibit an indeterminate response to therapy. The aim was to evaluate the natural history, predictive factors of apparent disease (structural or biochemical), and spontaneous excellent response in patients with PTC and an initial indeterminate response to RAI therapy defined based on unstimulated Tg (u-Tg). METHODS We evaluated 164 patients who were initially treated with total thyroidectomy and RAI and who had an indeterminate response to therapy (u-Tg between 0.2 and 1 ng/ml, undetectable anti-Tg antibodies [TgAb], and neck ultrasonography [US] without anomalies). None of the patients received empirical therapy with RAI. The patients were followed up for 24 to 144 months (median 72 months). RESULTS Apparent disease occurred in 16 patients (9.7%), including 13 with structural disease and 3 with u-Tg elevation > 1 ng/ml, but no tumor was detected by the imaging methods (biochemical disease). A higher frequency of disease was observed in patients with >3 lymph node metastases (LNM) and initial u-Tg >0.35 ng/ml. The frequency was only 2% among patients with ≤3 LNM and u-Tg ≤0.35 ng/ml and 9.7% among patients with > 3 LNM or u-Tg >0.35 ng/ml, while the frequency was 27% in patients with >3 LNM and u-Tg >0.35 ng/ml. In the absence of any additional therapy, u-Tg was <0.2 ng/ml (excellent response) in the last assessment in 70 patients (42.7%). Only initial u-Tg was associated with a higher probability of spontaneously achieving an excellent response: 40/72 patients (55.5%) with u-Tg ≤0.35 ng/ml versus 30/92 patients (32.6%) with u-Tg >0.35 ng/ml. CONCLUSIONS A minority of patients with PTC and an initial indeterminate response to RAI defined based on u-Tg develop apparent disease (structural or biochemical) and many spontaneously achieve an excellent response. The risk of disease can be refined based on parameters such as the extent of lymph node involvement and initial Tg concentration.
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Giovanella L, Garo ML, Albano D, Görges R, Ceriani L. The role of thyroglobulin doubling time in differentiated thyroid cancer: a meta-analysis. Endocr Connect 2022; 11:e210648. [PMID: 35245206 PMCID: PMC9066573 DOI: 10.1530/ec-21-0648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC), recurrences may occur in up to 20% and may have a fatal outcome in 10% of cases. Thyroglobulin doubling time (Tg-DT) values may contribute to predict response to treatment and disease recurrence in DTC patients. This study aimed to address the following questions: (1) Are Tg-DT values indicative of response to treatments in patients with DTC (i.e. 'treatment monitoring')?; (2) Is Tg-DT predictive of 2-[18F]fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose (2-[18F]FDG) PET/CT in patients with DTC?; (3) Are Tg-DT values predictive of DTC prognosis (i.e. 'prediction')? DESIGN Systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS Methodology was registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD42021257947). A systematic search was carried out in PubMed, Web Of Science, and Scopus from June to August 2021 without time and language restrictions. RESULTS Eleven studies were included for a total of 1421 patients. Positive association between Tg-DT < 1 year and recurrence or disease progression was observed. Tg-DT was found to be related with (2-[18F]FDG) PET/CT results in patients with DTC. The area under the curve was 0.86 (95% CI: 0.83-0.89), sensitivity was 0.84 (0.64;0.94), specificity was 0.71 (0.35; 0.92), DOR was 13.1 (3.1; 55.0), LR+ was 2.9 (1.0; 8.1), LR- was 0.22 (0.1; 0.5). For patients with Tg-DT < 1 year (n = 247), the survival risk ratio was 2.09 (95% CI: 1.49; 2.94). CONCLUSIONS Tg-DT values are valuable in predicting response to treatment and disease recurrence in patients with DTC, as well as their overall survival. In addition, Tg-DT significantly increases the detection rate of 2-[18F]-FDG PET/CT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Giovanella
- Clinic for Nuclear Medicine, Imaging Institute of Southern Switzerland, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Bellinzona, Switzerland
- Clinic for Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | | | - Domenico Albano
- Nuclear Medicine, University of Brescia and Spedali Civili Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Rainer Görges
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Luca Ceriani
- Clinic for Nuclear Medicine, Imaging Institute of Southern Switzerland, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Bellinzona, Switzerland
- Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Oncology Research, Università della Svizzera Italiana, Bellinzona, Switzerland
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Molecular Imaging and Theragnostics of Thyroid Cancers. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14051272. [PMID: 35267580 PMCID: PMC8909041 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14051272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Molecular imaging plays an important role in the evaluation and management of different thyroid cancer histotypes. The existing risk stratification models can be refined, by incorporation of tumor-specific molecular markers that have theranostic power, to optimize patient-specific (individualized) treatment decisions. Molecular imaging with varying radioisotopes of iodine (i.e., 131I, 123I, 124I) is an indispensable component of dynamic and theragnostic risk stratification of differentiated carcinoma (DTC) while [18F]F-fluorodeoxyglucose ([18F]FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) helps in addressing disease aggressiveness, detects distant metastases, and risk-stratifies patients with radioiodine-refractory DTC, poorly differentiated and anaplastic thyroid cancers. For medullary thyroid cancer (MTC), a neuroendocrine tumor derived from thyroid C-cells, [18F]F-dihydroxyphenylalanine (6-[18F]FDOPA) PET/CT and/or [18F]FDG PET/CT can be used dependent on serum markers levels and kinetics. In addition to radioiodine therapy for DTC, some theragnostic approaches are promising for metastatic MTC as well. Moreover, new redifferentiation strategies are now available to restore uptake in radioiodine-refractory DTC while new theragnostic approaches showed promising preliminary results for advanced and aggressive forms of follicular-cell derived thyroid cancers (i.e., peptide receptor radiotherapy). In order to help clinicians put the role of molecular imaging into perspective, the appropriate role and emerging opportunities for molecular imaging and theragnostics in thyroid cancer are discussed in our present review.
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Li S, Ren C, Gong Y, Ye F, Tang Y, Xu J, Guo C, Huang J. The Role of Thyroglobulin in Preoperative and Postoperative Evaluation of Patients With Differentiated Thyroid Cancer. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:872527. [PMID: 35721746 PMCID: PMC9200986 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.872527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Thyroglobulin (Tg) is secreted by thyroid follicular cells and stored in the thyroid follicular lumen as a component of thyroid hormone. It is known that both benign and well-differentiated malignant thyroid tissue can secrete Tg. In recent years, growing lines of evidence have shown that Tg plays an important role in the diagnosis and metastasis of preoperative differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC). The levels of Tg, whether in the serum or in a fine-needle aspiration washout fluid, are usually viewed as an excellent indicator in the monitoring of postoperative DTC, including the guidance and evaluation of radioactive iodine ablation. Nevertheless, some factors limit the application of Tg, such as the method used to measure Tg and the presence of Tg antibodies. This review aimed to summarize the role of Tg in the preoperative and postoperative evaluation of patients with DTC, and the factors influencing Tg. This review could provide a reference for a more accurate application of Tg in patients with DTC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chutong Ren
- *Correspondence: Jiangsheng Huang, ; Chutong Ren,
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10
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Albano D, Tulchinsky M, Dondi F, Mazzoletti A, Bertagna F, Giubbini R. The role of Tg kinetics in predicting 2-[ 18F]-FDG PET/CT results and overall survival in patients affected by differentiated thyroid carcinoma with detectable Tg and negative 131I-scan. Endocrine 2021; 74:332-339. [PMID: 34014437 PMCID: PMC8497300 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-021-02755-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study was to assess the potential role of thyroglobulin (Tg) kinetics in predicting 2-[18F]-FDG-PET/CT results and overall survival (OS) in patients affected by differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) and suspected recurrence. METHODS On hundred and thirty-nine patients were retrospectively included. All patients underwent 2-[18F]-FDG-PET/CT due to detectable Tg levels and negative [131I] whole-body scan. The last two consecutive serum Tg measurements before PET/CT were used for Tg-doubling time (TgDT) and Tg-velocity (Tg-vel) calculation. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to determine the optimal cutoff points for Tg, TgDT and Tg-vel for predicting PET/CT results. RESULTS One hundred and fifteen (83%) patients had positive PET/CT for DTC recurrence, while the remaining 24 (17%) negative. Stimulated Tg before PET and Tg-vel were significantly higher in patients with a positive PET/CT scan than negative scan (average Tg 190 vs 14 ng/mL, p = 0.006; average Tg-vel 4.2 vs 1.7 ng/mL/y, p < 0.001). Instead, TgDT was significantly shorter in positive scan (average TgDT 1.4 vs 4.4 years, p < 0.001). ROC curve analysis revealed the best Tg, TgDT and Tg-vel cutoff of 18 ng/mL,1.36 years and 1.95 ng/mL/y. In patients with Tg<18 ng/mL, the PET/CT detection rate was significantly lower in patients with low Tg-vel (p = 0.018) and with long TgDT (p = 0.001). ATA class risk, PET/CT results and Tg before PET were confirmed to be independent prognostic variables for OS. CONCLUSIONS Tg kinetics may help to predict 2-[18F]-FDG-PET/CT results in DTC patients with negative [131I]WBS and detectable Tg, especially in case of low-moderate Tg.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domenico Albano
- Nuclear Medicine, University of Brescia and Spedali Civili Brescia, Brescia, Italy.
| | - Mark Tulchinsky
- Section of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Radiology, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Penn State Health, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Francesco Dondi
- Nuclear Medicine, University of Brescia and Spedali Civili Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Angelica Mazzoletti
- Nuclear Medicine, University of Brescia and Spedali Civili Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Francesco Bertagna
- Nuclear Medicine, University of Brescia and Spedali Civili Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Raffaele Giubbini
- Nuclear Medicine, University of Brescia and Spedali Civili Brescia, Brescia, Italy
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11
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de Jonge H, Iamele L, Maggi M, Pessino G, Scotti C. Anti-Cancer Auto-Antibodies: Roles, Applications and Open Issues. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:813. [PMID: 33672007 PMCID: PMC7919283 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13040813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Revised: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Auto-antibodies are classically associated with autoimmune diseases, where they are an integral part of diagnostic panels. However, recent evidence is accumulating on the presence of auto-antibodies against single or selected panels of auto-antigens in many types of cancer. Auto-antibodies might initially represent an epiphenomenon derived from the inflammatory environment induced by the tumor. However, their effect on tumor evolution can be crucial, as is discussed in this paper. It has been demonstrated that some of these auto-antibodies can be used for early detection and cancer staging, as well as for monitoring of cancer regression during treatment and follow up. Interestingly, certain auto-antibodies were found to promote cancer progression and metastasis, while others contribute to the body's defense against it. Moreover, auto-antibodies are of a polyclonal nature, which means that often several antibodies are involved in the response to a single tumor antigen. Dissection of these antibody specificities is now possible, allowing their identification at the genetic, structural, and epitope levels. In this review, we report the evidence available on the presence of auto-antibodies in the main cancer types and discuss some of the open issues that still need to be addressed by the research community.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Claudia Scotti
- Unit of Immunology and General Pathology, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (H.d.J.); (L.I.); (M.M.); (G.P.)
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Cennamo M, La Civita E, Curci A, Liotti A, Braschi U, Terracciano D. Comparison between a new thyroglobulin assay with the well-established Beckman Access immunoassay: A preliminary report. J Clin Lab Anal 2020; 35:e23589. [PMID: 32951246 PMCID: PMC7891525 DOI: 10.1002/jcla.23589] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Measurement of serum thyroglobulin (Tg) plays a key role in the post-thyroidectomy management of differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC). In this context, the performance of new-generation thyroglobulin assay has clinical implications in the follow-up of DTC patients. Aim of this study was to compare the new highly sensitive Liaison Tg II (Tg-L) with the well-established Tg Access assay (Tg-A). MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 91 residual serum samples (23 positive and 68 negatives for Tg auto-antibodies) were tested by the Beckman Access and Diasorin Liaison assays. Study samples were from 21 patients with pathologically proven DTC and control samples from 70 (16 patients with benign thyroid disease and 54 apparently healthy subjects). RESULTS Our results showed that Tg-L was highly correlated with Tg-A for both values ranging between 0.2 and 50 ng/mL (Pearson's r = 0.933 [95%CI 0.894-0.958], P < .001) and higher than 50 ng/mL (Pearson's r = 0.849 [95%CI 0.609-0.946], P < .001). For Tg values lower than 0.2 ng/mL, the overall concordance rate was 92%. Moreover, we tested 7 fine-needle aspiration washout fluids (FNA), showing an overall concordance rate in discriminating negative and positive of 100%. Finally, we found no interference by Tg auto-antibodies (TgAbs) for both Tg-L and Tg-A. Conversely, rheumatoid factor (RF) interferes with Tg-A, but not with Tg-L in one patient with no relapsing thyroid carcinoma. CONCLUSIONS Liaison Tg II demonstrated a good correlation with Access Tg assay both for sera and FNAs. Further studies on larger population are needed to evaluate Tg-L clinical impact on DTC patient's follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Cennamo
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Evelina La Civita
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Anna Curci
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Antonietta Liotti
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Umberto Braschi
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Daniela Terracciano
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
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Albano D, Tulchinsky M, Dondi F, Mazzoletti A, Lombardi D, Bertagna F, Giubbini R. Thyroglobulin doubling time offers a better threshold than thyroglobulin level for selecting optimal candidates to undergo localizing [ 18F]FDG PET/CT in non-iodine avid differentiated thyroid carcinoma. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging 2020; 48:461-468. [PMID: 32794104 PMCID: PMC7835169 DOI: 10.1007/s00259-020-04992-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the potential role of serum thyroglobulin doubling time (TgDT) in predicting 2-deoxy-2-[18F]fluoro-D-glucose ([18F]FDG) PET/CT results in patients affected by differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) who demonstrated a combination of positive Tg but a negative [131I] whole-body scan ([131I]-WBS). MATERIALS AND METHODS Inclusion criteria were (1) prior [131I] treatment for DTC, (2) negative subsequent [131I]-WBS, (3) no interfering anti-Tg antibodies, (4) three consecutive Tg measurements under the thyroid hormone replacement therapy to calculate TgDT before 2-[18F]FDG PET/CT, and (5) at least 6 months of clinical and/or imaging follow-up to ascertain the diagnosis. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and the area under the curve (AUC) were used to identify the optimal cutoff point for the last stimulated Tg and TgDT prior to [18F]FDG PET/CT. RESULTS One hundred and thirteen patients were included. Seventy-four (65%) patients had positive [18F]FDG PET/CT for DTC recurrence, while the remaining 39 (35%) negative. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy of [18F]FDG PET/CT were 92%, 94%, 97%, 87%, and 93%. Patients with positive [18F]FDG PET/CT had higher Tg and TgDT than those with negative PET/CT. ROC curve analysis revealed an optimal Tg cutoff of 19 ng/mL (sensitivity 78%, specificity 85%, AUC = 0.844) and TgDT of 2.5 years (sensitivity 93%, specificity 87%, AUC = 0.911). TgDT threshold of 2.5 years predicted significantly (p = 0.023) better than Tg level PET/CT results. CONCLUSIONS The diagnostic performance of [18F]FDG PET/CT could be significantly improved when TgDT is less than or equal to 2.5 years, as compared with using the absolute Tg level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domenico Albano
- Nuclear Medicine, University of Brescia and Spedali Civili Brescia, P.le Spedali Civili 1, 25123, Brescia, Italy.
| | - Mark Tulchinsky
- Section of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Radiology, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Penn State Health, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Francesco Dondi
- Nuclear Medicine, University of Brescia and Spedali Civili Brescia, P.le Spedali Civili 1, 25123, Brescia, Italy
| | - Angelica Mazzoletti
- Nuclear Medicine, University of Brescia and Spedali Civili Brescia, P.le Spedali Civili 1, 25123, Brescia, Italy
| | - Davide Lombardi
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Francesco Bertagna
- Nuclear Medicine, University of Brescia and Spedali Civili Brescia, P.le Spedali Civili 1, 25123, Brescia, Italy
| | - Raffaele Giubbini
- Nuclear Medicine, University of Brescia and Spedali Civili Brescia, P.le Spedali Civili 1, 25123, Brescia, Italy
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Eilsberger F, Pfestroff A, Librizzi D, Luster M. [Follow-up of differentiated thyroid cancer]. Dtsch Med Wochenschr 2020; 145:1236-1244. [PMID: 32634842 DOI: 10.1055/a-1007-4121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The management of differentiated thyroid carcinoma has shown considerable changes in recent years, moving away from a fixed therapy regimen towards individual treatment strategies. The aim of our work (literature research) is to present current developments in the follow-up of differentiated thyroid cancer.For the management of individual follow-up, an initial evaluation and, at later time points, the re-evaluation of the risk of recurrence is crucial. The performance of I-131-diagnostics after radioiodine therapy can provide essential information and can be seen as a survey of a new baseline situation, in order to be able to draw a comparison in case of a rising Thyreoglobulin (Tg).The measurement of Tg with a highly sensitive assays shows a high negative predictive value. Negative Tg measurements with these assays seem to indicate complete remission even with Tg antibodies being present. An increasing Tg value in follow-up implies further diagnostic work-up, primarily neck ultrasonography. Sonographically suspicious findings should be subjected to fine needle biopsy, whereby in addition to cytological processing, determination of Tg from the sample can be recommended. If the suspicious lesion cannot be displayed sonographically and Tg values keep rising, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the neck region can provide further information. FDG-PET/CT has also shown an excellent performance in this setting.The previously fixed therapy regimen has been realigned towards an individual treatment management. Current studies and guidelines lead to a repetitive recurrence risk evaluation and the adjustment of the aftercare planning to the individual risks with appropriately selected examination methods and personalized intervals of assessment.
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Gambale C, Elisei R, Matrone A. Management and follow-up of differentiated thyroid cancer not submitted to radioiodine treatment: a systematic review. MINERVA ENDOCRINOL 2020; 45:306-317. [PMID: 32623845 DOI: 10.23736/s0391-1977.20.03240-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The treatment of differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) has been changing. In low (LR) and intermediate (IR) risk DTC, surgery is becoming more conservative and the usefulness of radioiodine (131I) has been questioned. An increasing number of patients are treated with lobectomy or total thyroidectomy (TTx), but without 131I. Consequently, the management and the follow-up of these patients need to be revised. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION We reviewed the available data about the management of these growing categories of patients. We focused on the emerging roles of the conventional tools in the follow-up [thyroglobulin (Tg), thyroglobulin antibodies (TgAb) and neck ultrasound (US)]. Moreover, we evaluated the changes in the use of levothyroxine (L-T4) therapy, and the role of the ongoing risk re-stratification. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS Tg, TgAb and neck US continue to represent the cornerstone of the follow-up, however, a change in their interpretation is needed. In particular, the absolute value of Tg and TgAb lost their clinical meaning, while their trend over time acquired a greater value. At variance, the diagnostic role of neck US is becoming very relevant for the early identification of the local recurrences. In addition, L-T4 therapy should be personalized according with the type of surgery, the age of patients and their comorbidities. CONCLUSIONS Management of DTC treated with lobectomy or TTx but without 131I is worldwide changing. The evidences suggest that in this setting of patients with LR or IR of recurrences, a relaxed surveillance could represent the most reasonable choice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Gambale
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Rossella Elisei
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Antonio Matrone
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy -
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