Effect of Sentinel Node Biopsy in Clinically N0, BRAF V600E–Mutated, Small Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma: A Pilot Study

Sentinel node mapping in thyroid cancer: an overview

In this paper we describe the current status of sentinel node mapping (SNM) in thyroid tumors and its potential perspectives. SNM in thyroid cancer has been tested since the end of the twentieth century, mainly in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) and in medullary thyroid cancer (MTC). In PTC, it has been employed to find occult lymph node metastases in the central compartment of the neck as an alternative or indication for prophylactic dissection, by several methods. All of them have proven effective in spotting sentinel nodes, but the results have been somewhat diminished by uncertainty about the clinical significance of occult metastases in differentiated thyroid cancer. SNM in MTC has also been used to find occult lymph node metastases in the lateral compartments of the neck, also with excellent results hindered by a similar doubt about the real clinical significance of MTC micrometastases. Well designed, adequately sized randomized controlled trials are lacking, so SNM in thyroid tumors remains an interesting yet experimental methodology. New technology is emerging that could facilitate such studies, which could add solid information about the clinical significance of occult neck metastases in thyroid cancer.

Sentinel lymph node detection in thyroid carcinoma using 68Ga-tilmanocept PET/CT: a proof-of-concept study protocol

Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is a diagnostic staging procedure. The procedure aims to identify the first draining lymph node(s), which are most likely to contain metastases. SLNB is applied in various cancers, but not currently in thyroid carcinoma. However, treatment strategies are changing, making SLNB clinically relevant. SLNB may lead to more accurate staging, prevent unnecessary treatment and help achieve earlier curation. 68Ga-tilmanocept PET/computed tomography (CT) can better localize sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) near the primary tumor than planar scintigraphy and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)/CT. This paper describes the rationale and design of a study investigating SLNB using 68Ga-tilmanocept PET/CT and indocyanine-green-99mTc-nanocolloid in ten differentiated and medullary thyroid carcinoma patients. Localization and number of SLNs, pathology result, optimal scan protocol, surgical time and surgeon's experience are examined. Clinical Trial Registration: 2021-002470-42 (EudraCT).

Continuing controversy regarding individualized surgical decision-making for patients with 1-4 cm low-risk differentiated thyroid carcinoma: A systematic review

Implementing high-quality randomized controlled trials is difficult for patients with 1-4 cm low-risk differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC). Controversy exists regarding whether lobectomy (LT) or total thyroidectomy (TT) is the optimal surgical approach over the short term and long term. Inconsistent recommendations have led to confusion amongst surgeons. Consequently, the outcomes of patients may be influenced. A great deal of new literature is published monthly, and there have been numerous studies supporting both LT and TT. Surgeons must spend considerable time and energy clarifying why controversy exists and which studies should be used as references. We selected 19 recent guidelines/consensuses for surgical approach in treating of 1-4 cm DTC. This study presents various topics relevant to the present debate, including disease-specific survival (DSS), persistence/recurrence, and complications between LT and TT, in patients with 1-4 cm low-risk DTC. This review includes a discussion of the background of those recommendations with regard to various medical, cultural and geographic environments. Additionally, recent technologies and future directions for current issues in risk identification were integrated into the review to provide a reference for individualized decision-making for patients with 1-4 cm low-risk DTC. Given different national conditions, there are different points of emphasis amongst the guidelines. Consideration of surgical approach should consider the character of both surgeons and patients. We should balance the relative benefits, risks and resulting quality of life in order to perform individualized surgical decision-making, and to make reasonable decisions in employing either TT or LT.

Prophylactic lymph node dissection in clinically N0 differentiated thyroid carcinoma: example of personalized treatment

Considering the 'differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) epidemic', the indolent nature of DTC imposes a treatment paradigm shift toward elimination of recurrence. Lymph node metastases in cervical compartments, encountered in 20-90% of DTC, are the main culprit of recurrent disease, affecting 5-30% of patients. Personalized risk-stratified cervical prophylactic lymph node dissection (PLND) at initial thyroidectomy in DTC with no clinical, sonographic or intraoperative evidence of lymph node metastases (clinically N0) has been advocated, though not unanimously. The present review dissects the controversy over PLND. Weighing the benefit yielded from PLND up against the PLND-related morbidity is so far hampered by the inconsistent profit yielded by PLND and the challenging patient selection. Advances in tailoring PLND are anticipated to empower optimal patient care.