Extent of surgery for papillary thyroid cancer is not associated with survival: an analysis of 61,775 patients

Children and adolescents with differentiated thyroid cancer from 1998 to 2018: a retrospective analysis

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to investigate the clinical features of differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) in children and adolescents under 18 years and assess the impact of surgery combined with thyroid hormone and radioactive iodine (RAI) on their prognosis.

METHODS

A retrospective observational study was conducted, involving children/adolescents with DTC who underwent surgery at the Head and Neck Department of Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital from January 1998 to December 2018.

RESULTS

Among 198 patients, 130 (65.7 %) were female. According to the American Thyroid Association guidelines, cases were categorized as low (106, 53.5 %), intermediate (54, 27.3 %), and high (38, 19.2 %) risk. The follow-up duration ranged from 3 to 23 years. Local recurrence and distant metastasis were identified in 21 (10.6 %) and 14 (7.1 %) cases, respectively. All patients received levothyroxine, while RAI therapy was administered to intermediate- and high-risk patients. The local recurrence and distant metastasis rates in these two groups were 33.3 and 39.5 %, respectively, with no recurrence or metastasis in the low-risk group. Persistent without structural evidence of disease were 0.9, 3.7, and 26.3 % at end of follow-up for the low-, intermediate-, and high-risk groups, respectively. The overall survival rates for all three groups were 100 %, while disease-free survival rates were 99.1, 63.0, and 34.2 % for the low-, intermediate-, and high-risk groups, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Children/adolescents with low-risk DTC exhibited a favorable prognosis even without RAI. However, intermediate- and high-risk DTC patients, despite RAI and levothyroxine treatment, showed elevated rates of persistent disease, local recurrence, and distant metastasis.

A prediction model based on random survival forest analysis of the overall survival of elderly female papillary thyroid carcinoma patients: a SEER-based study

OBJECTIVE

Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is a common malignancy whose incidence is three times greater in females than in males. The prognosis of ageing patients is poor. This research was designed to construct models to predict the overall survival of elderly female patients with PTC.

METHODS

We developed prediction models based on the random survival forest (RSF) algorithm and traditional Cox regression. The data of 4539 patients were extracted from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Twelve variables were analysed to establish the models. The C-index and the Brier score were selected to evaluate the discriminatory ability of the models. Time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were also drawn to evaluate the accuracy of the models. The clinical benefits of the two models were compared on the basis of the DCA curve. In addition, the Shapley Additive Explanations (SHAP) plot was used to visualize the contribution of the variables in the RSF model.

RESULTS

The C-index of the RSF model was 0.811, which was greater than that of the Cox model (0.781). According to the Brier score and the area under the ROC curve (AUC), the RSF model performed better than the Cox model. On the basis of the DCA curve, the RSF model demonstrated fair clinical benefit. The SHAP plot showed that age was the most important variable contributing to the outcome of PTC in elderly female patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The RSF model we developed performed better than the Cox model and might be valuable for clinical practice.

Management of Small Papillary Thyroid Cancers

Thyroid cancer is the most common endocrine malignancy. With increasing imaging utilization, there has been an increase in the recognition of small, indolent cancers that would otherwise go undiagnosed. Historically, the surgical recommendation for all patients with thyroid cancer was a total thyroidectomy. However, over the last 20 years, there have been numerous studies evaluating the de-escalation of interventions for low-risk thyroid cancers, transitioning from total thyroidectomy to thyroid lobectomy or active surveillance when indicated. Here, we review the current literature and recommendations with each of these treatment options.

Changes in Thyroglobulin Antibody Levels in Differentiated Thyroid Cancer Patients After Thyroidectomy: A Retrospective Study in Basrah, Iraq

INTRODUCTION

Differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC), the most common endocrine malignancy is subdivided into papillary (the most common) and follicular type. Generally, DTC has a good prognosis with standard treatments such as surgery and, in some cases, radioactive iodine (RAI). Post-treatment follow-up includes thyroglobulin (Tg) and anti-thyroglobulin antibody (TgAb) measurement and imaging to assess treatment success and detect recurrence. However, TgAb can interfere with Tg measurements, making it essential to measure TgAb at different times (months).  Aim of the study: The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in TgAb level in DTC patients after thyroidectomy and its association with recurrence.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study done at the Faiha Specialized Diabetes, Endocrine, and Metabolism Center (FDEMC), Basrah, Iraq, for individuals diagnosed with DTC between 2008 and 2023. The data collected were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 21.0 (Released 2012; IBM Corp., Armonk, New York, United States). The categories were classified according to the TgAb level as: (i) elevated (>115 IU/ml) and (ii) normal (<115 IU/ml), where TgAb levels measured at 0-6 months, 6-12 months, 24-36 months, 36-48 months, and beyond 48 months.

RESULTS

The mean age at diagnosis of the study population (n=108) was 40.15 years with a female-to-male ratio of 4:1. Among these individuals, 52.8% (n=57) were found to be obese. Total thyroidectomy was performed on 84.3% (n=91). Papillary thyroid cancer was diagnosed in 69.5% (n=75). TgAb levels were influenced by body mass index (BMI); higher BMI (>30kg/m2) was associated with less consistent TgAb normalization, particularly beyond 48 months (P = 0.04). The study found no significant differences in TgAb normalization based on gender, age, BMI, type of surgery, type of cancer, American Thyroid Association (ATA) risk of recurrence, or radioactive iodine (RAI) treatment.

CONCLUSION

 Factors including gender, age, type of surgery, type of cancer, ATA risk of recurrence, and RAI treatment did not significantly affect TgAb normalization in DTC individuals over the study period. However, higher BMI is associated with less consistent TgAb normalization in the long term.

Overexpression of FHL1 suppresses papillary thyroid cancer proliferation and progression via inhibiting Wnt/β-catenin pathway

PURPOSE

The four and a half LIM domain protein 1 (FHL1) has been found to act as a tumor suppressor in several cancers. However, the clinical and functional significance, as well as underlying molecular mechanisms of FHL1 in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) are largely unknown.

METHODS

Bioinformatics analyses, qRT-PCR and Western blotting were used to investigate the expression of FHL1 in PTC. Cell proliferation was measured using CCK8, Edu, colony formation, and flow cytometry assays. Cell migration and invasion were examined by wound healing and Transwell assays. qRT-PCR, Western blot, immunofluorescence and Top/Fop reporter assays were performed to assess the underlying mechanisms.

RESULTS

FHL1 expression was significantly downregulated in PTC. FHL1 downregulation negatively correlated with stage, T classification, and N classification of the patients. The downregulation of FHL1 is associated with poor prognosis. Overexpression of FHL1 inhibited PTC cells' proliferation, invasion, migration and Wnt/β-catenin pathway activity. LiCl partially restored the inhibitory effects of FHL1 on aggressive phenotypes and Wnt/β-catenin pathway activity of PTC cells.

CONCLUSION

FHL1 is downregulated in PTC and its expression is associated with better clinical outcomes for patients with the disease. FHL1 acts as a tumor suppressor via, at least partially, suppressing Wnt/β-catenin pathway.

[Endocrine oncology : An update on surgical treatments]

BACKGROUND

In the management of solid tumours, routine concepts are increasingly being transformed into individualized patient treatment. Endocrine surgery is traditionally characterized by resection strategies that are adapted to phenotype and genotype of the underlying disease. As complication rates in surgery correlate with the extent of resection, continuous efforts are made to identify selection criteria in order to limit the extent of surgery without compromising the oncological outcome. The aim is to design risk-stratified precision endocrine surgery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A search was carried out in PubMed for new and modern strategies and approaches for oncological endocrine surgery.

RESULTS

Several developments in surgical technique and technology, molecular pathology, medical therapy, and study data identify the potential to adapt the surgical strategy in all areas of endocrine surgery.

CONCLUSION

According to prevalent data, limited extent of resection in thyroid cancer surgery shows a reduction in complication rates while preserving oncological outcome when adequate selection criteria are implemented. New insights and innovative technologies also influence additional areas in oncological endocrine surgery for parathyroid, adrenal, and neuroendocrine neoplasia. However, the broad practice of these new concepts needs to be evaluated with regard to long-term oncological outcome.

Mapping the lymph node metastasis landscape: A bibliometric Odyssey of papillary thyroid carcinoma publications (2012-2022)

Objective

Lymph node metastasis in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) has become an area of great interest in the study of thyroid diseases. The aim of this study was to elucidate the research trends and impact of lymph node metastasis of PTC in the study of thyroid diseases through a comprehensive bibliometric analysis.

Methods

We conducted an extensive bibliometric review of the literature on lymph node metastasis in PTC using the Web of Science Core Database (WOSCC), which included approximately 3292 publications from 2012 to 2022. Data analysis and visualization were performed, using advanced bibliometric tools including VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and bibliometrix R software packages.

Results

A total of 3292 publications from 81 one countries were identified. The analysis showed a pattern of growth in the number of publications per year from 2012 to 2022, with China having the highest number of papers. Outstanding contributions were made by China, Korea, USA, Italy and Japan, with Thyroid being the most important journal. The author who published the most papers was Jingqiang Zhu. The institutions that published the most papers were Shanghai Jiao Tong University and Yonsei University. The analysis found that prognosis, recurrence, and ultrasound were the keywords with the highest frequency of occurrence in addition to those related to the title of this article.

Conclusion

Our bibliometric analysis outlines the current state of research on lymph node metastasis in PTC, highlighting significant contributions, trends, and future research directions.

Retroauricular endoscopic thyroidectomy: initial single-institution experiences

Conventional thyroidectomy often results in visible scarring postoperatively. Endoscopic thyroidectomy offers the advantage of scarless surgery, especially beneficial for young adult women. The retroauricular approach uses a facelift incision well-known among surgeons and eliminates the need for gas insufflation due to the large working space. An early retrospective analysis was conducted on thirty-one individuals who underwent gasless retroauricular endoscopic thyroidectomy approach, focusing on isthmolobectomies (n = 26) and lobectomies (n = 5), with one case necessitating conversion to open thyroidectomy, from January 2016 to April 2017. Physical examination, laboratory, and histopathology findings were collected. The scar was evaluated using the Vancouver Scale System, while other surgical and oncological outcomes were documented and assessed. The average operative time was 154.2 ± 21.3 min, with an average bleeding volume of 69.2 ± 52.1 mL. The average length of stay was 4.7 ± 2.2 days. All complications occurred were temporary and all subjects remained in good condition throughout the follow-up period. Most subjects (65.6%) were very satisfied with the scar concealed in the retroauricular area. Retroauricular endoscopic thyroidectomy is a safe and feasible remote access technique with excellent postoperative results.

Impaired Quality of Life in Patients with Post-Surgical Hypoparathyroidism

BACKGROUND

Hypoparathyroidism is characterized by chronic hypocalcemia with low or abnormal parathyroid hormone levels. Thyroid surgery remains a predominant cause of hypoparathyroidism, often preventable by partial thyroidectomy. Although hypoparathyroidism can impair quality of life (QOL), data remain limited for Latin America. We aimed to characterize clinical manifestations and QOL in patients with postsurgical hypoparathyroidism.

METHODS

This case-control study included patients (>18 years) who underwent total thyroidectomy (TT) for differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) with postsurgical hypoparathyroidism (Group 1, Cases) and those with DTC who underwent TT without postsurgical hypoparathyroidism (Group 2, Controls). Clinical records were collected, and the SF-36v2 QOL survey and a structured symptom survey were applied. A logistic multivariate regression analysis was performed.

RESULTS

This study included 106 subjects (Group 1, N=41; Group 2, N=65). Group 1 patients were younger, had a higher frequency of lymph node resection, and more frequently received Ι-131 than Group 2 patients (p<0.05). In the SF-36v2 survey, Group 1 had fewer physical-functioning scores (odds ratio, 3.8; 95% confidence interval, 1.2-11.7) and lower scores in mental and physical components than Group 2 and national records. Commonly reported symptoms include paresthesia, daily fatigue, and memory alterations. Treatment adherence rates were 56% and 71% for calcium and calcitriol, respectively. Furthermore, 24% of patients experienced one or more hypoparathyroidism drug-related adverse effects.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with postsurgical hypoparathyroidism had an impaired QOL, a high frequency of disease-associated symptoms, and limited treatment adherence. These results should be considered when deciding the best surgical alternative for DTC.

Follow-up and Outcomes of 186 Patients With Follicular Cell-Derived Thyroid Cancer Seen at a Referral Center by One Thyroidologist in 2015

OBJECTIVE

To study the profile, management, and outcomes of follicular cell-derived thyroid cancer (FCDTC) before publication of the 2016 American Thyroid Association guidelines recommending less-aggressive thyroid cancer procedures.

METHODS

Patients with FCDTC were seen by one thyroidologist at Mayo Clinic during the 2015 calendar year. Patients underwent surgical procedures for FCDTC in 2015 or earlier at Mayo Clinic or another institution. Follow-up data were collected from January 1, 2016, through July 20, 2022. Outcomes measured included tumor characteristics, treatment methods, adverse effects, diagnostic imaging methods, and primary tumor/metastasis status at the last follow-up.

RESULTS

Of 186 included patients, 85 had total or near-total thyroidectomy. Bilateral disease was present in 35.5% of these patients, and contralateral involvement would have been missed by lobectomy for 9 (10%) patients with low-risk thyroid cancer. Additionally, 57% had positive neck lymph nodes identified during their surgical procedure, 25% (21% in central compartment) of which were undetected by preoperative ultrasonography. At the last follow-up, 65.6% of patients had no evidence of disease and 10.7% had distant metastases.

CONCLUSION

This report outlines the profile and outcomes of patients with FCDTC who were treated at a referral center before the revised 2016 American Thyroid Association guidelines. Lobectomy for low-risk FCDTC may miss some cancer in the contralateral lobe. However, the clinical importance of these missed microcarcinomas is unclear. Preoperative ultrasonography effectively predicts lateral, but not central compartment, nodal metastases.

Gasless Single-Incision Endoscopic Surgery via Subclavicular Approach for Lateral Neck Dissection in Patients with Papillary Thyroid Cancer

BACKGROUND

The technical difficulties and trauma of remote access methods in endoscopic surgery (ES) for lateral neck dissection (LND) can be daunting for most patients with papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) and surgeons. The purpose of study was to introduce gasless single-incision ES via a subclavicular approach (ESSA) and to explore its safety and efficacy for LND.

METHODS

Between January 2022 and February 2023, we retrospectively reviewed 17 patients with PTC who underwent ESSA for LND. In addition, 22 patients who received video-assisted ES (VAES) and 48 patients who underwent open surgery (OP) for LND during the same period were included. Clinicopathological characteristics, complications, and efficacy of the lymph node yield (LNY) were compared between the ESSA and the other two groups (VAES and OP).

RESULTS

The LNY from central and lateral neck dissection by ESSA was comparable to that by VAES (9.2 ± 8.1 vs. 9.5 ± 4.2, P = 0.986, and 33.5 ± 11.6 vs. 30.6 ± 9.2, P = 0.382, respectively) and OP (9.2 ± 8.1 vs. 11.0 ± 5.4, P = 0.420, and 33.5 ± 11.6 vs. 31.5 ± 7.9, P = 0.383, respectively). Swallowing impairment scores at 1 and 3 months were significantly lower after ESSA than those after VAES (1.8 ± 1.0 vs. 3.0 ± 1.2, P = 0.003, and 0.9 ± 0.8 vs. 1.7 ± 0.8, P = 0.006, respectively). The cosmetic satisfaction rate 1 month after surgery was significantly higher in the ESSA group than that in the VAES group (100 vs. 31.8%, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

ESSA is a safe and minimally invasive procedure that provides a scarless cervical appearance and has good efficacy for LND. Therefore, ESSA may be a feasible choice for selected patients with N1b PTC with cervical cosmetic needs.

Current practice in intermediate risk differentiated thyroid cancer - a review

Although the overall prognosis for differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) is excellent, a subset of patients will experience disease recurrence or may not respond to standard treatments. In recent years, DTC management has become more personalized in order to enhance treatment efficacy and avoid unnecessary interventions.In this context, major guidelines recommend post-surgery staging to assess the risk of disease persistence, recurrence, and mortality. Consequently, risk stratification becomes pivotal in determining the necessity of postoperative adjuvant therapy, which may include radioiodine therapy (RIT), the degree of TSH suppression, additional imaging studies, and the frequency of follow-up.However, the intermediate risk of recurrence is a highly heterogeneous category that encompasses various risk criteria, often combined, resulting in varying degrees of aggressiveness and a recurrence risk ranging from 5 to 20%. Furthermore, there is not enough long-term prognosis data for these patients. Unlike low- and high-risk DTC, the available literature is contradictory, and there is no consensus regarding adjuvant therapy.We aim to provide an overview of intermediate-risk differentiated thyroid cancer, focusing on criteria to consider when deciding on adjuvant therapy in the current context of personalized approach, including molecular analysis to enhance the accuracy of patient management.

Excellent Response to Therapy Occurs for Most Patients With Thyroid Cancer Treated With Lobectomy

INTRODUCTION

American Thyroid Association (ATA) Guidelines for Management of Thyroid Nodules and Thyroid Cancer indicate that thyroid lobectomy (TL) or total thyroidectomy (TT) are appropriate surgery for low- and intermediate-risk well-differentiated thyroid carcinoma. We sought to determine outcomes of TL or TT by ATA response to therapy (RTT) classification.

METHODS

This is a single-institution retrospective cohort study of adults with unilateral suspicious or malignant thyroid nodules under 4 cm from January 2016 through December 2021. Our primary outcome was ATA RTT.

RESULTS

During the study period, 118 met inclusion criteria: 37 (31%) underwent TL and 81 (69%) TT. Of the TL patients, 7 (19%) underwent completion thyroidectomy. Response to therapy (RTT) was similar with TT versus TL: excellent response 56 (69%) versus 30 (81%), indeterminate response 20 (25%) versus 5 (14%), and biochemically incomplete response 5 (6%) versus 2 (5%), P = 0.20. There were no differences between the groups for age, sex, race or ethnicity, tumor size, histologic type, or complications. Thyroidectomy (TT) was associated with multiple nodules 47% versus 22% for TL (P = 0.009), bilateral nodules 43% versus 16% (P = 0.004), central neck lymph nodes removed median 3 (interquartile range [IQR] 1-8) versus 0 (IQR 0-2) P < 0.001, lymph node metastases median 0 (IQR 0-1) versus 0 (0-0) P = 0.02. Median follow-up was 32.5 mo (IQR 17-56 mo) and was similar between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with TL for well-differentiated thyroid carcinoma without high-risk features have an RTT similar to patients undergoing TT. In this cohort, 81% of patients treated with TL have not required additional intervention.

Dynamic risk assessment in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer

The current approach for patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma should be individualized according to the risk of recurrence, and this stratification could be used to identify the risk of persistent/recurrent disease in three scenarios: preoperatively, immediately postoperatively, and during long-term follow-up. The initial risk of recurrence will tailor the management of the patient in the preoperative and immediate postoperative settings, while the dynamic risk, which considers the responses to treatment, could guide the decision-making process for remnant ablation and long-term management.This review provides a summary of the existing information regarding the dynamic risk of recurrence and recommended management for patients with differentiated thyroid cancer. The application of this approach is essential to avoid unnecessary treatments for most patients who will have a favorable prognosis. On the other hand, it allows specific therapeutic interventions for those patients at high risk of recurrence. In the future, analysis of tumor biology and prospective studies will surely improve the accuracy of recurrence risk prediction.

Surgical management of low-risk papillary thyroid cancer in real life in Spain: a nationwide survey of endocrine neck surgeons and endocrinologists

BACKGROUND

The extent of surgery in patients with papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) is a subject of ongoing debate. We aimed to explore the attitude of Spanish specialists (endocrinologists, surgeons, and otolaryngologists) in real life on the surgical management of low-risk PTC.

METHODS

We designed an anonymous, web-based survey to inquire information regarding the preferences of interviewees for hemithyroidectomy (Hem), total thyroidectomy (TT) and prophylactic central neck dissection (pCND) in one standard patient with PTC and six clinical variants. We differentiated between small (1.1-2.5 cm) and large (2.6-4.0 cm) tumors.

RESULTS

A total of 278 valid responses were received and divided into two groups: group END (n = 135) and group SUR (n = 143, 101 general surgeons and 42 otolaryngologists). The preference for Hem was low in the standard patient and similar between both groups (40.6 vs 49.0%, NS). This preference decreased for tumors measuring 2.6-4.0 cm, multifocal, with risk location, family history of thyroid cancer, or history of irradiation, and increased in patients older than 65 years or with comorbidity. Preference for pCND ranged from 12.6-71.1% in the group END and from 22.4-65.0% in the group SUR, with few differences between the two. In multivariate analysis, being a high-volume specialist was associated with a lower preference for Hem, while having private practice was associated with a more favorable opinion of Hem.

CONCLUSION

The real clinical practice of Spanish specialists is far from what is recommended by the clinical guidelines in patients with low-risk PTC, especially among high-volume professionals.

Family history of malignant or benign thyroid tumors: implications for surgical procedure management and disease-free survival

Background

Current guidelines lack a standardized management for patients with family history of thyroid carcinoma (fTC),particularly benign thyroid neoplasm (fBTN). Our objective was to investigate the influence of various family histories on the selection of surgical approaches and disease-free survival (DFS).

Methods

A cohort study was conducted involving 2261 patients diagnosed with differentiated thyroid carcinoma including those with fTC (n=224), fBTN (n=122), and individuals without a family history of thyroid carcinoma (nfTC; n=1915). Clinicopathological characteristics were collected. DFS was estimated using Kaplan-Meier analysis and factors affecting DFS were identified using Cox proportional hazard model.

Results

Compared to nfTC, small tumor size, clinically lymph node-positive, extrathyroidal extension, vascular invasion, Hashimoto's disease and nodular goiter were more common in fTC and fBTN groups. They had lower T stage and a lower rate of good response to TSH suppression therapy but received more radioiodine therapy. It is worth noting that fTC is associated with male, bilateral and multifocal tumors, as well as central lymph node metastasis and distant metastasis. Both fTC (aHR = 2.45, 95% CI=1.11-5.38; P = 0.03) and fBTN (aHR = 3.43, 95% CI=1.27-9.29; P = 0.02) were independent predictors of DFS in patients who underwent lobectomy, but not total thyroidectomy. For 1-4 cm thyroid carcinomas with clinically node-negative, fTC was identified as an independent predictor, whereas fBTN was not.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that a family history, particularly of malignancy, is associated with a more aggressive disease. Family history does not affect the prognosis of patients who undergo total thyroidectomy, but it may increase the risk of postoperative malignant events in those who have a lobectomy. Additionally, it may be necessary to monitor individuals with a family history of benign thyroid neoplasms.

Outcomes of Patients with an Intermediate-Risk Group According to the Japanese Risk Classification of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma

BACKGROUND

The management of intermediate-risk group of papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) is still vague, particularly regarding whether or not total thyroidectomy, postoperative radioactive iodine ablation (RAI-a), and postoperative TSH suppression are mandatory.

METHODS

This retrospective study evaluated 680 PTC patients from 2010 to 2017, who were classified into the three risk groups as low, intermediate, and high-risk groups according to the criteria of the Japanese Association of Endocrine Surgeons (JAES) 2010 and underwent surgery according to the JAES guidelines. We retrospectively collected patient data for analyses of disease-free survivals in the intermediate-risk group patients.

RESULTS

We performed surgery on 680 PTC patients from 2010 to 2017. Of them, 297 were classified as the intermediate-risk group. DFS was not statistically significantly different in patients with/without total thyroidectomy and postoperative TSH suppression therapy. For RAI-a, DFS (95% confidence interval) at 3, 5, and 8 years were 93.2% (84.6 ~ 97.2), 81.6% (68,3 ~ 90.2), and 70.7% (51.4 ~ 84.6) in patients with postoperative RAI-a and 100%, 100%, and 100% in patients without postoperative RAI-a after total thyroidectomy, respectively. DFS of patients without RAI-a was superior to those with RAI-a (P < 0.0004). Multivariable analysis by stepwise selection method revealed that postoperative RAI-a was a risk factor with a hazard ratio of 5.69. (95% CI 1.998-16.21) (P = 0.001131).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study did not show the efficacy of RAI-a in patients with intermediate-risk PTC. This study implies that judging the efficacy of adjuvant therapy such as RAI or TSh suppression in intermediate-risk patients is difficult.

Evolving variation in the extent of surgery for low-risk papillary thyroid cancer in the United States

BACKGROUND

The continued debate over total thyroidectomy versus lobectomy and declining favor for prophylactic central neck dissection for patients with clinically node-negative papillary thyroid cancer ≤4 cm is ongoing after the 2015 guideline updates from the American Thyroid Association. This study aimed to evaluate contemporary trends in the extent of surgery in this low-risk cohort.

METHODS

Retrospective data from the National Cancer Database were used to identify adult patients with clinically node-negative papillary thyroid cancer ≤4 cm who underwent resection from 2012 to 2020. The primary outcome was the extent of surgery (lobectomy or total thyroidectomy, with or without prophylactic central neck dissection). Multivariable regression was performed to identify characteristics associated with variation in the extent of surgery.

RESULTS

Of 83,464 included patients, 79.3% were female patients with a median age of 51 years. The majority underwent total thyroidectomy either with prophylactic central neck dissection (39.1%) or without (37.5%) versus lobectomy with prophylactic central neck dissection (7.2%) or without (16.2%). Lobectomy rates increased from 18.3% in 2012 to 29.9% in 2020. Prophylactic central neck dissection rates also increased (42.9% to 52.1%). Patients who were male sex, Asian American, had smaller tumors or were treated at community cancer programs had a decreased likelihood of total thyroidectomy. Patients who were older, male sex, Black race, with smaller tumors, or were treated at community cancer programs or mid- or low-volume facilities had decreased likelihood of prophylactic central neck dissection.

CONCLUSION

Proportional use rates of operative approaches for low-risk, clinically node-negative papillary thyroid cancer have changed in recent years after the American Thyroid Association guideline changes, including increasing overall rates of lobectomy as well as prophylactic central neck dissection, with differences noted based on patient- and facility-level factors.

Association between surgical extent and recurrence in unilateral intermediate- to high-risk papillary thyroid cancer

BACKGROUND

Guidelines recommend total thyroidectomy (TT) to facilitate radioactive ablation and serological follow-up for intermediate- to high-risk papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). However, the association between surgical extent and tumor recurrence in these patients has not been well validated. We aimed to examine the association between the extent of surgery and recurrence in patients with completely resected unilateral intermediate- to high-risk PTC.

METHODS

Patients with completely resected unilateral PTC from 2000 to 2017 in a single institute were reviewed. Those who had extrathyroidal extension (ETE) or lymph node metastasis (LNM, cN1 or pN1 > 5 lymph nodes involved) were included for analysis. Cox proportional hazards models were applied to measure the association between surgical extent and recurrence-free survival (RFS) while adjusting for patient demographic, clinicopathological and treatment variables.

RESULTS

A total of 4550 patients (mean[SD] age, 43.0[11.7] years; 3379 women[74.3%]) were included. Of these patients, 2262(49.7%), 656(14.4%), 1032(22.7%), and 600 (13.2%) underwent lobectomy, TT, lobectomy + neck dissection (ND) and TT + ND, respectively. With a median follow-up period of 68 months, after multivariate adjustment, lobectomy was associated with a compromised RFS compared with other surgical extents (HR[95%CI], TT 0.537[0.333-0.866], P = 0.011, lobectomy + ND 0.531[0.392-0.720] P < 0.0001, TT + ND 0.446[0.286-0.697] P < 0.0001). RFS was similar between the two extents with ND (lobectomy + ND, HR [95%CI], 1.196 [0.759-1.885], P = 0.440).

CONCLUSION

Lobectomy alone is associated with an elevated recurrence risk in patients with unilateral intermediate- to high-risk PTC compared with larger surgical extents. However, lobectomy and ND may provide similar tumor control compared with the conventional approach of TT and ND.

Reassessing surgical guidelines for papillary thyroid cancer impact on survival: Expanding indications for lobectomy

BACKGROUND

Comparisons of lobectomy versus total thyroidectomy for papillary thyroid cancer have not addressed significant threats to valid inference from observational data. The purpose of this study was to compare survival after lobectomy versus total thyroidectomy for papillary thyroid cancer while addressing bias from unmeasured confounding.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study included 84,300 patients treated with lobectomy or total thyroidectomy for papillary thyroid cancer in the National Cancer Database from 2004 to 2017. The primary outcome was overall survival evaluated by flexible parametric survival models and inverse probability weighting on the propensity score. Bias from unobserved confounding was assessed using two-way deterministic sensitivity analysis and 2-stage least squares regression.

RESULTS

The median age of treated patients was 48 years (interquartile range, 37-59), 78% were women, and 76% were white. We found no statistically significant differences in overall survival or 5- and 10-year survival between patients treated with lobectomy or total thyroidectomy. Additionally, we found no statistically significant difference in survival by subgroups, including tumor size (<4 cm or ≥4 cm), age (<65 or ≥65), or estimated risk of mortality. Sensitivity analyses suggested that an unmeasured confounder would need to have an extremely large effect to change the primary finding.

CONCLUSION

This is the first study to compare lobectomy and total thyroidectomy outcomes while adjusting for and quantifying the potential effects of unmeasured confounding variables on observational data. The findings suggest that total thyroidectomy is unlikely to offer a survival advantage over lobectomy regardless of tumor size, patient age, or overall risk of death.

Construction and validation of nomograms to reduce completion thyroidectomy by predicting lymph node metastasis in low-risk papillary thyroid carcinoma

CONTEXT

More than 5 central lymph nodes metastases (CLNM) or lateral lymph node metastasis (LLNM) indicates a higher risk of recurrence in low-risk papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) and may lead to completion thyroidectomy (CTx) in patients initially undergoing lobectomy.

OBJECTIVE

To screen potentially high-risk patients from low-risk patients by using preoperative and intraoperative clinicopathological features to predict lymph node status.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of 8301 PTC patients in Wuhan Union Hospital database (2009-2021) was performed according to the 2015 American Thyroid Association (ATA) and 2021 National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines, respectively. Logistic regression and best subsets regression were used to identify risk factors. Nomograms were established and externally validated using the Differentiated Thyroid Cancer in China cohort.

RESULTS

More than 5 CLNM or LLNM was detected in 1648 (19.9%) patients. Two predictive models containing age, gender, maximum tumor size, free thyroxine (FT4) and palpable node (all p < 0.05) were established. The nomogram based on NCCN criteria showed better discriminative power and consistency with a specificity of 0.706 and a sensitivity of 0.725, and external validation indicated that 76% of potentially high-risk patients could achieve preoperative conversion of surgical strategy.

CONCLUSIONS

Models based on large cohorts with good predictive performance were constructed and validated. Preoperative low-risk (T1-2N0M0) patients with age younger than 40 years, male gender, large tumor size, low FT4 and palpable nodes may be at high risk of LLNM or more than 5 CLNM, and they should receive more aggressive initial therapy to reduce CTx.

Eliciting Low-Risk Thyroid Cancer Treatment Preferences Using Clinical Vignettes: A Pilot Study

OBJECTIVE

While surgical resection has been the traditional standard treatment for small (≤1 cm), differentiated thyroid cancers, active surveillance (AS) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) are increasingly considered. The aim of this study was to explore patient preferences in thyroid cancer treatment using a series of clinical vignettes.

METHODS

Thyroid cancer survivors and general population volunteers were recruited to rank experience-driven clinical vignettes in order of preference. Rankings were compared using Wilcoxon signed rank. Formative qualitative methods were used to develop and refine clinical vignettes that captured 4 treatments-thyroid lobectomy (TL), total thyroidectomy (TT), AS, and RFA-along with 6 treatment complications. Content was validated via interviews with 5 academic subspecialists.

RESULTS

Nineteen volunteers participated (10 survivors, 9 general population). Treatment complications were ranked lower than uncomplicated counterparts in 99.0% of cases, indicating excellent comprehension. Counter to our hypothesis, among uncomplicated vignettes, median rankings were 1 for AS, 2 for RFA, 3.5 for TL, and 5 for TT. Trends were consistent between thyroid cancer survivors and the general population. AS was significantly preferred over RFA (P = .02) and TT (P < .01). Among surgical options, TL was significantly preferred over TT (P < .01).

CONCLUSION

When treatments for low-risk thyroid cancer are described clearly and accurately through clinical vignettes, patients may be more likely to choose less invasive treatment options over traditional surgical resection.

Hemithyroidectomy in Papillary Thyroid Cancers: A Prospective, Single Institutional Surgical Audit and Contemplating on the Clinical Implications of 2015 American Thyroid Association Guidelines

Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) contributes to 88% of thyroid malignancies and its extent of surgical management has been a topic of debate in the past 2 decades. American thyroid association (ATA) recommendations have been periodically updated for its robust and evidence-based management. We present our experience in implementing 2015 ATA guidelines, assessment of surgical outcomes of hemithyroidectomy in PTC ≤ 4 cm and contemplating on the potential clinical implications of 2015 ATA guidelines. A prospective study in a cohort of Bethesda class V and VI PTC with nodule ≤ 4 cm who underwent Hemithyroidectomy between 2012 and 2020. Data on thyroid nodule evaluation, management, histopathology and follow up were used for risk stratification. Of 37 patients, 27 (72.9%) were low risk and 10 (37%) were intermediate risk ATA group. 4 (40%) intermediate risk patients had structural incomplete response and underwent completion thyroidectomy. 1 (2.7%) out of 4 completion surgery patients required adjuvant radio-ablation iodine (RAI) and 3 patients were under surveillance. Overall, 2 (5.4%) of 37 patients, 1 each from low and intermediate groups were given remnant RAI in view of aggressive histology, old age and unwillingness for a completion surgery. During follow up of 4.94 ± 2.4 years, 35 (94.5%) showed excellent response and 2 (5.4%) showed biochemical incomplete response. The difference in RFS between two groups was statistically significant with p < 0.001. Thyroid preserving surgery combined with real time risk stratification seems appropriate for low and intermediate risk PTC ≤ 4 cm.

Thyroid cancer

The past 5-10 years have brought in a new era in the care of patients with thyroid cancer, with the introduction of transformative diagnostic and management options. Several international ultrasound-based thyroid nodule risk stratification systems have been developed with the goal of reducing unnecessary biopsies. Less invasive alternatives to surgery for low-risk thyroid cancer, such as active surveillance and minimally invasive interventions, are being explored. New systemic therapies are now available for patients with advanced thyroid cancer. However, in the setting of these advances, disparities exist in the diagnosis and management of thyroid cancer. As new management options are becoming available for thyroid cancer, it is essential to support population-based studies and randomised clinical trials that will inform evidence-based clinical practice guidelines on the management of thyroid cancer, and to include diverse patient populations in research to better understand and subsequently address existing barriers to equitable thyroid cancer care.

Recent Advances in the Surgical Management of Thyroid Cancer

A growing incidence of differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) has been reported in most developed countries, corresponding mainly to incidentally discovered small papillary thyroid carcinomas. Given the excellent prognosis of most patients with DTC, optimal therapeutic management, minimizing complications, and preserving patient quality of life are essential. Thyroid surgery has a central role in both the diagnosis, staging, and treatment of patients with DTC. Thyroid surgery should be integrated into the global and multidisciplinary management of patients with DTC. However, the optimal surgical management of DTC patients is still controversial. In this review article, we discuss the recent advances and current debates in DTC surgery, including preoperative molecular testing, risk stratification, the extent of thyroid surgery, innovative surgical tools, and new surgical approaches.

Thyroid Lobectomy for Low-Risk 1-4 CM Papillary Thyroid Cancer is not Associated with Increased Recurrence Rates in the Dutch Population with a Restricted Diagnostic Work-Up

INTRODUCTION

The 2015 American Thyroid Association guidelines recommend to de-escalate treatment such as Thyroid lobectomy instead of total thyroidectomy for 1-4 cm papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). Dutch guidelines endorse restricted work-up for thyroid incidentalomas recommending only fine needle aspiration in case of a 'palpable thyroid nodule'. This diagnostic work-up algorithm may result in the identification of less indolent PTCs and may lead to a patient population with relatively more aggressive PTCs. This study aims to retrospectively analyze recurrence rates of low-risk 1-4 cm PTC in the Netherlands.

METHODS

From the national cancer registry, patients with low-risk 1-4 cm PTC between 2005 and 2015 were included for analysis. Disease free survival (DFS) and overall survival were compared between patients who underwent TT ± RAI and TL without RAI. Post-hoc propensity score analysis was performed correcting for age, sex, T-stage, and N-stage.

RESULTS

In total 901 patients were included, of which 711 (78.9%) were females, with a median follow-up of 7.7 years. TT was performed in 893 (94.8%) patients. Recurrence occurred in 23 (2.6%) patients. Multivariable analysis showed no significant correlation between extent of surgery and DFS (p = 0.978), or overall survival (p = 0.590). After propensity score matching, multivariable analysis showed no significant difference on extent of surgery and recurrence.

CONCLUSION

Low-risk PTC patients with 1-4 cm tumor who underwent TL showed similar recurrence rates as those who underwent TT ± adjuvant RAI, which suggests that TL can be sufficient in treating low-risk 1-4 cm PTC, possibly reducing morbidity of these patients in the Netherlands.

Extent of Surgery for Follicular Thyroid Carcinoma

OBJECTIVES

To examine the association between the extent of surgery and overall survival in follicular thyroid cancer (FTC) patients.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective analysis of the National Cancer Database (NCDB).

METHODS

Patients who underwent surgical intervention for FTC from 2004 to 2015 were selected. Patients were >18 years old, with tumor size 1-4 cm, no other malignancies, and >0 follow up time. Patients were divided into two cohorts based on extent of surgery: lobectomy (≥1 lobe resected) and thyroidectomy (total or near total resection). Pearson's chi-squared analysis was used to compare cohorts. Kaplan-Meier survival and Cox hazards models were utilized to determine overall survival between two cohorts with p < 0.05 used for significance.

RESULTS

A total of 6871 patients were identified with FTC, of which 1507 patients underwent lobectomy and 5364 patients underwent total thyroidectomy. There were no significant differences in patient demographics, comorbidity index, local spread, or tumor grade. Patients undergoing lobectomy had mean survival of 12.94 versus 12.71 years for those undergoing thyroidectomy. Extent of surgery was not associated with a significant difference in survival (5 years OS = 96% in lobectomy and 95.5% in total thyroidectomy, p = 0.08). Stratification by tumor grade resulted in no significant difference in survival between lobectomy and thyroidectomy.

CONCLUSION

Survival time was not significantly different in patients with more extensive resection of FTC.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3 Laryngoscope, 133:993-999, 2023.

Outcomes and Trends of Treatments in High-Risk Differentiated Thyroid Cancer

OBJECTIVES

To analyze the variant-specific survival benefits and usage patterns of standardized treatment combinations of surgery (S), radioactive iodine ablation (RAI), and thyroid-stimulating hormone suppression therapy (THST) for high-risk differentiated thyroid cancer.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

National Cancer Database.

METHODS

The 2004-2017 National Cancer Database was queried for patients receiving definitive surgery for high-risk papillary, follicular, or Hurthle cell thyroid cancer. Cox proportional hazards and Kaplan-Meier analyses assessed for treatment-associated survival.

RESULTS

Of 21,076 cases, 18,214 underwent survival analysis with a mean ± SD age of 50.6 ± 17.1 years (71.3% female). When compared with surgery alone, S + RAI was associated with reduced mortality in papillary (hazard ratio [HR], 0.574; P < .001) and follicular (HR, 0.489; P = .004) thyroid cancer. S + RAI + THST was associated with reduced mortality in papillary (HR, 0.514; P < .001), follicular (HR, 0.602; P = .016), and Hurthle cell (HR, 0.504; P = .021) thyroid cancer. In papillary thyroid cancer, S + RAI (91.3%), S + THST (89.2%), and S + RAI + THST (92.7%) were associated with higher 5-year overall survival rates than surgery (85.4%, all P < .001). Papillary thyroid cancer treatments involving THST were associated with higher 5-year overall survival rates than corresponding regimens without THST (all P < .001). In follicular thyroid cancer, S + RAI (73.9%) and S + RAI + THST (78.7%) were associated with higher 5-year overall survival rates than surgery (65.6%, all P < .05). In Hurthle cell thyroid cancer, S + RAI (66.5%) and S + RAI + THST (73.4%) were associated with higher 5-year overall survival rates than surgery (53.7%, all P < .05). On linear regression, THST usage increased by 77.5% (R² = 0.944, P < .001), while RAI usage declined by 11.3% (R² = 0.320, P = .035).

CONCLUSIONS

High-risk differentiated thyroid cancer exhibited varying susceptibilities to different treatment combinations depending on histology, with greatest responses to regimens that included RAI. Physician practices have trended toward decreased RAI and increased THST usage.

Examining National Guideline Changes Association With Hemithyroidectomy Rates by Surgeon Volume

INTRODUCTION

The 2015 American Thyroid Association (ATA) guidelines established that hemithyroidectomy (HT) is an appropriate treatment for patients with low-risk thyroid cancer. HT rates increased since the ATA guidelines were released; however, the relationship between surgeon volume and the initial extent of surgery has not been established.

METHODS

A statewide database was used to identify patients with thyroid cancer who underwent initial thyroidectomy from 2013 to 2020. High-volume thyroid surgeons were defined as those who performed >25 thyroid procedures per year. A mixed-effect logistic model was used to compare low- and high-volume surgeons' initial extent of surgery pre-2015 and post-2015 ATA guidelines. Descriptive statistics were used to describe other surgical outcomes.

RESULTS

The analysis included 3199 patients with thyroid cancer who underwent initial thyroidectomy. Twenty-four surgeons (6%) were considered high-volume; they performed 48% (n = 1349) of the operations. After the 2015 ATA guidelines were released, the rate of HT increased significantly for low- (23% to 28%, P = 0.042) but not high-volume (19% to 23%, P = 0.149) surgeons. Low-volume surgeons had significantly higher rates of readmission (P = 0.008), re-operation (P = 0.030), complications (P < 0.001), and emergency room visits (P = 0.002) throughout the entire study period.

CONCLUSIONS

The publication of the 2015 ATA guidelines was associated with a significant increase in HT rates, primarily in low-volume thyroid surgeons. While low-volume surgeons began performing more HTs, they continued to have higher rates of readmission, reoperations, complications, and emergency room visits than high-volume surgeons.

Risk staging with prophylactic unilateral central neck dissection in low-risk papillary thyroid carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

Current guidelines favor thyroid lobectomy for intrathyroidal cT1bT2cN0 papillary thyroid carcinoma. Prophylactic neck dissection (PND) is not recommended for these low-risk tumors due to the lack of high-level evidence on improvement in outcomes, but the information from PND may be used for staging. The aim of this study was to evaluate the rate of upstaging with ipsilateral PND.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Retrospective study of patients with intrathyroidal unifocal cT1bT2cN0 papillary thyroid carcinoma from 2008 to 2021. All patients underwent total thyroidectomy and PND. Tumors were classified as low or intermediate risk based on the information from pathological analysis of the primary tumor and then from adding the analysis of the lymph nodes. The difference between the tumor-only and the PND-added risk staging was evaluated.

RESULTS

Three hundred three patients (241 women, median age 45, median tumor size 17 mm) were included. Microscopic extrathyroidal extension was found in 23.4%, aggressive histology in 6.6%, vascular invasion in 29.3%, and lymph node metastases in 37.3%. One hundred ten patients (36.3%) were intermediate-risk based on the primary tumor. An additional 26 (8.6%) were upstaged to intermediate-risk based on the ipsilateral PND and 2% based on the contralateral PND. Kaplan-Meier 10-year event-free survival in tumors upstaged with ipsilateral PND was not statistically different from intermediate-risk tumors based on the primary tumor characteristics (92% versus 90.9%, Log Rank p = 0.943).

CONCLUSIONS

Ipsilateral PND upstaged low-risk cT1bT2cN0 patients to intermediate risk in only 8.6% of cases, and contralateral PND in an additional 2%. Routinely performing PND may not be warranted.

Lobo-isthmectomy in the management of differentiated thyroid cancer

We have recently witnessed a rapid increase in the incidence of differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC), particularly low and very low-risk papillary thyroid carcinoma. Simultaneously, the number of cancer-related deaths has remained stable for more than 30 years. Such an indolent nature and long-term survival prompted researchers and experts to an ongoing discussion on the adequacy of DTC management to avoid, on the one hand, the overtreatment of low-risk cases and, on the other hand, the undertreatment of highly aggressive ones.The most recent guidelines of the American Thyroid Association (ATA GL) moved primary thyroid surgery in DTC towards a less aggressive approach by making lobectomy an option for patients with intrathyroidal low-risk DTC tumors up to 4 cm in diameter without evidence of extrathyroidal extension or lymph node metastases. It was one of the key changes in DTC management proposed by the ATA in 2015.Following the introduction of the 2015 ATA GL, the role of thyroid lobectomy in DTC management has slowly become increasingly important. The data coming from analyses of the large databases and retrospective studies prove that a less extensive surgical approach, even if in some reports it was related to a slight increase of the risk of recurrence, did not show a negative impact on disease-specific and overall survival in T1T2N0M0 low-risk DTC. There is no doubt that making thyroid lobectomy an option for low-risk papillary and follicular carcinomas was an essential step toward the de-escalation of treatment in thyroid carcinoma.This review summarizes the current recommendations and evidence-based data supporting the necessity of de-escalation of primary thyroid surgery in low-risk DTC. It also discusses the controversies raised by introducing new ATA guidelines and tries to resolve some open questions.

Is There a Role for Molecular Testing for Low-Risk Differentiated Thyroid Cancer? A Cost-Effectiveness Analysis

Molecular testing for thyroid nodules has been rapidly developed in recent years, aiming to predict the presence of malignancy and aggressive features. While commonly utilized to predict malignancy, its role in guiding the management approach is still developing. The high cost of genetic tests and long-term sequences of thyroid cancer is limiting to real-life studies. Objective: To evaluate the cost effectiveness of molecular testing for low-risk differentiated thyroid cancer (lrDTC). Methods: We developed a Markovian decision tree model of a simulated lrDTC cohort, comparing two management strategies: (I) Conducting genetic tests (GT)-patients are stratified into three risk groups for distant metastasis by the identified molecular markers: low-, intermediate- and high-risk molecular profile; followed by management accordingly: patients with low-risk will undergo hemithyroidectomy (HT), patients with intermediate-risk will undergo total thyroidectomy (TT), and high-risk patients will undergo TT with central neck dissection; (II) Without genetic tests (wGT)-all patients will undergo HT according to the ATA recommendations for lrDTC. Outcomes were measured as quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) and costs of each strategy. Results: GT was found as cost effective, leading to a gain of 1.7 QALYs with an additional cost of $327 per patient compared to wGT strategy. This yielded an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of $190 per QALY. Sensitivity analysis demonstrated robust results across the variables' ranges. The most impactful variable was the benefit from performing TT rather than HT for intermediate to high-risk patients. Conclusions: Our model found that molecular testing for lrDTC is cost-effective, allowing tailored management according to the patient's personal risk level reflected in the genetic profile, hence improving outcomes.

Comparison of surgical strategies in the treatment of low-risk differentiated thyroid cancer

CONTEXT

Increasing diagnostic sensitivity in the detection of thyroid cancer has led to uncertainties in the optimal surgical approach of the smaller, low risk tumors. Current ATA guidelines consider lobectomy safe between 1 and 4 cm, while ETA advocates for primary total thyroidectomy to avoid reoperation, as final risk stratification is based on the histological results.

OBJECTIVE

Our aim was to compare the differences in outcomes that are potentially achievable with adherence to the different guidelines, and also to examine the predictive value of clinical parameters on the incidence of postoperative risk factors.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective cohort database analysis to identify the different surgical outcomes (based on postoperative risk factors) using ATA and ETA guidelines; the hypothetical rate of completion thyroidectomy when ATA or ETA recommends lobectomy; the accuracy of our preoperative evaluation; the utility of preoperative findings in predicting the optimal surgical strategy using binary logistic regression.

RESULTS

Out of 248 patients, 152 (ATA) and 23 (ETA) cases would have been recommended for initial lobectomy. Following the guidelines, a postoperative risk factor would have been present in 61.8, and 65.2% of the cases, respectively. Except for angioinvasion, tumor size was not a significant predictor for the presence of postoperative risk factors.

CONCLUSION

Current pre-operative criteria are inadequate to accurately determine the extent of initial surgery and our postoperative findings verify the frequent need for completion thyroidectomy using both guidelines. As a consequence, in the absence of effective pre-operative set of criteria, we advocate primary total thyroidectomy in most cases.

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.

What do patients want to know about surgery for low-risk thyroid cancer? A qualitative study

BACKGROUND

Shared decision-making about treatment for low-risk thyroid cancer requires patients and surgeons to work together to select treatment that best balances risks and expected outcomes with patient preferences and values. To participate, patients must be activated and ask questions. We aimed to characterize what topics patients prioritize during treatment decision-making.

METHODS

We identified substantive questions by patients with low-risk (cT1-2, N0) thyroid cancer during audio-recorded consultations with 9 surgeons at 2 unique health care systems. Logistics questions were excluded. Qualitative content analysis was used to identify major themes among patients' questions and surgeon responses.

RESULTS

Overall, 28 of 30 patients asked 253 substantive questions, with 2 patients not asking any substantive questions (median 8, range 0-25). Patients were 20 to 71 years old, mostly White (86.7%) and female (80.0%). The questions addressed extent of surgery, hormone supplementation, risk of cancer progression, radioactive iodine, and etiology of thyroid cancer. When patients probed for a recommendation regarding extent of surgery, surgeons often responded indirectly. When patients asked how surgery could impact quality of life, surgeons focused on oncologic benefits and surgical risk. Patients commonly asked about hormone supplementation and radioactive iodine.

CONCLUSION

Patient questions focused on the decision regarding extent of surgery, quality of life, and nonsurgical aspects of thyroid cancer care. Surgeon responses do not consistently directly answer patients' questions but focus on the risks, benefits, and conduct of surgery itself. These findings suggest an opportunity to help surgeons with resources to improve shared decision-making by providing information that patients prioritize.

[Hemithyroidectomy or total thyroidectomy for low-risk papillary thyroid cancer? : Surgical criteria for primary and secondary choice of treatment in an interdisciplinary treatment concept]

The increase in small intrathyroid papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) observed worldwide over the past two decades, with no increase in cancer-specific mortality, has challenged the previous concept of total thyroidectomy as a one-size-fits-all panacea. After exclusion of papillary microcarcinomas, a systematic review of 20 clinical studies published since 2002, which compared hemithyroidectomy (HT) to total thyroidectomy (TT), found comparable long-term oncological outcomes for low-risk papillary thyroid cancer (LRPTC) 1-4 cm in diameter, whereas postoperative complication rates were markedly lower for HT. To refine individual treatment plans, HT should be combined with ipsilateral central lymph node dissection and intraoperative frozen section analysis for staging. Based on recent evidence from studies and in consideration of individual risk factors, patients with LRPTC can be offered the concept of HT as an alternative to the standard TT. A prerequisite for the treatment selection and decision is a comprehensive patient clarification of the possible advantages and disadvantages of both approaches.

Differentiated thyroid carcinoma: An update

Differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) is the most common endocrine cancer. Particularly the incidence of small clinically indolent tumors has been increasing significantly during the last decades because of increased diagnostic scrutiny, while the DTC-related mortality remained unchanged. In light of the increased awareness of the significant risk of detecting clinically indolent tumors and the potential harm and burden associated with overly diagnosis and the treatment, the approach towards management of DTC recently underwent a critical appraisal. The focus lays on reducing the unnecessary burden for patients with very low risk DTC and the correct identification of those who require treatment that is more intensive and/or follow-up. Management of DTC includes a range of different modalities, making multidisciplinary collaboration expedient. In this review, we elaborate on the recent developments in diagnosis, staging and management of DTC with specific focus on the more individualized risk assessment-based approach.

The relative importance of treatment outcomes to surgeons' recommendations for low-risk thyroid cancer

BACKGROUND

The treatment of low-risk thyroid cancer is controversial. We evaluated the importance of treatment outcomes to surgeons' recommendations.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey asked thyroid surgeons for their treatment recommendations for a healthy 45-year-old patient with a solitary, low-risk, 2-cm papillary thyroid cancer. The importance of the 10 treatment outcomes (survival, recurrence, etc.) to their recommendation was evaluated using constant sum scaling, a method where 100 points are allocated among the treatment outcomes; more points indicate higher importance. The distribution of points was compared between surgeons recommending total thyroidectomy and surgeons recommending lobectomy using Hottelling's T2 test.

RESULTS

Of 165 respondents (74.3% response rate), 35.8% (n = 59) recommended total thyroidectomy and 64.2% (n = 106) lobectomy. The importance of the 10 treatment outcomes was significantly different between groups (P < .05). Surgeons recommending total thyroidectomy were most influenced by the risk of recurrence (19.1 points; standard deviation 16.5) and rated this 1.6-times more important than those recommending lobectomy. Conversely, surgeons recommending lobectomy placed high emphasis on need for hormone replacement (14.3 points; standard deviation 15.4), rating this 3.1-times more important than those recommending total thyroidectomy.

CONCLUSION

Surgeons who recommend total thyroidectomy and those who recommend lobectomy differently prioritize the importance of cancer recurrence and thyroid hormone replacement. Understanding how surgeons' beliefs influence their recommendations is important for ensuring patients receive treatment aligned with their values.

Surgical management of T1/T2 node-negative papillary thyroid cancer with tall cell histology: Is lobectomy enough?

BACKGROUND

The tall cell variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma has traditionally been treated more aggressively than classic papillary thyroid carcinoma. However, this may not be justified in patients with T1/T2 tall cell variant node-negative tumors.

METHODS

We evaluated well-differentiated thyroid cancers treated surgically between 1985 and 2015 at our institution. We compared patients undergoing lobectomy for node-negative T1/T2 tall cell variant tumors with the same cohort with classic papillary thyroid carcinoma. Patients who underwent early planned completion thyroidectomy were excluded. Tall cell variant tumors were defined as those with ≥30% tall cells. Survival and recurrence outcomes were determined by the Kaplan-Meier method and groups compared using the log-rank test.

RESULTS

Thyroid lobectomy was performed for T1/T2 N0X disease in 70 (15%) tall cell cases and 429 (23%) classic papillary thyroid carcinoma cases. There was no significant difference in 10-year overall survival (P = .56) or locoregional recurrence-free probability (P = .52). Disease-specific survival and local or central nodal recurrence-free probability were 100% in both groups. In 9 papillary thyroid carcinoma cases, subsequent contralateral lobe tumors developed, and in 5, lateral neck metastases developed. No recurrences were seen in the tall cell group.

CONCLUSION

T1 node-negative tumors with tall cell histology can be satisfactorily managed with thyroid lobectomy, with equivalent oncological outcomes to classic papillary thyroid carcinoma.

Comparison of Lobectomy vs Total Thyroidectomy for Intermediate-Risk Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma With Lymph Node Metastasis

Importance

Surgical treatment of patients with papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) by either lobectomy or total thyroidectomy (TT) has long been a topic of debate, especially for patients with intermediate-risk PTC.

Objective

To compare recurrence-free survival (RFS) for patients with PTC and lymph node metastasis after lobectomy vs TT.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This retrospective cohort study included a review of patients with PTC treated from January 1, 2000, to December 31, 2017. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed between patients treated with lobectomy and TT. This study involved a single institute in a cancer referral center. Enrolled were adult patients (aged 18-75 years) with unilateral PTC and ipsilateral clinical lateral neck metastasis (cN1b). Patients with the following characteristics were excluded: a lymph node yield less than 20, primary tumor size greater than 4 cm, gross extrathyroidal extension, metastatic lymph node size greater than 3 cm, and distant metastasis. Data analysis was performed from April 1 to April 30, 2022.

Exposures

Lobectomy and TT.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was the association between extent of surgery and RFS, assessed using Cox proportional hazards regression models.

Results

A total of 946 patients with PTC (mean [SD] age, 37.0 [12.1] years, 630 female individuals [66.6%]) were analyzed. Lobectomy (624 [66.0%]) was negatively correlated with the frequencies of older age (≥65 years, 17 [2.7%]), female sex (393 [63.0%]), multifocality (132 [21.2%]), minor extrathyroidal extension (259 [41.5%]), number of metastatic lymph nodes (median [range], 9 [6-14] nodes), and radioactive iodine ablation (0). After PSM with treatment period and potential prognostic factors (age, sex, primary tumor size, multifocality, minor extrathyroidal extension, number of lymph node metastases and lymph node ratio), 265 pairs of patients were available for analysis. After a median (range) follow-up of 60 (9-150) months in the lobectomy group and 58 (8-161) months in the TT group, 21 (7.9%) and 17 (6.4%) structural recurrences were identified in the lobectomy and TT groups, respectively. Lobectomy was not associated with significantly compromised 5-year RFS rate (lobectomy, 92.3% vs TT, 93.7%; adjusted hazard ratio, 1.10; 95% CI, 0.58-2.11; P = .77). Power analysis indicated that the test had 90% power to detect a more than 4.9% RFS difference. No significant difference in RFS was observed between patients treated with TT and radioactive iodine ablation (n = 75) and their counterparts (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.14-2.41; P = .46).

Conclusions and Relevance

Results of this cohort study suggest that patients with PTC and lymph node metastasis had a similar RFS after lobectomy vs those who had TT. If radioactive iodine ablation is not going to be performed, lobectomy may be an effective alternative option.

Advances in Endocrine Surgery

Recent changes in the landscape of endocrine surgery include a shift from total thyroidectomy for almost all patients with papillary thyroid cancer to the incorporation of thyroid lobectomy for well-selected patients with low-risk disease; minimally invasive parathyroidectomy with, and potentially without, intraoperative parathyroid hormone monitoring for patients with well-localized primary hyperparathyroidism; improvement in the management of parathyroid cancer with the incorporation of immune checkpoint blockade and/or targeted therapies; and the incorporation of minimally invasive techniques in the management of patients with benign tumors and selected secondary malignancies of the adrenal gland.

Pathological multifocality is not a prognosis factor of papillary thyroid carcinoma: a single-center, retrospective study

INTRODUCTION

Non-total thyroidectomy (non-TTx) is a widely accepted operative procedure for low-risk papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). PTC patients preoperatively diagnosed with unifocal disease are often revealed as having multifocal foci by microscopy. The present study determined whether or not patients with clinically unifocal, but pathologically multifocal non-high-risk PTC treated with non-TTx have an increased risk of a poor prognosis compared to those with pathologically unifocal PTC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

PTC patients diagnosed as unifocal preoperatively who underwent non-TTx were multifocal in 61 and unifocal in 266 patients microscopically. Oncologic event rates were compared between pathologically multifocal and unifocal PTC patients.

RESULTS

Pathological multifocality was associated with positive clinical lymph node metastasis (cN1) (odds ratio [OR] 4.01, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.91-8.04) and positive pathological lymph node metastasis (pN1) in > 5 nodes (OR 3.68, 95% CI: 1.60-8.49). No patients died from PTC. There was no significant difference in the disease-free survival rate, remnant thyroid disease-free survival rate, lymph node disease-free survival rate, or distant disease-free survival rate between the two groups. Recurrence in pathologically multifocal PTC patients was locoregional in all cases and able to be salvaged by reoperation. Cox proportional hazard model analyses showed no significant difference in recurrence rates with regard to pathological multifocality and cN or number of pNs.

CONCLUSION

The prognosis of PTC with pathological multifocality treated by non-TTx was not inferior to that of unifocal PTC. Immediate completion thyroidectomy is not necessary when microscopic foci are proven.

American Thyroid Association Guidelines and National Trends in Management of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma

Importance

Over time, the American Thyroid Association (ATA) guidelines have increasingly promoted more limited treatments for well-differentiated thyroid cancers.

Objective

To determine whether the 2009 and 2015 ATA guidelines were associated with changes in the management of low-risk papillary thyroid carcinomas on a national scale.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This historical cohort study used the National Cancer Database. All papillary thyroid carcinomas diagnosed from 2004 to 2019 in the National Cancer Database were selected. Patients with tumors of greater than 4 cm, metastases, or clinical evidence of nodal disease were excluded. Data were analyzed from August 1, 2021, to September 1, 2022.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary aim was to tabulate changes in the rates of thyroid lobectomy (TL), total thyroidectomy (TT), and TT plus radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy after the 2009 and 2015 ATA guidelines. The secondary aim was to determine in which settings (eg, academic vs community) the practice patterns changed the most.

Results

A total of 194 254 patients (155 796 [80.2%] female patients; median [range] age at diagnosis, 51 [18-90] years) who underwent treatment during the study period were identified. Among patients who underwent surgery, rates of TL decreased from 15.1% to 13.7% after the 2009 guidelines but subsequently increased to 22.9% after the 2015 changes. Among patients undergoing TT, rates of adjuvant RAI decreased from 48.7% to 37.1% after 2009 and to 19.3% after the 2015 guidelines. Trends were similar for subgroups based on sex and race and ethnicity. However, academic institutions saw larger increases in TL rates (14.9% to 25.7%) than community hospitals (16.3% to 19.5%). Additionally, greater increases in TL rates were observed for tumors 1 to 2 cm (6.8% to 18.9%) and 2 to 4 cm (6.6% to 16.0%) than tumors less than 1 cm (22.8% to 29.2%).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort study among patients with papillary thyroid carcinomas up to 4 cm, ATA guideline changes corresponded with increased TL and reduced adjuvant RAI. These changes were primarily seen in academic institutions, suggesting an opportunity to expand guideline-based care in the community setting.

Impact of Lymph Node Dissection on Postoperative Complications of Total Thyroidectomy in Patients with Thyroid Carcinoma

Background: Lymph node dissection (LND) in primary treatment of differentiated thyroid carcinoma is controversial. The aim of our retrospective study was to analyse the risk factors of post-thyroidectomy complications and to assess the morbidity of lymph node dissection, especially in the central neck compartment, since prophylactic central lymph node dissection has not been proven to bring an overall survival benefit. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of postoperative complications from 1547 consecutive patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma in an academic department of endocrine surgery over a period of 10 years. Results: A total of 535 patients underwent lymph node dissection, whereas the other 1012 did not. The rate of postoperative hypoparathyroidism was higher in patients with LND (17.6% vs. 11.4%, p = 0.001). No significant difference in the rate of permanent hypoparathyroidism (2.4% vs. 1.3%, p = 0.096) was observed between these two groups. A multivariate analysis was performed. Female gender, ipsilateral and bilateral central LND (CLND), parathyroid autotransplantation, and the presence of the parathyroid gland on the resected thyroid were associated with transient hypoparathyroidism. Bilateral CLND and the presence of the parathyroid gland on specimen were associated with permanent hypoparathyroidism. The rate of transient recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) injury (15.3% vs. 5.4%, p < 0.001) and permanent RLN injury (6.5% vs. 0.9%, p < 0.001) were higher in the LND group. In multivariate analysis, ipsilateral and bilateral lateral LND (LLND) were the main predictive factors of transient and permanent RLN injury. Bilateral RLN injury (2.6% vs. 0.4%, p < 0.001), chyle leakage (2.4% vs. 0%, p < 0.001), other nerve injuries (2.2% vs. 0%, p < 0.001), and abscess (2.4% vs. 0.5%, p = 0.001) were higher in the patients with LND. Conclusions: The surgical technique and the extent of lymph node dissection during surgery for thyroid carcinoma increase postoperative morbidity. A wider knowledge of lymph-node-dissection-related complications associated with thyroid surgery could help surgeons to carefully evaluate the surgical and medical therapeutic options.

Survey of Korean head and neck surgeons and endocrinologists for the surgical extent of 1.5 and 2.5 cm papillary thyroid carcinoma

Background

The surgical extent of 1-4 cm papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is controversial. We aimed to determine the current trend in the extent of thyroidectomy and prophylactic central neck dissection (pCND) for 1.5 and 2.5 cm PTC, which are the most clinically controversial sizes.

Methods

The questionnaire was sent to 342 Korean Society of Head and Neck Surgery and 160 one branch of Korean Endocrine Society members from June to July 2021 by e-mail. A questionnaire included extent of thyroidectomy [hemithyroidectomy (Hemi) vs. total thyroidectomy (TT)] and pCND according to the tumor location and degree of extrathyroidal extension (ETE) at 1.5 or 2.5 cm PTC. We compared the proportion of respondents' preference for each scenario.

Results

Fifty-seven of 342 surgeons and twenty-seven of 160 endocrinologists responded to the questionnaire. At 1.5 and 2.5 cm PTC without ETE, both groups preferred Hemi, and there was no difference between the groups. When 1.5 or 2.5 cm PTC with anterior minimal ETE was suspected, the preference for Hemi by endocrinologists was significantly lower than that by surgeons (P<0.05). When anterior and posterior gross ETE were suspected, TT was preferred in both groups. When anterior gross ETE was suspected, the preference for Hemi by endocrinologists was significantly lower than that by surgeons (P<0.05). There was no difference between the groups in the posterior gross ETE. Surgeons preferred Hemi and endocrinologists preferred TT for a 1.5 cm PTC located in the isthmus. The pCND showed a similar pattern in both groups according to the size and location of the tumor and the degree of ETE. The proportion of Hemi did not differ between high-experience and low-experience endocrinologists. Also, there was no significant difference in preference for surgical extent between low-volume and high-volume surgeons.

Conclusions

TT was frequently preferred in tumors with a large size or gross ETE, and pCND was frequently preferred in cases of suspected gross ETE. This study shows as the extent of thyroid surgery may differ between endocrinologists and surgeons and this could be confusing to patient and affect the patient outcomes. Therefore, multidisciplinary approach considering the extent of surgery for thyroid cancer is recommended.

Towards De-Implementation of low-value thyroid care in older adults

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review discusses the current literature regarding low-value thyroid care in older adults, summarizing recent findings pertaining to screening for thyroid dysfunction and management of hypothyroidism, thyroid nodules and low-risk differentiated thyroid cancer.

RECENT FINDINGS

Despite a shift to a "less is more" paradigm for clinical thyroid care in older adults in recent years, current studies demonstrate that low-value care practices are still prevalent. Ineffective and potentially harmful services, such as routine treatment of subclinical hypothyroidism which can lead to overtreatment with thyroid hormone, inappropriate use of thyroid ultrasound, blanket fine needle aspiration biopsies of thyroid nodules, and more aggressive approaches to low-risk differentiated thyroid cancers, have been shown to contribute to adverse effects, particularly in comorbid older adults.

SUMMARY

Low-value thyroid care is common in older adults and can trigger a cascade of overdiagnosis and overtreatment leading to patient harm and increased healthcare costs, highlighting the urgent need for de-implementation efforts.

Clinicopathological and surgical comparisons of differentiated thyroid cancer between China and the USA: A multicentered hospital-based study

Background

Thyroid cancer (TC), was the fastest-rising tumor of all malignancies in the world and China, predominantly differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). However, evidence on TC stage distribution and influencing factors of late-stage were limited in China.

Methods

We carried out a retrospective study and enrolled TC patients who were first diagnosed and hospitalized in 8 hospitals in China in 2017. Logistic regression was used to evaluate associations between influencing factors and DTC stage. We extracted eligible primary DTC records newly diagnosed in 2017 from the USA's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. We compared clinicopathological features and surgical treatment between our DTC records and those from the SEER database.

Results

A total of 1970 eligible patients were included, with 1861 DTC patients with known stage. Among patients ≥45 years old, males (OR = 1.76, 95%CI 1.17-2.65) and those with new rural cooperative medical scheme insurance (NCMS) (OR = 1.99, 95%CI 1.38-2.88) had higher risks of late-stage DTC (stage III-IV). Compared with SEER database, over-diagnosis is more common in China [more DTC patients with onset age< 45 years old (50.3 vs. 40.7%, P < 0.001), with early-stage (81.2 vs. 76.0%, P < 0.001), and with tumors<2cm (74.9 vs. 63.7%, P < 0.001)]. Compared with the USA, TC treatment is more conservative in China. The proportion of lobectomy in our database was significantly higher than that in the SEER database (41.3 vs. 17.0%, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Unique risk factors are found to be associated with late-stage DTC in China. The differences in the aspect of clinicopathological features and surgical approaches between China and the USA indicate that potential over-diagnosis and over-surgery exist, and disparities on surgery extent may need further consideration. The findings provided references for other countries with similar patterns.

Prevalence of Postoperatively Detected High-risk Features in 2- to 4-cm Papillary Thyroid Cancers

CONTEXT

The 2015 American Thyroid Association guidelines proposed thyroid lobectomy as an acceptable option for 1- to 4-cm papillary thyroid cancers (PTC) without extrathyroidal extension (ETE) or lymph node (LN) metastasis. However, high-risk features are often detected postoperatively, even in tumors that are considered low risk on preoperative workup. A continued evaluation is necessary to determine the optimal treatment strategies.

OBJECTIVE

We examined the frequency of preoperatively and postoperatively detected high-risk features in 2- to 4-cm PTCs to assess the appropriate surgical extent.

METHODS

All patients who underwent a thyroid surgery between 2015 and 2020 with a final diagnosis of 2- to 4-cm PTC were selected. Demographics, preoperative findings, perioperative course, and surgical pathology were retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTS

Of the entire study cohort (N = 424), 244 (57.5%) patients had at least 1 of the following high-risk features: gross ETE (18.6%), distant metastasis (1.2%), >3 LN involvement with extranodal extension (24.8%), any LN > 3 cm (0.5%), positive margin (13.2%), TERT mutation (2.6%), vascular invasion (10.8%), cN1 disease (28.5%), and > 5 LN involvement (30.4%). Two hundred patients had neither ETE nor LN metastasis on preoperative imaging, but 62/200 (31.0%) were found to have at least 1 of the aforementioned high-risk features on final pathology. Preoperative imaging had sensitivities of 75.9% and 44.4% for detecting gross ETE and LN metastasis, respectively.

CONCLUSION

A significant portion of patients with 2- to 4-cm PTCs, including those who preoperatively met the criteria for lobectomy, were found to have high-risk features on final pathology. Careful patient selection and appropriate counseling are necessary when considering lobectomy for tumors greater than 2 cm.