The global epidemic of thyroid cancer overdiagnosis illustrated using 18 months of consecutive nodule biopsy correlating clinical priority, ACR-TIRADS and Bethesda scoring

Effects of Implementation of European Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System Risk Stratification in a Thyroid Cancer Program in Western Sweden: A Retrospective Cohort Study

OBJECTIVE

The European Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (EU-TIRADS) allows for selective fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC). In 2017, EU-TIRADS was implemented as part of a nationwide standardized care bundle for thyroid cancer in Western Sweden with a population of approximately 1.7 million. The objective of this study was to investigate the clinical value of EU-TIRADS attempting to reduce the number of unnecessary FNACs in referred patients with thyroid nodules.

METHODS

The study cohort consisted of all patients referred to Sahlgrenska University Hospital due to a palpable, newly detected or growing thyroid nodules or a positron emission tomography-positive finding for examination with thyroid ultrasound and selective cytology between 2018 and 2022. Medical records on EU-TIRADS classification, corresponding FNAC results, and histopathologic diagnosis were retrospectively collected. Adherence to the EU-TIRADS guidelines, use of selective FNAC, and rate of malignancy in patients who underwent surgery were assessed.

RESULTS

In total, 1246 thyroid nodules in 990 patients were evaluated. The distributions of EU-TIRADS 2 to 5 (number [percentage]) for all examined nodules were 63 (5%), 462 (37%), 443 (36%), and 278 (22%), respectively. FNAC was omitted in 7% of the investigated patients. FNAC was performed in 124 nodules (10%) despite not fulfilling the EU-TIRADS criteria or absence of positron emission tomography-positive findings. The rate of malignancy was 33% and 1/50 in patients who underwent "unnecessary" FNAC.

CONCLUSION

Implementation of EU-TIRADS in routine management of thyroid nodules led to the selective use of FNAC; however, the clinical impact was limited. This study provides real-world data on the value and magnitude of diagnostic improvement by implementing EU-TIRADS in clinical practice.

Implementation strategies to support ultrasound thyroid nodule risk stratification: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Ultrasound risk stratification can improve the care of patients with thyroid nodules by providing a structured and systematic approach for the evaluation of thyroid nodule features and thyroid cancer risk. The optimal strategies to support implementation of high quality thyroid nodule risk stratification are unknown. This study seeks to summarise strategies used to support implementation of thyroid nodule ultrasound risk stratification in practice and their effects on implementation and service outcomes.

METHODS

This is a systematic review of studies evaluating implementation strategies published between January 2000 and June 2022 that were identified on Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid EMBASE, Ovid Cochrane, Scopus, or Web of Science. Screening of eligible studies, data collection and assessment for risk of bias was completed independently and in duplicate. Implementation strategies and their effects on implementation and service outcomes were evaluated and summarised.

RESULTS

We identified 2666 potentially eligible studies of which 8 were included. Most implementation strategies were directed towards radiologists. Common strategies to support the implementation of thyroid nodule risk stratification included: tools to standardise thyroid ultrasound reports, education on thyroid nodule risk stratification and use of templates/forms for reporting, and reminders at the point of care. System based strategies, local consensus or audit were less commonly described. Overall, the use of these strategies supported the implementation process of thyroid nodule risk stratification with variable effects on service outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Implementation of thyroid nodule risk stratification can be supported by development of standardised reporting templates, education of users on risk stratification and reminders of use at the point of care. Additional studies evaluating the value of implementation strategies in different contexts are urgently needed.

Early mortality critically impedes improvements in thyroid cancer survival through a half century

OBJECTIVES

We analyze survival in thyroid cancer from Denmark (DK), Finland (FI), Norway (NO), and Sweden (SE) over a 50-year period (1971-2020), and additionally consider concomitant changes in incidence and mortality.

DESIGN

Population-based survival study.

METHODS

Relative 1-, 5/1 (conditional)-, and 5-year survival data were obtained from the NORDCAN database for years 1971-2020. Incidence and mortality rates were also assessed.

RESULTS

A novel consistent observation was that 1-year survival was worse than 5/1-year survival but the difference between these decreased with time. Relative 1-year survival in thyroid cancer (mean for the 4 countries) reached 92.7% for men and 95.6% for women; 5-year survival reached 88.0% for men and 93.7% for women. Survival increased most for DK which started at a low level and reached the best survival at the end. Male and female incidence rates for thyroid cancer increased 3- and 4-fold, respectively. In the same time, mortality halved for men and for women, it decreased by 2/3.

CONCLUSIONS

We documented worse relative survival in the first year than in the 4 subsequent years, most likely because of rare anaplastic cancer. Overall survival in thyroid cancer patients increased in the Nordic countries in the course of 50 years; 5-year survival was close to 90% for men and close to 95% for women. Even though overdiagnosis may explain some of 5-year survival increase, it is unlikely to influence the substantial increase in 1-year survival. The unmet need is to increase 1-year survival by diagnosing and treating aggressive tumors before metastatic spread.

Correlation of ACR TI-RADS and Patient Outcomes in a Real-World Cohort Presenting for Thyroid Ultrasonography

Context

The American College of Radiology Thyroid Image Reporting and Data System (ACR TI-RADS) was developed to predict malignancy risk in thyroid nodules using ultrasound features. TI-RADS was derived from a database of patients already selected for fine-needle aspiration (FNA), raising uncertainty about applicability to unselected patients.

Objective

We aimed to assess the effect of ACR TI-RADS reporting in unselected patients presenting for thyroid ultrasound in a real-world setting.

Methods

Records for all patients presenting for thyroid ultrasonography in Canterbury, New Zealand, were reviewed across two 18-month periods, prior to and after implementation of TI-RADS reporting. Patient outcomes were compared between the 2 periods. Malignancy rates were calculated for nodules 10 mm or larger with a definitive FNA or histology result.

Results

A total of 1210 nodules were identified in 582 patients prior to implementation of TI-RADS; 1253 nodules were identified in 625 patients after implementation of TI-RADS. TI-RADS category was associated with malignancy rate (0% in TR1 and TR2, 3% in TR3, 5% in TR4, 12% in TR5; P = .02); however, 63% of nodules were graded TR3 or TR4, for which malignancy rate did not meaningfully differ from baseline risk. After implementation of TI-RADS there was a small reduction in the proportion of patients proceeding to FNA (49% vs 60%; P < .01) or surgery (14% vs 18%; P < .05), with no difference in cancer diagnoses (3% vs 4%, not significant).

Conclusion

TI-RADS category is associated with malignancy rate and may alter clinical decision-making in a minority of patients; however, it is nondiscriminatory in the majority of nodules. In this study of unselected patients, nodules classified as TR5 and thus considered "highly suspicious" for cancer had only a modest risk of malignancy.

Predictors and a prediction model for positive fine needle aspiration biopsy in C-TIRADS 4 thyroid nodules

Objectives

To screen out the predictors and establish a prediction model of positive fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) in the Chinese Guidelines for Malignant Risk Stratification of Thyroid Nodule Ultrasound (C-TIRADS) 4 thyroid nodules, and this nomogram can help clinicians evaluate the risk of positive FNAB and determine if FNAB is necessary.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed data from 547 patients who had C-TIRADS 4 thyroid nodules and underwent fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University between November 30, 2021 and September 5, 2022. Patients who met our inclusion criteria were divided into two groups based on positive or negative FNAB results. We compared their ultrasound (US) features, BRAF V600E status, thyroid function, and other general characteristics using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses to identify independent predictors. These predictors were then used to construct a nomogram. The calibration plot, area under the curve (AUC), and decision curve analysis were employed to evaluate the calibration, discrimination, and clinical utility of the prediction model.

Results

Out of 547 patients, 39.3% (215/547) had a positive result on fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB), while 60.7% (332/547) had a negative result. Univariate logistic regression analysis revealed no significant differences in TPOAb, TgAb, TSH, Tg, nodule location, sex, or solid status between the two groups (P>0.05). However, age, nodule size, internal or surrounding blood flow signal, microcalcifications, aspect ratio, morphology, and low echo showed significant differences (P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to explore the correlation between potential independent predictors. The results showed that only age (OR=0.444, 95% Cl=0.296~0.666, P<0.001), low echo (OR=3.549, 95% Cl=2.319~5.432, P<0.001), microcalcifications (OR=2.531, 95% Cl=1.661~3.856, P<0.001), aspect ratio (OR=3.032, 95% Cl=1.819~5.052, P<0.001), and morphology (OR=2.437, 95% Cl=1.586~3.745, P<0.001) were independent predictors for a positive FNAB. These variables were used to construct a prediction nomogram. An ROC curve analysis was performed to assess the accuracy of the nomogram, and AUC=0.793, which indicated good discrimination and decision curve analysis demonstrated clinical significance within a threshold range of 14% to 91%.

Conclusion

In conclusion, 5 independent predictors of positive FNAB, including age (≤45 years old), low echo (yes), microcalcifications (yes), aspect ratio (>1) and morphology (irregular), were identified. A nomogram was established based on the above 5 predictors, and the nomogram can be used as a complementary basis to help clinicians make decisions on FNAB of C-TI-RADS 4 thyroid nodules.

Increased workload without clinical benefit: Results following implementation of the ACR-TIRADS system for thyroid nodules

OBJECTIVE

The ACR-TIRADS system for stratifying thyroid nodule malignancy risk has been widely promoted and implemented. We audited its introduction at a large public hospital in Auckland, New Zealand.

DESIGN

Audit of outcomes following thyroid nodule fine needle aspiration (FNA) before/after ACR-TIRADS.

PATIENTS

Individuals undergoing thyroid FNA 2017-2019.

MEASUREMENTS

From medical records, we obtained details from the pre-FNA ultrasound (nodule size, TIRADS points/levels, radiologist recommendation for FNA), Bethesda (B) cytology classification, histology and post-FNA follow-up.

RESULTS

Four hundred and twenty-two individuals had 564 FNAs, 163 had surgery and 54 (13%) had cancer in the primary nodule. 37/54 (69%) cancers were papillary thyroid carcinoma (median size 25 mm, 87% ≥10 mm, 61% ≥20 mm). Following ACR-TIRADS introduction, FNA recommendations increased greater than twofold, FNAs performed by 71%-83%, and the monthly rate of FNAs and operations by 60% and 40%, respectively. However, the proportion of cancers/FNA remained similar (9.9% post-TIRADS vs. 8.7% pre-TIRADS). The proportions of FNA results remained stable for B2-B4 categories, but doubled (11% vs. 5%) for B5-B6: 15 FNAs were needed to identify an additional B5/B6 lesion. TIRADS-5 nodules had a higher proportion of B5/B6 (20%) and a lower proportion of B2 (30%) than TIRADS-3 (2%, 57%, respectively) and TIRADS-4 (9%, 56%) nodules. About 5 additional cancers/year were diagnosed, but they were more often small (49% vs. 8% <2 cm, 17% vs. 0% <1 cm).

CONCLUSION

ACR-TIRADS introduction increased workload (FNAs and operations), without increasing the proportion of cancers/FNA. It led to a few more cancers being diagnosed, but many were small and of uncertain clinical significance.

Patient Experiences With Thyroid Nodules: A Qualitative Interview Survey

Objective

To qualitatively explore the broad set of preferences and attitudes patients have about thyroid nodules, which influence the decision-making process.

Study Design

A descriptive survey design was administered as interviews.

Setting

Outpatient thyroid surgery clinic.

Methods

Semistructured interviews were conducted with 20 patients presenting for initial evaluation of thyroid nodules at a surgeon's office. Probative, open-ended questions were posed regarding diagnosis, treatment, risk attitudes, and the decision-making process. Thematic analysis was used to develop code-transcribed interviews, and an iterative refinement resulted in underlying themes.

Results

During the diagnostic process, patients integrated emotional responses (fear, anxiety, and shock) with rationale concerns (likelihood of cancer, risk assessment), and ultimately relied heavily on expert opinion and recommendation. Contextualization with other personal or familial health problems served as helpful touchstones for decision-making. Overtreatment and overdiagnosis were not commonly discussed. When thinking about potential therapies, there was a strong bias to action rather than surveillance among patients. Surgical risk and the possibility of lifelong medication, however, were strong motivators for a subset of patients to seek nonsurgical alternatives.

Conclusion

Patients describe a decision-making process that incorporates emotional response and rational consideration of risks, contextualized within the personal experience and physician expertise. The bias for action and intervention is strong, and most patients strongly weighted physicians' recommendations. Themes from this qualitative analysis may serve as the backbone for future stated preference research pertaining to thyroid disease.

Reducing the Number of Unnecessary Thyroid Nodule Biopsies With the American College of Radiology (ACR) Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TI-RADS)

Introduction

Thyroid nodules are exceedingly common, occurring in up to 76% of adults. Less than 10% are palpable, and the majority are detected incidentally with an estimated prevalence of 68%, 25%, and 18% using ultrasound (US), CT, and MRI, respectively. The rising use of imaging over the last four decades has led to a significant increase in nodule detection or ‘over-identification,’ fine-needle aspiration (FNA), a higher reported incidence of thyroid cancer, and thyroidectomy. The purpose of this study is to provide a descriptive experience with thyroid nodule FNAs one year prior and one year after the implementation of the American College of Radiology (ACR) Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TI-RADS) at a prototypical community hospital.

Methods

A total of 104 patients with 114 thyroid nodules underwent US-guided FNA at Bluewater Health from January 1, 2018, to March 31, 2020, with available cytological results (The Bethesda System). The study population was divided into two cohorts (January 1, 2018, to December 31, 2018 - ‘local best practice cohort’, and March 1, 2019, to March 31, 2020 - ‘ACR TI-RADS cohort’) based on the implementation of the ACR TI-RADS guidelines in March 2019.

Results

The local best practice cohort (January 1, 2018, to December 31, 2018) comprised 57 thyroid nodules in 52 patients (mean age 66 ± 12; 40 Women). The ACR TI-RADS cohort (March 1, 2019, to March 31, 2020) comprised 57 thyroid nodules in 52 patients (mean age 61 ± 16; 41 Women). There were no statistical differences with respect to age, gender, or thyroid nodule location. Our results show a dramatic decrease in the number of unnecessary FNAs if ACR TI-RADS was implemented from January to December 2018. Thirty (52.6%) of the previously sampled thyroid nodules using the local best practice guidelines would have been followed as per ACR TI-RADS.

Conclusion

ACR TI-RADS is a reliable classification system in routine practice that significantly reduces the number of unnecessary thyroid FNAs with higher specificity compared to local best practice guidelines.