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Baek HS, Ha J, Kim K, Bae JS, Kim JS, Kim S, Lim DJ, Kim CM. Cost-Utility Analysis of Early Detection with Ultrasonography of Differentiated Thyroid Cancer: A Retrospective Study on a Korean Population. Endocrinol Metab (Seoul) 2024; 39:310-323. [PMID: 38590123 PMCID: PMC11066449 DOI: 10.3803/enm.2023.1870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGRUOUND There is debate about ultrasonography screening for thyroid cancer and its cost-effectiveness. This study aimed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of early screening (ES) versus symptomatic detection (SD) for differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) in Korea. METHODS A Markov decision analysis model was constructed to compare the cost-effectiveness of ES and SD. The model considered direct medical costs, health outcomes, and different diagnostic and treatment pathways. Input data were derived from literature and Korean population studies. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was calculated. Willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold was set at USD 100,000 or 20,000 per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to address uncertainties of the model's variables. RESULTS In a base case scenario with 50 years of follow-up, ES was found to be cost-effective compared to SD, with an ICER of $2,852 per QALY. With WTP set at $100,000, in the case with follow-up less than 10 years, the SD was cost-effective. Sensitivity analysis showed that variables such as lobectomy probability, age, mortality, and utility scores significantly influenced the ICER. Despite variations in costs and other factors, all ICER values remained below the WTP threshold. CONCLUSION Findings of this study indicate that ES is a cost-effective strategy for DTC screening in the Korean medical system. Early detection and subsequent lobectomy contribute to the cost-effectiveness of ES, while SD at an advanced stage makes ES more cost-effective. Expected follow-up duration should be considered to determine an optimal strategy for DTC screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han-Sang Baek
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Uijeongbu St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Uijeongbu, Korea
| | - Jeonghoon Ha
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kwangsoon Kim
- Department of Surgery, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ja Seong Bae
- Department of Surgery, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jeong Soo Kim
- Department of Surgery, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sungju Kim
- Healthcare Group, Lee & Ko, Seoul, Korea
| | - Dong-Jun Lim
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Chul-Min Kim
- Department of Family Medicine, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
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Grani G, Lamartina L, Montesano T, Maranghi M, Filetti S, Durante C, Lopatriello S. Ultrasound screening for thyroid nodules and cancer in individuals with family history of thyroid cancer: a micro-costing approach. J Endocrinol Invest 2023; 46:2327-2330. [PMID: 37052872 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-023-02087-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Screening programs that target healthy populations are an important tool for identifying unrecognized, asymptomatic disease. However, ultrasound screening for thyroid cancer has no obvious advantage in terms of cost-effectiveness in asymptomatic adults. There is far less consensus (and data) on the indications for screening in high-risk individuals. The aim of the study was to estimate the costs of ultrasound screening for individuals with first-degree family history of thyroid cancer. METHODS We conducted a prospective cross-sectional study from January 1, 2009 through December 31, 2018 in the Thyroid Cancer Outpatient Clinic of a large teaching hospital in Rome, Italy. We estimated the costs of an ultrasound screening protocol using the micro-costing bottom-up method. RESULTS For individuals without thyroid nodules, the screening examination had an estimated cost of €66.21 per screenee. For those found to have unsuspicious nodules, the estimated cost rose to €119.52 per screenee, owing to the addition of thyroid function tests. The estimated cost of screening for a subject with newly diagnosed nodules that were submitted to cytology was €259.89. The total cost of screening for the entire population of 1176 individuals was € 118,133.85. The total expenditure to confirm a single thyroid cancer diagnosis was €10,598.71. CONCLUSION A sonographic screening implies a significant direct expenditure and is likely to detect a very large number of individuals with benign nodules (more than 45 asymptomatic individuals are diagnosed with a thyroid nodule for each newly detected cancer case), whose long-term follow-up will further increase healthcare costs.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Grani
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - L Lamartina
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy
- Service de Médecine Nucléaire et Cancérologie Endocrinienne, Gustave Roussy, Département d'Imagerie Médicale112 Rue Edouard Vaillant, 94805, Villejuif, France
| | - T Montesano
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - M Maranghi
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - S Filetti
- School of Health, UNITELMA Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 295, 00161, Rome, Italy.
| | - C Durante
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Thyroid ultrasound (TUS) is a common diagnostic test that can help guide the management of patients with thyroid conditions. Yet, inappropriate use of TUS can lead to harmful unintended consequences. This review aims to describe trends in the use and appropriateness of TUS in practice, drivers and consequences of inappropriate use, and potential solutions to decrease overuse. RECENT FINDINGS TUS use has increased in the U.S. and is associated with increased diagnosis of thyroid cancer. Between 10-50% of TUSs may be ordered outside of clinical practice recommendations. Patients who receive an inappropriate TUS and are incidentally found to have a thyroid nodule may experience unnecessary worry, diagnostic interventions, and potential overdiagnosis of thyroid cancer. The drivers of inappropriate TUS use are not yet fully understood, but it is likely that a combination of clinician, patient, and healthcare system factors contribute to this problem. SUMMARY Inappropriate TUS is a factor leading to the overdiagnosis of thyroid nodules and thyroid cancer, resulting in increased healthcare costs and potential harm to patients. To effectively address the overuse of this diagnostic test, it is necessary to gain a deeper understanding of the frequency of inappropriate TUS use in clinical practice and the factors that contribute to it. With this knowledge, interventions can be developed to reduce the inappropriate use of TUS, leading to improved patient outcomes and more efficient use of healthcare resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gonzalo J. Acosta
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville
| | - Naykky Singh Ospina
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville
| | - Juan P. Brito
- Knowledge and Evaluation Research Unit, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism, and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism, and Nutrition, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
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Buitrago-Gómez N, García-Ramos A, Salom G, Cuesta-Castro DP, Aristizabal N, Hurtado N, Aros V, Quiñonez C, Ocampo-Chaparro J, Torres-Grajales JL, Duque JJ, Abreu-Lomba A. [Sociodemographic, clinical and ultrasound characterization of thyroid nodule pathology and its association with malignancy in a Colombian high-complexity center]. Semergen 2023; 49:102015. [PMID: 37327739 DOI: 10.1016/j.semerg.2023.102015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Thyroid nodules are among the most frequent conditions, with a 10% risk of malignancy. The objective is to describe the frequency of demographic, clinical, and ultrasonographic characteristics of thyroid nodule pathology in adults and to explore the relationship with tumor malignancy. METHODS An analytical, retrospective cross-sectional study in adults with thyroid nodules and nodular fine-needle aspiration performed in adult patients from a Colombian reference center between 2009-2019. Data were obtained from the clinical history, descriptive measures of the patient's demographic, clinical, and ultrasound variables were estimated, and their relationship with the malignancy of the tumor was explored. RESULTS A total of 445 patients and 515 nodules were included. The median age was 55 years (IQR 44-64), 86.8% of women, and 54.8% had a single lesion. Percentages of 80.2 and 19.8 were benign and malignant nodules, with a median of 15.7mm (IQR 11-25) and 12.7mm (IQR 8.5-18.3), respectively (p<0.001). Hypothyroidism and levothyroxine consumption were higher in those with malignant nodules (p<0.001). The echographic characteristics were statistically different between the nodules. In the malignant ones, there was a higher frequency of solid composition, hypoechogenicity, and irregular margins. In contrast, in the benign ones, the absence of echogenic focus stood out (p<0.001). CONCLUSION The ultrasound characteristics are essential to define the risk of malignancy of a thyroid nodule. Therefore, considering the most frequent ones can help in the most appropriate approach to primary care.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Buitrago-Gómez
- Departamento de Endocrinología, Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana, Medellín, Colombia.
| | - A García-Ramos
- Departamento de Endocrinología, Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana, Medellín, Colombia
| | - G Salom
- Servicio de Radiología, Clínica Imbanaco, Grupo QuirónSalud, Cali, Colombia
| | - D P Cuesta-Castro
- Departamento de Epidemiología, Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana, Medellín, Colombia
| | - N Aristizabal
- Servicio de Endocrinología, Clínica las Américas AUNA, Medellín, Colombia
| | - N Hurtado
- Departamento de Medicina, Universidad Libre, Cali, Colombia
| | - V Aros
- Servicio de Medicina Interna, Clínica Imbanaco, Grupo QuirónSalud, Cali, Colombia
| | - C Quiñonez
- Servicio de Medicina Interna, Clínica Imbanaco, Grupo QuirónSalud, Cali, Colombia
| | - J Ocampo-Chaparro
- Servicio de Medicina Familiar, Facultad de Salud, Universidad del Valle, Cali, Colombia
| | | | - J J Duque
- Servicio de Endocrinología, Clínica Central del Quindío, Armenia, Colombia
| | - A Abreu-Lomba
- Servicio de Endocrinología, Clínica Imbanaco, Grupo QuirónSalud, Cali, Colombia
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Xiang P, Ahmadi S, Coleman A, West W, Lobon I, Bikas A, Landa I, Marqusee E, Kim M, Alexander EK, Pappa T. Identifying and Predicting Diverse Patterns of Benign Nodule Growth. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2023; 108:e458-e463. [PMID: 36625198 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgad007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT The natural history of benign thyroid nodules is typically characterized by slow growth and minimal risk of malignant transformation. Available data have, to date, been unable to elucidate the diversity of benign nodule growth patterns over time nor predictive of which patients follow which pattern. OBJECTIVE We aimed to better define the diverse patterns of benign nodule behavior and their predictors. METHODS We prospectively studied 389 consecutive patients with solitary, solid, cytologically benign thyroid nodules ≥1 cm and follow-up ultrasound for at least 4 years. Demographic, sonographic, biochemical data were collected at initial evaluation, and subsequent growth patterns were identified over the follow-up. Predictors of growth at initial evaluation and 3 years of follow-up were defined. RESULTS The mean (±SD) follow-up was 7.7 (±2.7) years. Three distinct growth patterns were identified: A) stagnant nodules with average growth rate < 0.2 mm/year; B) slow-growing nodules with a rate 0.2 to 1.0 mm/year; and C) fast-growing nodules increasing > 1.0 mm/year. Fast-growing nodules represented 17.2% of the cohort, and were more frequent in patients younger than 50 years (OR 2.2 [1.2-4.1], P = 0.016), and in larger nodules (2.0-2.9 cm, OR 3.5 [1.7-7.1], P = 0.001; >3.0 cm, OR 4.4 [1.8-10.4], P = 0.001 vs reference 1-1.9 cm). In a multiple regression model, nodule growth at 3 years at an average growth rate over 0.2 mm/year over 3 years since initial evaluation was an independent predictor of longer-term fast nodule growth, even after adjusting for age, biological sex, TSH level, and nodule size (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION The natural history of benign nodule growth is diverse, with over 80% of nodules demonstrating minimal to no growth long-term. Nearly 20% of cytologically benign nodules may exhibit a fast, continued growth pattern, which can be predicted by the 3-year growth rate pattern. These findings can help inform decision making for tailored benign nodule follow-up and monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- PingPing Xiang
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Hypertension, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Endocrinology, Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Sara Ahmadi
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Hypertension, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Alexandra Coleman
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Hypertension, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - William West
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Hypertension, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Isabel Lobon
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Hypertension, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Athanasios Bikas
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Hypertension, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Iñigo Landa
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Hypertension, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Ellen Marqusee
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Hypertension, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Matthew Kim
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Hypertension, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Erik K Alexander
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Hypertension, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Theodora Pappa
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Hypertension, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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