1
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Chen D, Carr G, Worden FP, Veenstra CM, Haymart MR, Banerjee M. Survival Prognostication in Patients with Differentiated Thyroid Cancer and Distant Metastases: A SEER Population-Based Study. Thyroid 2024. [PMID: 38757633 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2023.0709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Background: For patients with thyroid cancer, distant metastasis is a significant predictor of poor outcome. Since distant metastasis occur in less than 10% of patients with differentiated thyroid cancer, correlates of survival in this vulnerable patient population remain understudied. This study aimed to identify prognostic groups among patients with differentiated thyroid cancer and distant metastases; and to determine the role of, and interactions between, patient and tumor characteristics in determining survival. Methods: We identified adult patients diagnosed with differentiated thyroid cancer with distant metastases from the U.S. SEER-17 cancer registry (2010-2019). Analyses were performed using Cox proportional hazards regression, survival trees, and random survival forest. Relative importance of patient and tumor factors important for disease-specific and overall survival was assessed based on the random survival forest analyses. Results: Cohort consisted of 2,411 patients with differentiated thyroid cancer with distant metastases followed for a median of 62 months. Most common histopathologic subtype (86.0%) was papillary thyroid cancer, and the most common sites of distant metastasis were the lungs (33.7%) and bone (18.9%). Cox proportional hazards model illustrated significant associations between survival and: patient age (P<0.001), tumor size (P<0.01), and site of distant metastasis (P<0.05). Survival tree analyses identified three distinct prognostic groups based on disease-specific survival (DSS) (5-year survival of the prognostic groups was 92%, 64%, and 41%; P<0.001) and four distinct prognostic groups based on overall survival (OS) (5-year survival of the prognostic groups was 96%, 84%, 57%, and 31%; P<0.001). The first split in the survival trees for DSS and OS was by age at diagnosis (<57 years vs >58 years) with subsequent splits based on presence/absence of lung metastases, tumor size (<4 cm vs >4 cm), and patient age. A total of 558 patients (23.1%) died from thyroid cancer, and 757 patients (31.4%) died from all causes during the study period. Conclusions: This study identifies distinct prognostic groups for patients with differentiated thyroid cancer with distant metastases and highlights the importance of patient age, lung metastases, and tumor size to determining both disease-specific and overall survival. These findings inform risk stratification and treatment decision-making in this understudied patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debbie Chen
- University of Michigan, Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States;
| | - Grant Carr
- University of Michigan, Biostatistics, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States;
| | - Francis Paul Worden
- University of Michigan, Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States;
| | - Christine M Veenstra
- University of Michigan, Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States;
| | - Megan R Haymart
- University of Michigan, Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, Diabetes, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States;
| | - Mousumi Banerjee
- University of Michigan, Biostatistics, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States;
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2
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Radhakrishnan A, Haymart MR. Team-Based Care for Thyroid Cancer: What Is the Role of the Primary Care Physician? Endocr Pract 2024; 30:476-478. [PMID: 38325628 DOI: 10.1016/j.eprac.2024.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Archana Radhakrishnan
- Division of General Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
| | - Megan R Haymart
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
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3
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Yildiz BO, Boguszewski CL, da Silva Boguszewski MC, Busetto L, Celik O, Fuleihan GEH, Goulis DG, Hammer GD, Haymart MR, Kaltsas G, Law JR, Lim AYL, Luger A, Macut D, McGowan B, McClung M, Miras AD, Patti ME, Peeters RP, Pignatelli D, Saeed H, Sipos J, Stratakis CA, Tsoli M, van der Lely AJ, Witchel SF, Yazici D. EndoBridge 2023: highlights and pearls. Hormones (Athens) 2024:10.1007/s42000-024-00549-8. [PMID: 38619812 DOI: 10.1007/s42000-024-00549-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
EndoBridge 2023 took place on October 20-22, 2023, in Antalya, Turkey. Accredited by the European Council, the 3-day scientific program of the 11th Annual Meeting of EndoBridge included state-of-the-art lectures and interactive small group discussion sessions incorporating interesting and challenging clinical cases led by globally recognized leaders in the field and was well attended by a highly diverse audience. Following its established format over the years, the program provided a comprehensive update across all aspects of endocrinology and metabolism, including topics in pituitary, thyroid, bone, and adrenal disorders, neuroendocrine tumors, diabetes mellitus, obesity, nutrition, and lipid disorders. As usual, the meeting was held in English with simultaneous translation into Russian, Arabic, and Turkish. The abstracts of clinical cases presented by the delegates during oral and poster sessions have been published in JCEM Case Reports. Herein, we provide a paper on highlights and pearls of the meeting sessions covering a wide range of subjects, from thyroid nodule stratification to secondary osteoporosis and from glycemic challenges in post-bariatric surgery to male hypogonadism. This report emphasizes the latest developments in the field, along with clinical approaches to common endocrine issues. The 12th annual meeting of EndoBridge will be held on October 17-20, 2024 in Antalya, Turkey.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bulent Okan Yildiz
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Hacettepe University School of Medicine, 06100, Hacettepe, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Cesar Luiz Boguszewski
- Department of Internal Medicine, Endocrine Division (SEMPR), University Hospital, Federal University of Parana, Curitiba, Brazil
| | | | - Luca Busetto
- Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Ozlem Celik
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, School of Medicine, Acibadem University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ghada El-Hajj Fuleihan
- Division of Endocrinology, Deparment of Medicine at the American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Dimitrios G Goulis
- Unit of Reproductive Endocrinology, 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Gary D Hammer
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Megan R Haymart
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Gregory Kaltsas
- First Department of Propaedeutic and Internal Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Jennifer R Law
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Amanda Yuan Ling Lim
- Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Anton Luger
- Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Djuro Macut
- Institute of Endocrinology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Barbara McGowan
- Guy's and St Thomas Hospital and King's College London, London, UK
| | | | | | | | - Robin P Peeters
- Department of Internal Medicine, Academic Center for Thyroid Disease, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Duarte Pignatelli
- Department of Endocrinology, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de S. João, Porto, Portugal
| | | | - Jennifer Sipos
- Division Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | | | - Marina Tsoli
- Academic Scholar Fellow at 1st Department of Propaedeutic and Internal Medicine, Laiko Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - A J van der Lely
- Pituitary Center Rotterdam and Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Selma F Witchel
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Dilek Yazici
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Koç University, Istanbul, Turkey
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4
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Chen DW, Ospina NS, Haymart MR. Social Determinants of Health and Disparities in Thyroid Care. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2024; 109:e1309-e1313. [PMID: 38057150 PMCID: PMC10876391 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgad716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There have been documented racial and ethnic disparities in the care and clinical outcomes of patients with thyroid disease. CONTEXT Key to improving disparities in thyroid care is understanding the context for racial and ethnic disparities, which includes acknowledging and addressing social determinants of health. Thyroid disease diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship care are impacted by patient- and system-level factors, including socioeconomic status and economic stability, language, education, health literacy, and health care systems and health policy. The relationship between these factors and downstream clinical outcomes is intricate and complex, underscoring the need for a multifaceted approach to mitigate these disparities. CONCLUSION Understanding the factors that contribute to disparities in thyroid disease is critically important. There is a need for future targeted and multilevel interventions to address these disparities, while considering societal, health care, clinician, and patient perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debbie W Chen
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology & Diabetes, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Naykky Singh Ospina
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Megan R Haymart
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology & Diabetes, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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5
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Tran TVT, Schonfeld SJ, Pasqual E, Haymart MR, Morton LM, Kitahara CM. All-Cause and Cause-Specific Mortality Among Low-Risk Differentiated Thyroid Cancer Survivors in the United States. Thyroid 2024; 34:215-224. [PMID: 38149602 PMCID: PMC10884550 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2023.0449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
Background: Despite the excellent disease-specific survival associated with low-risk differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC), its diagnosis and management have been linked to patient concerns about cancer recurrence, treatment-related health risks, and mortality. Lack of information regarding long-term health outcomes can perpetuate these concerns. Therefore, we assessed all-cause and cause-specific mortality in a large cohort of individuals diagnosed with low-risk DTC. Methods: From the U.S. Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-12 cancer registry database (1992-2019), we identified 51,854 individuals (81.8% female) diagnosed with first primary DTC at low risk of recurrence (≤4 cm, localized). We estimated cause-specific cumulative mortality by time since diagnosis, accounting for competing risks. Standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) and CIs were used to compare observed mortality rates in DTC patients with expected rates in the matched U.S. general population, overall and by time since DTC diagnosis. We used Cox proportional hazards models to examine associations between radioactive iodine (RAI) treatment and cause-specific mortality. Results: During follow-up (median = 8.8, range 0-28 years), 3467 (6.7%) deaths were recorded. Thyroid cancer accounted for only 4.3% of deaths (n = 148). The most common causes of death were malignancies (other than thyroid cancer) (n = 1031, 29.7%) and cardiovascular disease (CVD; n = 912, 26.3%). The 20-year cumulative mortality rate from thyroid cancer, malignancies (other than thyroid or nonmelanoma skin cancer), and CVD was 0.6%, 4.6%, and 3.9%, respectively. Lower than expected mortality was observed for all causes excluding thyroid cancer (SMR = 0.69 [CI 0.67-0.71]) and most specific causes, including all malignancies combined (other than thyroid cancer; SMR = 0.80 [CI 0.75-0.85]) and CVD (SMR = 0.64 [CI 0.60-0.69]). However, mortality rates were elevated for specific cancers, including pancreas (SMR = 1.58 [CI 1.18-2.06]), kidney and renal pelvis (SMR = 1.85 [CI 1.10-2.93]), and brain and other nervous system (SMR = 1.62 [CI 0.99-2.51]), and myeloma (SMR = 2.35 [CI 1.46-3.60]) and leukemia (SMR = 1.62 [CI 1.07-2.36]); these associations were stronger ≥10 years after diagnosis. RAI was not associated with risk of cause-specific death, but numbers of events were small and the range of administered activities was likely narrow. Conclusions: Overall, our findings provide reassurance regarding low overall and cause-specific mortality rates in individuals with low-risk DTC. Additional research is necessary to confirm and understand the increased mortality from certain subsequent cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thi-Van-Trinh Tran
- Radiation Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Sara J. Schonfeld
- Radiation Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Elisa Pasqual
- Evidence Synthesis and Classification Branch, International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyon, France
| | - Megan R. Haymart
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Lindsay M. Morton
- Radiation Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Cari M. Kitahara
- Radiation Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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6
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Chen DW, Banerjee M, Xu T, Worden FP, Haymart MR. Real-World Use of Systemic Therapies for the Treatment of Advanced Thyroid Cancers. Endocr Pract 2023; 29:868-874. [PMID: 37619826 DOI: 10.1016/j.eprac.2023.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In the last decade, new systemic treatment options have been made available for patients with advanced thyroid cancer. However, little is known about the real-world utilization of these systemic therapies. METHODS We used Optum's de-identified Clinformatics® Data Mart Database to characterize trends in the use of 15 systemic therapies that are available for the treatment of advanced thyroid cancer between 2013 and 2021. Joinpoint regression was used to calculate annual percentage changes in the use of systemic therapy by patients' race/ethnicity. The sequence of therapies was determined by the date of prescription claims. RESULTS Between 2013 and 2021, the annual number of patients treated for advanced thyroid cancer with systemic therapy increased from 45 patients in 2013 to 114 patients in 2021 (N of total cohort = 885). Most patients were female (54.7%) and non-Hispanic White (62.1%). Between 2013 and 2021, there was a significant decrease in the proportion of non-Hispanic White patients treated for advanced thyroid cancer with systemic therapy (annual percentage change -3.9%, 95% confidence intervals, -6.0% to -1.8%). Since its approval by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2015, lenvatinib remains the most frequently prescribed first-line therapy for the treatment of radioiodine-refractory thyroid cancer (48.8% of patients between 2017 and 2021). Between 2017 and 2021, most patients (79.7%) were initiated on 1 of the 10 FDA-approved agents and 81.7% received only a first-line therapy. CONCLUSIONS Between 2013 and 2021, the use of systemic treatment options for advanced thyroid cancer increased significantly, largely driven by the prescription of lenvatinib following its approval by the FDA in 2015, with an increasing trend for use in non-White patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debbie W Chen
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
| | - Mousumi Banerjee
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Tianyi Xu
- Department of Statistics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Francis P Worden
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Megan R Haymart
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan; Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
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7
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Jin X, Lew M, Pantanowitz L, Iyengar JJ, Haymart MR, Papaleontiou M, Broome D, Sandouk Z, Raja SS, Hughes DT, Smola B, Jing X. Performance of Afirma genomic sequencing classifier and histopathological outcome in Bethesda category III thyroid nodules: Initial versus repeat fine-needle aspiration. Diagn Cytopathol 2023; 51:698-704. [PMID: 37519144 DOI: 10.1002/dc.25203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is limited data comparing the performance of Afirma Genomic Sequencing Classifier (GSC) in thyroid nodules carrying an initial versus a repeat diagnosis of atypia of undetermined significance (AUS). This study reported an institutional experience in this regard. MATERIALS AND METHODS This retrospective study included consecutive thyroid nodules that had an initial or a repeat AUS diagnosis and had a subsequent GSC diagnostic result (benign or suspicious) from 2017 to 2021. All nodules were followed by surgical intervention or by clinical and/or ultrasound monitoring. GSC's benign call rate (BCR), rate of histology-proven malignancy associated with a suspicious GSC result, and diagnostic parameters of GSC were calculated and compared between the two cohorts (initial versus repeat AUS). Statistical significance was defined with a p-value of <.05 for all analysis. RESULTS A total of 202 cases fulfilled inclusion criteria, including 67 and 135 thyroid nodules with an initial and a repeat AUS diagnosis, respectively. BCR was 67% and 66% in initial and repeat AUS cohorts, respectively. Rate of histology-proven malignancy associated with a suspicious GSC result were 22% and 24% in initial and repeat AUS cohorts, respectively. Compared with the repeat AUS cohort, the initial AUS cohort showed slightly lower sensitivity (83% vs. 100%), specificity (70% vs. 73%), PPV (23% vs. 24%), NPV (98% vs. 100%), and diagnostic accuracy (72% vs. 75%). Nevertheless, these differences did not reach statistical significance. CONCLUSION GSC demonstrated comparable performance in thyroid nodules with a repeat AUS diagnosis versus nodules with an initial AUS diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaobing Jin
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan-Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Madelyn Lew
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan-Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Liron Pantanowitz
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jennifer J Iyengar
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan-Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Megan R Haymart
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan-Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Maria Papaleontiou
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan-Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - David Broome
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan-Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Zahrae Sandouk
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan-Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Sobia S Raja
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan-Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - David T Hughes
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan-Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Brian Smola
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan-Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Xin Jing
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan-Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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8
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Haymart P, Levin NJ, Haymart MR. The psychosocial impact of thyroid cancer. Curr Opin Endocrinol Diabetes Obes 2023; 30:252-258. [PMID: 37288721 PMCID: PMC10526714 DOI: 10.1097/med.0000000000000815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review discusses the psychosocial impact of thyroid cancer diagnosis and management. It summarizes recent findings, presents management options, and briefly discusses future directions. RECENT FINDINGS A thyroid cancer diagnosis and its downstream management can impact patients in a variety of ways, including contributing to distress, worry, worse quality of life, and in some cases, anxiety and depression. Racial/ethnic minorities, those with lower education, women, adolescents/young adults, and individuals with a prior mental health conditions are a few of the patient groups at greater risks for adverse psychosocial effects from their thyroid cancer diagnosis and management. Findings are mixed, but some studies suggest treatment, for example, more intensive treatment as opposed to less, may be associated with a greater psychosocial impact. Clinicians providing care to thyroid cancer patients use a variety of resources and techniques, some more effective than others, to provide support. SUMMARY A thyroid cancer diagnosis and its subsequent treatment can greatly impact a patient's psychosocial wellbeing, particularly for at-risk groups. Clinicians can help their patients by informing them of the risks associated with treatments and by offering education and resources for psychosocial support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parker Haymart
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Nina Jackson Levin
- School of Social Work, Department of Anthropology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Megan R. Haymart
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
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9
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Papaleontiou M, Haymart MR. Updates in thyroid healthcare delivery: advancing patient-centered care. Curr Opin Endocrinol Diabetes Obes 2023; 30:217. [PMID: 37678177 DOI: 10.1097/med.0000000000000830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Papaleontiou
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes
- Institute of Gerontology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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10
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Jackson Levin N, Tan CY, Stelmak D, Iannarino NT, Zhang A, Ellman E, Herrel LA, Walling EB, Moravek MB, Chugh R, Haymart MR, Zebrack B. Banking on Fertility Preservation: Financial Concern for Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Patients Considering Oncofertility Services. J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol 2023; 12:710-717. [PMID: 36603107 PMCID: PMC10611956 DOI: 10.1089/jayao.2022.0055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Financial concern is a major issue for adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer patients. Furthermore, unaddressed oncofertility challenges (e.g., infertility) are linked to psychological distress and decreased overall quality of life. Little is known about how financial concern in terms of oncofertility (i.e., concern regarding affording fertility preservation [FP] services) impacts AYAs' decision making and experiences. Methods: AYA cancer patients (n = 27) aged 12-25 years whose cancer treatment conferred risk of infertility were recruited through electronic health record query. Participants completed semi-structured interviews, which were recorded, transcribed, and deductively coded for themes related to information needs, knowledge of treatment effects on fertility, and reproductive concerns after cancer. Emergent, inductive themes related to financial concern were identified. The Institutional Review Board at the University of Michigan approved this study (HUM#00157267). Results: Financial concern was a dominant theme across the qualitative data. Emergent themes included (1) varied access to health insurance, (2) presence of parental/guardian support, (3) reliance upon financial aid, (4) negotiating infertility risk, and (5) lack of preparation for long-term costs. AYAs relied heavily upon parents for out-of-pocket and insurance coverage support. Some participants sought financial aid when guided by providers. Several participants indicated that no financial support existed for their circumstance. Conclusions: Financial consequences in terms of oncofertility are a major issue affecting AYA cancer patients. The incidence and gravity of financial concern surrounding affording oncofertility services merits attention in future research (measuring financial resources of AYAs' parental/support networks), clinical practice (strategically addressing short- and long-term costs; tailored psychosocial support), and health care policy (promoting legislation to mandate pre- and post-treatment FP coverage).
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Jackson Levin
- Department of Anthropology, School of Social Work, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Chiu Yi Tan
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Daria Stelmak
- School of Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Nicholas T. Iannarino
- Department of Language, Culture, and the Arts at University of Michigan-Dearborn, Dearborn, Michigan, USA
| | - Anao Zhang
- School of Social Work, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Erin Ellman
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Lindsey A. Herrel
- Department of Urology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Emily B. Walling
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Molly B. Moravek
- Department of Urology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Rashmi Chugh
- Department of Internal Medicine, Endocrinology & Diabetes Clinic, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Megan R. Haymart
- Department of Metabolism, Endocrinology & Diabetes Clinic, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Brad Zebrack
- School of Social Work, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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11
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Chen DW, Banerjee M, He X, Miranda L, Watanabe M, Veenstra CM, Haymart MR. Hidden Disparities: How Language Influences Patients' Access to Cancer Care. J Natl Compr Canc Netw 2023; 21:951-959.e1. [PMID: 37673110 PMCID: PMC11033703 DOI: 10.6004/jnccn.2023.7037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with limited English proficiency, a vulnerable patient population, remain understudied in the literature addressing cancer disparities. Although it is well documented that language discordance between patients and physicians negatively impacts the quality of patient care, little is known about how patients' preferred spoken language impacts their access to cancer care. PATIENTS AND METHODS Between November 2021 and June 2022, we conducted an audit study of 144 hospitals located across 12 demographically diverse states. Using a standardized script, trained investigators assigned to the roles of English-speaking, Spanish-speaking, and Mandarin-speaking patients called the hospital general information telephone line seeking to access care for 3 cancer types that disproportionately impact Hispanic and Asian populations (colon, lung, and thyroid cancer). Primary outcome was whether the simulated patient caller was provided with the next steps to access cancer care, defined as clinic number or clinic transfer. We used chi-square tests and logistic regression analysis to test for associations between the primary outcome and language type, region type, hospital teaching status, and cancer care requested. We used multivariable logistic regression analysis to determine factors associated with simulated patient callers being provided the next steps. RESULTS Of the 1,296 calls, 52.9% (n=686) resulted in simulated patient callers being provided next steps to access cancer care. Simulated non-English-speaking (vs English-speaking) patient callers were less likely to be provided with the next steps (Mandarin, 27.5%; Spanish, 37.7%; English, 93.5%; P<.001). Multivariable logistic regression found significant associations of the primary outcome with language spoken (Mandarin: odds ratio [OR], 0.02 [95% CI, 0.01-0.04] and Spanish: OR, 0.04 [95% CI, 0.02-0.06] vs English) and hospital teaching status (nonteaching: OR, 0.43 [95% CI, 0.32-0.56] vs teaching). CONCLUSIONS Linguistic disparities exist in access to cancer care for non-English-speaking patients, emphasizing the need for focused interventions to mitigate systems-level communication barriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debbie W. Chen
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Mousumi Banerjee
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Xin He
- Division of Endocrinology, Signature Healthcare, Brockton, Massachusetts
| | - Lesley Miranda
- College of Literature Science and the Arts, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Maya Watanabe
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | | | - Megan R. Haymart
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
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Choksi P, Gay BL, Haymart MR, Papaleontiou M. Physician-Reported Barriers to Osteoporosis Screening: A Nationwide Survey. Endocr Pract 2023; 29:606-611. [PMID: 37156374 PMCID: PMC10526724 DOI: 10.1016/j.eprac.2023.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Despite increased awareness, osteoporosis screening rates remain low. The objective of this survey study was to identify physician-reported barriers to osteoporosis screening. METHODS We conducted a survey of 600 physician members of the Endocrine Society, American Academy of Family Practice, and American Geriatrics Society. The respondents were asked to rate barriers to osteoporosis screening in their patients. We performed multivariable logistic regression analyses to determine correlates with the most commonly reported barriers. RESULTS Of 566 response-eligible physicians, 359 completed the survey (response rate, 63%). The most commonly reported barriers to osteoporosis screening included patient nonadherence (63%), physician concern about cost (56%), clinic visit time constraints (51%), low on the priority list (45%), and patient concern about cost (43%). Patient nonadherence as a barrier was correlated with physicians in academic tertiary centers (odds ratio [OR], 2.34; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.06-5.13), whereas clinic visit time constraints were correlated with physicians in both community-based academic affiliates and academic tertiary care ([OR, 1.96; 95% CI, 1.10-3.50] and [OR, 2.48; 95% CI, 1.22-5.07], respectively). Geriatricians (OR, 0.40; 95% CI, 0.21-0.76) and physicians with >10 years in practice were less likely to report clinic visit time constraints as a barrier (11-20 years: OR, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.20-0.85; >20 years: OR, 0.32; 95% CI, 0.16-0.65). Physicians with more patient-facing time (3-5 compared with 0.5-2 d/wk) were more likely to place screening low on the priority list (OR, 2.66; 95% CI, 1.34-5.29). CONCLUSION Understanding barriers to osteoporosis screening is vital in developing strategies to improve osteoporosis care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Palak Choksi
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Brittany L Gay
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Megan R Haymart
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Maria Papaleontiou
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan; Institute of Gerontology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
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Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debbie W Chen
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Brian H H Lang
- Department of Surgery, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Donald S A McLeod
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia; Population Health Department, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Kate Newbold
- Thyroid Unit, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Megan R Haymart
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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14
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Chen DW, Worden FP, Haymart MR. Access Denied: Disparities in Thyroid Cancer Clinical Trials. J Endocr Soc 2023; 7:bvad064. [PMID: 37256092 PMCID: PMC10225976 DOI: 10.1210/jendso/bvad064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
For thyroid cancer clinical trials, the inclusion of participants from diverse patient populations is uniquely important given existing racial/ethnic disparities in thyroid cancer care. Since 2011, a paradigm shift has occurred in the treatment of advanced thyroid cancer with the approval of multiple systemic therapies by the US Food and Drug Administration based on their use in the clinical trials setting. Although these clinical trials recruited patients from up to 164 sites in 25 countries, the inclusion of racial/ethnic minority patients remained low. In this mini-review, we provide an overview of barriers to accessing cancer clinical trials, framed in the context of why patients with thyroid cancer may be uniquely vulnerable. Multilevel interventions and increased funding for thyroid cancer research are necessary to increase access to and recruitment of under-represented patient populations into thyroid cancer clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debbie W Chen
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48106, USA
| | - Francis P Worden
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48106, USA
| | - Megan R Haymart
- Correspondence: Megan R. Haymart, MD, Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, North Campus Research Complex, 2800 Plymouth Rd, Bldg 16, Rm 408E, Ann Arbor, MI 48106, USA.
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15
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Haymart MR. Editorial: New horizons for thyroid diseases: transformative changes and tailored care. Curr Opin Endocrinol Diabetes Obes 2022; 29:440. [PMID: 36068936 DOI: 10.1097/med.0000000000000757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Megan R Haymart
- Section of Metabolism, Endocrinology, & Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
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16
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Chen DW, Rob FI, Mukherjee R, Giordano TJ, Haymart MR, Banerjee M. Variation in the Diagnosis of Noninvasive Follicular Thyroid Neoplasm with Papillary-like Nuclear Features. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2022; 107:e4072-e4077. [PMID: 35918064 PMCID: PMC9516041 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgac466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Noninvasive encapsulated follicular variant of papillary thyroid cancer was reclassified as noninvasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary-like nuclear features (NIFTP) in January 2017. The impact of this nomenclature change at a population level remains unknown. OBJECTIVE Examine use of NIFTP across different US regions and populations. DESIGN Descriptive epidemiology study using SEER-22 data (2000-2019). PARTICIPANTS Individuals diagnosed with papillary or follicular thyroid cancer (2000-2019) or NIFTP (2017-2019). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Annual incidence rates of thyroid cancer by subtype and NIFTP. Using 2018-2019 data, (1) rates of NIFTP at the 17 SEER-22 sites and (2) comparison of demographics for patients diagnosed with NIFTP vs papillary and follicular thyroid cancer. RESULTS NIFTP comprised 2.2% and 2.6% of cases in 2018 and 2019, respectively. Between 2018 and 2019, large heterogeneity was observed in the regional use of NIFTP diagnosis, with site-specific incidence rates between 0.0% and 6.2% (median 2.8%, interquartile range 1.3-3.6%). A diagnosis of NIFTP (vs papillary and follicular thyroid cancer) in 2018 and 2019 was significantly associated with older age (P = 0.012 and P = 0.009, respectively), Black race (both Ps < 0.001), and non-Hispanic ethnicity (both Ps < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Marked variation exists in the use of the NIFTP diagnosis. The recent 2021 coding change that resulted in NIFTP, a tumor with uncertain malignant potential and for which there is no long-term outcome data available, no longer being a reportable diagnosis to SEER will disproportionately affect vulnerable patient groups such as older patients and Black patients, in addition to patients who reside in regions with higher rates of NIFTP diagnoses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debbie W Chen
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Farizah I Rob
- University of Michigan College of Literature, Science and the Arts, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Rik Mukherjee
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Thomas J Giordano
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Megan R Haymart
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Mousumi Banerjee
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to determine physician-reported use of and barriers to active surveillance for thyroid cancer. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA It is not clear whether active surveillance for thyroid cancer is widely used. METHODS Surgeons and endocrinologists identified by thyroid cancer patients from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) registries of Georgia and Los Angeles County were surveyed between 2018 and 2019. Multivariable weighted logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine physician acceptance and use of active surveillance. Results: Of the 654 eligible physicians identified, 448 responded to the survey (69% response rate). The majority (76%) believed that active surveillance was an appropriate management option, but only 44% used it in their practice. Characteristics of physicians who stated that active surveillance was appropriate management, but did not report using it included more years in practice (reference group <10 years in practice): 10 to 19 years [odds ratio, OR 0.50 [95% confidence interval, CI 0.28-0.92]; 20 to 29 years [OR 0.31 (95% CI 0.15-0.62)]; >30 years [OR 0.30 (95% CI 0.15-0.61)] and higher patient volume 11 to 30 patients per year [OR 0.39 (95% CI 0.21 -0.70)] and >50 patients per year [OR 0.33 (95% CI 0.16-0.71)] compared to < 10, with no significant difference in those seeing 31 to 50 patients. Physicians reported multiple barriers to implementing active surveillance including patient does not want (80.3%), loss to follow-up concern (78.4%), more patient worry (57.6%), and malpractice lawsuit concern (50.9%). CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE Despite most physicians considering active surveillance to be appropriate management, more than half are not using it. Addressing existing barriers is key to improving uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
- David T Hughes
- Department of Surgery, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - David Reyes-Gastelum
- Department of Internal Medicine, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Kevin C Ward
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | - Ann S Hamilton
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Megan R Haymart
- Department of Internal Medicine, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
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18
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Livecchi R, Coe AB, Reyes-Gastelum D, Banerjee M, Haymart MR, Papaleontiou M. Concurrent Use of Thyroid Hormone Therapy and Interfering Medications in Older US Veterans. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2022; 107:e2738-e2742. [PMID: 35396840 PMCID: PMC9202690 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgac216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Thyroid hormone management in older adults is complicated by comorbidities and polypharmacy. OBJECTIVE Determine the prevalence of concurrent use of thyroid hormone and medications that can interfere with thyroid hormone metabolism (amiodarone, prednisone, prednisolone, carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital, tamoxifen), and patient characteristics associated with this practice. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study between 2004 and 2017 (median follow-up, 56 months). SETTING Veterans Health Administration Corporate Data Warehouse. PARTICIPANTS A total of 538 137 adults ≥ 65 years prescribed thyroid hormone therapy during the study period. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Concurrent use of thyroid hormone and medications interfering with thyroid hormone metabolism. RESULTS Overall, 168 878 (31.4%) patients were on at least 1 interfering medication while on thyroid hormone during the study period. In multivariable analyses, Black/African-American race (odds ratio [OR], 1.25; 95% CI, 1.21-1.28, compared with White), Hispanic ethnicity (OR, 1.12; 95% CI, 1.09-1.15, compared with non-Hispanic), female (OR, 1.11; 95% CI, 1.08-1.15, compared with male), and presence of comorbidities (eg, Charlson/Deyo Comorbidity Score ≥ 2; OR, 2.50; 95% CI, 2.45-2.54, compared with 0) were more likely to be associated with concurrent use of thyroid hormone and interfering medications. Older age (eg, ≥ 85 years; OR, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.47-0.48, compared with age 65-74 years) was less likely to be associated with this practice. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Almost one-third of older adults on thyroid hormone were on medications known to interfere with thyroid hormone metabolism. Our findings highlight the complexity of thyroid hormone management in older adults, especially in women and minorities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Livecchi
- Division of General Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Antoinette B Coe
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - David Reyes-Gastelum
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Mousumi Banerjee
- School of Public Health, Department of Biostatistics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Megan R Haymart
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Maria Papaleontiou
- Correspondence: Maria Papaleontiou, MD, Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, North Campus Research Complex, 2800 Plymouth Rd, Bldg 16, Rm 453S, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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19
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Haymart MR, Papaleontiou M. Hot Topics and Advances in Thyroidology: Looking into the Future. Endocrinol Metab Clin North Am 2022; 51:xv-xvi. [PMID: 35662452 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecl.2022.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Megan R Haymart
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, North Campus Research Complex, 2800 Plymouth Road, Building 16, Room 408E, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
| | - Maria Papaleontiou
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, North Campus Research Complex, 2800 Plymouth Road, Building 16, Room 453S, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
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20
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Evron JM, Hummel SL, Reyes-Gastelum D, Haymart MR, Banerjee M, Papaleontiou M. Association of Thyroid Hormone Treatment Intensity With Cardiovascular Mortality Among US Veterans. JAMA Netw Open 2022; 5:e2211863. [PMID: 35552725 PMCID: PMC9099430 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.11863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Synthetic thyroid hormones are among the 3 most commonly prescribed medications, yet studies evaluating the association between the intensity of thyroid hormone treatment and cardiovascular mortality are scarce. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the association between thyroid hormone treatment intensity and cardiovascular mortality. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This retrospective cohort study used data on 705 307 adults who received thyroid hormone treatment from the Veterans Health Administration Corporate Data Warehouse between January 1, 2004, and December 31, 2017, with a median follow-up of 4 years (IQR, 2-9 years). Two cohorts were studied: 701 929 adults aged 18 years or older who initiated thyroid hormone treatment with at least 2 thyrotropin measurements between treatment initiation and either death or the end of the study period, and, separately, 373 981 patients with at least 2 free thyroxine (FT4) measurements. Data were merged with the National Death Index for mortality ascertainment and cause of death, and analysis was conducted from March 25 to September 2, 2020. EXPOSURES Time-varying serum thyrotropin and FT4 levels (euthyroidism: thyrotropin level, 0.5-5.5 mIU/L; FT4 level, 0.7-1.9 ng/dL; exogenous hyperthyroidism: thyrotropin level, <0.5 mIU/L; FT4 level, >1.9 ng/dL; exogenous hypothyroidism: thyrotropin level, >5.5 mIU/L; FT4 level, <0.7 ng/dL). MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Cardiovascular mortality (ie, death from cardiovascular causes, including myocardial infarction, heart failure, or stroke). Survival analyses were performed using Cox proportional hazards regression models using serum thyrotropin and FT4 levels as time-varying covariates. RESULTS Of the 705 307 patients in the study, 625 444 (88.7%) were men, and the median age was 67 years (IQR, 57-78 years; range, 18-110 years). Overall, 75 963 patients (10.8%) died of cardiovascular causes. After adjusting for age, sex, traditional cardiovascular risk factors (eg, hypertension, smoking, and previous cardiovascular disease or arrhythmia), patients with exogenous hyperthyroidism (eg, thyrotropin levels, <0.1 mIU/L: adjusted hazard ratio [AHR], 1.39; 95% CI, 1.32-1.47; FT4 levels, >1.9 ng/dL: AHR, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.20-1.40) and patients with exogenous hypothyroidism (eg, thyrotropin levels, >20 mIU/L: AHR, 2.67; 95% CI, 2.55-2.80; FT4 levels, <0.7 ng/dL: AHR, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.50-1.63) had increased risk of cardiovascular mortality compared with individuals with euthyroidism. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE This study suggests that both exogenous hyperthyroidism and exogenous hypothyroidism were associated with increased risk of cardiovascular mortality. These findings emphasize the importance of maintaining euthyroidism to decrease cardiovascular risk and death among patients receiving thyroid hormone treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josh M. Evron
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
| | - Scott L. Hummel
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
| | - David Reyes-Gastelum
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
| | - Megan R. Haymart
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
| | - Mousumi Banerjee
- School of Public Health, Department of Biostatistics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
| | - Maria Papaleontiou
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
- Institute of Gerontology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
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21
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Radhakrishnan A, Reyes-Gastelum D, Abrahamse P, Gay B, Hawley ST, Wallner LP, Chen DW, Hamilton AS, Ward KC, Haymart MR. Physician Specialties Involved in Thyroid Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment: Implications for Improving Health Care Disparities. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2022; 107:e1096-e1105. [PMID: 34718629 PMCID: PMC8852205 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgab781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Little is known about provider specialties involved in thyroid cancer diagnosis and management. OBJECTIVE Characterize providers involved in diagnosing and treating thyroid cancer. DESIGN/SETTING/PARTICIPANTS We surveyed patients with differentiated thyroid cancer from the Georgia and Los Angeles County Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results registries (N = 2632, 63% response rate). Patients identified their primary care physicians (PCPs), who were also surveyed (N = 162, 56% response rate). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES (1) Patient-reported provider involvement (endocrinologist, surgeon, PCP) at diagnosis and treatment; (2) PCP-reported involvement (more vs less) and comfort (more vs less) with discussing diagnosis and treatment. RESULTS Among thyroid cancer patients, 40.6% reported being informed of their diagnosis by their surgeon, 37.9% by their endocrinologist, and 13.5% by their PCP. Patients reported discussing their treatment with their surgeon (71.7%), endocrinologist (69.6%), and PCP (33.3%). Physician specialty involvement in diagnosis and treatment varied by patient race/ethnicity and age. For example, Hispanic patients (vs non-Hispanic White) were more likely to report their PCP informed them of their diagnosis (odds ratio [OR]: 1.68; 95% CI, 1.24-2.27). Patients ≥65 years (vs <45 years) were more likely to discuss treatment with their PCP (OR: 1.59; 95% CI, 1.22-2.08). Although 74% of PCPs reported discussing their patients' diagnosis and 62% their treatment, only 66% and 48%, respectively, were comfortable doing so. CONCLUSIONS PCPs were involved in thyroid cancer diagnosis and treatment, and their involvement was greater among older patients and patients of minority race/ethnicity. This suggests an opportunity to leverage PCP involvement in thyroid cancer management to improve health and quality of care outcomes for vulnerable patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - David Reyes-Gastelum
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology & Diabetes, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Paul Abrahamse
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Brittany Gay
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology & Diabetes, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Sarah T Hawley
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Lauren P Wallner
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Debbie W Chen
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology & Diabetes, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Ann S Hamilton
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Kevin C Ward
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Megan R Haymart
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology & Diabetes, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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22
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Haymart MR, Papaleontiou M. Radiofrequency Ablation for Thyroid Nodules and Cancer in the United States: Balancing a Transformation of Thyroid Care With Risk for Misuse. Endocr Pract 2022; 28:233-234. [PMID: 34920108 PMCID: PMC10080247 DOI: 10.1016/j.eprac.2021.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Megan R Haymart
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes and Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Maria Papaleontiou
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes and Institute of Gerontology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
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23
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Bischoff L, Haymart MR. Optimal Thyrotropin Following Lobectomy for Papillary Thyroid Cancer: Does It Exist? Thyroid 2022; 32:117-118. [PMID: 34806415 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2021.0617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay Bischoff
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Megan R Haymart
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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Haymart MR. American Thyroid Association Clinical Science Review. VideoEndocrinology 2022. [DOI: 10.1089/ve.2021.0022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Megan R. Haymart
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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Haymart MR. Year in Thyroidology-Recent Developments and Future Challenges: Clinical Science Review. Thyroid 2022; 32:9-13. [PMID: 34806424 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2021.0562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Background: The 2021 Year in Thyroidology-Recent Developments and Future Challenges: Clinical Science Review featured key clinical research within five categories: Thyroid Nodules and Cancer, Thyroid Function and Thyroid Eye Disease, Thyroid and Pregnancy, Thyroid and Pediatrics, and Disparities in Thyroid. Methods: A literature search of PubMed from November 2019 to August 2021 was performed to identify relevant peer-reviewed articles published in English and with a focus on human subjects. Results: There were three nominees for each of the five categories and one featured article per category. The featured articles had the most potential to change clinical practice, focused on a novel topic, and/or included of strong methodology. Conclusions: There were many strong publications on thyroid between November 2019 and August 2021; the 15 nominees and 5 featured articles span a breadth of topics and methodological approaches. The featured articles all have potential to change practice patterns or to stimulate further research that will ultimately change practice patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan R Haymart
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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Jackson Levin N, Zhang A, Reyes-Gastelum D, Chen DW, Hamilton AS, Zebrack B, Haymart MR. Change in worry over time among Hispanic women with thyroid cancer. J Cancer Surviv 2021; 16:844-852. [PMID: 34633638 DOI: 10.1007/s11764-021-01078-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study is to assess change in worry over time in Hispanic women with thyroid cancer. METHODS Worry about recurrence, quality of life, family at risk, death, and harm from treatments was assessed in 273 Hispanic women with thyroid cancer diagnosed in 2014-2015. Subjects were recruited from Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Los Angeles. Participants were surveyed at two points in time (time 1: 2017-2018 and time 2: 2019). Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine correlates with high worry (somewhat, quite a bit, very much) versus low worry (not at all, a little) at time 2. RESULTS For the five worry items, 20.1-39.6% had high worry at both time 1 and time 2. An additional 7.6-13.4% had low worry at time 1 that became high worry at time 2. In multivariable logistic regression controlling for age, recurrence status, education level, and number of complications or side effects symptoms, younger age (20-39) as compared to older (40-79) was associated with high worry about thyroid cancer recurrence (OR 2.16, 95% CI 1.12-4.17). History of recurrent or persistent disease was associated with high worry about harms from treatment (OR 2.94, 95% CI 1.29-6.67). Greater number of complications or side effects of symptoms was associated with more worry across all five items. CONCLUSIONS Some Hispanic women with thyroid cancer have persistently high worry, with young adult Hispanic women vulnerable to worry about recurrence. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS Hispanic women with thyroid cancer may benefit from targeted psychosocial support during survivorship, with interventions informed by patient and cancer characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Jackson Levin
- School of Social Work and Department of Anthropology, University of Michigan, 1080 S. University Ave, Room B660, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Anao Zhang
- School of Social Work, University of Michigan, 1080 S. University, Room 3704, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - David Reyes-Gastelum
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes, University of Michigan, North Campus Research Complex, 2800 Plymouth Rd. Bldg. 16, 400S-20, MI, 48109, Ann Arbor, USA
| | - Debbie W Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes, University of Michigan, Domino's Farms (Lobby C, Suite 1300), 24 Frank Lloyd Wright Drive, PO Box 451, Ann Arbor, MI, 48106, USA
| | - Ann S Hamilton
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 2001 N. Soto St., SSB318E, MC9239, Los Angeles, CA, 90089-9239, USA
| | - Bradley Zebrack
- School of Social Work, University of Michigan, 1080 S. University, Room 2778, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Megan R Haymart
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes, University of Michigan, North Campus Research Complex, 2800 Plymouth Road, Bldg 16, Rm 408E, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
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Pitt SC, Haymart MR. Breaking Down or Waking Up? Psychological Distress and Sleep Disturbance in Patients With Thyroid Nodules and Cancer. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2021; 106:e4278-e4280. [PMID: 33982121 PMCID: PMC8475195 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgab319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Susan C Pitt
- Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53792, USA
| | - Megan R Haymart
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology & Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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Abstract
CONTEXT Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability and there is a need to identify modifiable risk factors. OBJECTIVE We aimed to determine the relationship between thyroid hormone treatment intensity and incidence of atrial fibrillation and stroke. METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort study using data from the Veterans Health Administration between 2004 and 2017, with a median follow-up of 59 months. The study population comprised 733 208 thyroid hormone users aged ≥18 years with at least 2 thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) measurements between thyroid hormone initiation and incident event (atrial fibrillation or stroke) or study conclusion (406 030 thyroid hormone users with at least 2 free thyroxine [T4] measurements). RESULTS Overall, 71 333/643 687 (11.08%) participants developed incident atrial fibrillation and 41 931/663 809 (6.32%) stroke. In multivariable analyses controlling for pertinent factors such as age, sex, and prior history of atrial fibrillation, higher incidence of stroke was associated with low TSH or high free T4 levels (ie, exogenous hyperthyroidism; eg, TSH <0.1 mIU/L; OR 1.33; 95% CI, 1.24-1.43; free T4>1.9 ng/dL, OR 1.17, 95% CI 1.06-1.30) and high TSH or low free T4 levels (ie, exogenous hypothyroidism; eg, TSH >5.5 mIU/L; OR 1.29; 95% CI, 1.26-1.33; free T4 <0.7 ng/dL; OR 1.29; 95% CI, 1.22-1.35) compared with euthyroidism (TSH >0.5-5.5 mIU/L and free T4 0.7-1.9 ng/dL). Risk of developing atrial fibrillation and stroke was cumulative over time for both patients with exogenous hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. CONCLUSION Both exogenous hyper- and hypothyroidism were associated with increased risk of stroke, highlighting the importance of patient medication safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Papaleontiou
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Correspondence: Maria Papaleontiou, MD, Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, North Campus Research Complex, 2800 Plymouth Road, Bldg. 16, Rm 453S, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
| | - Deborah A Levine
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - David Reyes-Gastelum
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Sarah T Hawley
- Division of General Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Mousumi Banerjee
- School of Public Health, Department of Biostatistics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Megan R Haymart
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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Abstract
The state of thyroid cancer in 2021 is reviewed including the prevalence of thyroid cancer, vulnerable patient groups such as women and young adults, and known and hypothesized risk factors for thyroid cancer. Understanding the overdiagnosis and overtreatment of thyroid cancer and recent efforts to reduce harms secondary to overdiagnosis and overtreatment are addressed with optimism that future work will continue to evaluate and improve the care of patients with thyroid cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan R Haymart
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
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Abstract
Background: Current guidelines recommend against thyrotropin (TSH) suppression in low-risk differentiated thyroid cancer patients; however, physician practices remain underexplored. Our objective was to understand treating physicians' approach to TSH suppression in patients with papillary thyroid cancer. Methods: Endocrinologists and surgeons identified by thyroid cancer patients from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results registries of Georgia and Los Angeles were surveyed in 2018-2019. Physicians were asked to report how likely they were to recommend TSH suppression (i.e., TSH <0.5 mIU/L) in three clinical scenarios: patients with intermediate-risk, low-risk, and very low-risk papillary thyroid cancer. Responses were measured on a 4-point Likert scale (extremely unlikely to extremely likely). Multivariable logistic regressions were performed to determine physician characteristics associated with recommending TSH suppression in each of the aforementioned scenarios. Results: Response rate was 69% (448/654). Overall, 80.4% of physicians were likely/extremely likely to recommend TSH suppression for a patient with an intermediate-risk papillary thyroid cancer, 48.8% for a patient with low-risk papillary thyroid cancer, and 29.7% for a patient with very low-risk papillary thyroid cancer. Surgeons were less likely to recommend TSH suppression for an intermediate-risk papillary thyroid cancer patient (odds ratio [OR] = 0.36 [95% confidence interval, CI, 0.19-0.69]) compared with endocrinologists. Physicians with higher thyroid cancer patient volume were less likely to suppress TSH in low-risk and very low-risk papillary thyroid cancer patients (i.e., >40 patients per year, OR = 0.53 [CI 0.30-0.96]; OR = 0.49 [CI 0.24-0.99], respectively, compared with 0-20 patients per year). Physicians who estimated higher likelihood of recurrence were more likely to suppress TSH in a patient with very low-risk papillary thyroid cancer (OR = 2.34 [CI 1.91-4.59]). Conclusions: Many patients with low-risk thyroid cancer continue to be treated with suppressive doses of thyroid hormone, emphasizing the need for more high-quality research to guide thyroid cancer management, as well as better understanding of barriers that hinder guideline adoption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Papaleontiou
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Debbie W. Chen
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Mousumi Banerjee
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - David Reyes-Gastelum
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Ann S. Hamilton
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Kevin C. Ward
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Megan R. Haymart
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Address correspondence to: Megan R. Haymart, MD, Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, 2800 Plymouth Road, Building 16, Room 408E, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
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Abstract
Background: Understanding the impact of comorbidities and competing risks of death when caring for older adults with thyroid cancer is key for personalized management. The objective of this study was to determine whether older adults with thyroid cancer are more likely to die from thyroid cancer or other etiologies, and determine patient factors associated with each. Methods: The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)-Medicare database was used to identify patients aged ≥66 years diagnosed with thyroid cancer (papillary, follicular, Hürthle cell, medullary, anaplastic, and other) between 2000 and 2015 (median follow-up, 50 months). We analyzed time to event (i.e., death from other causes or death from thyroid cancer) using cumulative incidence functions. Competing risk hazards regression was used to determine the association between patient (e.g., age at diagnosis and specific comorbidities) and tumor characteristics (e.g., SEER stage) with two competing mortality outcomes: death from other causes and death from thyroid cancer. Results: Of 21,509 patients with a median age of 72 years (range 66-106), 4168 (19.4%) died of other causes and 2644 (12.3%) died of thyroid cancer during the study period. For differentiated thyroid cancer patients, likelihood of dying from other causes exceeds likelihood of dying from thyroid cancer, whereas the opposite is true for anaplastic thyroid cancer. For medullary thyroid cancer, after 6.25 years patients are more likely to die from other etiologies than thyroid cancer. Using competing risks hazards regression, male sex (hazards ratio [HR] 1.47; 95% confidence interval [CI 1.37-1.57]), black race (HR 1.30; CI [1.16-1.46]), and comorbidities (e.g., heart disease, HR 1.34; CI [1.25-1.44]; chronic lower respiratory disease, HR 1.25; CI [1.17-1.34]) were associated with death from other causes. Tumor characteristics such as histology, tumor size, and stage correlated with death from thyroid cancer (e.g., distant SEER stage compared with localized, HR 12.65; CI [10.91-14.66]). Conclusions: The clinical context, including patients' specific comorbidities, should be considered when diagnosing and managing thyroid cancer. Our findings can be used to develop decision models that account for competing causes of death, as an aid for clinical decision making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Papaleontiou
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Edward C. Norton
- Department of Economics, Health Management & Policy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - David Reyes-Gastelum
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Mousumi Banerjee
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Megan R. Haymart
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Address correspondence to: Megan R. Haymart, MD, Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, North Campus Research Complex, 2800 Plymouth Road, Building 16, Room 408E, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
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Advani PG, Morton LM, Kitahara CM, Berrington de Gonzalez A, Ramin C, Haymart MR, Curtis RE, Schonfeld SJ. Assessment of surveillance versus etiologic factors in the reciprocal association between papillary thyroid cancer and breast cancer. Cancer Epidemiol 2021; 74:101985. [PMID: 34280845 DOI: 10.1016/j.canep.2021.101985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mutually increased risks for thyroid and breast cancer have been reported, but the contribution of etiologic factors versus increased medical surveillance to these associations is unknown. METHODS Leveraging large-scale US population-based cancer registry data, we used standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) to investigate the reciprocal risks of thyroid and breast cancers among adult females diagnosed with a first primary invasive, non-metastatic breast cancer (N = 652,627) or papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) (N = 92,318) during 2000-2017 who survived ≥1-year. RESULTS PTC risk was increased 1.3-fold [N = 1434; SIR = 1.32; 95 % confidence interval (CI) = 1.25-1.39] after breast cancer compared to the general population. PTC risk declined significantly with time since breast cancer (Poisson regression = Ptrend <0.001) and was evident only for tumors ≤2 cm in size. The SIRs for PTC were higher after hormone-receptor (HR)+ (versus HR-) and stage II or III (versus stage 0-I) breast tumors. Breast cancer risk was increased 1.2-fold (N = 2038; SIR = 1.21; CI = 1.16-1.26) after PTC and was constant over time since PTC but was only increased for stage 0-II and HR + breast cancers. CONCLUSION Although some of the patterns by latency, stage and size are consistent with heightened surveillance contributing to the breast-thyroid association, we cannot exclude a role of shared etiology or treatment effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pragati G Advani
- Radiation Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - Lindsay M Morton
- Radiation Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Cari M Kitahara
- Radiation Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Amy Berrington de Gonzalez
- Radiation Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Cody Ramin
- Radiation Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Megan R Haymart
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes and Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Rochelle E Curtis
- Radiation Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Sara J Schonfeld
- Radiation Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD, USA
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Rosko AJ, Gay BL, Reyes-Gastelum D, Hamilton AS, Ward KC, Haymart MR. Surgeons' Attitudes on Total Thyroidectomy vs Lobectomy for Management of Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinoma. JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2021; 147:667-669. [PMID: 33885723 DOI: 10.1001/jamaoto.2021.0525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J Rosko
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
| | - Brittany L Gay
- Metabolism, Endocrinology & Diabetes, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
| | | | - Ann S Hamilton
- Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles
| | - Kevin C Ward
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Megan R Haymart
- Metabolism, Endocrinology & Diabetes, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
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Chen DW, Reyes-Gastelum D, Hawley ST, Wallner LP, Hamilton AS, Haymart MR. Unmet Information Needs Among Hispanic Women with Thyroid Cancer. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2021; 106:e2680-e2687. [PMID: 33660770 PMCID: PMC8208677 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgab128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Revised: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Thyroid cancer is the second most common cancer in Hispanic women. OBJECTIVE To determine the relationship between acculturation level and unmet information needs among Hispanic women with thyroid cancer. DESIGN Population-based survey study. PARTICIPANTS Hispanic women from Los Angeles Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results registry with thyroid cancer diagnosed in 2014-2015 who had previously completed our thyroid cancer survey in 2017-2018 (N = 273; 80% response rate). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Patients were asked about 3 outcome measures of unmet information needs: (1) internet access, (2) thyroid cancer information resources used, and (3) ability to access information. Acculturation was assessed with the Short Acculturation Scale for Hispanics (SASH). Health literacy was measured with a validated single-item question. RESULTS Participants' median age at diagnosis was 47 years (range 20-79) and 48.7% were low-acculturated. Hispanic women were more likely to report the ability to access information "all of the time" if they preferred thyroid cancer information in mostly English compared to mostly Spanish (88.5% vs 37.0%, P < 0.001). Low-acculturated (vs high-acculturated) Hispanic women were more likely to have low health literacy (47.2% vs 5.0%, P < 0.001) and report use of in-person support groups (42.0% vs 23.1%, P = 0.006). Depending on their level of acculturation, Hispanic women accessed the internet differently (P < 0.001) such that low-acculturated women were more likely to report use of only a smartphone (34.0% vs 14.3%) or no internet access (26.2% vs 1.4%). CONCLUSIONS Low-acculturated (vs high-acculturated) Hispanic women with thyroid cancer have greater unmet information needs, emphasizing the importance of patient-focused approaches to providing medical information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debbie W Chen
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology & Diabetes, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - David Reyes-Gastelum
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology & Diabetes, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Sarah T Hawley
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Lauren P Wallner
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Ann S Hamilton
- Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Megan R Haymart
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology & Diabetes, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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Wallner LP, Banerjee M, Reyes-Gastelum D, Hamilton AS, Ward KC, Lubitz C, Hawley ST, Haymart MR. Multilevel Factors Associated With More Intensive Use of Radioactive Iodine for Low-Risk Thyroid Cancer. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2021; 106:e2402-e2412. [PMID: 33687063 PMCID: PMC8118575 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgab139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT The use of radioactive iodine (RAI) for low-risk thyroid cancer is common, and variation in its use exists, despite the lack of benefit for low-risk disease and potential harms and costs. OBJECTIVE To simultaneously assess patient- and physician-level factors associated with patient-reported receipt of RAI for low-risk thyroid cancer. METHODS This population-based survey study of patients with newly diagnosed differentiated thyroid cancer identified via the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) registries of Georgia and Los Angeles County included 989 patients with low-risk thyroid cancer, linked to 345 of their treating general surgeons, otolaryngologists, and endocrinologists. We assessed the association of physician- and patient-level factors with patient-reported receipt of RAI for low-risk thyroid cancer. RESULTS Among this sample, 48% of patients reported receiving RAI, and 23% of their physicians reported they would use RAI for low-risk thyroid cancer. Patients were more likely to report receiving RAI if they were treated by a physician who reported they would use RAI for low-risk thyroid cancer compared with those whose physician reported they would not use RAI (adjusted OR: 1.84; 95% CI, 1.29-2.61). The odds of patients reporting they received RAI was 55% lower among patients whose physicians reported they saw a higher volume of patients with thyroid cancer (40+ vs 0-20) (adjusted OR: 0.45; 0.30-0.67). CONCLUSIONS Physician perspectives and attitudes about using RAI, as well as patient volume, influence RAI use for low-risk thyroid cancer. Efforts to reduce overuse of RAI in low-risk thyroid cancer should include interventions targeted toward physicians, in addition to patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren P Wallner
- University of Michigan, Department of Internal Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- University of Michigan, Department of Epidemiology, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- University of Michigan, Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Mousumi Banerjee
- University of Michigan, Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- University of Michigan, Department of Biostatistics, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | - Ann S Hamilton
- Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Department of Preventive Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Kevin C Ward
- Emory University, Department of Epidemiology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Carrie Lubitz
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Department of Surgery, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sarah T Hawley
- University of Michigan, Department of Internal Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- University of Michigan, Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- University of Michigan, Departments of Health Management and Policy and Health Behavior and Education, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Megan R Haymart
- University of Michigan, Department of Internal Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- University of Michigan, Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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Beeson R, Coe AB, Reyes-Gastelum D, Haymart MR, Papaleontiou M. Interfering Medications in Older Adults on Thyroid Hormone Replacement: Who Is at Risk? J Endocr Soc 2021. [PMCID: PMC8265867 DOI: 10.1210/jendso/bvab048.1694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background: Thyroid hormone prescriptions have steadily increased in the past few years with levothyroxine being one of the most frequently prescribed medications in the United States. Population-based studies have shown that older age is a significant predictor for thyroid hormone initiation, with use continuing long-term. Thyroid hormone management in older adults is complicated by the presence of comorbidities and polypharmacy, particularly due to medications that can interfere with thyroid function tests. However, the prevalence of concurrent use of thyroid hormone and interfering medications in older adults and patient characteristics associated with this practice remain unknown. Methods: We conducted a population-based, retrospective cohort study of 538,137 thyroid hormone users aged ≥65 years from the Corporate Data Warehouse of the Veterans Health Administration (2004-2017). First, we described the prevalence of concurrent use of thyroid hormone and medications that commonly interfere with thyroid function tests (i.e., prednisone, prednisolone, carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital, amiodarone, lithium, interferon-alpha, tamoxifen). Then, we performed a multivariable logistic regression analysis to determine patient characteristics associated with concurrent use of thyroid hormone and at least one interfering medication during the study period. Covariates included in the model were patient age, sex, race, ethnicity and number of comorbidities. Results: Overall, 170,261 (31.6%) of patients were on at least one interfering medication while on thyroid hormone during the study period (median follow up 56 months). Non-white race [odds ratio (OR) 1.18, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.15-1.21], compared to white race), Hispanic ethnicity (OR 1.11, 95% CI 1.08-1.14, compared to non-Hispanic), female sex (OR 1.12, 95% CI 1.08-1.15, compared to male sex), and presence of comorbidities (e.g. Charlson-Deyo Comorbidity Score ≥2, OR 2.47, 95% CI 2.43-2.52, compared to zero) were more likely to be associated with concurrent use of thyroid hormone and interfering medications. Older age (e.g., ≥85 years, OR 0.47, 95% CI 0.46 - 0.48, compared to age 65-74 years) was less likely to be associated with concurrent use of thyroid hormone and interfering medications. Conclusions: Almost one-third of older adults on thyroid hormone were taking medications that have been known to interfere with thyroid function tests. Our study highlights the complexity of managing thyroid hormone replacement in older patients, many of whom are at risk for adverse effects in the context of polypharmacy and comorbidities.
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Chen DW, Reyes-Gastelum D, Hawley ST, Wallner LP, Hamilton AS, Haymart MR. Unmet Information Needs Among Hispanic Women With Thyroid Cancer. J Endocr Soc 2021. [PMCID: PMC8089948 DOI: 10.1210/jendso/bvab048.1785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Despite thyroid cancer being the second most common cancer in Hispanic women, little is known about access to and utilization of medical information resources by Hispanic women with thyroid cancer. Methods: Hispanic women who had diagnoses of thyroid cancer reported to the Los Angeles Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) registry in 2014-2015, and who had previously completed our thyroid cancer survey in 2017-2018, were offered follow-up surveys in both English and Spanish (N=273; 80% response rate). Acculturation, which is the process by which individuals adopt the language, values, attitudes, and behaviors of a different culture, was assessed with the Short Acculturation Scale for Hispanics (SASH). Health literacy was assessed with the validated single-item question of “How confident are you filling out medical forms by yourself?” with response categories based on a five-point Likert scale from “extremely” to “not at all”. Patients were also asked about their internet access, information resources used, and ability to access medical information about thyroid cancer in their preferred language. We generated descriptive statistics for all categorical variables and used Rao-Scott adjusted chi-square tests to test for a relationship between level of acculturation and the following variables: health literacy, internet access, information resources used, and ability to access information. Results: Participants’ median age at diagnosis was 47 years (range 20-79); 49% were low-acculturated, 25% had low health literacy, and 14% reported no internet access at home. Low-acculturated Hispanic women reported using information resources in both English and Spanish whereas high-acculturated women used resources in English only. Hispanic women were more likely to report the ability to access medical information about thyroid cancer all of the time if they preferred information in English compared to if they preferred it in Spanish (89% vs 37%, P<0.001). Low-acculturated (vs high-acculturated) Hispanic women were more likely to have low health literacy (47% vs 5%, P<0.001) and to report use of in-person support groups (42% vs 23%, P=0.006). Depending on their level of acculturation, Hispanic women accessed the internet differently (P<0.001) such that low-acculturated women were more likely to use only a smartphone (34% vs 14%) or have no internet access (26% vs 1%), and less likely to use both a smartphone and home computer/tablet (28% vs 58%) or use only a home computer/tablet (10% vs 21%). Conclusion: Our findings demonstrate that low-acculturated Hispanic women with thyroid cancer have greater unmet information needs and access information differently compared to high-acculturated Hispanic women. This study emphasizes the importance of a patient-focused tailored approach to providing medical information to this understudied population.
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Abstract
Background: Little is known about financial hardship among Hispanic women with thyroid cancer. The goal of this study was to determine the prevalence of financial hardship and to identify correlates of financial hardship in this understudied patient group. Methods: We surveyed Hispanic women who had diagnoses of thyroid cancer reported to the Los Angeles Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) registry in 2014-2015, and who had previously completed our thyroid cancer survey in 2017-2018 (N = 273; 80% response rate). Acculturation was assessed with the Short Acculturation Scale for Hispanics (SASH). Patients were asked about three outcome measures since their thyroid cancer diagnosis: (i) financial status, (ii) insurance status, and (iii) material measures of financial hardship, collapsed into a single composite measure of financial hardship. We used multivariable logistic regression to identify correlates of financial hardship. Results: Patients' median age at diagnosis was 47 years (range 20-79 years); 49% were low-acculturated and 47% reported financial hardship. Since their thyroid cancer diagnosis, 31% and 12% of the cohort reported being worse off regarding financial and insurance status, respectively. In multivariable analysis, high-acculturated older women were less likely to experience financial hardship compared with high-acculturated 20-year-old women. While financial hardship decreased with age for high-acculturated women (p = 0.002), financial hardship remained elevated across all age groups for low-acculturated women (p = 0.54). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that across all age groups, low-acculturated Hispanic women with thyroid cancer are vulnerable to financial hardship, emphasizing the need for tailored patient-focused interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debbie W. Chen
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - David Reyes-Gastelum
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Christine M. Veenstra
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Ann S. Hamilton
- Division of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Mousumi Banerjee
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Megan R. Haymart
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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Kovatch KJ, Reyes-Gastelum D, Sipos JA, Caoili EM, Hamilton AS, Ward KC, Haymart MR. Physician Confidence in Neck Ultrasonography for Surveillance of Differentiated Thyroid Cancer Recurrence. JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2020; 147:2774497. [PMID: 33355635 PMCID: PMC7758830 DOI: 10.1001/jamaoto.2020.4471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Neck ultrasonography, a mainstay of long-term surveillance for recurrence of differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC), is routinely used by endocrinologists, general surgeons, and otolaryngologists; however, physician confidence in their ability to use ultrasonography to identify lymph nodes suggestive of cancer recurrence remains unknown. OBJECTIVE To evaluate physicians' posttreatment surveillance practices for DTC recurrence, specifically their use of and confidence in ultrasonography. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS Cross-sectional study of 448 physicians in private and academic hospitals who completed a survey on DTC posttreatment practices from October 2018 to August 2019 (response rate, 69%) and self-reported involvement in long-term surveillance for thyroid cancer recurrence. Physicians were identified by patients affiliated with the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program registries in Georgia State and Los Angeles County. Of the respondents, 320 physicians who reported involvement with DTC surveillance were included in the analysis. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Physician-reported long-term surveillance practices for DTC, including frequency of use and level of confidence in ultrasonography for detecting lymph nodes suggestive of cancer recurrence. RESULTS In the cohort of 320 physicians who reported involvement with DTC surveillance, 186 (60%) had been in practice for 10 years to less than 30 years; 209 (68%) were White; and 212 (66%) were men. The physicians included 170 (56%) endocrinologists, 67 (21%) general surgeons, and 75 (23%) otolaryngologists. Just 84 (27%) physicians reported personally performing bedside ultrasonography. Only 57 (20%) had high confidence (rated quite or extremely confident) in their ability to use bedside ultrasonography to identify lymph nodes suggestive of recurrence; 94 (33%) did not report high confidence in either their ability or a radiologist's ability to use ultrasonography to detect recurrence. Higher confidence in ultrasonography was associated with the general surgery subspecialty (odds ratio [OR], 5.7; 95% CI, 2.2-14.4; reference endocrinology) and with treating a higher number of patients per year (>50 patients: OR, 14.4; 95% CI, 4.4-47.4; 31-50 patients: OR, 8.4; 95% CI, 2.6-26.7; 11-30 patients: OR, 4.3; 95% CI, 1.5-12.1; reference 0-10 patients). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Given the importance of neck ultrasonography in long-term surveillance for thyroid cancer, these findings of physicians' low confidence in their own ability and that of radiologists to use ultrasonography to detect recurrence point to a major obstacle to standardizing long-term DTC surveillance practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin J. Kovatch
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery, Vanderbilt Bill Wilkerson Center, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - David Reyes-Gastelum
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology & Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
| | | | | | - Ann S. Hamilton
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles
| | - Kevin C. Ward
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Megan R. Haymart
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology & Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
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Choksi P, Gay BL, Reyes-Gastelum D, Haymart MR, Papaleontiou M. Understanding Osteoporosis Screening Practices in Men: A Nationwide Physician Survey. Endocr Pract 2020; 26:1237-1243. [PMID: 33471653 PMCID: PMC7755710 DOI: 10.4158/ep-2020-0123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To understand osteoporosis screening practices, particularly in men, by a diverse cohort of physicians, including primary care physicians, endocrinologists, and geriatricians. METHODS We surveyed randomly selected members of the American Academy of Family Practice, Endocrine Society, and American Geriatrics Society. Respondents were asked to rate how often they would screen for osteoporosis in four different clinical scenarios by ordering a bone density scan. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine factors associated with offering osteoporosis screening in men in each clinical scenario. Physicians were also asked to note factors that would lead to osteoporosis screening in men. RESULTS Response rate was 63% (359/566). While 90% respondents reported that they would always or frequently screen for osteoporosis in a 65-year-old post-menopausal woman, only 22% reported they would screen a 74-year-old man with no significant past medical history. Endocrinologists were more likely to screen a 74-year-old man compared to primary care physicians (odds ratio, 2.32; 95% confidence interval, 1.10 to 4.88). In addition to chronic steroid use (94%), history of nontraumatic fractures (88%), and androgen-deprivation therapy for prostate cancer (82%), more than half the physicians reported suppressive doses of thyroid hormone (64%) and history of falls (52%) as factors leading to screening for osteoporosis in men. CONCLUSIONS Our survey results highlight heterogeneity in osteoporosis screening in men, with underscreening in some scenarios compared to women, and identify factors that lead to screening in men. These findings can help design interventions to improve osteoporosis screening in men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Palak Choksi
- From the Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Brittany L Gay
- From the Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - David Reyes-Gastelum
- From the Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Megan R Haymart
- From the Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Maria Papaleontiou
- From the Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan..
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan R. Haymart
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor
| | - Whitney S. Goldner
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha
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Chen DW, Reyes-Gastelum D, Radhakrishnan A, Hamilton AS, Ward KC, Haymart MR. Physician-Reported Misuse of Thyroid Ultrasonography. JAMA Surg 2020; 155:984-986. [PMID: 32804996 PMCID: PMC7424547 DOI: 10.1001/jamasurg.2020.2507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 05/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Debbie W. Chen
- Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
| | - David Reyes-Gastelum
- Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
| | | | - Ann S. Hamilton
- Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles
| | - Kevin C. Ward
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Megan R. Haymart
- Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
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Papaleontiou M, Zebrack B, Reyes-Gastelum D, Rosko AJ, Hawley ST, Hamilton AS, Ward KC, Haymart MR. Physician management of thyroid cancer patients' worry. J Cancer Surviv 2020; 15:418-426. [PMID: 32939685 DOI: 10.1007/s11764-020-00937-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study is to understand physician management of thyroid cancer-related worry. METHODS Endocrinologists, general surgeons, and otolaryngologists identified by Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) patients were surveyed 2018-2019 (response rate 69% (448/654)) and asked to rate in general their patients' worry at diagnosis and actions they take for worried patients. Multivariable-weighted logistic regressions were conducted to determine physician characteristics associated with reporting thyroid cancer as "good cancer" and with encouraging patients to seek help managing worry outside the physician-patient relationship. RESULTS Physicians reported their patients as quite/very worried (65%), somewhat worried (27%), and a little/not worried (8%) at diagnosis. Half of the physicians tell patients their thyroid cancer is a "good cancer." Otolaryngology (odds ratio (OR) 1.87, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.08-3.21, versus endocrinology), private practice (OR 2.48, 95% CI 1.32-4.68, versus academic setting), and Los Angeles (OR 2.24, 95% CI 1.45-3.46, versus Georgia) were associated with using "good cancer." If patients are worried, 97% of physicians make themselves available for discussion, 44% refer to educational websites, 18% encourage communication with family/friends, 13% refer to support groups, and 7% refer to counselors. Physicians who perceived patients being quite/very worried were less likely to use "good cancer" (OR 0.54, 95% CI 0.35-0.84) and more likely to encourage patients to seek help outside the physician-patient relationship (OR 1.82, 95% CI 1.17-2.82). IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS Physicians perceive patient worry as common and address it with various approaches, with some approaches of unclear benefit. Efforts are needed to develop tailored interventions targeting survivors' psychosocial needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Papaleontiou
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan-North Campus Research Complex, 2800 Plymouth Road, Bldg 16, Rm 453S, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Bradley Zebrack
- School of Social Work, University of Michigan, 1080 S. University, Room 2778, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - David Reyes-Gastelum
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan-North Campus Research Complex, 2800 Plymouth Rd., Bldg. 16, 400S-20, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Andrew J Rosko
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, 1904 Taubman Center, 1500 E Medical Center Dr. SPC 5312, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Sarah T Hawley
- Division of General Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan-North Campus Research Complex, 2800 Plymouth Road, Bldg 16, Rm G034, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Ann S Hamilton
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 2001 N. Soto St., SSB318E, MC9239, Los Angeles, CA, 90089-9239, USA
| | - Kevin C Ward
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Rd., NE RM 764, GCR Building Mailstop; 1518-002-7AA, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Megan R Haymart
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan-North Campus Research Complex, 2800 Plymouth Road, Bldg 16, Rm 408E, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
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Radhakrishnan A, Reyes-Gastelum D, Gay B, Hawley ST, Hamilton AS, Ward KC, Wallner LP, Haymart MR. Primary Care Provider Involvement in Thyroid Cancer Survivorship Care. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2020; 105:5868790. [PMID: 32639557 PMCID: PMC7379904 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgaa437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT While prior research has examined how primary care providers (PCPs) can care for breast and colon cancer survivors, little is known about their role in thyroid cancer survivorship. OBJECTIVE To understand PCP involvement and confidence in thyroid cancer survivorship care. DESIGN/SETTING/PARTICIPANTS We surveyed PCPs identified by thyroid cancer patients from the Georgia and LA SEER registries (n = 162, response rate 56%). PCPs reported their involvement in long-term surveillance and confidence in handling survivorship care (role of random thyroglobulin levels and neck ultrasound, and when to end long-term surveillance and refer back to the specialist). We examined: 1) PCP-reported factors associated with involvement using multivariable analyses; and 2) bivariate associations between involvement and confidence in handling survivorship care. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES PCP involvement (involved vs not involved) and confidence (high vs low). RESULTS Many PCPs (76%) reported being involved in long-term surveillance. Involvement was greater among PCPs who noted clinical guidelines as the most influential source in guiding treatment (OR 4.29; 95% CI, 1.56-11.82). PCPs reporting high confidence in handling survivorship varied by aspects of care: refer patient to specialist (39%), role of neck ultrasound (36%) and random thyroglobulin levels (27%), and end long-term surveillance (14%). PCPs reporting involvement were more likely to report high confidence in discussing the role of random thyroglobulin levels (33.3% vs 7.9% not involved; P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS While PCPs reported being involved in long-term surveillance, gaps remain in their confidence in handling survivorship care. Thyroid cancer survivorship guidelines that delineate PCP roles present one opportunity to increase confidence about their participation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Archana Radhakrishnan
- Division of General Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - David Reyes-Gastelum
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Brittany Gay
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Sarah T Hawley
- Division of General Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Ann S Hamilton
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Kevin C Ward
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Lauren P Wallner
- Division of General Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Megan R Haymart
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Correspondence and Reprint Requests: Megan R. Haymart, MD, Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, North Campus Research Complex, 2800 Plymouth Road, Bldg 16, Rm 408E, Ann Arbor, MI 48109.
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Abstract
Background: Despite the excellent survival of most patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC), recurrent and persistent disease remain major concerns for physicians and patients. However, studies on patient report of recurrent and persistent disease are lacking. Methods: Between February 1, 2017, and October 31, 2018, we surveyed eligible patients who were diagnosed with DTC between 2014 and 2015 from the Georgia and Los Angeles Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results cancer registries (N = 2632; response rate, 63%). Patients who reported current disease status were included in this study (n = 2454). Patient-reported data were linked to registry data. A multivariable, multinomial logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine patient and tumor characteristics associated with recurrent and persistent thyroid cancer. Quality of life was evaluated using the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System-Global Health v1.2 questionnaire. Meaningful change in global health was defined as a minimal difference of a half standard deviation or 5 points compared with the mean (T score = 50) of a sample population matching the United States 2000 General Census. Results: Of the 2454 patients completing the survey, 95 (4.1%) reported recurrent disease and 137 (5.8%) reported persistent disease. In multinomial analyses, T3/T4 classification and cervical lymph node involvement (N1) were associated with both report of recurrent (adjusted relative risk ratio [RRR] 1.99, 95% confidence interval [CI 1.16-3.42]; adjusted RRR 2.03 [CI 1.29-3.21], respectively) and persistent disease (adjusted RRR 3.48 [CI 1.96-6.20]; adjusted RRR 3.56 [CI 2.41-5.24], respectively). Additionally, Hispanic ethnicity was associated with report of recurrent disease (adjusted RRR 1.99 [CI 1.23-3.24]). Regarding quality of life, the median scores in patients with persistent disease met criteria for meaningful change in global physical health (T-score = 44.9) and global mental health (T-score = 43.5) when compared with the general population norms. Median scores in patients with cured or recurrent disease did not meet criteria for meaningful change. Conclusions: Patient report is a reasonable method of assessing recurrent and persistent disease. Impact on quality of life is more marked for patients with reported persistent disease. Our findings will help personalize treatment and long-term follow-up in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Papaleontiou
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Josh M. Evron
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Nazanene H. Esfandiari
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - David Reyes-Gastelum
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Kevin C. Ward
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Ann S. Hamilton
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Francis Worden
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Megan R. Haymart
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Address correspondence to: Megan R. Haymart, MD, Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, North Campus Research Complex, 2800 Plymouth Road, Building 16, Room 408E, Ann Arbor, MI 48109
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Abstract
Until recently, thyroid cancer was one of the most rapidly increasing cancers in the United States. Disparities exist in many aspects of thyroid cancer care as a result of the multifactorial interplay of systemic, patient, and physician factors. To better understand the management of thyroid cancer in populations at risk for health disparities and subsequently implement changes that will lead to health equity for all patients with thyroid cancer, health services research with innovative approaches is necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debbie W. Chen
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Megan R. Haymart
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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Papaleontiou M, Haymart MR. Thyroid nodules and cancer during pregnancy, post-partum and preconception planning: Addressing the uncertainties and challenges. Best Pract Res Clin Endocrinol Metab 2020; 34:101363. [PMID: 31786102 PMCID: PMC7242146 DOI: 10.1016/j.beem.2019.101363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Thyroid nodules and thyroid cancer have become increasingly common worldwide. When discovered during pregnancy, they pose unique diagnostic and therapeutic challenges for both the treating physician and the patient. The benefits of treatment should be carefully weighed against risks that may adversely impact maternal and fetal health. In this review, we present current knowledge and controversies surrounding the management of thyroid nodules and thyroid cancer in pregnancy, in the post-partum period and during preconception planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Papaleontiou
- Medicine, Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Health System, North Campus Research Complex, 2800 Plymouth Road, Bldg 16, Rm 453S, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
| | - Megan R Haymart
- Medicine, Divisions of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes and Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Health System, North Campus Research Complex, 2800 Plymouth Rd., Bldg. 16, Rm 408E, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
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Papaleontiou M, Zebrack B, Reyes-Gastelum D, Hawley ST, Hamilton AS, Ward KC, Haymart MR. OR21-06 Physician Management of Thyroid Cancer Patients’ Worry: Is It “Good” Enough? J Endocr Soc 2020. [PMCID: PMC7208691 DOI: 10.1210/jendso/bvaa046.406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Despite the excellent prognosis of most thyroid cancer patients, cancer-related worry is common. Additionally, patients report that being told by physicians that they have a “good cancer” invalidates their fears of having cancer and creates mixed and confusing emotions. However, it is not known what proportion of physicians try to reassure patients with the description “good cancer”. Methods: Patients diagnosed with differentiated thyroid cancer in 2014–2015 from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results Program (SEER) registries of Georgia and Los Angeles County were asked to identify endocrinologists and surgeons involved in managing their thyroid cancer. Physicians were surveyed using the modified Diliman method. They were asked to describe their thyroid cancer patients’ worry at time of diagnosis and what they tell them if worried. A multivariable logistic regression was conducted to identify physician characteristics associated with reporting thyroid cancer as a “good cancer”. Results: Response rate was 69% (448/654). Overall, 40% were endocrinologists, 30% were general surgeons and 30% were otolaryngologists. A total of 8% of physicians reported that their patients are not worried or are a little worried at diagnosis, 27% that they are somewhat worried and 65% that they are quite or very worried. Ninety-one percent of physicians reported providing details on prognosis including information on death and recurrence to worried patients, 61% tell them their physicians are experienced in managing thyroid cancer, and 50% tell them that thyroid cancer is a “good cancer”. Factors associated with report of telling patients they have a “good cancer” included otolaryngology specialty [odds ratio (OR) 1.84, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.07–3.17, compared to endocrinology), private practice setting (OR 2.57, 95% CI 1.42–4.75, compared to academic setting) and Los Angeles site (OR 2.23, 95% CI 1.46–3.45, compared to Georgia site). Physicians who perceived that their patients were quite or very worried at time of diagnosis were less likely to use this terminology (OR 0.55, 95% CI 0.35–0.84) and more likely to encourage patients to seek help outside of the physician-patient relationship (OR1.82, 95% CI 0.35–0.84), compared to patients not to somewhat worried. Conclusion: Most physicians in our sample from two diverse geographic areas report perceiving patient worry as common at time of thyroid cancer diagnosis. They report addressing this worry with different strategies, including telling patients they have a “good cancer”. The benefit of such strategies on patient outcomes still needs further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Ann S Hamilton
- Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Chen DW, Reyes-Gastelum D, Radhakrishnan A, Hamilton AS, Ward KC, Haymart MR. MON-501 Physician-Reported Misuse of Thyroid Ultrasound. J Endocr Soc 2020. [PMCID: PMC7209166 DOI: 10.1210/jendso/bvaa046.460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Over the past four decades, there has been a substantial increase in the incidence of thyroid cancer with studies suggesting that greater use of thyroid ultrasound contributes to the rise in incidence. However, little is known about physician reported practice patterns on ultrasound use.
Methods: Patients diagnosed with differentiated thyroid cancer in 2014–15 from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results registries of Georgia and Los Angeles were surveyed and asked to identify the surgeon who performed their thyroid surgery, and the endocrinologist and other doctors most involved in their thyroid cancer treatment decision making. We surveyed all physicians identified by more than one patient, and a random sample of physicians identified by one surveyed patient (N=610; 65% response rate). Surveyed physicians were asked to identify the clinical scenarios in which they would schedule a thyroid or neck ultrasound. We generated descriptive statistics for all categorical variables and used multivariable logistic regression to identify factors associated with thyroid ultrasound misuse.
Results: The cohort consisted of primary care physicians (PCPs; N=162), endocrinologists (N=176), otolaryngologists (N=130), and general surgeons (N=134). In addition to physicians reporting ultrasound use for accepted reasons such as palpable nodule on exam (98%), large goiter (92%), and nodule seen on other imaging test (88%), a substantial number of physicians endorsed ultrasound use for clinically unsupported reasons: patient request (33%); abnormal thyroid function tests (28%); and positive thyroid antibodies (22%). In multivariable analysis, compared to PCPs, endocrinologists, otolaryngologists, and general surgeons were significantly more likely to schedule an ultrasound in response to patient request (odds ratio (OR) 2.52, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.27–5.11; OR 2.98, 95% CI 1.57–5.79; OR 2.14, 95% CI 1.17–3.97, respectively). Physicians in private practice were more likely to schedule an ultrasound for abnormal thyroid function tests (OR 2.44, 95% CI 1.33–4.73) and positive thyroid antibodies (OR 2.47, 95% CI 1.27–5.21) compared to those in academic medical centers. Physicians who managed ten patients or less, compared to more than 50 patients, with thyroid nodules in the past 12 months were less likely to schedule an ultrasound for positive thyroid antibodies (OR 0.43, 95% CI 0.19–0.95).
Conclusion: Physicians report scheduling thyroid ultrasound for reasons not supported by clinical guidelines and in conflict with the Choosing Wisely recommendations. Understanding why physicians use thyroid ultrasound and factors that correlate with clinically unsupported reasons is essential to creating targeted educational interventions to improve physician adherence to guidelines, reduce unnecessary imaging, and curb the overdiagnosis of low-risk thyroid cancer.
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Haymart MR, Reyes-Gastelum D, Caoili E, Norton EC, Banerjee M. The Relationship Between Imaging and Thyroid Cancer Diagnosis and Survival. Oncologist 2020; 25:765-771. [PMID: 32329106 DOI: 10.1634/theoncologist.2020-0159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Controversy exists over whether there has been a true increase in the occurrence of thyroid cancer or overdiagnosis secondary to imaging practices. Because cancer overdiagnosis is associated with detection of indolent disease, overdiagnosis can be associated with perceived improvement in survival. MATERIALS AND METHODS Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-Medicare linked database was used to determine the relationship between type of imaging leading to thyroid cancer diagnosis and survival. Disease-specific and overall survival were evaluated in 11,945 patients aged ≥66 years with differentiated thyroid cancer diagnosed between January 1, 2001, and September 30, 2015, who prior to their cancer diagnosis initially underwent thyroid ultrasound versus other imaging capturing the neck. Analyses were performed using the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazards model with propensity score. RESULTS Patients who underwent thyroid ultrasound as compared with other imaging had improved disease-specific and overall survival (p < .001, p < .001). However, those who underwent thyroid ultrasound were less likely to have comorbidities (p < .001) and more likely to be younger (p < .001), be female (p < .001), have localized cancer (p < .001), and have tumor size ≤1 cm (p < .001). After using propensity score analysis and adjusting for tumor characteristics, type of initial imaging still correlated with better overall survival but no longer correlated with better disease-specific survival. CONCLUSION There is improved disease-specific survival in patients diagnosed with thyroid cancer after thyroid ultrasound as compared with after other imaging. However, better disease-specific survival is related to these patients being younger and healthier and having lower-risk cancer, suggesting that thyroid ultrasound screening contributes to cancer overdiagnosis. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE The findings from this study have implications for patients, physicians, and policy makers. Patients who have thyroid ultrasound as their initial imaging are fundamentally different from those who are diagnosed after other imaging. Because patients undergoing ultrasound are younger and healthier and are diagnosed with lower-risk thyroid cancer, they are less likely to die of their thyroid cancer. However, being diagnosed with thyroid cancer can lead to cancer-related worry and create risks for harm from treatments. Thus, efforts are needed to reduce inappropriate use of ultrasound, abide by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommendations, and apply nodule risk stratification tools when appropriate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan R Haymart
- Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - David Reyes-Gastelum
- Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Elaine Caoili
- Department of Radiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Edward C Norton
- Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Department of Economics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Mousumi Banerjee
- Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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