Nodule size as predictive factor of efficacy of radiofrequency ablation in treating autonomously functioning thyroid nodules

Efficacy of radiofrequency ablation in autonomous functioning thyroid nodules. A systematic review and meta-analysis

Whether thermal ablation is effective to treat toxic thyroid nodules (TTN) is still unknown. Aim of this review was to achieve more robust evidence on the efficacy of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in treating TTN in terms of TSH normalization, thyroid scintiscan, and volume reduction rate (VRR). A comprehensive literature search of PubMed/Medline and Scopus was performed in November 2018 to retrieve published studies. Original papers reporting TTN treated by RFA and later followed-up were eligible. Excluded were: articles not within this field, articles with unclear data, overlapping series, case/series reports. Discordances were solved in a final collegial meeting. Information was collected concerning population features, treatment procedure, follow-up, cases with TSH normalization, cases with scintiscan normalization, VRR of nodules. Pooled prevalence of patients with TSH or scintiscan normalization, and pooled VRR over time were calculated. For statistical analysis, the random-effects model was used. Eight articles published between 2008 and 2018 were included. The overall number of AFTN treated by RFA was 205. Five studies used a single session of treatment. The time of follow-up ranged from six to 24 months. The pooled rate of patients with TSH normalization was 57%. The pooled rate of patients with scintigraphically proven optimal response was 60%. The pooled VRR at 1 year was 79%. Baseline nodules volume was associated with the rate of TSH normalization. In conclusion, a moderate efficacy of RFA in treating TTN was found, and this can represent a solid starting point in this field.

Quality of life and outcomes in patients with a large toxic adenoma undergoing laser ablation plus radioiodine vs lobectomy

PURPOSE

Patients with toxic adenomas (TAs) that are too large to undergo radioactive iodine (RAI) treatment aimed at resolving hyperthyroidism and/or relieving mechanical pressure symptoms are referred to surgery. This prospective study aimed to assess the outcomes of combining laser ablation (LA) plus RAI vs lobectomy to treat large TAs in terms of clinical efficacy and the health-related quality of life (HRQoL).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with TAs of volumes greater than 20 mL and a calculated therapeutic activity exceeding 600 Mbq were randomly assigned to undergo LA + RAI (Group A) or lobectomy (Group B). The HRQoL was assessed using 12-item Short Form Health Survey questionnaire before and 6 months after treatment.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven patients entered the study. After completing treatment, patients in Group A showed a TA reduction by a mean of 68% compared to baseline. Two of 14 patients (14.3%) in Group A and 2 of 13 (15.4%) in Group B became subclinically hypothyroid, whereas the remaining patients were euthyroid. HRQoL significantly improved in both groups after treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

For patients with large TAs, a combination of LA and RAI is a feasible alternative to surgery. Similar to surgery, LA + RAI resolves the mechanical discomfort induced by nodule pressure and effectively treats the hyperthyroidism. This procedure also avoids the potential complications associated with surgery while guaranteeing a similar HRQoL benefit.