The relationship between extent of thyroid cancer surgery and use of radioactive iodine

Practice patterns in management of differentiated thyroid cancer since the 2014 British Thyroid Association (BTA) guidelines

BACKGROUND

The updated 2014 BTA guidelines emphasised a more conservative, risk adapted model for the management of low-risk differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). In comparison to historical approach of total thyroidectomy combined with radioactive iodine, treatment de-escalation is increasingly supported.

AIMS

To evaluate the impact of the updated BTA guidelines on the management of DTC cases at regional UK centre.

METHODS

All DTC patients were retrospectively identified from regional thyroid MDT database between Jan2009-Dec2020. Oncological treatment and clinico-pathological characteristics were analysed.

RESULTS

623 DTC cases were identified; 312 (247 female: 65 male) between 2009 and 2014 and 311 (225 female: 86 male) between 2015 and 2020. Median age is 48 years (range 16-85). By comparing pre- and post-2015 cohorts, there was a significant drop in total thyroidectomy (87.1% vs 76.8%, p = 0.001) and the use of radioactive iodine (RAI) (73.1% vs 62.1%, p = 0.003) in our post-2015 cohort. When histological adverse features were analysed, extra-thyroidal extension (4.2% vs 17.0%, p=< 0.001), lymphovascular invasion (31.4% vs 50.5%, p=<0.001) and multi-centricity (26.9% vs 43.4%, p = 0.001) were significantly increased in the post 2015 cohort. Nonetheless, total thyroidectomy (TT) remains the treatment choice for low risk T1/2 N0 M0 disease in 65.3% (124/190) in post-2015 cohort for several reasons. Reasons include adverse histological features (50.8%), benign indications (32.5%), contralateral nodules (11.7%), patient preference (2.5%), and diagnostic uncertainty (2.5%).

CONCLUSION

Our study confirms a move towards a more conservative approach to patients with low-risk DTC in the UK, which is in keeping with the BTA 2014 guideline and international trends, but total thyroidectomy remains prevalent for low risk T1/2 N0 M0 disease for other reasons.

Multilevel Factors Associated With More Intensive Use of Radioactive Iodine for Low-Risk Thyroid Cancer

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.

Factors associated with physicians' recommendations for managing low-risk papillary thyroid cancer

BACKGROUND

The 2015 American Thyroid Association endorsed less aggressive management for low-risk papillary thyroid cancer (LR-PTC). We aimed to identify factors influencing physicians' recommendations for LR-PTC.

METHODS

We surveyed members of three professional societies and assessed respondents' recommendations for managing LR-PTC using patient scenarios. Multivariable logistic regression models identified clinical and non-clinical factors associated with recommending total thyroidectomy (TT) and active surveillance (AS).

RESULTS

The 345 respondents included 246 surgeons and 99 endocrinologists. Physicians' preference for their own management if diagnosed with LR-PTC had the strongest association with their recommendation for TT and AS (TT: OR 12.3; AS: OR 7.5, p < 0.001). Physician specialty and stated patient preference were also significantly associated with their recommendations for both management options. Respondents who received information about AS had increased odds of recommending AS.

CONCLUSIONS

Physicians' recommendations for LR-PTC are strongly influenced by non-clinical factors, such as personal treatment preference and specialty.

Case for staged thyroidectomy

Recent modifications in the management of well-differentiated thyroid cancer have resulted in significant alterations in clinical approach. Utilizing a series of preoperative and postoperative risk factors involving both the patient and the disease pathology, we offer the term "staged thyroidectomy" to help organize these risk factors for patients and the endocrine team to optimize management. This approach is intended to incorporate our latest nuanced understanding of certain endocrine pathology and may serve to optimize patient outcomes.

Role of Patient Maximizing-Minimizing Preferences in Thyroid Cancer Surveillance

PURPOSE

To understand the effect of patient preferences on thyroid cancer surveillance intensity.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Eligible patients diagnosed with thyroid cancer between January 1, 2014, and December 31, 2015, from the Georgia and Los Angeles County SEER registries were surveyed between February 2017 and October 2018 (N = 2,632; response rate, 63%). Patient reports on health care utilization in the past year and responses to the validated Medical Maximizer-Minimizer Scale were linked to SEER data in the 2,183 disease-free patients. Ordered logistic regression was performed using a cumulative logit with nonproportional odds.

RESULTS

Of disease-free patients, 31.6% were classified as minimizers, 42.5% as moderate maximizers, and 25.9% as strong maximizers. In the past year, 25.2%, 27.3%, and 38.5% of minimizers, moderate maximizers, and strong maximizers, respectively, had ≥ 4 doctor visits, and 18.3%, 24.9%, and 29.5%, respectively, had ≥ 2 neck ultrasounds. When controlling for age, sex, race and ethnicity, comorbidity, stage, and SEER site, strong maximizers (compared with minimizers) were significantly more likely to report ≥ 4 doctor visits (odds ratio [OR], 1.45; 95% CI, 1.10-1.92), ≥ 2 neck ultrasounds (OR, 1.58; 95% CI, 1.17-2.14), ≥ 1 radioactive iodine scan (OR, 1.73; 95% CI, 1.19-2.50), and ≥ 1 additional imaging study (OR, 2.06; 95% CI, 1.56-2.72).

CONCLUSION

Among patients with thyroid cancer who have been declared disease free, preference for a more maximal versus minimal approach to medical care is associated with increased number of physician visits and imaging tests. Because increased surveillance does not clearly correlate with improved outcomes, poses potential risks to patients, and contributes to increased healthcare costs, stronger consideration of the role of patient preferences is necessary when framing discussions on surveillance.

Decreasing Use of Radioactive Iodine for Low-Risk Thyroid Cancer in California, 1999 to 2015

CONTEXT

Routine radioactive iodine (RAI) ablation for low-risk differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) is not supported by current practice guidelines.

OBJECTIVE

To assess recent stage-specific trends in use of RAI ablation.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PATIENTS

Retrospective study of patients with DTC (1999 to 2015) identified from the California Cancer Registry. Statistical analysis included standardized differences, P values, and multivariable analyses using RAI as the predictor variable.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Trends and drivers of RAI ablation for low-risk DTC.

RESULTS

Of 46,906 patients with DTC who underwent near-total or total thyroidectomy [mean age 48.2 ± 15.5 (standard deviation) years, 77% female), 25,457 (54%) received RAI. The proportion of patients with regional/distant disease who received RAI remained stable at 68%. Use of RAI for patients with localized disease (no extrathyroidal extension, lymph node, or distant metastases) decreased from 55% (1999) to 30% (2015), with the most substantial change occurring in tumors <1 cm (39% to 11%). The rate also decreased for localized tumors between 1 and 2 cm (62% to 34%) and 2 and 4 cm (67% to 49%) and remained stable at 59% for tumors >4 cm. In multivariable analyses, patients with localized disease were less likely to receive RAI if they were >65 years old [odds ratio (OR) 0.77, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.71 to 0.83], had tumors <1 cm (OR 0.33, 95% CI: 0.31 to 0.35), or were treated in an academic hospital (OR 0.71, 95% CI: 0.67 to 0.75).

CONCLUSIONS

The rate of RAI ablation decreased over time, mainly attributable to decreased use for localized DTCs <2 cm. Many patients with low-risk DTC still receive RAI unnecessarily.

Are Evidence-Based Guidelines Reflected in Clinical Practice? An Analysis of Prospectively Collected Data of the Italian Thyroid Cancer Observatory

OBJECTIVES

The goal of evidence-based practice guidelines is to optimize the management of emerging diseases, such as differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). The aim of this study was to assess therapeutic approaches for DTC in Italy and to see how closely these practices conformed to those recommended in the 2009 American Thyroid Association (ATA) guidelines.

METHODS

The Italian Thyroid Cancer Observatory was established to collect data prospectively on thyroid cancers consecutively diagnosed in participating centers (uniformly distributed across the nation). Data on the initial treatment of all pathologically confirmed DTC cases present in the database from January 1, 2013 (database creation) to January 31, 2016, were analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 1748 patients (77.2% females; median age 48.1 years [range 10-85 years]) were enrolled in the study. Most (n = 1640; 93.8%) were papillary carcinomas (including 84 poorly differentiated/aggressive variants); 6.2% (n = 108) were follicular and Hürthle cell carcinomas. The median tumor diameter was 11 mm (range 1-93 mm). Tumors were multifocal in 613 (35%) and presented extrathyroidal extension in 492 (28%) cases. Initial treatments included total thyroidectomy (involving one or two procedures; n = 726; 98.8%) and lobectomy (n = 22; 1.2%). A quarter of the patients who underwent total thyroidectomy had unifocal, intrathyroidal tumors ≤1 cm (n = 408; 23.6%). Neck dissection was performed in 40.4% of the patients (29.5% had central compartment dissection). Radioiodine remnant ablation (RRA) was performed in 1057 (61.2%) of the 1726 patients who underwent total thyroidectomy: 460 (41.2%) of the 983 classified by 2009 ATA guideline criteria as low-risk, 570 (87.1%) of the 655 as intermediate-risk, and 82 (93.1%) of the 88 as high-risk patients (p < 0.001). RRA was performed in 44% of the cases involving multifocal DTCs measuring ≤1 cm.

CONCLUSIONS

The treatment approaches for DTCs used in Italy display areas of inconsistency with those recommended by the 2009 ATA guidelines. Italian practices were characterized by underuse of thyroid lobectomy in intrathyroidal, unifocal DTCs ≤1 cm. The use of RRA was generally consistent with risk-stratified recommendations. However, its frequent use in small DTCs (≤1 cm) that are multifocal persists, despite the lack of evidence of benefit. These data provide a baseline for future assessments of the impact of international guidelines on DTC management in Italy. These findings also illustrate that the dissemination and implementation of guideline recommendations, and the change in practice patterns, require ongoing education and time.

Controversies in the Management of Low-Risk Differentiated Thyroid Cancer

Controversy exists over optimal management of low-risk differentiated thyroid cancer. This controversy occurs in all aspects of management, including surgery, use of radioactive iodine for remnant ablation, thyroid hormone supplementation, and long-term surveillance. Limited and conflicting data, treatment paradigm shifts, and differences in physician perceptions contribute to the controversy. This lack of physician consensus results in wide variation in patient care, with some patients at risk for over- or undertreatment. To reduce patient harm and unnecessary worry, there is a need to design and implement studies to address current knowledge gaps.

The correlations between DNA methylation and polymorphisms in the promoter region of the human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) gene with postoperative recurrence in patients with thyroid carcinoma (TC)

Background

This study aims at exploring the correlations between DNA methylation and polymorphisms in the promoter region of the human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) gene and postoperative recurrence in patients with thyroid carcinoma (TC).

Methods

A total of 312 patients diagnosed with TC were chosen for the study and categorized into recurrence (n = 75) and non-recurrence (n = 237) groups. The hTERT rs2736100 and rs2736098 polymorphisms were detected by performing polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. DNA methylation in the promoter region of hTERT gene was evaluated by pyrosequencing. A telephonic and/or outpatient follow-up was conducted for all patients. The correlations of DNA methylation and polymorphisms in the promoter region of hTERT with postoperative recurrence of TC patients underwent analysis.

Results

The patient in the recurrence group showed evidently different pathological types and tumor stages in comparison to the non-recurrence group. The GG genotype of hTERT rs2736100 might increase the recurrence risk of TC patients. No correlations between hTERT rs2736098 polymorphisms and recurrence risk were observed. Compared to the TT + TG genotype frequency, the rs2736100 GG genotype frequency increased in patients without multicentricity, patients with extrathyroidal invasion, patients with lymph node metastasis, patients with undifferentiated carcinoma, and patients in the III + IV stage. The recurrence group showed significantly higher DNA methylation level compared to the non-recurrence group. The DNA methylation level was closely associated to tumor stage and lymph node metastasis of TC patients in the recurrence group.

Conclusions

The DNA methylation and rs2736100 polymorphisms in the promoter region of hTERT gene might be in correlation to postoperative recurrence of TC patients.

Selective use of radioactive iodine (RAI) in thyroid cancer: No longer "one size fits all"

A remarkable, evidence-based trend toward de-escalation has reformed the practice of radioactive iodine (RAI) administration for thyroid cancer patients. Updated guidelines have supported both decreased RAI doses for select populations, as well as expanded definitions of low-risk and intermediate-risk patients that may not require RAI. Correspondingly, there is now increased flexibility for hemithyroidectomy without need for RAI, and relaxed TSH suppression targets for low-risk thyroidectomy patients. Clinical judgment remains indispensable where multiple risk factors co-exist that individually are not indications for RAI. This is especially salient in intermediate-risk patients with a less than excellent response to therapy, determined through thyroglobulin and ultrasound surveillance. Such judgment, however, may lead to patterns of inappropriate RAI practices or overuse with little benefit to the patient and unnecessary harm. A multidisciplinary, risk-adapted approach is ever more important and obliges the surgeon to understand the likelihood that their patients will receive RAI. The risks and benefits of RAI, its evolved role in contemporary guidelines, and current patterns of use among endocrinologists are reviewed, as well as the practical implications for thyroid surgeons.

Comparison of radioiodine utilization in adolescent and young adult and older thyroid cancer patients

OBJECTIVE

Differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) is 1 of the most common cancers in adolescents and young adults (AYA, ages 15-39). Although most AYAs with DTC are considered low risk compared to older patients, there are no specific postoperative radioiodine (RAI) treatment recommendations despite the potential adverse effects specific to this age group, namely secondary malignancies and fertility difficulties. This study compares factors influencing RAI utilization in AYA and older patients.

METHODS

A total of 5,687 primary DTC patients were identified from the SEER (Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End RESULTS) database between January 1, 2004 and January 31, 2009. The 2009 American Thyroid Association (ATA) guidelines were used to classify patients as low (LR) or intermediate/high risk (IHR) based on tumor characteristics. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed.

RESULTS

Overall, 56.9% of AYA (n = 1,963) patients received postoperative RAI compared to 52.2% of older (n = 3,724) patients (odds ratio [OR]: 1.21, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.09-1.35, P = .001). For AYA patients, having a total thyroidectomy (TTx) (OR: 3.53, 95% CI: 2.7-4.61, P<.001) predicted RAI in a multivariate model whereas LR status (OR: 0.52, 95% CI: 0.43-0.63, P<.001) and northeast residence (OR: 0.39, 95% CI: 0.29-0.52, P<.001) decreased the probability. All 3 factors similarly affected older patients in addition to an increased likelihood after lymph node (LN) dissection. Additionally, after selecting for TTx (n = 1,077), no factor influenced the use of RAI for AYA patients, whereas LR (OR: 0.30, 95% CI: 0.21-0.43, P<.001) and northeast residence (OR: 0.39, 95% CI: 0.19-0.79, P = .008) were associated with decreased RAI use in older patients.

CONCLUSION

Despite their excellent prognosis, AYA thyroid cancer patients are more likely to receive postoperative RAI compared to older patients. Increased awareness of the unique survivorship implications for AYA patients will be an important aspect to address going forward.

Associations of Volume and Thyroidectomy Outcomes

Objective

This study explored how different hospital volumes and surgeon volumes affect thyroidectomy outcomes in terms of length of stay (LOS), costs, and in‐hospital mortality.

Data Sources

MEDLINE and EMBASE databases.

Review Methods

This study retrospectively analyzed a cohort of 125,037 thyroidectomy patients treated at Taiwan hospitals from 1996 to 2010. Relationships between hospital/surgeon volume and patient outcomes were retrospectively analyzed by propensity score matching. In conjunction with the retrospective study, a systematic review and meta‐analysis of the relevant literature also were performed.

Results

The mean LOS for all thyroidectomies performed during the study period was 3.3 days, and the mean cost was $1193.5. Both high‐volume hospitals and high‐volume surgeons were associated with significantly shorter LOS and lower costs compared with their low‐volume counterparts (P <. 001). Different volume groups had similar in‐hospital mortality rates. The meta‐analysis results consistently showed that the benefits of high‐volume hospitals/surgeons are reduced LOS and costs. However, low in‐hospital mortality rates were associated with high‐volume surgeons but not with high‐volume hospitals.

Conclusions

This meta‐analysis showed that patients who received thyroidectomies performed by high‐volume hospitals and surgeons had shorter LOS and lower costs compared with those treated by low‐volume hospitals and surgeons. In addition, in‐hospital survival rates were better in patients treated by high‐volume surgeons. Further research is needed to define the learning curve for thyroidectomy and to clarify how hospital volume and surgeon volume affect its success rate.

Value-based healthcare: implications for thyroid cancer

Today's delivery of care to thyroid cancer patients is complex, and costly, with uneven outcomes that can be improved. The incidence of thyroid cancer is rising and requires coordinated, multidisciplinary care with high volume centers that is not always available in our current fragmented healthcare system. To address the needs of patients, providers and payers, we believe that thyroid cancer care needs to be reexamined from the perspective of value for the patient, which is defined as the outcomes that matter to patients relative to the cost of delivering them. This paper provides recommendations based on the key principles of the value-based approach to transform the delivery of thyroid cancer care.

Use of evidence-based guidelines reduces radioactive iodine treatment in patients with low-risk differentiated thyroid cancer

OBJECTIVE

The goal was to determine if there was a relation between the introduction of evidence-based radioactive iodine (RAI) treatment guidelines for differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center (CSMC) and subsequent RAI use. In addition, we compared RAI treatment rates for DTC at CSMC to data from the National Cancer Database (NCDB) to see if the trends in RAI use at CSMC differed from the national trends.

METHODS

RAI data from the CSMC Thyroid Cancer Center were reviewed to determine if RAI treatment was given appropriately. Kaplan-Meier curves were used to estimate disease-free survival for patients who received or did not receive treatment. RAI data from the NCDB were also used to compare how CSMC treatment rates compare nationally.

RESULTS

There were 444 CSMC patients identified with DTC between 2009 and 2012. Approximately 95% of the patients had papillary thyroid cancer (n=423) with 65% in the stage I risk group (n=290). Kaplan-Meier curves for stages I-III show that those who did not receive RAI treatment had 100% disease-free survival, which was better than those who had received RAI. However, given that the total population in both stages II and III is quite small, having received RAI ablation was not found to be statistically significant. Stage I patients who received RAI had a significantly increased incidence of recurrent disease. The NCDB RAI rates for all DTC stages in each year have consistently been over 50% with an overall treatment rate of 57%. There were significant differences in the treatment rates between CSMC and NCDB, with a decrease in the use of RAI in low-risk patients with stage I tumors at CSMC following institution of the guidelines.

CONCLUSION

Prudent use of RAI treatment should be considered for low-risk patients. Ablation rates have been decreasing steadily at CSMC, particularly among low-risk patients, with the adoption of more stringent RAI treatment guidelines. It is apparent from our data that physician practices can change with the implementation and dissemination of evidence-based guidelines for the treatment of DTC with RAI.

Radiation safety in the management of patients undergoing radioactive iodine ablation therapy

High-dose radioiodine therapy for thyroid cancer poses risks to healthcare workers, family members, and the public. Oncology nurses can effectively manage these risks by employing the three key principles of time, distance, and shielding.

Referral patterns for patients with high-risk thyroid cancer

OBJECTIVE

Knowledge of referral patterns for specialty cancer care is sparse. Information on both the need and reasons for referral of high-risk, well-differentiated thyroid cancer patients should provide a foundation for eliminating obstacles to appropriate patient referrals and improving patient care.

METHODS

We surveyed 370 endocrinologists involved in thyroid cancer management. From information in a clinical vignette, respondents were asked to identify the reasons they would need to refer a high-risk patient to a more specialized facility for care. We performed multivariable analysis controlling for hospital and physician characteristics.

RESULTS

Thirty-two percent of respondents reported never referring thyroid cancer patients to another facility. Of those that would refer a high-risk patient to another facility, the opportunity for a patient to enter a clinical trial was the most common reason reported (44%), followed by high-dose radioactive iodine (RAI) with or without dosimetry (33%), lateral neck dissection (24%), and external beam radiation (15%). In multivariable analysis, endocrinologists with a higher percentage of their practice devoted to thyroid cancer care were significantly less likely to refer patients to another facility (P = .003).

CONCLUSION

The majority of endocrinologists treating thyroid cancer patients report referring a high-risk patient to another facility for some or all of their care. Knowledge of the patterns of physician referrals and the likelihood of need for referral are key to understanding discrepancies in referral rates and obstacles in the referral process.

Variation in the management of thyroid cancer

CONTEXT

Little is known about practice patterns in thyroid cancer, a cancer that is increasing in incidence.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to identify aspects of thyroid cancer management that have the greatest variation.

DESIGN/SETTING/PARTICIPANTS

We surveyed 944 physicians involved in thyroid cancer care from 251 hospitals affiliated with the US National Cancer Database. Physicians were asked questions in the following four domains: thyroid surgery, radioactive iodine use, thyroid hormone replacement postsurgery, and long-term thyroid cancer management. We calculated the ratio of observed variation to hypothetical maximum variation under the assumed distribution of the response. Ratios closer to 1 indicate greater variation.

RESULTS

We had a 66% response rate. We found variation in multiple aspects of thyroid cancer management, including the role of central lymph node dissections (variation, 0.99; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.98-1.00), the role of pretreatment scans before radioactive iodine treatment (variation, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.98-1.00), and all aspects of long-term thyroid cancer management, including applications of ultrasound (variation, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.93-0.99) and radioactive iodine scans (variation, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.97-1.00). For the management of small thyroid cancers, variation exists in all domains, including optimal extent of surgery (variation, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.88-0.94) and the role of both radioactive iodine treatment (variation, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.89-0.93) and suppressive doses of thyroid hormone replacement (variation, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.99-1.00).

CONCLUSION

We identified areas of variation in thyroid cancer management. To reduce the variation and improve the management of thyroid cancer, there is a need for more research and more research dissemination.

Factors that influence radioactive iodine use for thyroid cancer

BACKGROUND

There is variation in the use of radioactive iodine (RAI) as treatment for well-differentiated thyroid cancer. The factors involved in physician decision-making for RAI remain unknown.

METHODS

We surveyed physicians involved in postsurgical management of patients with thyroid cancer from 251 hospitals. Respondents were asked to rate the factors important in influencing whether a thyroid cancer patient receives RAI. Multivariable analyses controlling for physician age, gender, specialty, case volume, and whether they personally administer RAI, were performed to determine correlates of importance placed on patients' and physicians' worry about death from cancer and differences between low- versus higher-case-volume physicians.

RESULTS

The survey response rate was 63% (534/853). Extent of disease, adequacy of surgical resection, patients' willingness to receive RAI, and patients' age were the factors physicians were most likely to report as quite or very important in influencing recommendations for RAI to patients with thyroid cancer. Interestingly, both physicians' and patients' worry about death from thyroid cancer were also important in determining RAI use. Physicians with less thyroid cancer cases per year were more likely than higher-volume physicians to report patients' (p<0.001) and physicians' worry about death (p=0.016) as quite or very important in decision-making. Other factors more likely to be of greater importance in determining RAI use for physicians with lower thyroid cancer patient volume versus higher include the accepted standard at the affiliated hospital (p=0.020), beliefs about RAI expressed by colleagues comanaging patients (p=0.003), and patient distance from the nearest facility administering RAI (p=0.012).

CONCLUSION

In addition to the extent of disease and adequacy of surgical resection, physicians place importance on physician and patient worry about death from thyroid cancer when deciding whether to treat a patient with RAI. The factors important to physician decision-making differ based on physician thyroid-cancer case-volume, with worry about death being more influential for low-case-volume physicians. As the mortality from thyroid cancer is low, the importance placed on death in decision making may be unwarranted.

Disease severity and radioactive iodine use for thyroid cancer

CONTEXT

Although variation in radioactive iodine (RAI) use for thyroid cancer has been demonstrated, the role of region and nonclinical correlates of use within risk groups has not been investigated.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the study was to determine the correlates of RAI use within risk groups.

DESIGN/SETTING/PATIENTS

Use of RAI was evaluated across 9 US regions in 85 948 patients with well-differentiated thyroid cancer diagnosed between 2004 and 2008 at 986 hospitals associated with the US National Cancer Database. Cancers were then categorized as low risk (tumor size ≤ 1 cm and American Joint Committee on Cancer stage I disease), medium risk (neither low nor high-risk), and high risk (American Joint Committee on Cancer stage III or IV). Within each risk stratum, the role of region and nonclinical correlates of RAI use were evaluated using hierarchical logistic regression.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Use of RAI was measured.

RESULTS

Rates of RAI use varied across geographic regions from 49% to 66%. Regional differences persisted after controlling for patient and hospital characteristics and evaluating less vs more intensive regions within low-risk [odds ratio (OR) 0.36 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.25-0.53)], medium-risk [OR 0.23 (95% CI 0.16-0.34)], and high-risk cancers [OR 0.30 (95% CI 0.19-0.49)]. Patterns of RAI use were similar in medium- and high-risk patients. The most nonclinical correlates of use were in low-risk patients.

CONCLUSION

Similar treatment patterns for the heterogeneous medium-risk thyroid cancer patients compared with the high-risk patients suggest more intensive management in patients with medium-risk disease. The large number of nonclinical correlates of RAI use, including region, imply controversy over indications for RAI.

Surgeon training and use of radioactive iodine in stage I thyroid cancer patients

BACKGROUND

The majority of thyroid cancer diagnoses in the United States are stage I well-differentiated cancer. The use of radioactive iodine (RAI) in these low-risk patients has increased over time. The role of surgeon training in decision making regarding treatment with RAI is unknown.

METHODS

Thyroid surgeons affiliated with 368 hospitals associated with the US National Cancer Database (NCDB) were surveyed. Survey data were linked to the NCDB data. A multivariable weighted analysis controlling for surgeon and hospital characteristics was conducted to examine the relationship between surgeon training, continuing education and hospital-level RAI use for stage I well-differentiated thyroid cancer.

RESULTS

The response rate was 70% (560 of 804). In both univariate and multivariable analysis controlling for hospital case volume, practice setting and surgeon specialty, training with a thyroid surgeon was associated with less RAI use for stage I thyroid cancer (P = 0.022 and 0.028, respectively). Attending one or more professional society meetings a year was associated with a lower rate of hospital-level RAI use in univariate analysis (P = 0.044) but not multivariable analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Training with a surgeon or group of surgeons who focus on thyroid surgery was associated with a lower proportion of stage I thyroid cancer patients receiving RAI after total thyroidectomy. This study emphasizes the importance of surgeon training in hospital practice patterns.