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Giovanella L, Tuncel M, Aghaee A, Campenni A, Petranović Ovčariček P, De Virgilio A. Theranostics of Thyroid Cancer. Semin Nucl Med 2024:S0001-2998(24)00011-4. [PMID: 38503602 DOI: 10.1053/j.semnuclmed.2024.01.011] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2024] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Molecular imaging is pivotal in evaluating and managing patients with different thyroid cancer histotypes. The existing, pathology-based, risk stratification systems can be usefully refined, by incorporating tumor-specific molecular and molecular imaging biomarkers with theranostic value, allowing patient-specific treatment decisions. Molecular imaging with different radioactive iodine isotopes (ie, I131, I123, I124) is a central component of differentiated carcinoma (DTC)'s risk stratification while [18F]F-fluorodeoxyglucose ([18F]FDG) PET/CT is interrogated about disease aggressiveness and presence of distant metastases. Moreover, it is particularly useful to assess and risk-stratify patients with radioiodine-refractory DTC, poorly differentiated, and anaplastic thyroid cancers. [18F]F-dihydroxyphenylalanine (6-[18F]FDOPA) PET/CT is the most specific and accurate molecular imaging procedure for patients with medullary thyroid cancer (MTC), a neuroendocrine tumor derived from thyroid C-cells. In addition, [18F]FDG PET/CT can be used in patients with more aggressive clinical or biochemical (ie, serum markers levels and kinetics) MTC phenotypes. In addition to conventional radioiodine therapy for DTC, new redifferentiation strategies are now available to restore uptake in radioiodine-refractory DTC. Moreover, peptide receptor theranostics showed promising results in patients with advanced and metastatic radioiodine-refractory DTC and MTC, respectively. The current appropriate role and future perspectives of molecular imaging and theranostics in thyroid cancer are discussed in our present review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Giovanella
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Gruppo Ospedaliero Moncucco, Lugano, Switzerland; Clinic for Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland.
| | - Murat Tuncel
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Atena Aghaee
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Alfredo Campenni
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morpho-Functional Imaging, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Petra Petranović Ovčariček
- Department of Oncology and Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Center Sestre Milosrdnice, Zagreb, Croatia; School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Armando De Virgilio
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Italy
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Campennì A, Torregrossa L, Ruggeri RM, Ovčariček PP, Siracusa M, Giovanella L. Nodal metastasis in noninvasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary-like nuclear features (NIFTP). Endocrine 2024:10.1007/s12020-024-03719-1. [PMID: 38340243 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-024-03719-1] [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: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
The term noninvasive tumor with a follicular growth pattern and nuclear features of papillary thyroid cancer (NIFTP) is used to describe a tumor currently considered as a pre-malignant lesion for which a conservative therapeutic approach (i.e., lobectomy without radioiodine therapy) is strongly suggested. However, some patients with NIFTP and loco-regional or distant metastases have been already reported. We present an adult male patient with a final histological diagnosis of NIFTP and lymph node metastasis noted at post-therapy whole-body scintigraphy performed some days after radioiodine therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfredo Campennì
- Unit of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morpho-Functional Imaging, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.
| | - Liborio Torregrossa
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Clinical Area, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Rosaria Maddalena Ruggeri
- Department of Human Pathology of Adulthood and Childhood DETEV "G. Barresi", Endocrinology Unit, University of Messina, 98125, Messina, Italy
| | - Petra Petranović Ovčariček
- Department of Oncology and Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Center Sestre Milosrdnice, Zagreb, Croatia
- School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Massimiliano Siracusa
- Unit of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morpho-Functional Imaging, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Luca Giovanella
- Clinic for Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Smith ER, Frye CC, Pandian TK, Gillanders WE, Olson JA, Brown TC, Jasim S. Molecular characteristics of isthmus papillary thyroid cancers: Supporting evidence for unfavorable clinical behavior. Am J Surg 2024; 228:146-150. [PMID: 37805303 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2023.09.005] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies demonstrate isthmus thyroid nodules are more likely to be malignant than lobar nodules. Additional data suggest that isthmus papillary thyroid cancers (PTCs) are more aggressive than lobar PTCs. We hypothesize that isthmus PTCs have a more unfavorable molecular profile. METHODS The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database was queried to analyze clinical, mutation and gene expression data of isthmus PTCs compared to non-isthmus PTCs. RESULTS We analyzed characteristics of 472 PTCs, including 19 isthmus PTCs. There were no significant differences between isthmus and non-isthmus PTC demographic and clinical variables or the frequency of RAS family, fusion driver, TERT, and tumor suppressor gene mutations. There was a trend towards increased BRAF mutations (68% vs 55%, p = 0.28). A more aggressive gene expression profile was observed in isthmus PTC compared to lobar/multifocal PTC with differences in ERK score (19.4 vs 7.71, p < 0.05) and TDS score (-0.58 vs 0.02, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS These results provide a possible molecular explanation for the more aggressive behavior reported in isthmus PTCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eileen R Smith
- Section of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Washington University, 660 South Euclid Ave., Saint Louis, Missouri 63110, USA.
| | - C Corbin Frye
- Section of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Washington University, 660 South Euclid Ave., Saint Louis, Missouri 63110, USA
| | - T K Pandian
- Section of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Washington University, 660 South Euclid Ave., Saint Louis, Missouri 63110, USA
| | - William E Gillanders
- Section of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Washington University, 660 South Euclid Ave., Saint Louis, Missouri 63110, USA
| | - John A Olson
- Section of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Washington University, 660 South Euclid Ave., Saint Louis, Missouri 63110, USA
| | - Taylor C Brown
- Section of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Washington University, 660 South Euclid Ave., Saint Louis, Missouri 63110, USA
| | - Sina Jasim
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Lipid Research, John T. Milliken Department of Internal Medicine, Washington University, 660 South Euclid Ave., Saint Louis, Missouri 63110, USA
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Campennì A, Ruggeri RM, Garo ML, Siracusa M, Restuccia G, Rappazzo A, Rosarno H, Nicocia A, Cardile D, Ovčariček PP, Baldari S, Giovanella L. Comparison of 1.1 GBq and 2.2 GBq Activities in Patients with Low-Risk Differentiated Thyroid Cancer Requiring Postoperative 131I Administration: A Real Life Study. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15092416. [PMID: 37173884 PMCID: PMC10177573 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15092416] [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: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To compare the efficacy of low and moderate 131I activities in low-risk differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) patients requiring postoperative thyroid remnant ablation in a real-world clinical setting. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed the records of 299 low-risk DTC patients (pT1-T2, Nx(0) Mx) who had undergone (near)-total thyroidectomy followed by 131I therapy, using either low (1.1 GBq) or moderate (2.2 GBq) radioiodine activities. The response to initial treatments was evaluated after 8-12 months, and patient responses were classified according to the 2015 American Thyroid Association guidelines. RESULTS An excellent response was observed in 274/299 (91.6%) patients, specifically, in 119/139 (85.6%) and 155/160 (96.9%) patients treated with low and moderate 131I activities, respectively (p = 0.029). A biochemically indeterminate or incomplete response was observed in seventeen (22.2%) patients treated with low 131I activities and three (1.8%) patients treated with moderate 131I activities (p = 0.001). Finally, five patients showed an incomplete structural response, among which three and two received low and moderate 131I activities, respectively (p = 0.654). CONCLUSIONS When 131I ablation is indicated, we encourage the use of moderate instead of low activities, in order to reach an excellent response in a significantly larger proportion of patients, including patients with the unexpected persistence of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfredo Campennì
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morpho-Functional Imaging, Unit of Nuclear Medicine, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Rosaria Maddalena Ruggeri
- Department of Human Pathology DETEV, Unit of Endocrinology, University of Messina, 98122 Messina, Italy
| | - Maria Luisa Garo
- Department of Cardiovascular Research, University Campus Biomedico, 00128 Roma, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Siracusa
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morpho-Functional Imaging, Unit of Nuclear Medicine, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Giovanna Restuccia
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morpho-Functional Imaging, Unit of Nuclear Medicine, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Andrea Rappazzo
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morpho-Functional Imaging, Unit of Nuclear Medicine, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Helena Rosarno
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morpho-Functional Imaging, Unit of Nuclear Medicine, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Antonio Nicocia
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morpho-Functional Imaging, Unit of Nuclear Medicine, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Davide Cardile
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morpho-Functional Imaging, Unit of Nuclear Medicine, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Petra Petranović Ovčariček
- Department of Oncology and Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Center Sestre Milosrdnice, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Sergio Baldari
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morpho-Functional Imaging, Unit of Nuclear Medicine, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Luca Giovanella
- Clinic for Nuclear Medicine and Competence Centre for Thyroid Diseases, Imaging Institute of Southern Switzerland, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, 6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland
- Clinic for Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital and University of Zurich, 8006 Zurich, Switzerland
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Campennì A, Ruggeri RM, Siracusa M, Romano D, Giacoppo G, Crocè L, Rosarno H, Russo S, Cardile D, Capoccetti F, Alibrandi A, Baldari S, Giovanella L. Thyroglobulin Value Predict Iodine-123 Imaging Result in Differentiated Thyroid Cancer Patients. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15082242. [PMID: 37190170 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15082242] [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: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: In differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) patients, the response to initial treatments is evaluated 6-12 months after radioiodine therapy (RIT) according to the 2015 American Thyroid Association (2015 ATA) criteria. In selected patients, diagnostic 131-radioiodine whole-body scintigraphy (Dx-WBS) is recommended. We evaluated the diagnostic performance of 123I-Dx-WBS-SPECT/CT imaging in detecting incomplete structural responses in the early follow-up of DTC patients and, additionally, derived optimized basal-Tg value as a yardstick for scintigraphic imaging. Methods: We reviewed the records of 124 low or intermediate-risk DTC patients with negative anti-thyroglobulin antibody. All patients had undergone (near)-total-thyroidectomy followed by RIT. The response to initial treatments was evaluated 6-12 months after RIT. Results: According to the 2015 ATA criteria, 87, 19 and 18 DTC patients were classified to have excellent response (ER), indeterminate/incomplete biochemical response (BIndR/BIR) or structural incomplete response (SIR), respectively. Among patients with less than ER, 18 had a positive 123I-Dx-WBS-SPECT/CT. Metastatic disease at 123I-Dx-WBS-SPECT/CT mainly involved lymph nodes within the central compartment, and corresponding neck ultrasound examinations were negative. The ROC curve analysis was performed to define the best basal-Tg cut-off (i.e., 0.39 ng/mL; AUC = 0.852) able to discriminate patients with and without positive 123I-Dx-WBS-SPECT/CT, respectively. The overall sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, PPV and NPV were 77.8%, 89.6%, 87.9%, 56.0% and 95.9%, respectively. Basal-Tg cut-off was an independent risk factor for having a positive 123I-Dx-WBS-SPECT/CT. Conclusion:123I-Dx-WBS-SPECT/CT identified lymph node metastases in 14/37 patients with less than ER and a negative neck ultrasound, thus modifying the management of such patients. The diagnostic performance of 123I-Dx-WBS-SPECT/CT significantly increased in patients with basal-Tg values ≥ 0.39 ng/mL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfredo Campennì
- Unit of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morpho-Functional Imaging, University of Messina, 98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Rosaria Maddalena Ruggeri
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Siracusa
- Unit of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morpho-Functional Imaging, University of Messina, 98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Davide Romano
- Unit of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morpho-Functional Imaging, University of Messina, 98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Giulia Giacoppo
- Unit of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morpho-Functional Imaging, University of Messina, 98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Ludovica Crocè
- Unit of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morpho-Functional Imaging, University of Messina, 98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Helena Rosarno
- Unit of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morpho-Functional Imaging, University of Messina, 98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Simona Russo
- Unit of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morpho-Functional Imaging, University of Messina, 98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Davide Cardile
- Unit of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morpho-Functional Imaging, University of Messina, 98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Francesca Capoccetti
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, Service Department Macerata Hospital, ASUR Marche AV3, 62100 Macerata, Italy
| | - Angela Alibrandi
- Unit of Statistical and Mathematical Sciences, Department of Economics, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Sergio Baldari
- Unit of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morpho-Functional Imaging, University of Messina, 98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Luca Giovanella
- Clinic for Nuclear Medicine and Competence Centre for Thyroid Diseases, Imaging Institute of Southern Switzerland, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, 6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland
- Clinic for Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital and University of Zurich, 8006 Zurich, Switzerland
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Eilsberger F, Kreissl MC, Reiners C, Holzgreve A, Luster M, Pfestroff A. Application of the American Thyroid Association Risk Assessment in Patients with Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma in a German Population. Biomedicines 2023; 11:911. [PMID: 36979890 PMCID: PMC10045624 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11030911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The American Thyroid Association (ATA) uses criteria to assess the risk for persistent disease in differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) after radioiodine therapy (RAI). There are no data available showing that this classification can be adopted unadjusted by Germany. Aim: The aim of our study is to investigate whether the ATA classification can be applied to a German population for short-term prognosis. Furthermore, we investigated the influence of an age cutoff value. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 121 patients who were referred to our tertiary referral center. Patients were classified into risk categories, and the therapy response was determined according to ATA. Results: A total of 73/83 (88%) ATA low-risk patients and 12/19 (63%) intermediate-risk patients showed an excellent response; 2/19 (11%) high-risk patients had a biochemical, and 6 (31%) had a structural incomplete response. Of all 39 patients ≥55 years, 84% had an excellent response. Using a cut off of 50 years, 50/62 (81%) of the older patients showed an excellent response. Conclusion: The ATA risk classification is able to estimate the response to RAI therapy in a German population. A shift from 55 to 50 years as an age cutoff value does not result in any relevant change in the treatment response.
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Campennì A, Siracusa M, Ruggeri RM, Giovanella L, Baldari S. Malignant thyroid nodule topography as additional risk factor for lymph-node metastases in differentiated thyroid cancer patients. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2022; 279:5969-5970. [PMID: 35476131 DOI: 10.1007/s00405-022-07411-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Alfredo Campennì
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morpho-Functional Imaging, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria nr.1, 98125, Messina, Italy.
| | - Massimiliano Siracusa
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morpho-Functional Imaging, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria nr.1, 98125, Messina, Italy
| | - Rosaria Maddalena Ruggeri
- Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Luca Giovanella
- Clinic for Nuclear Medicine and Competence Centre for Thyroid Diseases, Imaging Institute of Southern Switzerland, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Bellinzona, Switzerland.,Clinic for Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sergio Baldari
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morpho-Functional Imaging, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria nr.1, 98125, Messina, Italy
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Ageeli RS, Mossery RA, Othathi RJ, Khawaji EA, Tarshi MM, Khormi GJ, Bingasem SM, Khmees RA, Aburasain NS, Al Ghadeeb M. The Importance of the Thyroid Nodule Location in Determining the Risk of Malignancy: A Retrospective Study. Cureus 2022; 14:e29421. [PMID: 36299930 PMCID: PMC9586744 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.29421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Thyroid nodules are very common. However, the majority of thyroid nodules are benign. Ultrasound is the first-line imaging investigation of choice for thyroid nodules. Certain sonographic features are associated with an increased risk of malignancy. Recent studies suggested that the location of the nodule may be associated with the malignancy risk. Hence, this study aims to investigate this association. Methods After obtaining approval from the ethics committee, we conducted a retrospective study that involved all patients who attended our hospital, and who underwent fine-needle aspiration cytology for the evaluation of suspicious thyroid nodules (TR3-5). Electronic medical records were used to obtain data about the ultrasound and cytology reports. A multivariable binary logistic regression analysis model was conducted to identify the independent factors significantly associated with malignant thyroid nodules. Results The study included 366 patients who underwent fine-needle aspiration cytology for suspicious nodules on thyroid ultrasound. In total, 52 (14.2%) nodules were found to be malignant on cytology. By far, the most common thyroid malignancy was papillary carcinoma. The multivariable analysis model revealed that women were 24% less likely to have malignant thyroid nodules compared with men. After adjusting for the age, gender, and Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TI-RADS) group, the nodules located within the isthmus were four times more likely to be malignant compared to those located in the right or left lobes. Conclusions The study demonstrates that the isthmus location of thyroid nodules is associated with a higher risk of malignancy. Physicians should have a lower threshold to biopsy such nodules. Further studies are needed to confirm this interesting finding.
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Liu H, Zhan L, Guo L, Yu X, Li L, Feng H, Yang D, Xu Z, Tu Y, Chen C, Sun S. More Aggressive Cancer Behaviour in Thyroid Cancer Patients in the Post-COVID-19 Pandemic Era: A Retrospective Study. Int J Gen Med 2021; 14:7197-7206. [PMID: 34737615 PMCID: PMC8558635 DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s339998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Many thyroid cancer patients have suffered from treatment delays caused by the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Although there have been many reviews, recommendations, or clinical experiences, clinical evidence that evaluates patient disease status is lacking. The aim of our research was to evaluate thyroid cancer behaviour in the post-COVID-19 era. Patients and Methods A retrospective study was conducted and thyroid cancer patient data from February 1, 2017 to September 15, 2020 were pooled for analysis. The demographic, ultrasound and pathological data of the pre- and post-COVID-19 groups were compared. Lymph node metastases, tumour size, extrathyroidal extension, and multifocality were compared year-by-year to evaluate annual changes in patient characteristics. Regression analyses were adopted to reveal cancer behaviour along with the admission date interval and to reveal risk factors for lymph node metastasis. Patient ultrasound data were compared before and after the lockdown to assess tumour progression. The outcomes of delays in treatment ≤180 days were then studied. Results The post-lockdown patients were more likely to have multiple lesions (31.2% vs 36.5%, p = 0.040), extrathyroidal extension (65.5% vs 72.2%, p = 0.011) and lymph node metastases (37.7% vs 45.0%, p = 0.007), while tumour size remained stable (1.01cm vs.1.02cm, p = 0.758). The lymph node metastasis rate increased by year (p < 0.001). The tumour size correlated negatively with the post-lockdown admission date (p = 0.002). No significant difference in tumour size, multifocality or lymph node metastasis on ultrasound was revealed between the pre- and post-lockdown group. No significant difference in tumour size, multifocality, extrathyroidal extension or lymph node metastasis was revealed among patients with a delayed treatment time ≤180 days. Conclusion Patients with a COVID-19-induced treatment delay had more aggressive cancer behaviour. Rebound medical visits and annually increasing aggressiveness may be potential reasons for this observation, as individual patient tumour did not progress during the delay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanqing Liu
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Ling Zhan
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Liantao Guo
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Xizi Yu
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Lingrui Li
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongfang Feng
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Huangshi Central Hospital of Edong Healthcare Group, Hubei Polytechnic University, Huangshi, 435000, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Dan Yang
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhiliang Xu
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi Tu
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Chuang Chen
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Shengrong Sun
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei, People's Republic of China
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