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Singer S, Sykiotis G, Al-Ibraheem A, Pinto M, Iakovou I, Østhus AA, Hammerlid E, Locati LD, Gamper EM, Arraras JI, Jordan S, Buettner M, Engesser D, Taylor K, Canotilho R, Ioannidis G, Husson O, Gama RR, Fanetti G, Moss L, Inhestern J, Andry G, Rimmele H, Kiyota N. The impact of electronic versus paper-based data capture on data collection logistics and on missing scores in thyroid cancer patients. Endocrine 2023:10.1007/s12020-023-03628-9. [PMID: 38103143 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-023-03628-9] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of the type of data capture on the time and help needed for collecting patient-reported outcomes as well as on the proportion of missing scores. METHODS In a multinational prospective study, thyroid cancer patients from 17 countries completed a validated questionnaire measuring quality of life. Electronic data capture was compared to the paper-based approach using multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS A total of 437 patients were included, of whom 13% used electronic data capture. The relation between data capture and time needed was modified by the emotional functioning of the patients. Those with clinical impairments in that respect needed more time to complete the questionnaire when they used electronic data capture compared to paper and pencil (ORadj 24.0; p = 0.006). This was not the case when patients had sub-threshold emotional problems (ORadj 1.9; p = 0.48). The odds of having the researcher reading the questions out (instead of the patient doing this themselves) (ORadj 0.1; p = 0.01) and of needing any help (ORadj 0.1; p = 0.01) were lower when electronic data capture was used. The proportion of missing scores was equivalent in both groups (ORadj 0.4, p = 0.42). CONCLUSIONS The advantages of electronic data capture, such as real-time assessment and fewer data entry errors, may come at the price of more time required for data collection when the patients have mental health problems. As this is not uncommon in thyroid cancer, researchers need to choose the type of data capture wisely for their particular research question.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Singer
- Institute of Medical Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics (IMBEI), University Medical Centre Mainz, Mainz, Germany.
- University Cancer Centre, Mainz, Germany.
| | - Gerasimos Sykiotis
- Service of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Akram Al-Ibraheem
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, King Hussein Cancer Center, Amman, Jordan
| | - Monica Pinto
- Rehabilitation Medicine Unit, Strategic Health Services Department, Istituto Nazionale Tumori - IRCCS - Fondazione G. Pascale, Naples, Italy
| | - Ioannis Iakovou
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Aristotle University, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Arild Andre Østhus
- ENT and Head and Neck Department, University Medical Centre Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Eva Hammerlid
- Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Laura Deborah Locati
- Head and Neck Medical Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Eva Maria Gamper
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital Psychiatry II, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | | | - Susan Jordan
- School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Matthias Buettner
- Institute of Medical Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics (IMBEI), University Medical Centre Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Deborah Engesser
- Institute of Medical Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics (IMBEI), University Medical Centre Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Katherine Taylor
- Institute of Medical Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics (IMBEI), University Medical Centre Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Rita Canotilho
- Instituto Português do Oncologia do Porto Francisco Gentil, Porto, Portugal
| | | | - Olga Husson
- Division of Psychosocial Research and Epidemiology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Giuseppe Fanetti
- Division of Radiotherapy, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO) IRCCS, Aviano, PN, Italy
| | - Laura Moss
- Velindre Cancer Centre, Velindre University NHS Trust, Cardiff, UK
| | - Johanna Inhestern
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Oberhavelkliniken, Hennigsdorf, Germany
| | - Guy Andry
- Surgery Department, Jules Bordet Institute, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Harald Rimmele
- Bundesverband Schilddrüsenkrebs - Ohne Schilddrüse leben e. V., Berlin, Germany
| | - Naomi Kiyota
- Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Cancer Center, Kobe University Hospital, Kobe, Japan
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Singer S, Al-Ibraheem A, Pinto M, Iakovou I, Østhus AA, Hammerlid E, Locati LD, Gamper E, Ignacio J, Jordan SJ, Kiyota N, Buettner M, Engesser D, Canotilho R, Ioannidis G, Husson O, Gama RR, Fanetti G, Moss L, Inhestern J, Andry G, Fuehrer D, Kuliś D, Rimmele H, Sykiotis G. International Phase IV Field Study for the Reliability and Validity of the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Thyroid Cancer Module EORTC QLQ-THY34. Thyroid 2023; 33:1078-1089. [PMID: 37450344 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2023.0221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Purpose: The aim of this study was to validate the new European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Thyroid Cancer Module (EORTC QLQ-THY34). Methods: We enrolled 437 thyroid cancer patients from 17 countries. One group (n = 303), undergoing treatment or best supportive care, completed the questionnaires at three time points (before therapy [t1], 6 weeks later [t2], and 6 months after t2 [t3]). A second group (survivors ≥2 years after diagnosis, n = 134) completed it at a random baseline time point and a second time 1 week later. We determined internal consistency (using Cronbach's alpha), the scale structure (with confirmatory factor analysis), and discriminant validity (using known-group comparisons). Group 1 data were used to assess responsiveness and group 2 data to determine test-retest reliability using intra-class correlations (ICC). Results: All 34 items fulfilled the criteria to be kept in the questionnaire. Cronbach's alpha was >0.70 in 8 of the 9 multi-item scales. All standardized factor loadings exceeded 0.40, confirming the proposed scale structure. The ICC was >0.70 in all scales expressing good test-retest reliability. Differences in scale scores between patients with different histology were >5 points in all scales. In all but one of the pre-specified scales (Dry Mouth), changes over time were ≥|4| points between at least two time points. Conclusion: The EORTC QLQ-THY34 with its 9 multi-item and 8 single-item scales is a reliable and valid tool to measure quality of life in thyroid cancer patients and can be used in future trials and studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Singer
- Division of Epidemiology and Health Services Research, Institute of Medical Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics (IMBEI), University Medical Centre Mainz, Mainz, Germany
- University Cancer Centre, Mainz, Germany
| | - Akram Al-Ibraheem
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, King Hussein Cancer Center, Amman, Jordan
| | - Monica Pinto
- Rehabilitation Medicine Unit, Strategic Health Services Department, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, Naples, Italy
| | - Ioannis Iakovou
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Aristotle University, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Arild Andre Østhus
- ENT and Head and Neck Department, University Medical Centre Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Eva Hammerlid
- Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden; Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Laura Deborah Locati
- Head and Neck Medical Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Eva Gamper
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital Psychiatry II, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Juan Ignacio
- Oncology Departments, Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Susan J Jordan
- School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Naomi Kiyota
- Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Cancer Center, Kobe University Hospital, Kobe, Japan
| | - Matthias Buettner
- Division of Epidemiology and Health Services Research, Institute of Medical Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics (IMBEI), University Medical Centre Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Deborah Engesser
- Division of Epidemiology and Health Services Research, Institute of Medical Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics (IMBEI), University Medical Centre Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Rita Canotilho
- Instituto Português do Oncologia do Porto Francisco Gentil, Porto, Portugal
| | | | - Olga Husson
- Division of Psychosocial Research and Epidemiology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | | | - Giuseppe Fanetti
- Division of Radiotherapy, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO) IRCCS, Aviano (PN), Italy
| | - Laura Moss
- Velindre Cancer Centre, Velindre University NHS Trust, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Johanna Inhestern
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Oberhavelkliniken, Hennigsdorf, Germany
| | - Guy Andry
- Surgery Department, Jules Bordet Institute, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Dagmar Fuehrer
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Endocrine Tumour Center at WTZ, Member of ENDO-ERN and EURACAN, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Dagmara Kuliś
- European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC), Quality of Life Department, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Harald Rimmele
- Bundesverband Schilddrüsenkrebs-Ohne Schilddrüse leben e. V., Berlin, Germany
| | - Gerasimos Sykiotis
- Service of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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Koot A, Soares P, Robenshtok E, Locati LD, de la Fouchardiere C, Luster M, Bongiovanni M, Hermens R, Ottevanger P, Geenen F, Bartѐs B, Rimmele H, Durante C, Nieveen-van Dijkum E, Stalmeier P, Dedecjus M, Netea-Maier R. Position paper from the Endocrine Task Force of the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) on the management and shared decision making in patients with low-risk micro papillary thyroid carcinoma. Eur J Cancer 2023; 179:98-112. [PMID: 36521335 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2022.11.005] [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: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The incidence of differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) has been increasing worldwide, mostly, as an increase in the incidental detection of micro papillary thyroid carcinomas (microPTCs), many of which are potentially overtreated, as suggested by the unchanged mortality. Several international guidelines have suggested a less aggressive approach. More recently, it has been shown that active surveillance or minimally invasive treatments (MIT) are good alternatives for the management of these patients. In this context, patient participation in the decision-making process is paramount. The Endocrine Task Force of the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) has undertaken the task to establish consensus and define its position based on the scientific evidence concerning, 1) the current state of diagnostic and management options in microPTCs, including the current opinion of physicians about shared decision making (SDM), 2) the available evidence concerning patients' needs and the available decision instruments, and 3) to provide practical suggestions for implementation of SDM in this context. To improve SDM and patients' participation, knowledge gaps and research directions were highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Koot
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Department for Health Evidence, Radboud University Medical Center, 6500 HB Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
| | - Paula Soares
- Institute for Research and Innovation in Health - i3S/Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto-IPATIMUP, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto, Alameda Prof. Hernani Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
| | - Eyal Robenshtok
- Endocrinology and Metabolism Institute, Rabin Medical Center, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Israel
| | - Laura D Locati
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy; Translational Oncology Unit, IRCCS Instituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri, Pavia, Italy
| | | | - Markus Luster
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Massimo Bongiovanni
- Internal Medicine Unit, Department of Medicine, Ospedale di Circolo di Rho, ASST Rhodense, Milan, Italy
| | - Rosella Hermens
- Scientific Institute for Quality of Healthcare (IQ Healthcare), Radboud University Medical Center, 6500 HB Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Petronella Ottevanger
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Oncology, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Frans Geenen
- Schildklierorganisatie Nederland (SON), the Netherlands
| | | | - Harald Rimmele
- Bundesverband Schilddrüsenkrebs - Ohne Schilddrüse Leben e.V., Germany
| | - Cosimo Durante
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Els Nieveen-van Dijkum
- Department of Surgery, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Cancer Center Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Peep Stalmeier
- Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Department for Health Evidence, Radboud University Medical Center, 6500 HB Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Marek Dedecjus
- Department of Endocrine Oncology and Nuclear Medicine, Maria Skłodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Romana Netea-Maier
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands
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Büttner M, Rimmele H, Bartès B, Singer S, Luster M. Management of thyroid cancer: results from a German and French patient survey. Hormones (Athens) 2021; 20:323-332. [PMID: 33184762 DOI: 10.1007/s42000-020-00260-4] [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: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Various national and international guidelines for the management of thyroid cancer exist. The aim of this survey was to evaluate whether patients experience differences regarding the management of thyroid cancer in Germany and in France. METHODS An online survey addressing diagnosis, treatment, aftercare, and information needs of thyroid cancer survivors was set up by the German and the French nationwide thyroid cancer self-help organizations. The survey consisted of up to 70 questions depending on the given answers. Descriptive statistics and univariate comparisons, if appropriate, for comparing thyroid cancer survivors in Germany and France were performed. RESULTS In total, 1254 thyroid cancer survivors took part in the survey, of whom 1005 were included in the analysis, 618 from Germany and 387 from France. Remarkable differences between the two countries were observed regarding waiting times, diagnostics, surgical complications, radioiodine treatment, and aftercare of the patients. A high disease burden and lack of information regarding the condition and its treatment were reported in both countries. CONCLUSION This large survey showed that despite various guidelines for the management of thyroid cancer, thyroid cancer survivors' experiences are noticeably different between two big European countries. Lack of information and unmet needs are still tasks to be addressed in order to optimize thyroid cancer care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Büttner
- Division of Epidemiology and Health Services Research, Institute of Medical Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Informatics (IMBEI), University Medical Center Mainz, Obere Zahlbacher Straße 69, 55131, Mainz, Germany.
- University Cancer Centre, Mainz, Germany.
| | - Harald Rimmele
- Bundesverband Schilddrüsenkrebs-Ohne Schilddrüse leben e.V, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Susanne Singer
- Division of Epidemiology and Health Services Research, Institute of Medical Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Informatics (IMBEI), University Medical Center Mainz, Obere Zahlbacher Straße 69, 55131, Mainz, Germany
- University Cancer Centre, Mainz, Germany
| | - Markus Luster
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Marburg, Marburg, Germany
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Singer S, Husson O, Tomaszewska IM, Locati LD, Kiyota N, Scheidemann-Wesp U, Hofmeister D, Winterbotham M, Brannan C, Araújo C, Gamper EM, Kulis D, Rimmele H, Andry G, Licitra L. Quality-of-Life Priorities in Patients with Thyroid Cancer: A Multinational European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Phase I Study. Thyroid 2016; 26:1605-1613. [PMID: 27605136 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2015.0640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [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: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The objectives of this study were to determine quality of life (QoL) issues that are relevant to thyroid cancer patients cross-culturally, and to identify those with highest relevance to them in addition to the more general issues covered by the core European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer QoL questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30). METHODS A systematic literature search provided a list of potentially relevant QoL issues to supplement the core questionnaire EORTC QLQ-C30, which is widely used in research and in care and addresses QoL issues relevant to all groups of cancer patients. A panel of experts revised this list, and thyroid cancer patients rated the issues regarding their relevance for QoL by selecting the 25 issues that they would include in a thyroid cancer-specific QoL module. RESULTS The literature search and expert discussion provided a list of 71 QoL issues that was rated by thyroid cancer patients (n = 110) from seven countries. All issues were of high priority to at least some of the patients. The most frequently selected issues were sudden attacks of tiredness, exhaustion, quality of sleep, employment, social support, fear of cancer progression, fear of second operation, difficulties swallowing, and globus sensation. CONCLUSIONS Thyroid cancer patients cross-culturally rate fatigue-related issues as highly important for their QoL, calling for increased efforts to find successful treatments for this problem. Vocational rehabilitation is also highly relevant for them and should therefore be an important aim of multidisciplinary care. The third important area of concern is psychological issues, especially fear of progression and of additional treatments.
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MESH Headings
- Adenocarcinoma, Follicular/pathology
- Adenocarcinoma, Follicular/rehabilitation
- Adenocarcinoma, Follicular/therapy
- Adult
- Aged
- Aged, 80 and over
- Carcinoma, Medullary/pathology
- Carcinoma, Medullary/therapy
- Carcinoma, Neuroendocrine/pathology
- Carcinoma, Neuroendocrine/therapy
- Carcinoma, Papillary/pathology
- Carcinoma, Papillary/rehabilitation
- Carcinoma, Papillary/therapy
- Combined Modality Therapy/adverse effects
- Cross-Cultural Comparison
- Europe
- Fatigue/etiology
- Fatigue/prevention & control
- Female
- Humans
- Internationality
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Neoplasm Staging
- Quality of Life
- Rehabilitation, Vocational
- Self Report
- Thyroid Cancer, Papillary
- Thyroid Neoplasms/pathology
- Thyroid Neoplasms/rehabilitation
- Thyroid Neoplasms/therapy
- Voluntary Health Agencies
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Singer
- 1 Institute of Medical Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics (IMBEI), University Medical Center Mainz , Mainz, Germany
| | - Olga Husson
- 2 CoRPS-Center of Research on Psychology in Somatic Diseases, Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology, Tilburg University , Tilburg, The Netherlands
| | - Iwona M Tomaszewska
- 3 Department of Medical Education, Jagiellonian University Medical College , Krakow, Poland
| | - Laura D Locati
- 4 Head and Neck Medical Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori , Milan, Italy
| | - Naomi Kiyota
- 5 Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Kobe University Hospital , Kobe, Japan
| | - Ulrike Scheidemann-Wesp
- 1 Institute of Medical Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics (IMBEI), University Medical Center Mainz , Mainz, Germany
| | - Dirk Hofmeister
- 6 Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University Medical Centre , Leipzig, Germany
| | | | | | - Cláudia Araújo
- 8 Service of Surgical Oncology, Instituto Português de Oncologia do Porto Francisco Gentil , Porto, Portugal
| | - Eva M Gamper
- 9 Department of Nuclear Medicine and Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Innsbruck , Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Dagmara Kulis
- 10 Translation Unit, European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Headquarters , Brussels, Belgium
| | - Harald Rimmele
- 11 National Association of Thyroid Cancer Patients "Bundesverband Schilddrüsenkrebs-Ohne Schilddrüse leben e.V.," Berlin, Germany
| | - Guy Andry
- 12 Surgery Department, Jules Bordet Institute , Brussels, Belgium
| | - Lisa Licitra
- 4 Head and Neck Medical Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori , Milan, Italy
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Feldt-Rasmussen U, Verburg F, Luster M, Cupini C, Chiovato L, Duntas L, Elisei R, Rimmele H, Seregni E, Smit J, Theimer C, Giovanella L. Thyroglobulin Autoantibodies as Surrogate Biomarkers in the Management of Patients with Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma. Curr Med Chem 2014; 21:3687-92. [DOI: 10.2174/0929867321666140826120844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2013] [Revised: 06/29/2014] [Accepted: 08/22/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Verburg FA, Luster M, Cupini C, Chiovato L, Duntas L, Elisei R, Feldt-Rasmussen U, Rimmele H, Seregni E, Smit JWA, Theimer C, Giovanella L. Implications of thyroglobulin antibody positivity in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer: a clinical position statement. Thyroid 2013; 23:1211-25. [PMID: 23692026 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2012.0606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Even though the presence of antithyroglobulin antibodies (TgAbs) represents a significant problem in the follow-up of patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC), the current guidelines on the management of DTC that have been published in recent years contain no text concerning the methods to be used for detecting such antibody-related interference in thyroglobulin (Tg) measurement or how to manage TgAb-positive patients in whom Tg cannot be used reliably as a tumor marker. AIM An international group of experts from the European Thyroid Association Cancer Research Network who are involved in the care of DTC patients met twice to form a consensus opinion on how to proceed with treatment and follow-up in TgAb-positive DTC patients based on the available evidence in the literature. Here we will report on the consensus opinions that were reached regarding technical and clinical issues. RESULTS This clinical opinion article provides an overview of the available evidence and the resulting consensus recommendations. The current literature does not provide sufficient data for giving evidence-based answers to many questions arising in the care of TgAb-positive DTC patients. Where insufficient evidence was available, a thorough discussion by a group of physician-scientists, all of whom have a distinguished track record in thyroid cancer care, was held to arrive at a consensus expert opinion. The questions and answers discussed were then summarized into an algorithm for the management of TgAb-positive patients. CONCLUSION We were able to define 26 consensus expert recommendations and a resulting algorithm for the care of TgAb-positive DTC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederik A Verburg
- 1 Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Aachen , Aachen, Germany
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Banach R, Bartès B, Farnell K, Rimmele H, Shey J, Singer S, Verburg FA, Luster M. Results of the Thyroid Cancer Alliance international patient/survivor survey: Psychosocial/informational support needs, treatment side effects and international differences in care. Hormones (Athens) 2013; 12:428-38. [PMID: 24121384 DOI: 10.1007/bf03401308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To comprehensively assess the experience of a large, diverse cohort and identify potential care improvements, the Thyroid Cancer Alliance, an international patient/survivor group coalition, surveyed thyroid cancer patients/survivors worldwide. DESIGN English, German, French or Spanish versions of a self-developed 43-item questionnaire were completed, predominantly online, by 2398 respondents from the US (37.9%), Germany (21.3%), the UK (11.5%), Canada (11.4%), France (9%), and 35 other countries. Females and differentiated thyroid carcinoma patients each comprised ~87% of respondents. Diagnosis occurred at age 30-59 years in 71.8%, within <1 (1-5) year(s) before survey completion in 16.4% (55%). RESULTS At diagnosis, no psychological (or other professional) support was offered to 92.6% (76.9%) of respondents, no patient organization referral was made to 84.1%, and no clear written disease/treatment information was given to 63%. The five leading care improvement suggestions involved increased informational/psychosocial support. Among respondents undergoing neck surgery pre-survey completion (n = 2380), 72.5% reported at least transient complications, including hypocalcemia (38.8%), voice problems (36.2%), numbness (28.7%), or restricted neck/shoulder movement (27.6%). CONCLUSIONS This large, multinational, patient/survivor-initiated cross-sectional survey suggests that thyroid cancer patients/survivors have substantial unmet informational/psychosocial support needs and suffer frequent treatment morbidity; disease management and some patient/survivor experience differ appreciably among countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Banach
- Thyroid Cancer Canada/Cancer de la thyroϊde Canada, Toronto, Canada
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Dralle H, Musholt TJ, Schabram J, Steinmüller T, Frilling A, Simon D, Goretzki PE, Niederle B, Scheuba C, Clerici T, Hermann M, Kußmann J, Lorenz K, Nies C, Schabram P, Trupka A, Zielke A, Karges W, Luster M, Schmid KW, Vordermark D, Schmoll HJ, Mühlenberg R, Schober O, Rimmele H, Machens A. German Association of Endocrine Surgeons practice guideline for the surgical management of malignant thyroid tumors. Langenbecks Arch Surg 2013; 398:347-75. [PMID: 23456424 DOI: 10.1007/s00423-013-1057-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 146] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2013] [Accepted: 01/30/2013] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Over the past years, the incidence of thyroid cancer has surged not only in Germany but also in other countries of the Western hemisphere. This surge was first and foremost due to an increase of prognostically favorable ("low risk") papillary thyroid microcarcinomas, for which limited surgical procedures are often sufficient without loss of oncological benefit. These developments called for an update of the previous practice guideline to detail the surgical treatment options that are available for the various disease entities and tumor stages. METHODS The present German Association of Endocrine Surgeons practice guideline was developed on the basis of clinical evidence considering current national and international treatment recommendations through a formal expert consensus process in collaboration with the German Societies of General and Visceral Surgery, Endocrinology, Nuclear Medicine, Pathology, Radiooncology, Oncological Hematology, and a German thyroid cancer patient support organization. RESULTS The practice guideline for the surgical management of malignant thyroid tumors includes recommendations regarding preoperative workup; classification of locoregional nodes and terminology of surgical procedures; frequency, clinical, and histopathological features of occult and clinically apparent papillary, follicular, poorly differentiated, undifferentiated, and sporadic and hereditary medullary thyroid cancers, thyroid lymphoma and thyroid metastases from primaries outside the thyroid gland; extent of thyroidectomy; extent of lymph node dissection; aerodigestive tract resection; postoperative follow-up and surgery for recurrence and distant metastases. CONCLUSION These evidence-based recommendations for surgical therapy reflect various "treatment corridors" that are best discussed within multidisciplinary teams and the patient considering tumor type, stage, progression, and inherent surgical risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henning Dralle
- Department of General, Visceral and Vascular Surgery, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Ernst-Grube-Straße 40, 06097, Halle, Saale, Germany.
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