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Gu X, Zhu P, Zhang H, Wang W, Ding Y, Qian M, Shi G, Zhang Q, Hegarty J. A Qualitative Thematic Analysis Exploring Chinese Young Adults' Experiences in Decision Making on the Management of Low-Risk Papillary Thyroid Cancer. Thyroid 2024; 34:1486-1494. [PMID: 39417219 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2024.0210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2024]
Abstract
Background: Thyroid cancer is the most common endocrine neoplasm in China. Questions regarding the extent of patient involvement in shared decision-making (SDM) processes persist; this is particularly pertinent to patients considering treatment options for low-risk papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). In this study, we aimed to explore Chinese young adults' experiences of SDM relating to the choice of treatment for low-risk PTC. Methods: The study used a qualitative descriptive design and semistructured interviews. Interviews were conducted with 24 patients (ages ranging from 18 to 38 years; 4 men and 20 women) diagnosed with low-risk (PTC) between March 2023 and May 2024. Twenty-two of 24 patients' tumor size measured 1 cm or smaller; the largest tumor size measured 1.47 cm. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to identify key themes from the transcribed interviews. Results: The analysis revealed that the SDM experiences of young patients with low-risk PTC involve four themes: challenges in information sharing; reasons for information seeking; factors influencing decision making; and self-positioning in treatment decision making. Three self-positions relating to treatment decision making were identified. These included dependent positioning, which reflects a "paternalistic" decision-making pattern; collaborative positioning, reflecting a "sharing" of decision making; and autonomous positioning, reflecting an increased sense of personal responsibility for both managing their health and engagement in decision making. Limited treatment options being offered, overuse of medical terminology, and communication gaps between clinicians and patients were the main challenges described during the information-sharing process. Information that needs persisting after physician-patient consultations resulted in active information-seeking behavior. The key variables identified in this study that potentially affected the decision-making process were future personal considerations, language used to discuss cancer, and negative emotions. Conclusions: These results highlight the necessity of adopting flexible strategies when supporting collaborative treatment decision making in the context of the doctor-patient interaction for low-risk PTC. Based on these findings, clinicians can take measures to enhance the quality of SDM by inquiring about patients' role preferences, providing details of the full range of treatment options, and encouraging patients to share their preferences and concerns relating to possible treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyue Gu
- School of Nursing, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, P. R. China
| | - Pingting Zhu
- School of Nursing, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, P. R. China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, P. R. China
| | - Hui Zhang
- School of Nursing, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, P. R. China
| | - Wen Wang
- School of Nursing, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, P. R. China
| | - Yinwen Ding
- School of Nursing, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, P. R. China
| | - Meiyan Qian
- School of Nursing, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, P. R. China
| | - Guanghui Shi
- School of Nursing, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, P. R. China
| | - Qianqian Zhang
- School of Nursing, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, P. R. China
- Department of Anesthesia and Perioperative Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, P.R. China
| | - Josephine Hegarty
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Brookfield Health Sciences Complex, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
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Kim J, Seib CD. Operative Management of Thyroid Disease in Older Adults. J Endocr Soc 2023; 7:bvad070. [PMID: 37324534 PMCID: PMC10267953 DOI: 10.1210/jendso/bvad070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
As the population ages, both domestically and globally, clinicians will increasingly find themselves navigating treatment decisions for thyroid disease in older adults. When considering surgical treatment, individualizing risk assessment is particularly important, as older patients can present with very different health profiles. While fit, independent individuals may benefit from thyroidectomy with minimal risk, those with multiple comorbidities and poor functional status are at higher risk of perioperative complications, which can have adverse health effects and detract from long-term quality of life. In order to optimize surgical outcomes for older adults, strategies for accurate risk assessment and mitigation are being explored. Surgical decision-making also should consider the characteristics of the thyroid disease being treated, given many benign thyroid disorders and some well-differentiated thyroid cancers can be appropriately managed nonoperatively without compromising longevity. Shared decision-making becomes increasingly important to respect the health priorities and optimize outcomes for older adults with thyroid disease. This review summarizes the current knowledge of thyroid surgery in older adults to help inform decision-making among patients and their physicians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jina Kim
- Inova Schar Cancer Institute, Inova Health System, Fairfax, VA 22031, USA
| | - Carolyn D Seib
- Correspondence: Carolyn Dacey Seib, MD, MAS, Stanford University, 300 Pasteur Drive, H3680, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
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Zhu P, Zhang Q, Wu Q, Shi G, Wang W, Xu H, Zhang L, Qian M, Hegarty J. Barriers and Facilitators to the Choice of Active Surveillance for Low-Risk Papillary Thyroid Cancer in China: A Qualitative Study Examining Patient Perspectives. Thyroid 2023. [PMID: 36719782 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2022.0347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Background: Internationally, several clinical practice guidelines recommend active surveillance as a nonsurgical management strategy for select patients with low-risk papillary thyroid carcinoma. However, patient's decision making when choosing active surveillance as a management approach is not well understood. Thus, our aim was to examine the barriers and facilitators to selecting active surveillance among patients with low-risk papillary thyroid carcinoma in China. Methods: Thirty-nine participants diagnosed with low-risk papillary thyroid carcinoma were purposively recruited between July and November 2021 for semistructured interviews; 24 of whom rejected and 15 patients chose "active surveillance" as a management approach in our sample. Inductive content analysis illustrated emerging themes. Audit trails, member checks, and thematic discussions were used to assert rigor. Results: Barriers and facilitators were classified as patient-related, disease-related, and external factors. Patient-related factors included patient's knowledge, attitudes, and emotions. Disease-related factors included the response to having cancer, the constant state of being diseased, and perceived value of the thyroid gland. External factors included the residual effects of surgery, the active surveillance protocol, and physicians' recommendations. Conclusions: Patient's acceptability of the active surveillance as a management approach are complex with many influencing factors. The public acceptance of active surveillance as a disease management approach needs to be improved, through the presentation of active surveillance as an evidence-based and optimized dynamic management strategy. Clinicians must address their patients' psychological struggles when patients choose active surveillance and patients require more attention and supportive intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pingting Zhu
- Department of Nursing, School of Nursing and Public Health, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, P. R. China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Qianqian Zhang
- Department of Nursing, School of Nursing and Public Health, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, P. R. China
- Department of Anesthesia and Perioperative Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, P. R. China
| | - Qiwei Wu
- Department of Nursing, School of Nursing and Public Health, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Guanghui Shi
- Department of Nursing, School of Nursing and Public Health, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Wen Wang
- Department of Nursing, School of Nursing and Public Health, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Huiwen Xu
- Department of Nursing, School of Nursing and Public Health, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital with Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, P. R. China
| | - Meiyan Qian
- Department of Nursing, School of Nursing and Public Health, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, P. R. China
| | - Josephine Hegarty
- Department of Nursing and Midwifery, Brookfield Health Sciences Complex, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
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Patient Preferences and Satisfaction With Decisions in Stage-III Melanoma: A Mixed Methods Study. J Surg Res 2023; 283:485-493. [PMID: 36436284 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2022.10.079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Rapid accumulation of data in surgical and medical oncology has changed the treatment landscape for patients with stage-III melanoma, introducing options for active surveillance and adjuvant systemic therapy; however, these options have increased the complexity of decision making. METHODS We conducted an explanatory sequential mixed-methods study consisting of surveys and semistructured interviews among patients diagnosed with stage-III melanoma at a single institution from August 2019 to December 2021. The survey included the validated 30-point satisfaction with decision scale (SWD). The interview guide was developed using a shared decision-making framework. RESULTS Twenty-six participants completed the survey (response rate 40%) and 17 were interviewed. In the survey, 69% of participants reported receiving a recommendation for active surveillance and 23% received a recommendation for adjuvant systemic therapy. Overall SWD for treatment of the lymph node basin and adjuvant systemic therapy was high at 27.94 and 26.21 out of 30, respectively. In the interviews, participants stressed the importance of the physician's recommendation as well as the desire to minimize intervention and avoid potential side effects in their decisions. However, they demonstrated persistent knowledge gaps in their understanding of the treatment options. CONCLUSIONS Like other cancer types where the option for active surveillance exists, the physician's recommendation is influential in shaping decisions for patients with stage-III melanoma. Physicians can improve shared decision making in this complex treatment landscape through improved multidisciplinary collaboration and mechanisms for ensuring patients' understanding of the treatment options.
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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: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [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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Xue S, Xu W. Perceived social support and post-traumatic growth 12 years after the Wenchuan earthquake: a moderated mediation of belief in a just world and gender. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-022-03843-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Hamad A, Crossnohere N, Ejaz A, Tsung A, Pawlik TM, Sarna A, Santry H, Wills C, Cloyd JM. Patient Preferences for Neoadjuvant Therapy in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Pancreas 2022; 51:657-662. [PMID: 36099500 DOI: 10.1097/mpa.0000000000002083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Physicians are increasingly recommending neoadjuvant therapy (NT) before surgery for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). However, patient preferences for and opinions regarding NT are poorly understood. METHODS Survivors and caregivers from a national PDAC patient advocacy organization completed an online survey assessing preferences for NT versus surgery first (SF) and factors influencing their decision making. RESULTS Among 54 participants, 74.1% had a personal history of PDAC. While most patients preferred SF for resectable disease, NT was the preferred treatment approach for borderline resectable, locally advanced, and resectable cancers with high carbohydrate antigen 19-9. The most important factor influencing patient decision making regarding NT was its impact on overall survival while the least important was published national guidelines. The most preferred rationale for NT was ability to downstage to surgical resection and early treatment of micrometastatic disease. CONCLUSIONS Among a national cohort of PDAC survivors and caregivers, the majority preferred SF for resectable PDAC, whereas NT was preferred when the resectability of a tumor was in question. The impact of NT on quantity and quality of life, as well as the likelihood of achieving surgical resection, was most highly valued by participants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Hamad
- From the Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH
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8
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Stevens L, Brown ZJ, Zeh R, Monsour C, Wells-Di Gregorio S, Santry H, Ejaz AM, Pawlik TM, Cloyd JM. Characterizing the patient experience during neoadjuvant therapy for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: A qualitative study. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2022; 14:1175-1186. [PMID: 35949220 PMCID: PMC9244990 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v14.i6.1175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Revised: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neoadjuvant therapy (NT) has increasingly been utilized for patients with localized pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). It is the recommended approach for borderline resectable (BR) and locally advanced (LA) cancers and an increasingly utilized option for potentially resectable (PR) disease. Despite its increased use, little research has focused on patient-centered metrics among patients undergoing NT, including patient experiences, preferences, and recommendations. A better understanding of all aspects of the patient experience during NT may identify opportunities to design interventions aimed at improving quality of life; it may also facilitate the completion of NT and receipt of surgery, ultimately optimizing long-term outcomes. AIM To understand the experience of patients initiating and receiving NT to identify opportunities to improve neoadjuvant cancer care delivery. METHODS Semi-structured interviews of patients with localized PDAC during NT were conducted to explore their experience initiating and receiving NT. Interviews took place between August 2020 and October 2021. Due to the descriptive nature of the research, questions were open ended. Interviews were conducted over the phone, audio recorded and then transcribed. All interviews were coded by two independent researchers using NVivo 12, iteratively identifying themes until thematic saturation was achieved. An integrative approach to qualitative analysis was used, utilizing both inductive and deductive methods. RESULTS A total of 12 patients with localized PDAC were interviewed. Patients with BR (n = 7), PR (n = 2), and LA (n = 3) cancers participated in the study. All patients indicated that choosing NT was the doctor's recommendation, while most reported not being familiar with the concept of NT (n = 11) and that NT was presented as the only option (n = 8). Five themes describing the patient experience emerged: physical symptoms, emotional symptoms, coping mechanisms, access to care, and life factors. The most commonly cited recommendation for improving the experience of NT was improved education before and during NT (n = 7). Patients highlighted the need for more information on the rationale behind choosing NT prior to surgery, the anticipated surgery and its likelihood of surgery occurring after NT, as well as general information prior to starting NT treatment. The need for seeing different members of the healthcare team, including ancillary services was also frequently cited as a recommendation for improving the experience of NT (n = 5). CONCLUSION This study provides a framework to allow for a better understanding of the PDAC patient experience during NT and highlights opportunities to improve quality and quantity of life outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Stevens
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, United States
| | - Zachary J Brown
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, United States
| | - Ryan Zeh
- Department of General Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States
| | - Christina Monsour
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, United States
| | - Sharla Wells-Di Gregorio
- Department of Psychiatry, Center for Palliative Care, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, United States
| | - Heena Santry
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, United States
| | - Aslam M Ejaz
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, United States
| | - Timothy Michael Pawlik
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, United States
| | - Jordan M Cloyd
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, United States
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do Prado Padovani R, Chablani SV, Tuttle RM. Radioactive iodine therapy: multiple faces of the same polyhedron. ARCHIVES OF ENDOCRINOLOGY AND METABOLISM 2022; 66:393-406. [PMID: 35551676 PMCID: PMC9832850 DOI: 10.20945/2359-3997000000461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The incidence of differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) has increased in recent decades with early stage, low risk papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) being detected and diagnosed. As a result, the psychological, financial, and clinical ramifications of overdiagnosis and excessively aggressive therapy are being increasingly recognized with many authorities calling for a re-evaluation of the traditional "one size fits all" management approaches. To address these critical issues, most thyroid cancer guidelines endorse a more risk adapted management strategy where the intensity of therapy and follow up is matched to the anticipated risk of recurrence and death from DTC for each patient. This "less is more" strategy provides for a minimalistic management approach for properly selected patients with low-risk DTC. This has re-kindled the long-standing debate regarding the routine use of radioactive iodine therapy (RIT) in DTC. Although recent guidelines have moved toward a more selective use of RIT, particular in patients with low-intermediate risk DTC, the proper selection of patients, the expected benefit, and the potential risks continue to be a source of ongoing controversy and debate. In this manuscript, we will review the wide range of clinical, imaging, medical team, and patient factors that must be considered when evaluating individual patients for RIT. Through a review of the current literature evaluating the potential benefits and risks of RIT, we will present a risk adapted approach to proper patient selection for RIT which emphasizes peri-operative risk stratification as the primary tool that clinicians should use to guide initial RIT management recommendations.
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Sawka AM, Ghai S, Rotstein L, Irish JC, Pasternak JD, Gullane PJ, Monteiro E, Gooden E, Brown DH, Eskander A, Zahedi A, Chung J, Su J, Xu W, Ihekire O, Jones JM, Gafni A, Baxter NN, Goldstein DP. A Quantitative Analysis Examining Patients' Choice of Active Surveillance or Surgery for Managing Low-Risk Papillary Thyroid Cancer. Thyroid 2022; 32:255-262. [PMID: 35019770 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2021.0485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Background: It is important to understand patient preferences on managing low-risk papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). Methods: We prospectively followed patients with low-risk PTC <2 cm in maximal diameter, who were offered the choice of thyroidectomy or active surveillance (AS) at the University Health Network (UHN), in Toronto, Canada. The primary outcome was the frequency of AS choice (percentage with confidence interval [CI]). Univariate and multivariable analyses were performed to identify predictors of the choice of AS. Results: We enrolled 200 patients of median age 51 years (interquartile range 42-62). The primary tumor measured >1 cm in 55.5% (111/200) of participants. The AS was chosen by 77.5% [71.2-82.7%, 155/200] of participants. In a backwards conditional regression model, the clinical and demographic factors independently associated with choosing AS included: older age (compared with referent group <40 years)-age 40-64 years-odds ratio (OR) 2.78 [CI, 1.23-6.30, p = 0.014], age ≥65 years-OR 8.43 [2.13-33.37, p = 0.002], and education level of high school or lower-OR 4.41 [1.25-15.53, p = 0.021]; AS was inversely associated with the patient's surgeon of record being affiliated with the study hospital-OR 0.29 [0.11-0.76, p = 0.012]. In a separate backwards conditional logistic regression model examining associations with psychological characteristics, AS choice was independently associated with a fear of needing to take thyroid hormones after thyroidectomy-OR 1.24 [1.11-1.39, p < 0.001], but inversely associated with fear of PTC progression-OR 0.94 [0.90-0.98, p = 0.006] and an active coping mechanism ("doing something")-OR 0.43 [0.28-0.66, p < 0.001]. Conclusions: Approximately three-quarters of our participants chose AS over surgery. The factors associated with choosing AS included older age, lower education level, and having a surgeon outside the study institution. Patients' fears about either their PTC progressing or taking thyroid hormone replacement as well as the level of active coping style were associated with the decision. Our results inform the understanding of patients' decisions on managing low-risk PTC. Registration: Clinicaltrials.gov NCT03271892.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna M Sawka
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, University Health Network and University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Sangeet Ghai
- Joint Department of Medical Imaging, University Health Network-Mt Sinai Hospital-Women's College Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Lorne Rotstein
- Department of Surgery, University Health Network and University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Jonathan C Irish
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery/Surgical Oncology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network and University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Jesse D Pasternak
- Department of Surgery, University Health Network and University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Patrick J Gullane
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery/Surgical Oncology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network and University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Eric Monteiro
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Mount Sinai Hospital and University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Everton Gooden
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, North York General Hospital and University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Dale H Brown
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery/Surgical Oncology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network and University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Antoine Eskander
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Afshan Zahedi
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Women's College Hospital, Mount Sinai Hospital and University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Janet Chung
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Trillium Health Partners and University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Jie Su
- Department of Biostatistics, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Wei Xu
- Department of Biostatistics, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Biostatistics, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Ogemdi Ihekire
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Jennifer M Jones
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology, University Health Network and University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Amiram Gafni
- Centre for Health Economics and Policy Analysis, Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Nancy N Baxter
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - David P Goldstein
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery/Surgical Oncology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network and University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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Radhakrishnan A, Reyes-Gastelum D, Abrahamse P, Gay B, Hawley ST, Wallner LP, Chen DW, Hamilton AS, Ward KC, Haymart MR. Physician Specialties Involved in Thyroid Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment: Implications for Improving Health Care Disparities. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2022; 107:e1096-e1105. [PMID: 34718629 PMCID: PMC8852205 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgab781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Little is known about provider specialties involved in thyroid cancer diagnosis and management. OBJECTIVE Characterize providers involved in diagnosing and treating thyroid cancer. DESIGN/SETTING/PARTICIPANTS We surveyed patients with differentiated thyroid cancer from the Georgia and Los Angeles County Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results registries (N = 2632, 63% response rate). Patients identified their primary care physicians (PCPs), who were also surveyed (N = 162, 56% response rate). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES (1) Patient-reported provider involvement (endocrinologist, surgeon, PCP) at diagnosis and treatment; (2) PCP-reported involvement (more vs less) and comfort (more vs less) with discussing diagnosis and treatment. RESULTS Among thyroid cancer patients, 40.6% reported being informed of their diagnosis by their surgeon, 37.9% by their endocrinologist, and 13.5% by their PCP. Patients reported discussing their treatment with their surgeon (71.7%), endocrinologist (69.6%), and PCP (33.3%). Physician specialty involvement in diagnosis and treatment varied by patient race/ethnicity and age. For example, Hispanic patients (vs non-Hispanic White) were more likely to report their PCP informed them of their diagnosis (odds ratio [OR]: 1.68; 95% CI, 1.24-2.27). Patients ≥65 years (vs <45 years) were more likely to discuss treatment with their PCP (OR: 1.59; 95% CI, 1.22-2.08). Although 74% of PCPs reported discussing their patients' diagnosis and 62% their treatment, only 66% and 48%, respectively, were comfortable doing so. CONCLUSIONS PCPs were involved in thyroid cancer diagnosis and treatment, and their involvement was greater among older patients and patients of minority race/ethnicity. This suggests an opportunity to leverage PCP involvement in thyroid cancer management to improve health and quality of care outcomes for vulnerable patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - David Reyes-Gastelum
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology & Diabetes, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Paul Abrahamse
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Brittany Gay
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology & Diabetes, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Sarah T Hawley
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Lauren P Wallner
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Debbie W Chen
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology & Diabetes, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Ann S Hamilton
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Kevin C Ward
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Megan R Haymart
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology & Diabetes, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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12
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Active Surveillance of Thyroid Microcarcinomas: a Critical View. Curr Oncol Rep 2022; 24:69-76. [DOI: 10.1007/s11912-021-01177-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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13
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Eilsberger F, Luster M, Reiners C. Shared Decision Making for Radioiodine Therapy and the Actual Pattern of Care in Intermediate-Risk Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma. FRONTIERS IN NUCLEAR MEDICINE (LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 1:797522. [PMID: 39355644 PMCID: PMC11440860 DOI: 10.3389/fnume.2021.797522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 10/03/2024]
Abstract
Radioiodine therapy (RAI) is usually a standard procedure performed after thyroidectomy in differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). While the indication for RAI in high-risk patients has been established in various national and international guidelines, there is an ongoing discussion with regard to intermediate-risk patients. In addition to the inconsistent definition of this risk category, the absence of large multinational prospective randomized controlled trials forms the basis of the debate. In this context, the actual pattern of care and national guidelines in the country where the patient is living plays an important role with respect to regional iodine supply and goiter prevalence, preoperative diagnostics (fine needle aspiration biopsy), and corresponding surgical strategies. Participatory decision-making between physician and informed patient, which is demanded in principle today anyway, is of particular importance in this situation. This article will discuss the approach of shared decision making for radioiodine therapy in intermediate-risk DTC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Markus Luster
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Christoph Reiners
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
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14
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Zu Y, Liu Y, Zhao J, Yang P, Li J, Qian L. A cohort study of microwave ablation and surgery for low-risk papillary thyroid microcarcinoma. Int J Hyperthermia 2021; 38:1548-1557. [PMID: 34719323 DOI: 10.1080/02656736.2021.1996643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The optimal treatment method for papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) is lacking consensus. Here we aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of surgery and microwave ablation (MWA) for PTMC. METHODS The clinical data of 644 patients with PTMC treated between July 2013 and June 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. A total of 320 and 324 patients underwent MWA and surgery, respectively. We observed lesion changes in the MWA group and compared the recurrence, metastasis, complications, and other health economic indicators between the 2 groups. RESULTS The mean follow-up time was 890.7 ± 532.9 (187.9-2679.0) days in the MWA group and 910.9 ± 568.4 (193.8-2821.5) days in the surgery group. In the MWA group, lesion volume increased significantly after ablation and then gradually decreased. The final lesion volume reduction rate was 90.73% ± 7.94%, and 193 lesions (60.3%) disappeared completely. There were no significant intergroup differences in recurrence or metastasis. The incidence of main complications (temporary hypothyroidism, hypoparathyroidism, and temporary hoarseness) was significantly lower in the MWA group than in the surgery group (p < 0.001). The treatment time, intraoperative blood loss, and hospital stay were significantly lower in the MWA group than in the surgery group (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS MWA is effective for treating PTMC, with a low incidence of complications and less trauma. The rates of post-treatment recurrence and metastasis are similar to those of surgery, indicating that MWA is a suitable alternative to surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Zu
- Department of Ultrasound, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yujiang Liu
- Department of Ultrasound, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Junfeng Zhao
- Department of Ultrasound, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Peipei Yang
- Department of Ultrasound, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jianming Li
- Department of Interventional Ultrasound, The General Hospital of Chinese People's Liberation Army, Beijing, China
| | - Linxue Qian
- Department of Ultrasound, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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15
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review describes the current state of the literature on patients' perceptions of receiving a diagnosis of thyroid cancer. The evaluation progresses from people's understanding about thyroid cancer in general to the lived experiences of those receiving an initial diagnosis or one of recurrence. The implications on patients' quality of life and treatment decisions are also discussed. RECENT FINDINGS Receiving a diagnosis of thyroid cancer often elicits intense and immediate emotions of shock and fear evoked by the word 'cancer,' which may be related to lack of knowledge about thyroid cancer specifically. Describing thyroid cancer as the 'good cancer' in an attempt to reassure patients is not necessarily reassuring and can inadvertently minimize the impact of a patient's diagnosis. Fear and worry about cancer in general and the possibility for recurrence contribute to lasting psychological distress and decreased quality of life. Patients' perceptions of their diagnosis and resulting emotional reactions influence treatment decision-making and have the potential to contribute to decisions that may over-treat a low-risk thyroid cancer. SUMMARY Understanding patients' experience of receiving a thyroid cancer diagnosis is critical because their emotional reactions can have a profound impact on treatment decision-making and quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine B. Jensen
- University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Susan C. Pitt
- Wisconsin Surgical Outcomes Research Program, Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
- Division of Endocrine Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
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16
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Koot A, Netea-Maier R, Ottevanger P, Hermens R, Stalmeier P. Needs, Preferences, and Values during Different Treatment Decisions of Patients with Differentiated Thyroid Cancer. J Pers Med 2021; 11:jpm11070682. [PMID: 34357149 PMCID: PMC8304194 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11070682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The purpose of this study was to identify the needs, preferences, and values of patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) and the physicians treating patients with DTC regarding two different treatment decisions, namely: the extent of primary surgery (low-risk patients) and the tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) treatment (high-risk patients). Methods: A qualitative study was conducted. There were two physician focus groups discussing the extent of primary surgery. One included endocrinologists (n = 4) and surgeons (n = 5), and the other included nuclear medicine physicians (n = 3) treating patients with low-risk DTC. The physicians focus group discussing waiting or starting TKIs included endocrinologists (n = 2) and oncologists (n = 5) treating patients with advanced radioactive iodide (RAI) refractory DTC. Moreover, one patient focus group per treatment decision took place. In total 13 patients and 19 physicians participated. Interviews were audio-taped, fully transcribed verbatim, and analyzed. Results: Several themes were identified. Patients, but not physicians, mentioned the importance of a strong doctor–patient relationship. Patients in both treatment decision groups wanted to receive more detailed information, whereas physicians preferred providing more general information. Patients in the TKI decision group focused on palliative care, whereas physicians focused more on the effect and benefit of TKIs. Conclusions: Considering the identified themes in DTC, based on the patients’ needs, preferences, and values, enables us to improve doctor–patient communication and to develop decision support tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Koot
- Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Department for Health Evidence, Radboud University Medical Center, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +31-651637081
| | - Romana Netea-Maier
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands;
| | - Petronella Ottevanger
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Oncology, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands;
| | - Rosella Hermens
- Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Scientific Institute for Quality of Healthcare (IQ Healthcare), Radboud University Medical Center, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands;
| | - Peep Stalmeier
- Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Department for Health Evidence, Radboud University Medical Center, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands;
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17
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Zhu J, Li X, Zhang S, Liu J, Yao X, Zhao Q, Kou B, Han P, Wang X, Bai Y, Zheng Z, Xu C. Taraxasterol inhibits TGF-β1-induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in papillary thyroid cancer cells through regulating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Hum Exp Toxicol 2021; 40:S87-S95. [PMID: 34219514 DOI: 10.1177/09603271211023792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Taraxasterol (TAR) is a kind of active compound extracted from dandelion and its molecular structure resembles steroid hormones. Recently, TAR has been reported to show an anti-tumor activity. However, the specific role of TAR in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) has not been clarified. In this study, we investigated the effect of TAR on PTC cell migration, invasion and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) induced by TGF-β1. PTC cells were exposed to TGF-β1 (5 ng/mL) and then treated with different concentrations of TAR. We found that TAR showed no obvious cytotoxicity below 10 μg/mL but notably reduced migration and invasion of TGF-β1-treated PTC cells. Moreover, TAR treatment decreased MMP-2 and MMP-9 levels, and obviously affected the expression of EMT markers. We also observed that Wnt3a and β-catenin levels were significantly increased in TGF-β1-treated PTC cells while TAR inhibited these effects in a concentration-dependent manner. Additionally, activation of the Wnt pathway by LiCl attenuated the suppressive effect of TAR on TGF-β1-induced migration, invasion and EMT in PTC cells. Taken together, we highlighted that TAR could significantly suppress TGF-β1-regulated migration and invasion by reversing the EMT process via the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, suggesting that TAR may be a potential anti-cancer agent for PTC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Zhu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.,Department of General Surgery, Shaanxi Tumor Hospital, Xi'an, China
| | - X Li
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - S Zhang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - J Liu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - X Yao
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Q Zhao
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - B Kou
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - P Han
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - X Wang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Y Bai
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Z Zheng
- The Third Ward of Department of General Surgery, Rizhao People's Hospital, Rizhao, China
| | - C Xu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
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18
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Sawka AM, Ghai S, Tomlinson G, Baxter NN, Corsten M, Imran SA, Bissada E, Lebouef R, Audet N, Brassard M, Zhang H, Gupta M, Nichols AC, Morrison D, Johnson-Obeski S, Prisman E, Anderson D, Chandarana SP, Ghaznavi S, Jones J, Gafni A, Matelski JJ, Xu W, Goldstein DP. A Protocol for a Pan-Canadian Prospective Observational Study on Active Surveillance or Surgery for Very Low Risk Papillary Thyroid Cancer. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:686996. [PMID: 34194396 PMCID: PMC8237853 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.686996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The traditional management of papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) is thyroidectomy (total or partial removal of the thyroid). Active surveillance (AS) may be considered as an alternative option for small, low risk PTC. AS involves close follow-up (including regularly scheduled clinical and radiological assessments), with the intention of intervening with surgery for disease progression or patient preference. Methods This is a protocol for a prospective, observational, long-term follow-up multi-centre Canadian cohort study. Consenting eligible adults with small, low risk PTC (< 2cm in maximal diameter, confined to the thyroid, and not immediately adjacent to critical structures in the neck) are offered the choice of AS or surgery for management of PTC. Patient participants are free to choose either option (AS or surgery) and the disease management course is thus not assigned by the investigators. Surgery is provided as usual care by a surgeon in an institution of the patient's choice. Our primary objective is to determine the rate of 'failure' of disease management in respective AS and surgical arms as defined by: i) AS arm - surgery for progression of PTC, and ii) surgical arm - surgery or other treatment for disease persistence or progression after completing initial treatment. Secondary outcomes include long-term thyroid oncologic and treatment outcomes, as well as patient-reported outcomes. Discussion The results from this study will provide long-term clinical and patient reported outcome evidence regarding active surveillance or immediate surgery for management of small, low risk PTC. This will inform future clinical trials in disease management of small, low risk papillary thyroid cancer. Registration details This prospective observational cohort study is registered on clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04624477), but it should not be considered a clinical trial as there is no assigned intervention and patients are free to choose either AS or surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna M. Sawka
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, University Health Network and University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sangeet Ghai
- Joint Department of Medical Imaging, University Health Network-Mt Sinai Hospital-Women’s College Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - George Tomlinson
- Department of Medicine, University Health Network and Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Nancy N. Baxter
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Martin Corsten
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Syed Ali Imran
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Eric Bissada
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, l’Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Rebecca Lebouef
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, l’Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Nathalie Audet
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Maryse Brassard
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Han Zhang
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Michael Gupta
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Anthony C. Nichols
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Deric Morrison
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | | | - Eitan Prisman
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Don Anderson
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Shamir P. Chandarana
- Section of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Sana Ghaznavi
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Jennifer Jones
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology, University Health Network and University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Amiram Gafni
- Centre for Health Economics and Policy Analysis, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - John J. Matelski
- Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Biostatistics Research Unit, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Wei Xu
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - David P. Goldstein
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, University Health Network and University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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19
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Lubitz CC, Kiernan CM, Toumi A, Zhan T, Roth MY, Sosa JA, Tuttle RM, Grubbs EG. Patient Perspectives on the Extent of Surgery and Radioactive Iodine Treatment for Low-Risk Differentiated Thyroid Cancer. Endocr Pract 2021; 27:383-389. [PMID: 33840638 PMCID: PMC10028733 DOI: 10.1016/j.eprac.2021.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To understand patient perspective regarding recommended changes in the 2015 American Thyroid Association (ATA) guidelines. Specifically, in regard to active surveillance (AS) of some small differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC), performance of less extensive surgery for low-risk DTC, and more selective administration of radioactive iodine (RAI). METHODS An online survey was disseminated to thyroid cancer patient advocacy organizations and members of the ATA to distribute to the patients. Data were collected on demographic and treatment information, and patient experience with DTC. Patients were asked "what if" scenarios on core topics, including AS, extent of surgery, and indications for RAI. RESULTS Survey responses were analyzed from 1546 patients with DTC: 1478 (96%) had a total thyroidectomy, and 1167 (76%) underwent RAI. If there was no change in the overall cancer outcome, 606 (39%) of respondents would have considered lobectomy over total thyroidectomy, 536 (35%) would have opted for AS, and 638 (41%) would have chosen to forego RAI. Moreover, (774/1217) 64% of respondents wanted more time with their clinicians when making decisions about the extent of surgery. A total of 621/1167 of patients experienced significant side effects with RAI, and 351/1167 of patients felt that the risks of treatment were not well explained. 1237/1546 (80%) of patients felt that AS would not be overly burdensome, and quality of life was the main reason cited for choosing AS. CONCLUSION Patient perspective regarding choice in the management of low-risk DTC varies widely, and a large proportion of DTC patients would change aspects of their care if oncologic outcomes were equivalent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carrie C Lubitz
- Massachusetts General Hospital Institute for Technology Assessment, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts.
| | - Colleen M Kiernan
- Division of Surgical Oncology and Endocrine Surgery, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Asmae Toumi
- Massachusetts General Hospital Institute for Technology Assessment, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Tiannan Zhan
- Massachusetts General Hospital Institute for Technology Assessment, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Mara Y Roth
- Department of Medicine, Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Nutrition, University of Washington, Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, Seattle, Washington
| | - Julie A Sosa
- Department of Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - R Michael Tuttle
- Endocrinology Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Elizabeth G Grubbs
- Department of Surgical Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
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20
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Davies L, Chang CH, Sirovich B, Tuttle RM, Fukushima M, Ito Y, Miyauchi A. Thyroid Cancer Active Surveillance Program Retention and Adherence in Japan. JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2021; 147:77-84. [PMID: 33237264 DOI: 10.1001/jamaoto.2020.4200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Importance Small papillary thyroid cancers are the most common type of thyroid cancer, with the incidence increasing across the world. Active surveillance of appropriate cancers has the potential to reduce harm from overtreatment but is a significant de-escalation from prior practice. Mechanisms that inform the rates of retention and adherence have not been described and need to be understood if broader uptake is to be considered. Objective To evaluate patient retention, adherence, and experience in the largest and most long-standing thyroid cancer active surveillance program, to our knowledge. Design, Setting, and Participants A cohort study using convergent design mixed-methods analysis of attendance data, semistructured interviews, and field observation was conducted at Kuma Hospital, Kobe, Japan. Participants included 1179 patients who were enrolled in surveillance between February 1, 2005, and August 31, 2013, and followed up through December 31, 2017. Data analysis was performed from January 25, 2018, through September 30, 2020. Main Outcomes and Measures Patients were considered adherent if they underwent ultrasonography within at least 13 months of the previous ultrasonographic examination. Patients were considered retained if they continued surveillance with an ultrasonographic examination at least every 2 years, without having had surgery for patient preference or clinical reasons. Results Of the 1179 patients included in the study, 1037 (88%) were women. The mean (SD) age was 56 (13.5) years (median, 57 years). Patients were followed up for up to 12.76 years (median, 5.97 years) and underwent a median of 9 ultrasonographic examinations (range, 2-50); 76 patients (6.4%) had surgery for clinical reasons. In analysis of retention, 53 of 1179 patients (4.5%) changed to surgery after a mean (SD) of 2.14 (1.53) years (median, 1.47; range, 0.14-7.17 years); at the study end point, 101 of 1179 patients (8.6%) had not been seen at Kuma Hospital in at least the past 2 years. Kaplan-Meier analysis to 10 years of follow-up time without structural progression estimated that 21.5% (95% CI, 17.0%-28.2%) of patients would not have had an ultrasonographic examination within at least the past 2 years. Mean adherence over a surveillance period of 10 follow-up ultrasonographic examinations (8878 person-examinations) was 91% (range, 85%-95%). Receipt of detailed test results, education regarding active surveillance, and supportive/collaborative style interactions with their physician were identified by patients as key factors for continuing surveillance. Conclusions and Relevance For patients with low-risk papillary thyroid cancer participating in active surveillance, retention in the program and adherence to follow-up ultrasonographic examination do not appear to be barriers to broader implementation of surveillance. The program's success may benefit from an approach analogous to traveler (patient) and their guide (clinician): the clinician advising on options, advocating for the optimal path over time, and supportively reaffirming the care plan or recommending alternatives as conditions change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise Davies
- The VA Outcomes Group, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, White River Junction, Vermont.,The Section of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, Hanover, New Hampshire
| | - Chiang-Hua Chang
- Division of Geriatric & Palliative Medicine, Internal Medicine and Institute for Healthcare Policy & Innovation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
| | - Brenda Sirovich
- The VA Outcomes Group, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, White River Junction, Vermont.,Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, Hanover, New Hampshire
| | - R Michael Tuttle
- Endocrine Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | | | - Yasuhiro Ito
- Department of Surgery, Kuma Hospital, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Akira Miyauchi
- Department of Surgery, Kuma Hospital, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan
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21
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Ruane-McAteer E, Prue G. Psychological aspects of active surveillance. World J Urol 2021; 40:9-13. [PMID: 33388921 DOI: 10.1007/s00345-020-03553-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 12/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM The objective of this paper was to discuss the psychological impact of active surveillance (AS) for prostate cancer (PCa) and the resulting implications of psychological wellbeing for treatment decision making and acceptance of AS protocols. METHOD Qualitative and quantitative research in the area of anxiety, depression, and distress is discussed drawing from PCa literature as well other health conditions from which parallels can be drawn. RESULTS Attention is given to the role of the clinician in treatment decision making, including the value of information provision, and perceived trust in the AS as a management approach. CONCLUSION Given that research is conflicted regarding the psychological impact of AS for PCa, it is suggested that focus shifts away from debate of the 'true' experience of AS rather researchers and clinicians should seek to identify the factors associated with positive and negative psychological response to diagnosis and AS to improve psychological and physical outcomes. Recommendations for clinical practice are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gillian Prue
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland
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22
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Hegedüs L, Miyauchi A, Tuttle RM. Nonsurgical Thermal Ablation of Thyroid Nodules: Not if, but Why, When, and How? Thyroid 2020; 30:1691-1694. [PMID: 32777983 PMCID: PMC7757570 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2020.0659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Laszlo Hegedüs
- Department of Endocrinology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Address correspondence to: Laszlo Hegedüs, MD, DMSc, Department of Endocrinology, Odense University Hospital, Kløvervænget 6, 5th floor, Odense DK-5000 C, Denmark
| | - Akira Miyauchi
- Department of Surgery, Kuma Hospital, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan
| | - R. Michael Tuttle
- Department of Medicine, Endocrinology Service, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
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23
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Reed R, Strumpf A, Martz TG, Kavanagh KJ, Fedder KL, Jameson MJ, Shonka DC. 2015 American Thyroid Association guidelines and thyroid-stimulating hormone suppression after thyroid lobectomy. Head Neck 2020; 43:639-644. [PMID: 33124116 DOI: 10.1002/hed.26524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2020] [Revised: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND 2015 American Thyroid Association (ATA) guidelines recommended more conservative treatment in low-risk well-differentiated thyroid cancer (WDTC), stating that lobectomy alone may be sufficient. The guidelines further recommend mild thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) level suppression (0.5-2 mU/L) for this population. Our goal is to evaluate the natural history of patients undergoing lobectomy to determine the percentage that would require postoperative levothyroxine supplementation under these guidelines. METHODS Retrospective chart review of 168 patients that underwent lobectomy between 2010 and 2019 was performed. Preoperative and postoperative TSH values and the rate of patients prescribed levothyroxine were analyzed. RESULTS Thirty-five percent of patients were prescribed levothyroxine postoperatively. At 6 weeks postoperatively, 66% had TSH value of >2; this increased to 76% by 6 to 12 months. CONCLUSION To adhere to ATA guidelines for WDTC managed with lobectomy alone, the majority of patients (76%) would require postoperative levothyroxine supplementation. Low preoperative TSH was found to be the most significant predictor for postoperative TSH < 2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Reed
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Andrew Strumpf
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Teresa G Martz
- School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Kaitlin J Kavanagh
- School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Katherine L Fedder
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Mark J Jameson
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - David C Shonka
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
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24
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Sawka AM, Ghai S, Yoannidis T, Rotstein L, Gullane PJ, Gilbert RW, Pasternak JD, Brown DH, Eskander A, de Almeida JR, Irish JC, Higgins K, Enepekides DJ, Monteiro E, Banerjee A, Shah M, Gooden E, Zahedi A, Korman M, Ezzat S, Jones JM, Rac VE, Tomlinson G, Stanimirovic A, Gafni A, Baxter NN, Goldstein DP. A Prospective Mixed-Methods Study of Decision-Making on Surgery or Active Surveillance for Low-Risk Papillary Thyroid Cancer. Thyroid 2020; 30:999-1007. [PMID: 32126932 PMCID: PMC7374636 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2019.0592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Background: Active surveillance (AS) of small, low-risk papillary thyroid cancers (PTCs) is increasingly being considered. There is limited understanding of why individuals with low-risk PTC may choose AS over traditional surgical management. Methods: We present a mixed-methods analysis of a prospective observational real-life decision-making study regarding the choice of thyroidectomy or AS for management of localized, low-risk PTCs <2 cm in maximum diameter (NCT03271892). Patients were provided standardized medical information and were interviewed after making their decision (which dictated disease management). We evaluated patients' levels of decision-self efficacy (confidence in medical decision-making ability) at the time information was presented and their level of decision satisfaction after finalizing their decision (using standardized questionnaires). We asked patients to explain the reason for their choice and qualitatively analyzed the results. Results: We enrolled 74 women and 26 men of mean age 52.4 years, with a mean PTC size of 11.0 mm (interquartile range 9.0, 14.0 mm). Seventy-one patients (71.0% [95% confidence interval 60.9-79.4%]) chose AS over surgery. Ninety-four percent (94/100) of participants independently made their own disease management choice; the rest shared the decision with their physician. Participants had a high baseline level of decision self-efficacy (mean 94.3, standard deviation 9.6 on a 100-point scale). Almost all (98%, 98/100) participants reported high decision satisfaction. Factors reported by patients as influencing their decision included the following: perceived risk of thyroidectomy or the cancer, family considerations, treatment timing in the context of life circumstances, and trust in health care providers. Conclusions: In this Canadian study, ∼7 out of 10 patients with small, low-risk PTC, who were offered the choice of AS or surgery, chose AS. Personal perceptions about cancer or thyroidectomy, contextual factors, family considerations, and trust in health care providers strongly influenced patients' disease management choices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna M. Sawka
- Division of Endocrinology, University Health Network and University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Address correspondence to: Anna M. Sawka, MD, PhD, FRCPC, University Health Network - Toronto General Hospital, 200 Elizabeth Street, Toronto 12 EN-212, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sangeet Ghai
- Joint Department of Medical Imaging, University Health Network-Mt Sinai Hospital-Women's College Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Tom Yoannidis
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Lorne Rotstein
- Department of Surgery, University Health Network and University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Patrick J. Gullane
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery/Surgical Oncology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network and University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Ralph W. Gilbert
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery/Surgical Oncology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network and University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Jesse D. Pasternak
- Department of Surgery, University Health Network and University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Dale H. Brown
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery/Surgical Oncology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network and University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Antoine Eskander
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - John R. de Almeida
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery/Surgical Oncology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network and University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Jonathan C. Irish
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery/Surgical Oncology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network and University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Kevin Higgins
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Danny J. Enepekides
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Eric Monteiro
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Mount Sinai Hospital and University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Avik Banerjee
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Grand River Hospital Corporation, Kitchener, Canada
| | - Manish Shah
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery/Surgical Oncology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network and University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, North York General Hospital and University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Everton Gooden
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, North York General Hospital and University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Afshan Zahedi
- Division of Endocrinology, Women's College Hospital, Mount Sinai Hospital and University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Mark Korman
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, William Osler Health System and University of Toronto, Brampton, Canada
| | - Shereen Ezzat
- Division of Endocrine Oncology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Canada
| | - Jennifer M. Jones
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology, University Health Network and University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Valeria E. Rac
- Ted Rogers Centre for Heart Research at Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute (TGHRI), University Health Network (UHN), Toronto, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (IHPME), Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Toronto Health Economics and Technology Assessment Collaborative, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Medicine University Health Network and Mount Sinai Hospital and Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - George Tomlinson
- Toronto Health Economics and Technology Assessment Collaborative, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Medicine University Health Network and Mount Sinai Hospital and Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Aleksandra Stanimirovic
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (IHPME), Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Toronto Health Economics and Technology Assessment Collaborative, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Amiram Gafni
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evaluation and Implementation, Centre for Health Economics and Policy Analysis, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Nancy N. Baxter
- Department of Surgery, St. Michael's Hospital and University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - David P. Goldstein
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery/Surgical Oncology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network and University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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Pitoia F, Smulever A. Active surveillance in low risk papillary thyroid carcinoma. World J Clin Oncol 2020; 11:320-336. [PMID: 32874948 PMCID: PMC7450818 DOI: 10.5306/wjco.v11.i6.320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Revised: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent decades, while the incidence of thyroid cancer has increased exponentially around the world, mortality has remained stable. The vast majority of this increase is attributable to the identification of intrathyroidal papillary microcarcinomas, which exhibit slow growth rates with indolent courses. A diagnosis of thyroid cancer based upon the presence of these small tumors could be considered as an overdiagnosis, as the majority of these tumors would not likely result in death if left untreated. Although surgical resection was the classical standard therapy for papillary microcarcinomas, active surveillance (AS) has emerged over the last three decades as an alternative approach that is aimed to recognize a minority group of patients who will clinically progress and would likely benefit from rescue surgery. Despite the encouraging results of AS, its implementation in clinical practice is strongly influenced by psychosocial factors. The aim of this review is to describe the epidemiology, clinical evolution, prognostic factors, and mortality of papillary thyroid microcarcinomas. We also summarize the AS strategy according to published evidence, characterize the criteria for selecting patients for AS according to risk factors and environmental characteristics, as well as analyze the current limitations for AS implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Pitoia
- Division of Endocrinology, Hospital de Clínicas, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires 1120, Argentina
| | - Anabella Smulever
- Division of Endocrinology, Hospital de Clínicas, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires 1120, Argentina
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26
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Loomans-Kropp HA, Dunn BK, Kramer BS, Pinsky P. Thyroid Incidentalomas in Association With Low-Dose Computed Tomography in the National Lung Screening Trial. Am J Epidemiol 2020; 189:27-33. [PMID: 31595954 DOI: 10.1093/aje/kwz219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2019] [Accepted: 09/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Advances in cancer screening methods have opened avenues for incidental findings and cancer overdiagnosis. We performed a secondary analysis of the National Lung Screening Trial (enrollment from 2002-2004), a randomized controlled trial comparing low-dose computed tomography (LDCT; n = 26,722) with chest radiography (CXR; n = 26,732) for lung cancer detection, to examine incidental findings related to thyroid cancer (ThCa). Three screening rounds were included, and median follow-up was 6.6 years for LDCT and 6.5 years for CXR. Radiologists reported lung and non-lung-related abnormalities. In the LDCT arm, 5.7%, 4.7%, and 4.5% of participants had abnormalities above the diaphragm (AADs) detected at baseline, year 1, and year 2, respectively, compared with 2.3%, 1.5%, and 1.3% in the CXR arm. In the LDCT arm, 205 AADs (7.0%) were thyroid-related. Overall, 60 ThCas were reported, 35 in the LDCT arm and 25 in the CXR arm (P = 0.2). In the LDCT arm, participants with a prior AAD had a 7.8-fold increased risk (95% confidence interval: 4.0, 15.1) of ThCa compared with those who did not have an AAD. Early and persistent excess of ThCas diagnosed earlier in the LDCT arm suggests overdiagnosis. The use of sensitive screening modalities for early detection of lung cancer might result in the discovery of thyroid incidentalomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holli A Loomans-Kropp
- Cancer Prevention Fellowship Program, Division of Cancer Prevention, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, Maryland
- Gastrointestinal and Other Cancers Branch, Division of Cancer Prevention, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, Maryland
| | - Barbara K Dunn
- Biometry Research Group, Division of Cancer Prevention, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, Maryland
| | - Barnett S Kramer
- Division of Cancer Prevention, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, Maryland
| | - Paul Pinsky
- Early Detection Research Branch, Division of Cancer Prevention, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, Maryland
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27
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Feng JW, Ye J, Wu WX, Pan H, Qin AC, Jiang Y, Wu BQ. Management of Clinically Solitary Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma Patients According to Risk-Scoring Model for Contralateral Occult Carcinoma. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:553577. [PMID: 33133013 PMCID: PMC7578423 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.553577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to investigate risk factors of occult carcinoma in clinically solitary papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) patients, and to put emphasis on the predictive value of risk-scoring model to determine the optimal scope of surgery. METHODS A total of 573 clinically solitary PTC patients who underwent total thyroidectomy (TT) from two hospitals were retrospectively analyzed. Clinicopathological features were collected, univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine risk factors of occult carcinoma. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to analyze the risk factors of recurrence. A scoring model was constructed according to independent risk factors of contralateral occult carcinoma. RESULTS 19.2% of clinically solitary PTC patients had occult carcinoma, among which 3.7% patients had ipsilateral occult carcinoma and 15.5% patients had contralateral occult carcinoma. Factors such as male, the presence of benign nodule, and vascular invasion increase the risk of ipsilateral occult carcinoma. Tumor size >1 cm, the presence of benign nodule, extrathyroidal extension, central lymph node metastasis, lateral lymph node metastasis are independent predictors of contralateral occult carcinoma. Contralateral occult carcinoma is the independent predictor of recurrence. A 10-point risk-scoring model was established to predict the contralateral occult carcinoma in clinically solitary PTC patients. CONCLUSION Lobectomy is sufficient for clinically solitary PTC patients with risk factors of ipsilateral occult carcinoma. For clinically solitary PTC patients with score ≥4, careful preoperative evaluations are required to rule out the contralateral occult carcinoma. Even if contralateral occult carcinoma is not detected preoperatively, TT is recommended for high-risk patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Wei Feng
- Department of Thyroid Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou First People’s Hospital, Changzhou, China
| | - Jing Ye
- Department of Thyroid Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou First People’s Hospital, Changzhou, China
| | - Wan-Xiao Wu
- Department of Thyroid Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou First People’s Hospital, Changzhou, China
| | - Hua Pan
- Department of Thyroid Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou First People’s Hospital, Changzhou, China
| | - An-Cheng Qin
- Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Suzhou, China
| | - Yong Jiang
- Department of Thyroid Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou First People’s Hospital, Changzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Yong Jiang, ; Bao-Qiang Wu,
| | - Bao-Qiang Wu
- Department of General Surgery, The Second People’s Hospital of Changzhou affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Yong Jiang, ; Bao-Qiang Wu,
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28
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Ho AS, Luu M, Zalt C, Morris LG, Chen I, Melany M, Ali N, Patio C, Chen Y, Mallen St.-Clair J, Braunstein GD, Sacks WL, Zumsteg ZS. Mortality Risk of Nonoperative Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma: A Corollary for Active Surveillance. Thyroid 2019; 29:1409-1417. [PMID: 31407637 PMCID: PMC7476400 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2019.0060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Background: Active surveillance is established as an alternative to surgery for papillary thyroid microcarcinomas, but inclusion criteria and mortality risk for pursuing a nonsurgical approach have not been clearly defined. To gauge the feasibility of expanding active surveillance thresholds, we investigated the effects of increasing size and age on disease-specific survival (DSS) in a large nonoperative thyroid cancer cohort, compared against a matched group of surgical patients. Methods: Papillary thyroid carcinoma patients staged T1-4N0M0 were identified in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database between 1975 and 2015, stratified by nonsurgical and surgical management. Propensity score matching was performed to adjust for imbalances in covariates. Multivariable models were constructed using restricted cubic splines to model nonlinear relationships of age and tumor size with DSS. Results: Overall, 1453 nonoperative patients and 54,718 surgical patients met the inclusion criteria. Collectively, increasing age and size after certain thresholds independently led to greater differences in DSS between nonsurgical and surgical patients. For younger ages (14-55 years), surgical approach compared with nonsurgical approach was not associated with any difference in the 10-year DSS among 0-4 cm cancers (99.8% vs. 100%, p = 0.470), 4.1-6 cm cancers (98.8% vs. 100%, p = 0.599), or >6 cm cancers (97.3% vs. 100%, p = 0.718). Older patients with larger tumors (>75 years, >6 cm) demonstrated the greatest difference in DSS (48.1% vs. 91.3%, p < 0.001). Similar results were found when applying propensity score matching. For age, restricted cubic spline plots showed minimal relative survival hazard in nonoperative cases beginning after age 60 years, with a change point illustrating acceleration in relative hazard beyond age 72 years. For size, relative survival hazard was observed after 2.0 cm and increased slowly with nodule growth up to an inflection point of 4.5 cm. Beyond this, mortality risk escalated with each additional year without plateau. Conclusions: Increasing age and size lead to progressively greater mortality risk without surgery, but only beyond certain thresholds. We define escalating gradients at which a nonsurgical approach may be deemed appropriate, and beyond which survival benefits from surgery become apparent. Such findings reconcile controversial observations regarding age and size in active surveillance and further reshape evolving treatment paradigms in thyroid cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allen S. Ho
- Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Los Angeles, California
- Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Surgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
- Address correspondence to: Allen S. Ho, MD, Department of Surgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8635 West Third Street, Suite 590W, Los Angeles, CA 90048
| | - Michael Luu
- Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Los Angeles, California
- Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Research Center, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Cynthia Zalt
- Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Los Angeles, California
| | - Luc G.T. Morris
- Head and Neck Service, Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Irene Chen
- Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Los Angeles, California
- Department of Radiology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Michelle Melany
- Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Los Angeles, California
- Department of Radiology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Nabilah Ali
- Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Los Angeles, California
- Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Surgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Chrysanta Patio
- Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Los Angeles, California
- Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Surgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Yufei Chen
- Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Los Angeles, California
- Department of Surgery, and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Jon Mallen St.-Clair
- Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Los Angeles, California
- Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Surgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Glenn D. Braunstein
- Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Los Angeles, California
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Wendy L. Sacks
- Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Los Angeles, California
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Zachary S. Zumsteg
- Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Los Angeles, California
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
- Zachary S. Zumsteg, MD, Department of Radiation Oncology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, SOCCI AC1004, 8700 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90048
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Tuttle RM, Alzahrani AS. Risk Stratification in Differentiated Thyroid Cancer: From Detection to Final Follow-Up. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2019; 104:4087-4100. [PMID: 30874735 PMCID: PMC6684308 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2019-00177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2019] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Modern management of differentiated thyroid cancer requires individualized care plans that tailor the intensity of therapy and follow-up to the estimated risks of recurrence and disease-specific mortality. DESIGN This summary is based on the authors' knowledge and extensive clinical experience, supplemented by review of published review articles, thyroid cancer management guidelines, published staging systems, and original articles identified through a PubMed search, which included terms such as risk stratification, staging, clinical outcomes, and differentiated thyroid cancer. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES In the past, risk stratification in differentiated thyroid cancer usually referred to a static estimate of disease-specific mortality that was based on a small set of clinicopathological features available within a few weeks of completing initial therapy (thyroidectomy, with or without radioactive iodine). Today, risk stratification is a dynamic, active process used to predict the appropriateness for minimalistic initial therapy, disease-specific mortality, risk of recurrence, and the most likely response to initial therapy. Rather than being a static prediction available only after initial therapy, modern risk stratification is a dynamic, iterative process that begins as soon as a suspicious nodule is detected and continues through final follow-up. CONCLUSIONS Dynamic risk assessment should be used to guide all aspects of thyroid cancer management, beginning before a definitive diagnosis is made and continuing through the final follow-up visit.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Michael Tuttle
- Endocrinology Service, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Ali S Alzahrani
- Department of Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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30
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Affiliation(s)
- Vicki J Schnadig
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston
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31
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Affiliation(s)
- Vicki J Schnadig
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston
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32
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George GC, Iwuanyanwu EC, Buford AS, Piha-Paul SA, Subbiah V, Fu S, Karp DD, Pant S, Hinojosa CO, Hess KR, Cleeland CS, Bernstam EV, Meric-Bernstam F, Hong DS. Cancer-Related Internet Use and Its Association With Patient Decision Making and Trust in Physicians Among Patients in an Early Drug Development Clinic: A Questionnaire-Based Cross-Sectional Observational Study. J Med Internet Res 2019; 21:e10348. [PMID: 30869638 PMCID: PMC6437608 DOI: 10.2196/10348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2018] [Revised: 05/26/2018] [Accepted: 05/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The role of cancer-related internet use on the patient-physician relationship has not been adequately explored among patients who are cancer-related internet users (CIUs) in early-phase clinical trial clinics. OBJECTIVE We examined the association between cancer-related internet use and the patient-physician relationship and decision making among CIUs in an early drug development clinic. METHODS Of 291 Phase I clinic patients who completed a questionnaire on internet use, 179 were CIUs. Generations were defined by the year of patient's birth: "millennials" (after 1990) and "Generation X/Y" (1965-1990) grouped as "Millennials or Generation X/Y"; "Baby Boomers" (1946-1964); and "Greatest or Silent Generation" (1945 and earlier). Statistical analyses included the Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-rank test and the Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS CIUs were 52% (94/179) female, 44% (78/179) were older than 60 years, and 60% (108/179) had household incomes exceeding US $60,000. The sources of information on cancer and clinical trials included physicians (171/179, 96%), the internet (159/179, 89%), and other clinical trial personnel (121/179, 68%). For the overall sample and each generation, the median values for trust in referring and Phase I clinical trial physicians among early drug development clinic CIUs were 5 on a 0-5 scale, with 5 indicating "complete trust." CIUs' trust in their referring (5) and phase 1 (5) physicians was higher than CIUs' trust in Web-based cancer-related information (3; P<.001 for both). CIUs who reported visiting the National Cancer Institute (NCI) website, NCI.org, to learn about cancer reported higher levels of trust in Web-based cancer-related information than CIUs who did not use the NCI website (P=.02). Approximately half of CIUs discussed internet information with their doctor. Only 14% (23/165) of CIUs had asked their physician to recommend cancer-related websites, and 24% (35/144) of CIUs reported at least occasional conflict between their physician's advice and Web-based information. CONCLUSIONS Despite the plethora of websites related to cancer and cancer clinical trials, patients in early-phase clinical trial settings trust their physicians more than Web-based information. Cancer-related organizations should provide regularly updated links to trustworthy websites with cancer and clinical trial information for patients and providers and educate providers on reliable cancer websites so that they can better direct their patients to appropriate internet content.
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Affiliation(s)
- Goldy C George
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Eucharia C Iwuanyanwu
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Adrianna S Buford
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Sarina A Piha-Paul
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Vivek Subbiah
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Siqing Fu
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Daniel D Karp
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Shubham Pant
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Christina O Hinojosa
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Kenneth R Hess
- Department of Biostatistics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Charles S Cleeland
- Department of Symptom Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Elmer V Bernstam
- School of Biomedical Informatics, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Funda Meric-Bernstam
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - David S Hong
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
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Feng JW, Pan H, Wang L, Ye J, Jiang Y, Qu Z. Determine the Optimal Extent of Thyroidectomy and Lymphadenectomy for Patients With Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinoma. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:363. [PMID: 31275239 PMCID: PMC6593058 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2019] [Accepted: 05/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The optimal extent of surgery, including lymph node dissection, remains controversial in papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC). Determining risk factors of central lymph node metastasis (CLNM) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) may help surgeons determine individualized surgery. Methods: A total of 353 patients with PTMC were retrospectively analyzed, including 263 with overt PTMC and 90 with incidental PTMC. The recurrence rates between different extents of thyroidectomy were compared. The relationship between CLNM and clinicopathologic factors was analyzed. The Cox regression model was used to determine the risk factors for RFS. Results: Lobectomy/total thyroidectomy (TT) with central neck dissection (CND) was performed in 263 overt PTMC patients, and lobectomy/partial thyroidectomy was performed in 90 incidental PTMC patients. In 263 overt PTMC patients, 93 (26.3%) had CLNM only and 13 (3.7%) had both CLNM and lateral lymph node metastases (LLNM). Multifocal PTMC patients who underwent lobectomy had a higher rate of thyroid bed and lymph node recurrence than patients who underwent TT (P < 0.05). Independent predictors for CLNM were age <45 years, tumor size >5 mm and presence of extrathyroidal extension (ETE). Tumor size >5 mm, multifocality, presence of ETE, presence of CLNM, and presence of LLNM were the significant factors related to the RFS. Conclusion: Fine-needle aspiration biopsy is advised to distinguish incidental PTMC from the benign nodules. For multifocal PTMC patients, TT should be performed to reduce recurrence. Routine prophylactic CND can be recommended in PTMC patients with independent risk factors of CLNM. Aggressive surgery and close follow-up are essential for patients with risk factors of RFS.
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Brito JP, Moon JH, Zeuren R, Kong SH, Kim YG, Iñiguez-Ariza NM, Choi JY, Lee KE, Kim JH, Hargraves I, Bernet V, Montori VM, Park YJ, Tuttle RM. Thyroid Cancer Treatment Choice: A Pilot Study of a Tool to Facilitate Conversations with Patients with Papillary Microcarcinomas Considering Treatment Options. Thyroid 2018; 28:1325-1331. [PMID: 29905089 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2018.0105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The 2015 American Thyroid Association guidelines recognize active surveillance as an alternative to immediate surgery in patients with papillary microcarcinomas (PMCs). As a way to incorporate active surveillance as one of the management options for patients with PMCs, we developed and tested a tool to support conversations between clinicians and patients with PMCs considering treatment options. METHODS Thyroid Cancer Treatment Choice was developed using an iterative process based on the principles of interaction, design, and participatory action research. To evaluate the impact of the tool on treatment choice, a prospective study was conducted in two thyroid cancer clinics in Seongnam-si and Seoul, South Korea. Both clinics had the expertise to offer active surveillance as well as immediate surgery. One clinic was trained in the use of the conversation aid, while the other clinic continued to care for patients without access to the conversation aid. RESULTS Between May 2016 and April 2017, 278 patients, mostly women (n = 220, 79%), were included in the study; 152 (53%) received care at the clinic using the conversation aid. Age, sex, and mean (±SD) tumor size (6.6 ± 1.6 mm and 6.5 ± 1.9 mm) distributions were similar across clinics. Overall, 233 (84%) patients opted for active surveillance and 53 (16%) for thyroid surgery. Patients in the conversation aid group were more likely to choose active surveillance than the patients seen in the usual care clinic (relative risk = 1.16 [confidence interval 1.04-1.29]). Of all patients opting for active surveillance, more patients in the conversation aid group had thyroid cancer nodules >5 mm than in the usual care group (81% vs. 67%; p = 0.013). CONCLUSIONS Thyroid Cancer Treatment Choice is an evidence-based tool that supports the presentation of treatment options for PMCs. Pilot testing suggests that this conversation tool increases acceptance of active surveillance, suggesting that this option is an acceptable and preferable alternative for informed patients. Further studies are warranted to confirm this finding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan P Brito
- 1 Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism, and Nutrition, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
- 2 Knowledge and Evaluation Research Unit , Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Jae Hoon Moon
- 3 Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital and Seoul National University College of Medicine , Seongnam-si, Korea
| | - Rebecca Zeuren
- 4 Department of Endocrinology Service, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center , New York, New York Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Sung Hye Kong
- 5 Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital and Seoul National University College of Medicine , Seoul, Korea
| | - Yeo Goon Kim
- 6 Department of Radiology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital and Seoul National University College of Medicine , Seongnam-si, Korea
| | - Nicole M Iñiguez-Ariza
- 1 Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism, and Nutrition, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
- 7 Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán , Mexico City, Mexico
| | - June Young Choi
- 8 Department of Surgery, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital and Seoul National University College of Medicine , Seongnam-si, Korea
| | - Kyu Eun Lee
- 9 Department of Surgery, Seoul National University Hospital and Seoul National University College of Medicine , Seoul, Korea
| | - Ji-Hoon Kim
- 10 Radiology, Seoul National University Hospital and Seoul National University College of Medicine , Seoul, Korea
| | - Ian Hargraves
- 2 Knowledge and Evaluation Research Unit , Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Victor Bernet
- 11 Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism, and Nutrition, Mayo Clinic , Jacksonville, Florida
| | - Victor M Montori
- 1 Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism, and Nutrition, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
- 2 Knowledge and Evaluation Research Unit , Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Young Joo Park
- 5 Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital and Seoul National University College of Medicine , Seoul, Korea
| | - R Michael Tuttle
- 4 Department of Endocrinology Service, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center , New York, New York Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
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Ho AS, Chen I, Melany M, Sacks WL. Evolving management considerations in active surveillance for micropapillary thyroid carcinoma. Curr Opin Endocrinol Diabetes Obes 2018; 25:353-359. [PMID: 30153222 DOI: 10.1097/med.0000000000000438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To summarize developments on active surveillance for micropapillary thyroid cancers, with a focus on strategies for optimal risk stratification and caveats that currently limit adoption. RECENT FINDINGS Observational trials encompassing thousands of active surveillance patients worldwide have increasingly demonstrated the viability of active surveillance for small, low-risk thyroid cancers. Collectively, these data have established that with proper patient selection and strict monitoring, more than 85% of such cases remain indolent no meaningful clinical growth over at least 10 years. Moreover, to date no cases of symptomatic progression or distant metastasis have been reported, and that delayed treatment when needed has not led to unresectable disease or higher risk of complications. Deeper investigation to better predict clinical progression is necessary to improve patient selection, given concerns regarding patient anxiety, age eligibility, and underestimation of true disease extent. SUMMARY Compelling data from ongoing trials support active surveillance as a first-line management option for micropapillary thyroid carcinomas. Proper risk stratification and strict monitoring protocols will be necessary to sustain the excellent results achieved to date. Broad adoption of active surveillance will require further education, collaboration, and equipoise between physicians and patients to optimize such individualized treatment plans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allen S Ho
- Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute
- Department of Surgery, Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
| | - Irene Chen
- Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute
- Department of Radiology
| | - Michelle Melany
- Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute
- Department of Radiology
| | - Wendy L Sacks
- Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
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Stahl LE, Stewart R, Carr MM, Goldenberg D, Schubart JR. Treatment preferences and decision-making in patients diagnosed with indeterminate thyroid nodules. Psychooncology 2018; 27:2862-2864. [PMID: 30144220 DOI: 10.1002/pon.4865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2018] [Revised: 07/09/2018] [Accepted: 08/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lauren E Stahl
- Department of Surgery, Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The Pennsylvania State University, College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Renee Stewart
- Department of Humanities, The Pennsylvania State University, College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Michele M Carr
- Department of Otolaryngology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - David Goldenberg
- Department of Surgery, Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The Pennsylvania State University, College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Jane R Schubart
- Department of Surgery, Division of Outcomes, Research and Quality, The Pennsylvania State University, College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
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Sawka AM, Ghai S, Tomlinson G, Rotstein L, Gilbert R, Gullane P, Pasternak J, Brown D, de Almeida J, Irish J, Chepeha D, Higgins K, Monteiro E, Jones JM, Gafni A, Goldstein DP. A protocol for a Canadian prospective observational study of decision-making on active surveillance or surgery for low-risk papillary thyroid cancer. BMJ Open 2018; 8:e020298. [PMID: 29654030 PMCID: PMC5898309 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-020298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Low-risk papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) is increasingly being diagnosed throughout the world; yet the mortality risk is low compared with other malignancies. Traditional management includes thyroid surgery, sometimes followed by radioactive iodine and thyroid hormone treatment. Active surveillance (AS) has been proposed as a means to reduce overtreatment of PTC. AS involves close disease follow-up, with the intention to intervene if the disease progresses, or on patient request. METHODS AND ANALYSIS This is a multiphase prospective observational study. In the first phase of this study, consenting eligible adults with low-risk PTC, that is, <2 cm in maximal diameter, confined to the thyroid and not immediately adjacent to critical structures in the neck, are provided verbal and written information about PTC disease prognosis following surgery or AS. Questionnaires are administered at baseline and after the disease management decision on AS or surgery is finalised. Patients may choose either option (surgery or AS), and the primary outcome is the frequency with which either disease management option is chosen. Secondary outcomes include: rationale for the decision, role of the patient in decision-making and decision satisfaction. In the second phase of the study, consenting eligible adult patients who completed the first study phase may enrol in respective AS or surgery group follow-up studies. The following outcomes are examined 1 year after enrolment in the follow-up phase: decision regret about disease management choice (primary outcome), psychological distress, disease-specific quality of life, fear of disease progression, body image satisfaction, disease progression, crossover to surgery in the AS group, new chronic thyroid hormone use and healthcare resource utilisation. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The University Health Network Research Ethics Board approved this study (ID 15-8942). The results will be published in an open access journal. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT03271892; Pre-results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna M Sawka
- Department of Endocrinology, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sangeet Ghai
- Department of Radiology, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - George Tomlinson
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lorne Rotstein
- Department of Surgery, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ralph Gilbert
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Patrick Gullane
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jesse Pasternak
- Department of Surgery, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Dale Brown
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - John de Almeida
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jonathan Irish
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Douglas Chepeha
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kevin Higgins
- Department of Otolaryngology, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Eric Monteiro
- Department of Otolaryngology, Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jennifer M Jones
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Amiram Gafni
- Centre for Health Economics and Policy Analysis, McMaster University (HSC-3H29), Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - David P Goldstein
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Papillary thyroid microcarcinoma: decision-making, extent of surgery, and outcomes. J Surg Res 2017; 218:237-245. [PMID: 28985856 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2017.05.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2017] [Revised: 04/25/2017] [Accepted: 05/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The optimal extent of surgery for patients with papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC), tumors ≤1 cm, is controversial because survival is excellent regardless of approach. The objective of this study was to investigate patient and surgeon decision-making about the extent of surgery for PTMC. MATERIALS AND METHODS We conducted a retrospective review of thyroid cancer patients operated on at a single institution from 2008-2016. To examine decision-making about the extent of surgery, we performed a discourse analysis on all available documentation looking for patient or surgeon reasons. RESULTS Of the 853 thyroid cancer patients, 125 (14.7%) had a PTMC as their largest tumor. Overall, 27.2% of the PTMC patients underwent a thyroid lobectomy, whereas 72.8% had a total thyroidectomy (TT). Of those patients diagnosed with PTMC preoperatively (19/125), a significantly higher proportion underwent a TT (94.7% versus 68.9%, P = 0.02). In all cases, documentation indicated that these preoperatively diagnosed patients followed the surgeon's recommendation regarding the extent of surgery. Reasons surgeons cited for recommending a TT included patient and disease factors (34.6%), belief that TT was the standard treatment (21.7%), ease of follow-up (8.7%), and referring provider preference (4.3%). Of the 19 patients diagnosed preoperatively, four (21.1%) patients had a complication, one (5.3%) of which was permanent and potentially avoidable with less extensive surgery. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that surgeons drive decision-making about the extent of thyroidectomy in patients with preoperatively diagnosed PTMC. With recent guidelines recommending thyroid lobectomy, closer examination of decision-making is needed to ensure that patients make well-informed, preference-based decisions.
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