Efficacy and safety of ultrasonography-guided radiofrequency ablation for the treatment of T1bN0M0 papillary thyroid carcinoma: a retrospective study. (1st January 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Xiao, Jing; Zhang, Mingbo; Zhang, Yan; Yan, Lin; Lan, Yu; Zhu, Yaqiong; Zhang, Ying; Lin, Lin; Tang, Jie; Luo, Yukun
• Is Part Of: International journal of hyperthermia. Volume 37:Number 1(2020)
• Page Start: 392
• Page End: 398
• Publication Date: 2020-01-01
• Subjects: Thyroid -- papillary carcinoma -- radiofrequency -- thermal ablation -- ultrasonography -- volume reduction rate; Thermotherapy -- Periodicals; 615.832
• DOI: 10.1080/02656736.2020.1752945
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0265-6736

Abstract

Abstract: Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of ultrasonography (US)-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for treating low-risk T1bN0M0 papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). Methods: This retrospective study was approved by the ethics committee of the Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital (S2019-211-01). Sixty-six patients with T1bN0M0 PTC (14 men and 52 women with a mean age of 41.0 ± 9.2 years [range, 21–61 years]), who were not eligible for or refused surgery, were included in our study. RFA was performed with the moving-shot technique, and the ablation area exceeded the tumor edge by at least 3 mm. US (including contrast-enhanced) was performed before RFA; 1, 3, and 6 months after RFA, and every 6 months thereafter. US-guided core-needle biopsy was performed 3 or 6 months after ablation to rule out recurrence. Results: The technical success rate was 100%, and there were no major complications. The tumor volume decreased significantly; the volume reduction rate (VRR) was 99.11 ± 2.44% (range, 92.62–100%) at the final follow-up with 38 tumors (57.6%) disappearing. Significant decreases in the VRR were found at every other follow-up visit before 18 months ( p < .01). Technique efficacy was obtained in 64/66 (97.0%) patients over 20.5 ± 7.4 months follow-up. Malignant cells were confirmed in 2 ablation zones (3.0%), and cervical lymph node metastasis was detected in 1 patient (1.5%). These patients underwent additional RFA and achieved good results. Conclusion: RFA may be considered a safe and effective modality for the management of T1bN0M0 PTC in select patients.