Referral Practice for Radioactive Iodine Ablation (RAI) after ATA guidelines 2015: results from a Tertiary Cancer Care Centre.

INTRODUCTION: The ATA guidelines for differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) are one of the most widely referred to. Their 2015 edition proposed a new risk stratification system and modified the indications for radioactive iodine (RAI) ablation especially for the low risk category. We attempted to analyze whether the new guidelines altered referral practices for RAI ablation at our institute. METHODOLOGY: Patients who underwent total or completion thyroidectomy for DTC during 2016-2017 were included. Relevant demographical and pathological data was tabulated. Patients were classified as per the new stratification system and referral practice for RAI ablation documented. RESULTS: 238 patients were included. Of these 20.6% were low risk, 44.1% were intermediate and 35.3% were high risk as per modified guidelines. All patients within the intermediate and high-risk group and 77.8% of the low risk group were referred for RAI ablation. Analysis of risk factors revealed that within the low risk group there were three patients with < 5 metastatic nodes, all within 3 cm in size-a category that the ATA failed to stratify appropriately. Among those labeled as Intermediate risk due to microscopic extra thyroidal extension (ETE), 85% had no other risk factors and were upstaged solely due to microscopic ETE, which is interestingly no longer included in the TNM staging. CONCLUSION: Majority of low risk patients continue to receive RAI ablation due to persistent belief emanating from literature that remnant ablation improves outcomes and aids in follow up. The issue of RAI ablation for low risk group and prognostic implications of microscopic ETE and limited nodal disease need to be revisited.

Poorly differentiated thyroid carcinoma (PDTC) characteristics and the efficacy of radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy as an adjuvant treatment in a tertiary cancer care center.

BACKGROUND: Poorly differentiated thyroid cancer (PDTC) is biologically more aggressive. Surgery remains the mainstay of treatment. The utility of radioactive iodine (RAI) after surgery is unclear. METHODS: In this retrospective study, patients treated between Jan 2012 and Dec 2017 were included. The demographic, clinical and treatment-related details, including RAI ablation, were recorded and their survival analyzed. RESULTS: Thirty-five patients fulfilled the eligibility criteria. Majority was treatment naïve at presentation. All patients underwent surgery followed by RAI ablation, with a cumulative median dose of 220 mCi (range 40-1140). Sixteen patients received more than one radioiodine treatment for distant metastases. Incomplete resection, age > 45 years and the presence of distant metastasis influenced survival the most. The 3-year PFS of patients with PDTC was 69%. CONCLUSION: All patients in our series showed uptake and responded to treatment. Further use of molecular markers and functional molecular imaging would better our understanding of this entity.

Clinical predictors for successful uvulopalatopharyngoplasty in the management of obstructive sleep apnea.

Objective. To assess the clinical parameters for successful uvulopalatopharyngoplasty in the management of obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome documented with pre- and postoperative polysomnography. Materials and Methods. A study group of 50 patients diagnosed as having OSA by full night polysomnography were assessed clinically and staged on basis of Friedman staging system. BMI and neck circumference were considered, and videoendoscopy with Muller's maneuver was done in all to document the site of obstruction. The study group divided into surgical and nonsurgical ones. Twenty-two patients out of fifty were then selected for uvulopalatopharyngoplasty. The selection of surgical group was done primarily on basis of clinical parameters like neck circumference, Friedman stage of the patient and site, and/or level of obstruction of patient. Postoperative polysomnography was done six months after surgery to document the change in AHI score. Result. The study group consists of fifty patients with mean age of 44.4 ± 9.3 years. UPPP was done in twenty-two, and the result of the surgery as defined by 50% reduction in preoperative AHI with postoperative AHI < 20/h was seen to be 95.2%. Postoperative change in AHI done after 6-month interval was seen to be statistically significant with P value < 0.001. Conclusion. UPPP is ideal option for management of obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome in properly selected patients on the basis of Friedman stage and site of obstruction detected by videoendoscopy with Muller's maneuver.