Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma Long-Term Prognostic Factors.

Introduction: Thyroid cancer is the most common cancer in women in Ecuador. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the demographics and clinical and treatment variables of patients with papillary or follicular thyroid cancer, referred to as differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC), treated at a third-level hospital in Quito, Ecuador. Methods: We reviewed retrospectively the medical records of patients with DTC, who underwent surgical treatment, from 1990 to 2019. Data included demographics, pathological information, clinical stage, type of surgery, and radioactive iodine (RAI) adjuvant therapy. Patients were monitored for up to 29 years (median follow-up time 6.9 years). Results: The corrected overall 5-, 10-, 20-, and 30-year survival rates (Kaplan-Meier) were 93%, 85%, 70%, and 63%, respectively. On univariate analysis, age, histological type, tumor grade, histological variants, capsular invasion, vascular invasion, tumor size, clinical stage, distant metastases at diagnosis, surgical margins, extrathyroidal invasion, radioactive iodine adjuvant treatment, and locoregional recurrence were found to be significant prognostic factors. In a multivariate analysis, the following independent variables: age over 55 years, extrathyroidal spread, metastasis at diagnosis, and stage II to IV raised the risk of death (hazard risk) (HR). Conclusions: Age over 55 years, extrathyroidal spread, metastasis at diagnosis, and advanced clinical stage were found to have a harmful prognosis and an increased risk of death in a series of Ecuadorian patients surgically treated for a DTC.

SEOM-GETNE-TTCC Clinical guideline thyroid cancer (2023).

Thyroid cancer (TC) represents 3% of global cancer incidence. Recent changes have optimized treatment decisions based on risk assessment, molecular profiling, and imaging assessment, leading the development of targeted agents that have modified the natural history of this disease. This increasing complexity on treatment options requires careful assessment at the different stages of the disease to provide the most suitable approach from diagnosis to long-term follow-up. This guideline aims to offer a comprehensive and practical overview on the current status and last updates of TC management.

The diagnostic and prognostic role of miR-146b-5p in differentiated thyroid carcinomas.

Introduction: Samples classified as indeterminate correspond to 10-20% of cytologies obtained by fine needle biopsy of thyroid nodules, preventing an adequate distinction between benign and malignant lesions and leading to diagnostic thyroidectomies that often prove unnecessary, as most cases are benign. Furthermore, although the vast majority of patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) have such a good prognosis that active surveillance is permitted as an initial therapeutic option, relapses are not rare, and a non-negligible number of patients experience poor outcomes. MicroRNAs (miR) emerge as potential biomarkers capable of helping to define more precise management of patients in all these situations. Methods: Aiming to investigate the clinical utility of miR-146b-5p in the diagnostic of thyroid nodules and evaluating its prognostic potential in a realworld setting, we studied 89 thyroid nodule samples, correlating miR-146b-5p expression with clinical tools such as the 8th edition from the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC/UICC) and the American Thyroid Association Guideline Stratification Systems for the rate of recurrence (RR). Results: miR-146b-5p expression levels distinguished benign from malignant thyroid FNA samples (p< 0.0001). For indeterminate nodules, overexpression of miR-146b-5p with a cut-off of 0.497 was able to diagnose malignancy with a 90% accuracy; specificity=87.5%; sensitivity=100%. An increased expression of miR-146b-5p was associated with greater RR (p=0.015). A cut-off of 2.21 identified cases with more vascular involvement (p=0.013) and a cut-off of 2.420 was associated with a more advanced TNM stage (p-value=0.047). Discussion: We demonstrated that miR-146b5p expression in FNA samples is able to differentiate benign from malignant indeterminate nodules and is associated with an increased risk of recurrence and mortality, suggesting that this single miRNA may be a useful diagnostic and prognostic marker in the personalized management of DTC patients.

Assessment of inflammatory parameters as predictive markers for malignancy in thyroid nodules: a study on the correlation with Bethesda classification.

OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to assess the predictive significance of inflammatory parameters as potential markers for malignancy in individuals with thyroid nodules. METHOD: Nine hundred and ninety-one patients with thyroid nodules who had undergone thyroid fine-needle aspiration biopsy were included and classified according to the Bethesda system. Neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) values obtained from hemogram parameters were determined for each patient. The study examined the correlation between the Bethesda classification and NLR/SII levels. In addition, a comparison was made between the inflammatory parameters of the benign and malignant Bethesda groups. RESULTS: Five hundred and seventy-three patients were classified as Bethesda 2 (benign), 34 as Bethesda 6 (malignant). A correlation was observed between the Bethesda classification and NLR and SII levels (r: 0.230, p < 0.001; r: 0.207 p < 0.001, respectively). NLR and SII values were significantly higher in the malignant group (p < 0.001). The cutoff value for SII in predicting benign and malignant thyroid nodules was 489.86 × 103/mm3 with a sensitivity of 88.2% and a specificity of 63.7%. The cutoff value for NLR for the same prediction was 2.06 with a sensitivity of 82.4% and a specificity of 83.4%. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study indicate that SII and NLR may be valuable prognostic markers for predicting the malignancy of thyroid nodules.

OBJETIVO: Evaluar parámetros inflamatorios como posibles marcadores de malignidad en individuos con nódulos tiroideos. MÉTODO: Se incluyeron 991 pacientes con nódulos tiroideos que se sometieron a biopsia por aspiración con aguja fina y se clasificaron según el sistema de Bethesda. Se determinaron los valores de la relación neutrófilo-linfocito (NLR) y el índice de inflamación inmunitaria sistémica (SII). El estudio exploró la correlación entre la clasificación de Bethesda y los valores de NLR/SII, y comparó los parámetros inflamatorios de los grupos benignos y malignos de Bethesda. RESULTADOS: Se clasificaron 573 pacientes como Bethesda 2 (benigno) y 34 como Bethesda 6 (maligno). Se observó una correlación entre la clasificación de Bethesda y los valores de NLR y SII (r: 0.230; r: 0.207). Los valores de NLR y SII fueron mayores en el grupo maligno (p < 0.001). El valor de corte para SII en la predicción de nódulos tiroideos benignos y malignos fue de 489.86 × 103/mm3, con una sensibilidad del 88.2% y una especificidad del 63.7%; para NLR fue de 2.06, con una sensibilidad del 82.4% y una especificidad del 83.4%. CONCLUSIONES: El SII y el NLR pueden ser valiosos marcadores pronósticos para predecir la malignidad de los nódulos tiroideos.

Biomarkers in Thyroid Cancer: Emerging Opportunities from Non-Coding RNAs and Mitochondrial Space.

Thyroid cancer diagnosis primarily relies on imaging techniques and cytological analyses. In cases where the diagnosis is uncertain, the quantification of molecular markers has been incorporated after cytological examination. This approach helps physicians to make surgical decisions, estimate cancer aggressiveness, and monitor the response to treatments. Despite the availability of commercial molecular tests, their widespread use has been hindered in our experience due to cost constraints and variability between them. Thus, numerous groups are currently evaluating new molecular markers that ultimately will lead to improved diagnostic certainty, as well as better classification of prognosis and recurrence. In this review, we start reviewing the current preoperative testing methodologies, followed by a comprehensive review of emerging molecular markers. We focus on micro RNAs, long non-coding RNAs, and mitochondrial (mt) signatures, including mtDNA genes and circulating cell-free mtDNA. We envision that a robust set of molecular markers will complement the national and international clinical guides for proper assessment of the disease.

Cuando el carcinoma de tiroides no es indolente: carcinoma de alto grado derivado del epitelio folicular / When Thyroid Carcinoma is not Indolent: High-Grade Carcinoma Derived From The Follicular Epithelium

Los carcinomas de tiroides derivados de células foliculares de alto grado (HGFDTC) son tumores poco frecuentes con un pronóstico intermedio entre carcinomas tiroideos bien diferenciados y anaplásicos. La clasificación de la OMS más reciente identifica dos tipos distintos de HGFDTC: 1) carcinoma de tiroides mal diferenciado (arquitectura sólida, trabecular o insular, falta de características nucleares de núcleos nucleares papilares y contorneados, necrosis mitosis (≥3/2mm2), y 2 ) Diferenciar carcinoma de tiroides de alto grado (recuento mitótico alto (≥5/mm2) y/o necrosis). Estos tumores son frecuentemente refractarios de radioyodo, tienen una alta propensión a metástasis distantes y una mala supervivencia general a largo plazo. Desde un punto de vista molecular, HGFDTC comparten mutaciones del controlador es decir, BRAF) y, con menos frecuencia, las fusiones genéticas (es decir, NTRK, RET) con arcinomas de tiroides diferenciados. A medida que ocurre la desdiferenciación, se adquieren alteraciones secundarias (como el promotor TERT y TP53). En esta revisión, nuestro objetivo es describir las características clínicas, moleculares y patológicas de HGFDTC, así como su gestión e investigación futura

High-grade follicular cell derived thyroid carcinomas (HGFDTC) are infrequent tumors with a prognosis intermediate between well differentiated and anaplastic thyroid carcinomas. The most recent WHO classification identifies two distinct types of HGFDTC: 1) Poorly differentiated thyroid carcinoma (solid, trabecular or insular architecture, lack of nuclear features of papillary nuclear and either convoluted nuclei, necrosis or mitosis (≥3/2mm2), and 2) differentiated high-grade thyroid carcinoma (high mitotic count (≥5/mm2) and/or necrosis). These tumors are frequently radioiodine refractory, have a high propensity for distant metastases, and poor long term overall survival. From a molecular standpoint, HGFDTC share driver mutations (ie BRAF) and, less frequently, gene fusions (ie NTRK, RET) with differentiated thyroid carcinomas. As dedifferentiation occurs, secondary alterations (such as TERT promoter, and TP53) are acquired. In this review, we aim to describe the clinical, molecular and pathological characteristics of HGFDTC, as well as their management and future research

Predictors of recurrence after total thyroidectomy in 1,611 patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma: postoperative stimulated serum thyroglobulin and ATA initial and dynamic risk assessment.

Objective: Despite a favorable prognosis, some patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) develop recurrence. The objective of this study was to examine the impact of the combination of initial American Thyroid Association (ATA) risk stratification with serum level of postoperative stimulated thyroglobulin (s-Tg) in predicting recurrence in patients with PTC and compare the results with an assessment of response to initial therapy (dynamic risk stratification). Subjects and methods: We retrospectively analyzed 1,611 patients who had undergone total thyroidectomy for PTC, followed in most cases (87.3%) by radioactive iodine (RAI) administration. Clinicopathological features and s-Tg levels obtained 3 months postoperatively were evaluated. The patients were stratified according to ATA risk categories. Nonstimulated thyroglobulin levels and imaging studies obtained during the first year of follow-up were used to restage the patients based on response to initial therapy. Results: After a mean follow-up of 61.5 months (range 12-246 months), tumor recurrence was diagnosed in 99 (6.1%) patients. According to ATA risk, recurrence was identified in 2.3% of the low-risk, 9% of the intermediate-risk, and 25% of the high-risk patients (p < 0.001). Using a receiver operating characteristic curve approach, a postoperative s-Tg level of 10 ng/mL emerged as the ideal cutoff value, with positive and negative predictive values of 24% and 97.8%, respectively (p < 0.001). Patients with low to intermediate ATA risk with postoperative s-Tg levels < 10 ng/mL and excellent response to treatment had a very low recurrence rate (<0.8%). In contrast, higher recurrence rates were observed in intermediate-riskto high-risk patients with postoperative s-Tg > 10 ng/mL and indeterminate response (25%) and in those with incomplete response regardless of ATA category or postoperative s-Tg value (38.5-87.5%). Using proportion of variance explained (PVE), the predicted recurrence using the ATA initial risk assessment alone was 12.7% and increased to 29.9% when postoperative s-Tg was added to the logistic regression model and 49.1% with dynamic risk stratification. Conclusion: The combination of ATA staging system and postoperative s-Tg can better predict the risk of PTC recurrence. Initial risk estimates can be refined based ondynamic risk assessment following response to therapy, thus providing a useful guide for follow-up recommendations.

Genetic alterations landscape in paediatric thyroid tumours and/or differentiated thyroid cancer: Systematic review.

Differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) is a rare disease in the paediatric population (≤ 18 years old. at diagnosis). Increasing incidence is reflected by increases in incidence for papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) subtypes. Compared to those of adults, despite aggressive presentation, paediatric DTC has an excellent prognosis. As for adult DTC, European and American guidelines recommend individualised management, based on the differences in clinical presentation and genetic findings. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review to identify the epidemiological landscape of all genetic alterations so far investigated in paediatric populations at diagnosis affected by thyroid tumours and/or DTC that have improved and/or informed preventive and/or curative diagnostic and prognostic clinical conduct globally. Fusions involving the gene RET followed by NTRK, ALK and BRAF, were the most prevalent rearrangements found in paediatric PTC. BRAF V600E was found at lower prevalence in paediatric (especially ≤ 10 years old) than in adults PTC. We identified TERT and RAS mutations at very low prevalence in most countries. DICER1 SNVs, while found at higher prevalence in few countries, they were found in both benign and DTC. Although the precise role of DICER1 is not fully understood, it has been hypothesised that additional genetic alterations, similar to that observed for RAS gene, might be required for the malignant transformation of these nodules. Regarding aggressiveness, fusion oncogenes may have a higher growth impact compared with BRAF V600E. We reported the shortcomings of the systematized research and outlined three key recommendations for global authors to improve and inform precision health approaches, glocally.

Molecular testing for thyroid nodules: Where are we now?

Approximately 25% of the fine needle aspiration samples (FNAB) of thyroid nodules are classified as "indeterminate samples", that means, Bethesda III and IV categories. Until the last decade, most of these cases underwent diagnostic surgery, although only a minority (13-34%) confirmed malignancy postoperatively. In view of this, with the objective of improving the preoperative diagnosis in these cases, the molecular tests emerged, which are validated from the diagnostic point of view, presenting good performance, with good diagnostic accuracy, being able to avoid diagnostic surgeries. With the advancement of knowledge of the role of each of the mutations and gene rearrangements in thyroid oncogenesis, molecular markers have left to play only a diagnostic role and have been gaining more and more space both in defining the prognostic role of the tumor, as well as in the indication of target therapy. Thus, the objective of this review is to show how to use the tool of molecular tests, now commercially available in the world, in the management of indeterminate cytological nodules, assessing the pre-test malignancy risk of the nodule, through clinical, ultrasonographic and cytological characteristics, and decide on the benefit of molecular testing for each patient. In addition, to discuss its new and promising prognostic and therapeutic role in thyroid cancer.

Correlation between thyroid fine needle aspiration and pathological examination: a 10 year retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE: To establish the diagnostic performance of fine-needle aspiration in detecting benign and malignant neoplasm in comparison with post-thyroidectomy histopathological findings among patients who received a thyroidectomy. METHODS: Retrospective observational data collected between 2011-2021 were included from patients who received partial or total thyroidectomy. The Bethesda system was used to classify neoplasms from fine-needle aspiration procedures as benign or malignant. Sample characteristics, diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values were evaluated. RESULTS: Patients (n=360) who underwent thyroidectomy were analyzed, of whom 142 (39.4%) and 218 (60.6%) had benign and malignant neoplasms, respectively. Using the Bethesda system, 23 (6.4%) were classified as unsatisfactory result (BI), 83 (23.1%) as benign (BII), 50 (13.9%) as atypia of undetermined significance (BIII), 23 (6.4%) as suspected follicular or Hürthle cell neoplasia (BIV), 102 (28.3%) as suspected malignancy (BV) and 79 (21.9%) as malignant (BVI). The fine-needle aspiration diagnostic accuracy for carcinomas was 92%, while the sensitivity and specificity were 94.4% and 86.9%, respectively. The negative and positive predictive values were 87.9% and 93.9%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Fine-needle aspiration has high diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity and specificity, and is a reliable test for distinguishing between benign and malignant thyroid pathologies.

Multiple immunoassay interference in a patient with falsely elevated calcitonin.

Calcitonin (CT) is a diagnostic and follow-up marker of medullary thyroid carcinoma. Heterophile antibodies (HAbs) may interfere during immunometric assay measurements and result in falsely high CT levels and different markers. A 50-year-old female patient was referred to our institution for elevated CT levels (3,199 pg/mL [0-11,5]). Physical examination and thyroid ultrasonography show no thyroid nodules. Because of the discrepancy between the clinical picture and the laboratory results, various markers and hormones were examined to determine whether there was any interference in the immunometric assay. Thyroglobulin (Tg) and Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) levels were also found inaccurately elevated. After precipitation with polyethylene glycol, CT, Tg, and ACTH levels markedly decreased, showing macro-aggregates. Also, serial dilutions showed non-linearity in plasma concentrations. Additionally, CT samples were pretreated with a heterophilic blocking tube before measuring, and the CT level decreased to < 0.1 pg/mL, suggesting a HAb presence. Immunoassay interference should be considered when conflicting laboratory data are observed. This may help reduce the amount of unnecessary laboratory and imaging studies and prevent patients from complex diagnostic procedures.

Overall survival of patients with thyroid cancer in Martinique (2008-2018).

BACKGROUND: Thyroid cancer (TC) overall survival at 5 years was estimated at 97% in mainland France over 2010-2015. Its prognosis is known to be affected by patient age, tumor histology, size, and extension. This study aims to describe overall survival of thyroid cancer patients diagnosed between 2008 and 2018 in Martinique. METHODS: We included in this retrospective analytical study all patients who were diagnosed with thyroid cancer. An overall survival analysis at 1, 3 and 5 years of thyroid cancer patients diagnosed in Martinique from 2008 to 2018 was conducted. Prognostic factors associated with survival have been identified. Stage at diagnosis and patterns of care among thyroid cancer patients were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 323 thyroid cancer patients were registered between 2008 and 2018. Papillary carcinomas represented 83% of diagnoses. Local stage or locally advanced invasion was found in 264 (88%) patients. 221 Multidisciplinary Teams reports files were reviewed. The overall survival observed in this population is 97% [93-99] at 1 year, 93% [88-97] at 3 years and 91% [85-95] at 5 years. Anaplastic, poorly differentiated and medullar tumors had lower survival rates at 5 years (39% [13-65]) compared to papillary tumors (93% [89-96]). We found that metastatic stage at diagnosis (HR = 3.1[1.3-7.6]; p = 0.01) and tumor size > 3 cm (HR = 2.7 [1.1-6.3]) were independent prognostic factors for OS in our population. CONCLUSIONS: The survival rates of thyroid cancer in Martinique are comparable to those observed in France.

Risk of malignancy and diagnostic accuracy of fine-needle aspiration biopsy in thyroid nodules with diameters greater than 4 centimeters.

Objective: The risk of malignancy and diagnostic accuracy of fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) of thyroid nodules (TN) with diameters ≥ 3-4 cm remains controversial. However, some groups have indicated surgical treatment in these patients regardless of the FNAB results. We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the FNAB in systematically resected ≥4 cm TN and if the risk of malignancy is higher in these patients. Subjects and methods: We retrospectively evaluated 138 patients (142 nodules) with TN with diameters ≥4 cm who underwent thyroidectomy. Results: The FNAB results were nondiagnostic/unsatisfactory (ND/UNS) in 2.1% of the cases and benign in 51.4%. They indicated atypia of undetermined significance/follicular lesion of undetermined significance (AUS/FLUS) in 23.9% of cases, follicular neoplasia/suspicious for a follicular neoplasm (FN/SFN) in 9.2%, suspicion of malignancy (SUS) in 8.5%, and malignant in 4.9%. The histopathological analysis after thyroidectomy revealed a thyroid cancer rate of 100% in the FNABs classified as malignant, 33.3% in SUS cases, 7.7% in FN/SFN, 17.6% in AUS/FLUS, and 4.1% in benign FNABs. None of the ND/UNS FNABs were malignant. The global malignancy diagnosis was 14.8% (n = 21). However, the rate of false negatives for FNAB was low (4.1%). Conclusion: We showed that the risk of malignancy in nodules with diameters ≥4 cm was higher compared to the risk of thyroid cancer in TN in general. However, we found a low rate of false-negative cytological results; therefore, our data do not justify the orientation of routine resection for these larger nodules.

Association of comprehensive thyroid cancer molecular profiling with tumor phenotype and cancer-specific outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Molecular testing improves the diagnostic accuracy of thyroid cancer. Whether specific molecular testing results are associated with tumor phenotype or provide prognostic information needs further delineation. METHODS: Consecutive thyroid cancer patients after index thyroidectomy with ThyroSeq version 3 (Rye Brook, NY) molecular testing obtained on preoperative fine-needle aspiration or thyroidectomy specimens from patients with thyroid cancer were categorized into 3 molecular risk groups based on detected mutations, fusions, copy number alterations, and/or gene expression alterations and correlated with histopathology and recurrence, defined as biochemical or structural. RESULTS: Of 578 patients, 49.9%, 37.5%, and 12.6% had molecular risk group-low, molecular risk group-intermediate, and molecular risk group-high cancers, respectively. With a median 19-month follow-up, 9.1% patients recurred. Compared with molecular risk group-low, molecular risk group-intermediate cancers were diagnosed in younger patients and more often had microscopic extrathyroidal extension, involved margins, and nodal disease. Compared with molecular risk group-intermediate, molecular risk group-high cancers were diagnosed in older patients and more often had gross extrathyroidal extension and vascular invasion. In multivariable analysis, recurrence was more likely in molecular risk group-high cancers than in molecular risk group-intermediate (hazard ratio = 4.0; 95% confidence interval, 1.9-8.6; P < .001) and more likely in molecular risk group-intermediate than in molecular risk group-low (hazard ratio = 5.0; 95% confidence interval, 2.0-12.5; P < .001). CONCLUSION: Using modern comprehensive genotyping, the genetic profile of thyroid cancers can be categorized into 3 novel molecular risk groups that were associated with histopathologic phenotype and recurrence in short-term follow-up.

Follicular Neoplasm of Thyroid Revisited: Current Differential Diagnosis and the Impact of Molecular Testing.

The diagnosis of "follicular neoplasm" (FN) in thyroid cytopathology has a long history that originated not long after the practice of fine-needle aspiration (FNA) of thyroid nodules. From the outset, this interpretive category was intended to convey a set of differential diagnoses rather than a precise diagnosis, as key diagnostic features, such as capsular and vascular invasion, were not detectable on cytology preparations. Cytologic-histologic correlation studies over the past several decades have shown that FN interpretation can be applied to the spectrum of nonneoplastic tumors to carcinomas. Most tumors classified as FN include follicular adenoma, follicular carcinoma, noninvasive follicular thyroid tumor with papillary-like nuclear features, and follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma. Less common entities that may be classified as FN on FNA include hyalinizing trabecular tumor (HTT), poorly differentiated thyroid carcinoma, medullary carcinoma, and nonthyroidal lesions such as parathyroid tissue, paraganglioma, and metastatic tumors. Advances in our ability to detect characteristic molecular alterations (eg, GLIS gene rearrangements for hyalinizing trabecular tumor) in FNA samples may assist in the identification of some of these entities. In this review, we summarize the pathophysiology, history, and evolution of the terminology and the current differential diagnosis according to the recently published 2022 World Health Organization classification, molecular testing, and management of nodules classified as FN.

Microcarcinoma papilar de tiroides: vigilancia activa. Revisión de la bibliografía / Papillary thyroid microcarcinoma: active surveillance. Literature review

El cáncer de tiroides ha aumentado en incidencia, sin embargo, la mortalidad se mantiene estable. Muchas de estas lesiones son a expensas de un microcarcinoma papilar de tiroides definido por la OMS como aquel carcinoma papilar de tiroides que en su diámetro máximo no sobrepasa los 10 mm. El avance de la imagenología sobre todo la ecografía de alta resolución y el hallazgo en pieza de anatomía patológica por lesiones benignas son las principales causas del aumento en el diagnóstico de esta entidad. La vigilancia activa surge entonces como alternativa de manejo para pacientes portadores de microcarcinoma papilar con bajo riesgo de progresión, obteniendo resultados oncológicos comparables. Independiente de su tratamiento el pronóstico de estos pacientes es excelente con sobrevida cercana al 100% en 10 años. A pesar de lo dicho la morbilidad de las distintas opciones terapéuticas es muy distinta. Será fundamental buscar elementos clínicos y paraclínicos que permitan tomar una decisión práctica, con el fin de determinar qué pacientes con microcarcinomas papilares que podrán entrar en un protocolo de vigilancia activa. Esta revisión pretende examinar la bibliografía publicada al respecto como alternativa de manejo, y su eventual aplicación en Uruguay.

Thyroid cancer has increased in incidence; however, mortality remains stable. Many of these lesions are at the expense of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma defined by the WHO as papillary thyroid carcinoma that in its maximum diameter does not exceed 10 mm. The advance of imaging, especially high-resolution ultrasound and the finding of benign lesions in pathological anatomy specimens are the main causes of the increase in the diagnosis of this entity. Active surveillance arises then as a management alternative for patients with papillary microcarcinoma with low risk of progression, obtaining comparable oncologic results. Regardless of their treatment, the prognosis of these patients is excellent with a survival rate close to 100% in 10 years. In spite of what has been said, the morbidity of the different therapeutic options is very different. It will be essential to look for clinical and paraclinical elements that will allow making a practical decision, in order to determine which patients with papillary microcarcinomas will be able to enter an active surveillance protocol. This review aims to examine the literature published on this subject as a management alternative, and its eventual application in Uruguay.

Effect of COVID-19 pandemic on diagnosis and treatment of thyroid cancer in Brazil.

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic delayed the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up visits of patients with thyroid cancer. However, the magnitude with which these restrictions affected the Brazilian health care is still unknown. Methods: Retrospective analysis of thyroid cancer-related procedures performed in the Brazilian public health system from 2019 to 2021. Data were retrieved from the Department of Informatics of the Unified Health System (DATASUS). The following procedures were evaluated: fine-needle aspiration biopsies (FNABs), oncologic thyroidectomies, and radioiodine (RAI) therapies for thyroid cancer. The year of 2019 served as baseline control. Results: Compared with 2019, FNABs, oncologic thyroidectomies, and RAI therapies performed in 2020 decreased by 29%, 17% and 28%, respectively. In 2021, compared with 2019, FNABs increased by 2%, and oncologic thyroidectomies and RAI therapies decreased by 5% and 25%, respectively. Most pronounced reductions were observed in the first months of the pandemic. In April 2020, FNABs decreased by 67%, oncologic thyroidectomies by 45%, and RAI therapies by 75%. In 2021, RAI therapies were the only procedure with a statistically significant decrease. Conclusion: The restrictions to public health care during the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a significant reduction in diagnostic and treatment procedures for thyroid cancer in Brazil. The effects of these transitory gaps in thyroid cancer care, due to COVID-19, are still unclear.

Rol de la dosificación de tiroglobulina en el líquido de lavado de la punción por aguja fina para el diagnóstico de metástasis ganglionares en el seguimiento de cáncer de tiroides en el Hospital de Clínicas de Montevideo, Uruguay / The role of thyroglobulin detection in washout fluid from fine-needle aspiration biopsies to diagnose gland metastases in thyroid cancer follow up / Rol de dosificação de tiroglobulina no líquido de lavado da punção por agulha fina para o diagnóstico de metástases ganglionares no seguimento de câncer de tiroides

La recurrencia del cáncer diferenciado de tiroides (CDT) a nivel del cuello ocurre en 5%-20% de los casos. El estudio citológico mediante punción de adenopatías ha sido utilizado para confirmar los hallazgos ecográficos sospechosos de malignidad, su sensibilidad varía entre 75%-85%. El objetivo del estudio es evaluar la utilidad de la tiroglobulina (Tg) medida en la punción por aspiración de aguja fina (PAAF) (Tg-PAAF), en el diagnóstico de metástasis ganglionares de pacientes en seguimiento por CDT mayores de 18 años. Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo, descriptivo y observacional en una muestra de 14 pacientes predominantemente de sexo femenino (71,4%), con edad promedio 40,9 ± 2,9 años. Resultados: la variante CDT unifocal fue la más frecuente. De los 22 ganglios sospechosos la mitad tuvieron Tg-PAAF ≥ 1 ng/ml. Todas las adenitis reactivas tuvieron un resultado < 1 ng/ml, en cambio las adenopatías metastásicas obtuvieron un resultado ≥ 1 ng/ml. El 85,7% de pacientes tuvieron anticuerpos anti-Tg ≥10 UI/ml (5 pacientes con valores de Tg-PAAF ≥1 ng/ml y siete pacientes con Tg-PAAF < 1 ng/ml) y 14,3% tuvieron valores < 10 UI/ml (todos con Tg-PAAF <1 ng/ml). Se realizaron cuatro vaciamientos ganglionares, en todas se encontró metástasis de CDT. Conclusiones: la Tg-PAAF es un buen estudio para el diagnóstico de metástasis ganglionares en pacientes en seguimiento de CDT. Dado los resultados obtenidos en este trabajo, apoyado en la búsqueda bibliográfica, el uso de la Tg-PAAF tiene un gran valor diagnóstico para detectar metástasis ganglionares en el seguimiento del CDT por lo que se recomienda su uso junto con la citología y/o la anatomía patológica.

Recurrence of differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) in the cervix is 5-20% of cases. Fine-needle aspiration cytology of adenopathies has been used to confirm ultrasound findings when suspicions of being malignant. The study aims to evaluate usefulness of fine-needle aspiration of lymph gland to diagnose gland metastases in patients over 18 years old under papillary thyroid cancer follow-up. Retrospective, descriptive and observational study in a 14-patient-sample, mainly female (71,4%), with an average age of 40.9 ± 2.9 years old. Results: single tumor focus papillary thyroid cancer was the most common type of thyroid cancer found. 50% of the 22 suspicious glands had FNATg ≥1ng/ml. All reactive adenitis had measurements < 1ng/ml, whereas metastatic adenopathies results were ≥ 1ng/ml. 85.7% of patients had anti-TG Ac ≥ 1ng/ml (5 patients with FNATg values ≥1ng/ml and 7 patients with FNATg < 1ng/ml), 14.3% of which obtained results < 10 UI/ml (all of them with FN1 ng/ml). Gland emptying was performed in 4 cases, and papillary thyroid cancer metastases was found in all of them. Conclusions: FNATg is a good study to diagnose gland metastases in patients under differentiated thyroid cancer follow-up. Given the results of this study, supported by a bibliographic search, the use of FNATg has a great diagnostic value to detect gland metastases in the follow up of differentiated thyroid cancer, and thus it is recommended along with cytological and/or pathology studies.

A recorrência do câncer diferenciado de tiroides (CDT) no nível do pescoço, ocorre em 5-20% dos casos. O estudo citológico mediante punção de linfadenopatia foi utilizado para confirmar os achados ecográficos suspeitos de malignidade; sua sensibilidade varia entre 75-85%. O objetivo do estudo era avaliar a utilização da tiroglobulina (Tg) medida na punção por aspiração por agulha fina (PAAF) (Tg-PAAF), no diagnóstico de metástase ganglionar de pacientes em seguimento por CDT maiores de 18 anos. Realizou-se um estudo retrospectivo, descritivo e observacional em uma amostra de 14 pacientes predominantemente de sexo feminino (71,4%), com idade média de 40,9 ± 2,9 anos. Resultados: a variante CPT unifocal foi a mais frequente. Dos 22 linfonodos suspeitos, a metade apresentou Tg-PAAF ≥ 1ng/ml. Todas as adenites reativas apresentaram um resultado < 1ng/ml, no entanto as linfadenopatias metastásicas tiveram um resultado ≥ 1ng/ml. 85,7% dos pacientes apresentam Ac anti-Tg ≥10 UI/ml (5 pacientes com valores de Tg-PAAF ≥1ng/ml e 7 pacientes com Tg-PAAF < 1ng/ml) e 14,3% valores < 10 UI/ml (todos com Tg-PAAF <1 ng/ml). Foram feitos 4 esvaziamentos ganglionares, em todos foram encontradas metástases da CPT. Conclusões: o Tg-PAAF é um bom método para o diagnóstico de metástase ganglionar em pacientes em seguimento de CDT. Considerando os resultados obtidos neste trabalho, apoiado na bibliografia, o uso do Tg-PAAF tem um grande valor diagnóstico para detectar metástase ganglionar no seguimento do CDT; por essa razão recomenda-se seu uso junto com a citologia e/ou anatomia patológica.