Radiofrequency ablation viable option for some with thyroid cancer
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CHICAGO — Radiofrequency ablation remains a safe and viable treatment option for certain patients with thyroid cancer, according to a presenter at the Annual Meeting of the American Thyroid Association.
“The first paper on radiofrequency ablation was published in 2006 and soon after, the technique slowly began gaining traction. In 2015, my colleagues and I began performing the technique and use of radiofrequency ablation continues to steadily grow today in the U.S. and elsewhere,” Leonardo G. Rangel, MD, physician at State University of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, said during a presentation.
When speaking about the different candidate types for radiofrequency ablation, Rangel said an excellent patient-candidate is one with a nodule as the core problem, but with normal thyroid.
“Radiofrequency ablation will address the core of the problem in these patients, with good results and will restore thyroid function,” Rangel said. “Although surgery could be indicated, radiofrequency ablation is a viable option, with benefits regarding risks, costs and recovery.”
A good patient-candidate is one who would otherwise be followed-up for some time, according to Rangel.
“In these patients, radiofrequency ablation could interrupt the pathologic process of cancer growth and treat the nodule at the most effective time,” he said. “While surgery can be expected at some point for these patients, the risks and benefits should be weighed in anticipation of performing radiofrequency ablation.”
A patient who is considered a fair candidate is one who has a dominant nodule as part of the thyroid problem. “For these patients, radiofrequency ablation will not lead to a problem-free future,” Rangel said. “Radiofrequency ablation can ameliorate symptoms, but surgery may not be avoided in the long-run.”
Questions remain for radiofrequency ablation in patients with malignant papillary thyroid cancer, he said.
“We are still unsure if radiofrequency ablation destroys all viable cells, prevents progression and reduces follow-up in these patients,” Rangel said.
Additionally, data on patients with parathyroid disease is are scarce, according to Rangel, and more research is needed on the use of radiofrequency ablation in these patients.
“Moreover, patients with follicular lesions are a tricky population to treat with radiofrequency ablation. Molecular profiling may help us address which of these patients may be successfully treated with the technique,” Rangel said. – by Jennifer Southall
Reference:
Rangel LG, et al. Early Riser Symposium: Cutting edge concepts in the surgical management of thyroid disease: The future is here. Presented at: Annual Meeting of the American Thyroid Association; Oct. 30-Nov. 3, 2019; Chicago.
Disclosures: Rangel reports no relevant financial disclosures.