Low-risk thyroid cancer, active observation is also effective...Immediately considering a replacement for surgery
Feb 04, 2025
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This result was derived from a multicenter cohort study (KoMPASS cohort) involving 11 domestic hospitals, including Asan Medical Center, with a research team led by professors Kim Min-ju and Moon Jae-hoon of the Department of Endocrine Metabolism at Bundang Seoul National University Hospital. This study, which was conducted as part of the Patient-centered Medical Technology Optimization Research Project, is drawing attention by systematically analyzing changes in quality of life according to treatment methods of low-risk thyroid cancer patients.
The study, involving leading researchers in Korea, was conducted on 927 patients with microthyroid papillary cancer (thyroid papillary cancer of less than 1cm) in low-risk groups. After listening to the explanation of the medical staff, the study participants selected the treatment method among surgery and active observation, and were evaluated for their quality of life over 6, 12, and 24 months immediately after treatment.
Active observation is a method of regularly observing the size and metastasis of the cancer through ultrasound every six months to one year without surgery for thyroid cancer. However, this is only possible if certain conditions are met, such as no lymph node metastasis or invasion of surrounding tissues, and suitability should be determined through consultation with medical staff. If cancer progresses or metastasis is suspected, it should be switched to surgical treatment.
The study showed that the quality of life score of the active observation group from the beginning of treatment was 7.1 points, higher than that of the surgical group, and after one year, the active observation group was 7.2 points and the surgical group was 7.1 points, with little difference between the two groups. In other words, it was confirmed that the quality of life of the two groups became similar over time.
Patients who chose active observation were relatively older, had smaller tumor sizes, had a family history of thyroid cancer, or were often in the high-income bracket compared to those who did not. In particular, it was found that if information on active observation was known before treatment selection, it was highly likely to be chosen.
Professor Kim Min-ju, the first author of the study, said "The study showed that low-risk thyroid cancer can be an effective treatment option not only for surgery but also for active observation."It is possible for patients to decide on their own treatment method through sufficient consultation with medical staff, breaking away from the practice of immediate surgery after cancer diagnosis."
Corresponding author Professor Jae-Hoon Moon "Patients should be provided with both surgery and active observation as optional treatment options"It is also important for medical staff to fully explain the advantages and disadvantages of each treatment method and its impact on quality of life so that patients can make the best decisions."
The researchers plan to continue analyzing the cost-effectiveness of active observation, disease progression, and patient satisfaction through long-term observation and further research. Meanwhile, the findings were published in the latest issue of the American Thyroid Society.
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This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
