Endocrine Abstracts

Purpose: Although some studies presented good outcome of Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) for Papillary Thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC), its benefit has not been fully elucidated. The purpose of our study was to report the results from a prospective study investigating efficacy and safety of RFA in active surveillance candidate for low-risk PTMC.

Materials and Methods: Since November 2018, RFA has been prospectively performed in active surveillance candidates for low-risk PTMC in a single center. Clinical ex¬amination including ultrasonography, thyroid function, and questionnaires for quality of life (QoL) were scheduled before and after RFA at every 6 months during the first 3 years.

Results: RFA was performed at 100 PTMC (mean, 6.2 mm; size range, 2.3 – 10.0 mm) of 100 patients (17:83=M:F, mean age, 42.7 years; age range, 27 – 59). During 22.3 months (range 12 – 48 months) follow up period, serial volume reduction rates of ablation zone were -1036.3% at immediate post ablation state, -192.5% at 2 months, 47.3% at 6 months, 92.0% at 1 year, and 98.2% at final follow-up after RFA. Complete disappearance was depicted in 61.0% at 1 year and in 88.0% at final follow-up. No complication occurred except for transient hoarseness of 1 patient. Lymph node metastasis at lateral compartment in 1 patient at 2 year follow-up and metachronous PTMC in 2 patients developed at 1.5 year and 2 year follow-up. QoL score tends to increase as time goes on.

Conclusion: Single center prospective study presented that RFA in active surveillance candatate for low-risk PTMC resulted in good clinical outcome.