A Single Center Retrospective Analysis of Patients with Recurrent Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma Undergoing Radiofrequency Ablation

Abstract

Background: Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is used in selected patients with recurrent or metastatic thyroid cancer who have high surgical risk or do not accept surgical treatment. However, long-term follow-up data are limited. Here, we present our single-center experience with the use of RFA in the treatment of recurrent or metastatic papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC).
 Material and Methods: Patients who underwent RFA for recurrent or metastatic PTC at Bursa Uludag University Faculty of Medicine between September 2014 and January 2021 were included. The data in the endocrinology outpatient clinic follow-ups of the patients were analyzed retrospectively.
 Results: A total of 10 patients, 11 RFA procedures, and 13 residual or metastatic sites were evaluated. The mean age was 44.50±14.04 years. The mean largest diameter of the tumor in which RFA was applied was 11.85±5.95 mm. Patients developed no major complications. Two patients experienced minor complications. The mean follow-up duration was of 51.20±19.86 months. During the follow-up period, 12 (92.30%) of 13 RFA sites completely disappeared. In one patient (7.69%) residual tumor tissue was detected after RFA. There was no recurrence at the procedure site. A significant decrease was found in the largest diameter of the treated regions after RFA (p=0.002). Thyroglobulin and anti-thyroglobulin levels were not significantly different before and after RFA (p=0.44 and p=1.00, respectively). 
 Conclusions: RFA is highly effective and safe for locally recurrent PTC. It shows promise as an alternative to surgery to control locoregional recurrence of PTC.