Prognostic factors in thyroid carcinomas: a 17-year outcome study

ABSTRACT Objectives The aim of our study was to evaluate the survival rate of all thyroid carcinomas (TCs) diagnosed in the 1999-2015 period in the Republic of North Macedonia and to analyze the prognostic influence of several characteristics on development of distant metastases, as well as to analyze the prognostic effect of seven clinical and constitutional features on mortality. Material and methods A retrospective analysis of medical data from all TCs diagnosed in 1999-2015 was performed. The survival rate of all types of TCs was estimated using the Kaplan Meier method. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was applied for evaluation of the predictive role of seven clinical and constitutional characteristics for development of distant metastases, and the univariate Cox-proportional model was applied for evaluation of the predictors for mortality. Results A total of 422 TC cases were diagnosed in the 17-year period, with an average survival time of 212.99 months. Results of the univariate regression analysis showed that dimension at initial ultrasound and histopathological type of tumor were significantly predictive variables for distant metastases. Multifocal tumors vs. unifocal tumors < 15 mm significantly increased the probability of distant metastases by 7.401 (p = 0.005, 95% CI = 1.817-30.190) times. Age, initial lymph node involvement, number of radioiodine therapies, and histopathology of the tumor were selected as independent significant predictors for mortality. Conclusion Our results showed an excellent overall prognosis of thyroid tumors in the Macedonian population. The dimension of the tumor, multifocality, and histopathological type were the most relevant prognostic predictive features for development of distant metastases.

Impact of the updated TNM staging criteria on prediction of persistent disease in a differentiated thyroid carcinoma cohort

ABSTRACT Objective: The 8th TNM system edition (TNM-8) released in 2018 presents significant changes when compared to the 7th edition (TNM-7). The aim of this study was to assess the impact of changing the TNM staging criteria on the outcomes in a Brazilian cohort of differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC). Subjects and methods: DTC patients, attending a tertiary, University-based hospital, were classified by TNM-7 and TNM-8. Prediction of disease outcomes status of the two systems was compared in a retrospective cohort study design. Results: Four hundred and nineteen DTC patients were evaluated, comprised by 82% (345/419) women, with mean age at diagnosis of 46.4 ± 15.6 years, 89% (372/419) papillary thyroid carcinoma, with a median tumor size of 2.3 cm (P25-P75, 1.3-3.5). One hundred and sixty patients (38%) had lymph node metastases and 47 (11%) distant metastases at diagnosis. Using the TNM-7 criteria, 236 (56%) patients were classified as Stage I, 50 (12%) as Stage II, 75 (18%) as Stage III and 58 (14%) as Stage IV. When evaluated by the TNM-8, 339 (81%) patients were classified as Stage I, 64 (15%) as Stage II, 2 (0.5%) as Stage III and 14(3%) as Stage IV. After a median follow-up of 4.4years (P25-P75 2.6-6.6), the rate of incomplete biochemical and/or structural response was 54% vs. 92% (P = 0.004) and incomplete structural response was 42% vs. 86% (P = 0.009) for patients classified as stage IV by TNM-7 vs TNM-8, respectively. Only 4 (1%) disease-related deaths were recorded. Conclusions: In our cohort, 37% of DTC patients were down staged with the application of TNM-8 (vs. TNM-7). Additionally, TNM-8 seems to better stratify the risk of structural incomplete response at follow-up.

Tendencia nacional de la prevalencia y mortalidad por cáncer de tiroides con datos del Ministerio de Salud de Perú / National trends in prevalence and mortality rates of thyroid cancer using data from the Ministry of Health of Peru

OBJETIVO Describir la tendencia de la prevalencia y mortalidad de cáncer de tiroides registrada en el Ministerio de Salud de Perú. MÉTODOS Se realizó un estudio descriptivo de tendencias con datos secundarios, obtenidos de una fuente de información pública de Perú. Se evaluó el registro de codificación CIE 10: C73.0, por grupo de edad, año y región. Se calcularon las tasas estandarizadas de la prevalencia (periodo 2005 a 2016) y mortalidad (periodo 2005 a 2015) por regiones y año de estudio. RESULTADOS Durante el periodo 2005-2016 se registraron 19 513 casos de cáncer de tiroides. El grupo etario con mayor frecuencia fue de 30 a 59 años (57,7%). La prevalencia incrementó de 4,7 a 15,2 casos por 100 000 habitantes en el periodo 2005-2016 y la región de la costa fue la que presentó mayor ascenso. Asimismo, se registraron 1596 muertes por cáncer de tiroides (periodo 2005 a 2015) con mayor frecuencia en mayores de 60 años (75,5%). La tasa estandarizada de mortalidad por 100 000 habitantes aumentó de 0,67 en 2005 a 0,72 en 2015, siendo la región de la sierra la de mayor incremento. CONCLUSIONES La prevalencia por cáncer de tiroides aumentó y la mortalidad se mantuvo constante en el periodo estudiado. Estos resultados animan a explorar factores sociales y de la población que hayan podido influir en ello; además de mejorar los registros poblacionales de esta y otras neoplasias en Perú.

Incidencia y mortalidad del cáncer de tiroides en Costa Rica 1990-2014 / Incidence and Mortality of Thyroid Cancer in Costa Rica, 1990-2014

Resumen Justificación y objetivo: determinar la incidencia y mortalidad del cáncer de tiroides en Costa Rica 1990-2014. Metodología: investigación descriptiva observacional de corte transversal. El estudio fue realizado en los costarricenses con diagnóstico (7 265 casos nuevos) y muerte (382 defunciones) de cáncer de tiroides, en el periodo 1990-2014. La información se obtuvo de las bases de datos del Centro Centroamericano de la Población, el Instituto Nacional de Estadística y Censo y el Registro Nacional de Tumores, usando los códigos de Clasificación Internacional de Enfermedades 9 y 10. Se hace el cálculo de tasas ajustadas por 100 000 habitantes, porcentajes y años de vida potencialmente perdidos. Resultados: la mortalidad por cáncer de tiroides en Costa Rica mostró una tendencia al ascenso leve durante el periodo de 1990 a 2014. Predomina en el sexo femenino, con una razón de 3:1 y afecta principalmente a la población mayor de 60 años, con tasas mayores en las provincias de Cartago, San José y Heredia. La incidencia, de igual manera, tuvo una tendencia al ascenso, en este caso moderada, al igual que se observó para los años de vida potencialmente perdidos. Conclusión: la mortalidad, la incidencia y los años de vida potencialmente perdidos por cáncer de tiroides en Costa Rica presentan tendencia al ascenso a lo largo del periodo de estudio.

Abstract Background and Aim : To determine the incidence and mortality of thyroid cancer in Costa Rica from 1990 to 2014. Methodology: descriptive cross-sectional observational research. The study was performed in Costa Ricans with diagnosis (7 265 new cases) and death (382 deaths) of thyroid cancer, in the period 1990-2014. The information was obtained from the databases of the Central American Population Center, the National Institute of Statistics and Census and the National Registry of Tumors, using the International Classification of Diseases 9 and 10. Calculation of adjusted rates by 100 000 inhabitants, percentages and years of life potentially lost was obtained. Results: mortality from thyroid cancer in Costa Rica showed a slight upward trend during the period from 1990 to 2014. It was predominant in females, with a ratio of 3: 1 and affected mainly the population over 60 years old, with higher rates in the provinces of Cartago, San José and Heredia. The incidence, in the same way, had a tendency to rise, moderately, just as it was observed for the years of life potentially lost. Conclusion: Mortality, incidence and years of life potentially lost due to thyroid cancer in Costa Rica present a tendency to rise throughout the study period.

Impact of body mass index on survival outcome in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer / Impacto do índice de massa corporal sobre o desfecho de sobrevida em pacientes com câncer diferenciado de tireoide

Abstract Introduction Increased body mass index is known to be associated with the high prevalence of differentiated thyroid cancers; however data on its impact on survival outcome after thyroidectomy and adjuvant therapy is scanty. Objective We aimed to evaluate the impact of body mass index on overall survival and disease free survival rates in patients with differentiated thyroid cancers. Methods Between 2000 and 2011, 209 patients with differentiated thyroid cancers (papillary, follicular, hurthle cell) were treated with thyroidectomy followed by adjuvant radioactive iodine-131 therapy and thyroid-stimulating hormone suppression. Based on body mass index, patients were divided into five groups; (a) <18.5 kg/m2 (underweight); (b) 18.5-25 kg/m2 (normal weight); (c) 26-30 kg/m2 (overweight); (d) 31-40 kg/m2 (obese) and (e) >40 kg/m2 (morbid obese). Various demographic, clinical and treatment characteristics and related toxicity and outcomes (overall survival, and disease free survival) were analyzed and compared. Results Median follow up period was 5.2 years (0.6-10). Mean body mass index was 31.3 kg/m2 (17-72); body mass index 31-40 kg/m2 was predominant (89 patients, 42.6%) followed by 26-30 kg/m2 seen in 58 patients (27.8%). A total of 18 locoregional recurrences (8.6%) and 12 distant metastasis (5.7%) were seen. The 10 year disease free survival and overall survival rates were 83.1% and 58.0% respectively. No significant impact of body mass index on overall survival or disease free survival rates was found (p = 0.081). Similarly, multivariate analysis showed that body mass index was not an independent prognostic factor for overall survival and disease free survival. Conclusion Although body mass index can increase the risk of thyroid cancer, it has no impact on treatment outcome; however, further trials are warranted.

Resumo Introdução Sabe-se que o aumento do índice de massa corpórea está associado à alta prevalência de câncer diferenciado de tireoide; entretanto, os dados sobre seu impacto no desfecho de sobrevivência após tireoidectomia e terapia adjuvante são escassos. Objetivo Objetivou-se avaliar o impacto do índice de massa corpórea nas taxas de sobrevida global e sobrevida livre de doença em pacientes com câncer diferenciado de tireoide. Método Entre 2000 e 2011, 209 pacientes com câncer diferenciado de tireoide (papilar/folicular/de células de Hurthle) foram tratados através de tireoidectomia, seguida de tratamento com iodo radioativo-131 adjuvante e supressão de hormônio estimulante da tireoide. Com base no índice de massa corpórea, os pacientes foram divididos em cinco grupos; (a) < 18,5 kg/m2 (baixo peso); (b) 18,5-25 kg/m2 (peso normal); (c) 26-30 kg/m2 (sobrepeso); (d) 31-40 kg/m2 (obesos) e (e) > 40 kg/m2 (obesos mórbidos). Várias características demográficas, clínicas e de tratamento e toxicidade associada e desfechos (sobrevida global e sobrevida livre de doença) foram analisadas e comparadas. Resultados O período médio de acompanhamento foi de 5,2 anos (0,6-10). O índice de massa corpórea médio foi de 31,3 kg/m2 (17-72); o índice de massa corpórea de 31-40 kg/m2 foi predominante (89 pacientes, 42,6%), seguido por 26-30 kg/m2, observado em 58 pacientes (27,8%). Observaram-se 18 recidivas locorregionais (8,6%) e 12 metástases distantes (5,7%). As taxas de sobrevida livre de doença e sobrevida global de 10 anos foram de 83,1% e 58,0%, respectivamente. Não foi encontrado impacto significativo do índice de massa corpórea nas taxas de sobrevida global ou sobrevida livre de doença (p = 0,081). Da mesma forma, a análise multivariada mostrou que o índice de massa corpórea não foi um fator prognóstico independente para sobrevida global e sobrevida livre de doença. Conclusão Embora o índice de massa corpórea possa aumentar o risco de câncer de tireoide, ele não tem impacto no resultado do tratamento; contudo, outros estudos são necessários.

Outcomes of patients with bone metastases from differentiated thyroid cancer

ABSTRACT Objective Bone metastases (BM) from differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) are associated with poor survival rates. Due to the low frequency of this entity, we performed a multicentric retrospective study that aimed to evaluate the presentation, outcome and causes of death in this population. Subjects and methods We reviewed file records from 10 databases. BM were diagnosed by: i) biopsy and/or ii) radioiodine (RAI) bone uptake + elevated thyroglobulin (Tg) levels and/or c) bone uptake of 18-FDG in the PET-CT scan + elevated Tg levels. Results Fifty-two patients with DTC were included (44% male, mean age 54 years); 58% had papillary histology. BM were synchronous with DTC diagnosis in 46% of the participating cases. BM were symptomatic in 65% of the cases. Multiple BM were present in 65% of patients, while simultaneous metastatic disease in additional sites was found in 69%. Ninety-eight percent of patients received treatment for the BM, which included RAI therapy in 42 patients; 30 of them received cumulative RAI doses that were larger than 600 mCi 131I. The mean follow-up after a BM diagnosis was 34 months. The 2- and 5-year survival rates after diagnosis of the first BM were 64% and 38%, respectively. The status on the last evaluation was DTC-related death in 52% of the patients; 26% of them died from direct complications of BM or their treatments. Conclusion BM are usually radioiodine-refractory and are associated with a short overall survival, although most of the patients died of causes not directly related to the BM.

Identification of key genes and miRNAs markers of papillary thyroid cancer

OBJECTIVE: In this study, crucial genes and microRNAs (miRNAs) associated with the progression, staging, and prognosis of papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) were identified. METHODS: Four PTC datasets, including our own mRNA-sequencing (mRNA-seq) dataset and three public datasets downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus and The Cancer Genome Atlas, were used to analyze differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and miRNAs (DEMs) between PTC tumor tissues and paired normal tissues (control). Gene ontology (GO) terms and pathways associated with these DEGs were identified, and protein-protein interactions (PPIs) were analyzed. Additionally, an miRNA-mRNA regulatory network was constructed and the functions of DEMs were explored. Finally, miRNAs/mRNAs associated with tumor staging and prognosis were identified. The expression levels of several key genes and miRNAs were validated by qRT-PCR. RESULTS: Numerous DEGs and DEMs were identified between tumor and control groups in four datasets. The DEGs were significantly enriched in cell adhesion and cancer-related GO terms and pathways. In the constructed PPI network, ITGA2, FN1, ICAM1, TIMP1 and CDH2 were hub proteins. In the miRNA-mRNA negative regulatory networks, miR-204-5p regulated the largest number of target genes, such as TNFRSF12A. miR-146b, miR-204, miR-7-2, and FN1 were associated with tumor stage in PTC, and TNFRSF12A and CLDN1 were related to prognosis. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggested the important roles of ITGA2, FN1, ICAM1, TIMP1 and CDH2 in the progression of PTC. miR-204-5p, miR-7-2, and miR-146b are potential biomarkers for PTC staging and FN1, CLDN1, and TNFRSF12A may serve as markers of prognosis in PTC.

Surgical management and prognosis of thyroid carcinomas invading adjacent structures

Objectives: To evaluate the surgical approaches and prognosis of thyroid carcinomas invading the adjacent structures

Methods: The medical records of 197 patients with a pathology diagnosis of thyroid cancer were retrospectively reviewed

Results: Seventeen patients [9%] with thyroid carcinoma invading surrounding structures were included. Patients were initially divided into two groups on the basis of tumor histology: papillary [Group A] and nonpapillary [Group B]. Then patients were divided into three groups Group 1: patients who underwent total thyroidectomy Group 2: patients who underwent total thyroidectomy with shaving resection Group 3: patients who underwent total thyroidectomy with extensive surgery. All patients who didn't survive were more than 45 years old. The survival rate was statistically better in group A compared to group B [92% versus 20%]. The survival rate decreased from Group 1 through Group 3, without reaching statistical significance

Conclusions: Age and histologic type are important in determining the prognosis of locally invading thyroid cancer

Deaths related to differentiated thyroid cancer: a rare but real event

ABSTRACT Objective The present study describes the clinical and tumor characteristics of patients that died from differentiated thyroid cancer and reports on the cause and circumstances of death in these cases. Subjects and methods Retrospective analysis of all the differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) related deaths at a single institution over a 5-year period, with a total of 33 patients. Results Most of the patients were female (63.6%), with a mean age at diagnosis of 58.2 years. The most common histologic type was papillary (66.7%) and 30.3% were follicular. The distribution according to the TNM classification was: 15.4% of T1; 7.7% T2; 38.4% T3; 19.2% of T4a and 19.2% of T4b. Forty-four percent of cases were N0; 20% N1a and 36.6% of N1b. Twelve patients were considered non-responsive to radioiodine. Only one of the patients did not have distant metastases. The most common metastatic site was the lung in 69.7%. The majority of deaths were due to pulmonary complications related to lung metastases (17 patients, 51.5%), followed by post-operative complications in 5 cases, neurological disease progression in 3 cases, local invasion and airway obstruction in one patient. Median survival between diagnosis and death was reached in 49 months while between disease progression and death it was at 22 months. Conclusion Mortality from DTC is extremely rare but persists, and the main causes of death derive from distant metastasis, especially respiratory failure due to lung metastasis. Once disease progression is established, median survival was only 22 months.

Metástasis a distancia en cáncer diferenciado de tiroides: diagnóstico y tratamiento / Distant metastases in differentiated thyroid carcinoma: Diagnosis and treatment

La presencia de metástasis a distancia en el cáncer diferenciado de tiroides es un hecho infrecuente que ocurre en menos del 10% de los pacientes. Cuando sucede, la supervivencia a 10 años disminuye significativamente. La curación es el objetivo primario, pero dado que 2 tercios de los tumores metastásicos se volverán radiorrefractarios en su evolución, la finalidad terapéutica es estabilizar la enfermedad y tratar sus síntomas. En la última década, el manejo de estos pacientes cambió radicalmente con el advenimiento de las terapias con blancos moleculares. El objetivo de esta revisión es describir las características de los pacientes con cáncer diferenciado de tiroides que presenten metástasis a distancia, la supervivencia global, los métodos diagnósticos utilizados, y los tratamientos locales y sistémicos disponibles.

Distant metastases occur in less than 10% of patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma. In these patients, overall survival at 10 years is considerably reduced. Whereas cure is the initial goal of treatment, stabilisation of the disease and management of symptoms have become the primary objective in many patients with persistent radio-iodine refractory progressive disease. In the last decade, several targeted therapies have shown encouraging results in patients with advanced disease. The objective of this review is to describe the characteristics, diagnosis, overall survival, and the local and systemic available treatments for patients with distant metastases from differentiated thyroid cancer.

Radioactive iodine-refractory differentiated thyroid cancer: an uncommon but challenging situation

ABSTRACT Radioiodine (RAI)-refractory thyroid cancer is an uncommon entity, occurring with an estimated incidence of 4-5 cases/year/million people. RAI refractoriness is more frequent in older patients, in those with large metastases, in poorly differentiated thyroid cancer, and in those tumors with high 18-fluordeoxyglucose uptake on PET/CT. These patients have a 10-year survival rate of less than 10%. In recent years, new therapeutic agents with molecular targets have become available, with multikinase inhibitors (MKIs) being the most investigated drugs. Two of these compounds, sorafenib and lenvatinib, have shown significant objective response rates and have significantly improved the progression-free survival in the two largest published prospective trials on MKI use. However, no overall survival benefit has been achieved yet. This is probably related to the crossover that occurs in most patients who progress on placebo treatment to the open treatment of these studies. In consequence, the challenge is to correctly identify which patients will benefit from these treatments. It is also crucial to understand the appropriate timing to initiate MKI treatment and when to stop it. The purpose of this article is to define RAI refractoriness, to summarize which therapies are available for this condition, and to review how to select patients who are suitable for them.

Review of survival rates 20-years after conservative surgery for papillary thyroid carcinoma / Revisão dos resultados de sobrevida a 20 anos da cirurgia conservadora no carcinoma papilífero da tireoide

INTRODUCTION: A less extensive thyroidectomy could be used for patients in the low risk group.OBJECTIVE: To perform a critical follow-up after lobectomy with isthmusectomy for the treatment of papillary thyroid carcinoma in patients with a single nodule limited to the periphery of the lobe.METHODS: Thirty-one patients with thyroid papillary carcinoma operated on till 1993 were selected. They had undergone lobectomy with isthmusectomy. This is a retrospective cohort study in which the oncological outcome (contralateral and regional recurrence) and the reoperation complications (recurrent nerve paralysis/paresis and hypoparathyroidism) were evaluated. Descriptive analysis was employed.RESULTS: In the last decade (2003-2013), 6 (20%) contralateral recurrences were observed in the remaining lobe and in 1 of these cases (3%), contralateral lymph node metastases were noted. A completion thyroidectomy plus lymphadenectomy was performed, without modification of global survival.CONCLUSION: Because of the rate of 20% of contralateral recurrence after a 20-year follow-up, we suggest modification of the surgical paradigm for total thyroidectomy as an initial therapy.

INTRODUÇÃO: Uma cirurgia menos extensa da glândula tireoide poderia ser utilizada em pacientes do grupo de baixo risco.OBJETIVO: Realizar seguimento crítico após hemitireoidectomia para tratamento do carcinoma papilífero de tireoide em casos de nódulo único limitado à periferia do lobo.MÉTODO: Foram selecionados 31 pacientes portadores de carcinoma papilífero de tireoide operados, até 1993, por lobectomia mais istmectomia. Trata-se de um estudo retrospectivo de coorte sendo avaliados o resultado oncológico (recidiva contralateral e regional) e complicações de reoperação (paralisia/paresia de nervo recorrente e hipoparatireoidismo). Utilizou-se análise descritiva.RESULTADOS: Na última década, foram observados 6 (20%) casos de recidivas contralaterais (lobo remanescente) sendo que, em um caso, estava acompanhado de metástases linfonodais contralaterais (3%), sem impacto na sobrevida dos pacientes reoperados.CONCLUSÃO: A ocorrência de 20% de recidiva contralateral após uma média evolutiva de 20 anos sugere revisão do paradigma conservador para a totalização imediata da tireoidectomia.

Estabilidad de la mortalidad por cáncer de tiroides en un país emergente / Stability of mortality from thyroid cancer in a developing country

Objetivo Establecer características y tendencia de la mortalidad por cáncer de tiroides en Colombia. Materiales y Métodos Estudio de la mortalidad por cáncer de tiroides empleando las bases oficiales nacionales de muertes en Colombia (1998-2010). Se analizaron año de defunción, sexo, edad y departamento de residencia. Se utilizaron proporciones, media aritmética y mediana. El valor de p límite para significación estadística fue 0,05. Se calcularon tasas crudas, específicas y ajustadas por edad. Resultados En total, 2 570 personas, 1 827 (71,1 %) muertes ocurrieron en mujeres. Las edades medianas a la muerte fueron de 68 años en hombres y de 70 años en mujeres. La tasa anual media de mortalidad por cáncer de tiroides ajustada (2006-2010) fue de 0,52 muertes por 100 000 personas (ambos sexos), 0,32 muertes por 100 000 hombres y 0,70 por 100 000 mujeres. Conclusiones Deben realizarse estudios que muestren posibles factores asociados a muerte a más temprana edad en mujeres colombianas.

Objective To establish characteristics and the trend of mortality from thyroid cancer in Colombia. Material and Methods This is a study of mortality from thyroid cancer in Colombia using official national mortality databases (1998-2010). Year of death, sex, age and department of residence were analyzed. Proportions, arithmetic mean and median were used. The p-value for statistical significance was 0.05. Crude, specific and age-adjusted rates were calculated. Results Overall, 2 570 people died of thyroid cancer; 1 827 (71.1 %) deaths occurred in women. Median age at death was 68 years for men and 70 years for women. The age-adjusted average annual mortality rate (2006-2010) for thyroid cancer was 0.52 cancer deaths per 100 000 (both sexes), 0.32 deaths per 100 000 men and 0.70 per 100 000 women. Conclusions Further studies showing potential factors associated with earlier age at death among Colombian women should be made.

Actualización en el manejo de cáncer de tiroides y embarazo / Update on the management of thyroid cancer and pregnancy

La patología oncológica en el embarazo siempre representa un reto para el médico y el paciente que debe ser abordado multidisciplinariamente, obtando por el abordaje que procure la mejor situación respecto a riesgo y beneficio tanto para la madre como para el producto. La patología endocrinológica maligna no es infrecuente en mujeres en edad fértil, siendo el cáncer de tiroides la causa más común...

Evolution of thyroid cancer mortality in adults in Brazil / Evolução da mortalidade por câncer de tireoide em adultos no Brasil

OBJECTIVE: To assess the trend of thyroid cancer mortality in Brazil between 1980 and 2010. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An ecological study of time series. Mortality rates for thyroid cancer adjusted by age according to gender were calculated between 1980 and 2010. Data were analyzed by three distinct strategies: polynomial regression, joinpoint analysis, and moving averages. RESULTS: Over 70% of deaths occur in the elderly, regardless of sex. Among young adults, the mortality rate is low, with no difference between men and women. Among mature adults and elderly, mortality is increasing, and significantly, for women. There is a trend of decreasing mortality in all female adults and overall population, and in males and 40-59 years and overall population, both excluding the elderly, with statistical significance. CONCLUSION: Knowledge about trends allows setting priorities and allocating resources toward positive changes in this scenario in the Brazilian population.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a tendência da mortalidade por câncer de tireoide no Brasil entre 1980 e 2010. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Estudo ecológico, de séries temporais. As taxas de mortalidade por câncer de tireoide ajustadas por idade segundo sexo foram calculadas entre 1980 e 2010. Os dados foram analisados por três estratégias distintas: regressão polinomial, joinpoint analysis e médias móveis. RESULTADOS: Mais de 70% das mortes ocorrem nos idosos, independente do sexo. Entre adultos jovens, a mortalidade é baixa, sem diferença entre homens e mulheres. Entre adultos maduros e idosos a mortalidade é crescente e com aumento expressivo para mulheres. Há uma tendência de mortalidade decrescente no sexo feminino para adultos e global; e no sexo masculino para 40-59 anos e global, ambos excluindo os idosos, com significância estatística. CONCLUSÃO: O conhecimento sobre a tendência permite estabelecer prioridades e alocar recursos de forma direcionada para a modificação positiva desse cenário na população brasileira.

Câncer de tireóide no município de São Paulo: análises de tendência e espacial dos dados do Registro de Câncer de Base Populacional / Thyroid cancer in São Paul trend and spatial analysis from the population- based cancer registry data

Introdução: A incidência de câncer de tireóide vem aumentando em todo o mundo e não há um consenso sobre as razões deste fato. O município de São Paulo apresenta altos coeficientes de incidência desta doença, mas ainda não foi analisada sua tendência e nem sua distribuição espacial. Objetivos: Descrever os coeficientes de incidência (1997-2010) e de mortalidade (1981-2010), analisar a tendência dos coeficientes de incidência e mortalidade, segundo sexo, faixa etária, tipo morfológico (incidência), bem como os efeitos da idade, período e coorte, e examinar a distribuição espacial. Métodos: Este é um estudo ecológico. Foram analisados os casos novos de câncer de tireóide diagnosticados no período de 1997 a 2010 fornecidos pelo Registro de Câncer de Base Populacional de São Paulo e os óbitos por câncer de tireóide ocorridos entre 1981 e 2010 fornecidos pelo Sistema de Mortalidade do Ministério da Saúde (SIM-MS) e pelo Programa de Aprimoramento das Informações de Mortalidade (PRO-AIM). Foram calculados os coeficientes bruto e padronizado de incidência e de mortalidade, foi analisada a tendência destes coeficientes através do modelo de regressão, da mudança percentual anual e do modelo idade-período-coorte. Para a análise espacial foram criados mapas temáticos, calculado o índice de Moran e, para as variáveis com padrão cluster foi calculado o índice local de associação espacial (LISA) e estimados modelos de regressão, tendo como variável dependente os coeficientes e como variáveis independentes os indicadores socioeconômicos (IDH, taxa de alfabetização, coeficiente de Gini e número de moradores por domicílio). Resultados: O coeficiente médio de incidência (1997-2010) foi para o sexo feminino de 17,77 por 100.000 e para o sexo masculino 4,46 por 100.000. Ambos apresentaram tendência crescente. O coeficiente médio de mortalidade (1981-2010) foi para o sexo feminino de 0,50 por 100.000 e para o masculino 0,30 por 100.000, ambos apresentaram tendência decrescente. O tipo histológico papilífero apresentou tendência crescente em ambos os sexos. Para incidência (ambos os sexos) e para mortalidade feminina, os efeitos de idade-período e coorte ofereceram o melhor ajuste; para mortalidade apenas a idade. Na análise espacial incidência apresentou padrão cluster para homens e mulheres. Os modelos finais foram explicados pela índice de desenvolvimento humano e pela média de moradores por domicílio. Conclusão: Na cidade de São Paulo há um aumento da incidência do câncer.

Managing Thyroid Microcarcinomas

Papillary thyroid microcarcinomas (PTMCs) are the most common form of classic papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). PTMCs are typically discovered by fine-needle-aspiration biopsy (FNAB), usually with sensitive imaging studies, or are found during thyroid surgery in a patient without a previously known history of thyroid carcinoma. However, the definition of PTMC has not always been universally accepted, thus creating controversy concerning the diagnosis and treatment of PTMC. The aim of this review is to summarize the clinical features of PTMC and identify the widely differing opinions concerning the diagnosis and management of these small ubiquitous thyroid tumors.

Estudio de los factores pronosticadores de la sobrevida del cáncer diferenciado del tiroides / Prognostic factors study of differentiated thyroid cancer

The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the prognostic factors in patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma treated and followed for a long period of time. Patients and Method: The following prognostic variables: gender, age at diagnosis, goiter characteristics, histology, differentiation grades, tumor anatomical extension, lymph node and distant initial metastasis and post treatment evolution were studied in a historical cohort of thyroid carcinoma. Surgical treatment was subtotal and total thyroidectomy plus lymphatic cervical selective neck dissection. Radioiodine was employed en 59.2 percent and thyroid hormone replacement was used indefinitely. Kaplan Meyer analisis was employed to plot survival curves, log Rank test was used to establish the significance of each variable and square chi to determine differences among groups. Cox model was used to identify prognostic variables. Results: A group of 477 patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma treated at the Hospital San Juan de Dios, from 1948 to 1992, were studied. Median survival rate was 87 percent at the end of observation period. Univariate analysis showed significant differences for age, tumor anatomical extension and histological grade on survival, for the entire serie. According to Cox model method, initial distant metastasis, age > 40 years, anatomical extension, tumor size > 10 mm, were determinant for unfavorable prognosis for the papillary cancer; distant metastasis, anatomical extension and age at the time of diagnosis were determinant for unfavorable prognosis for the follicular cancer. Conclusion: Overall survival was 87 percent. Distant metastasis at the time of diagnosis: age older than 40 years, anatomical extension and the size of the tumor were determinant of survival prognosis.

El objetivo de esta investigación fue estudiar la supervivencia y los factores del pronóstico del cáncer diferenciado del tiroides tratado y seguido por un período de observación prolongado. Pacientes y Método: En una cohorte histórica prospectiva de cáncer de tiroides diagnosticada por biopsia quirúrgica, se analizó las variables: género, edad en el momento del diagnóstico, semiología del bocio, histología, grado de diferenciación, extensión anatómica del tumor, la presencia de metástasis linfáticas y a distancia iniciales y la evolución post tratamiento como factores pronosticadores de la sobrevida de los pacientes. La cirugía practicada consistió en tiroidectomía sub total y total más disección linfática cervical selectiva. El método de Kaplan y Meier se usó para diseñar curvas de supervivencia, log Rank test para la significación de cada variable y chi cuadrado para definir la diferencias entre los grupos. El método de Cox se utilizó para identificar las variables del pronóstico. Resultados: 477 pacientes con cáncer diferenciado del tiroides tratados en el Hospital San Juan de Dios desde 1948 hasta 1992. El 59,2 por ciento recibió yodo 131, todos con tratamiento hormonal de frenación indefinidamente. La supervivencia media fue de 87 por ciento al final del período de observación. El análisis univariable demostró diferencias significativas para la edad, extensión anatómica y grado histológico. Determinan un pronóstico desfavorable para el cáncer papilar: las metástasis a distancia iniciales (p < 0,0001), la edad > de 40 años (p < 0,0018) y la extensión anatómica; en el cáncer folicular fueron las metástasis a distancia, extensión anatómica y la edad en el momento del diagnóstico. Conclusión: La supervivencia fue de 87 por ciento. Las variables metástasis a distancia en el momento del diagnóstico, edad mayor de 40 años, extensión anatómica y el tamaño del tumor fueron determinantes del pronóstico en la supervivencia de los pacientes.

Factores pronóstico de las variantes de cáncer papilar de tiroides / Association between pathological variants of papillary thyroid cancer and prognosis

Background: Papillary thyroid carcinoma had a survival over 90 percent in stages I , II and III. Treatment failures are observed in advanced tumors, when there is lymph node involvement or when there is vascular invasion. Aim: To assess the prognostic value of pathological variants of papillary thyroid carcinoma. Material and Methods: Review of pathological records of patients with papillary thyroid cancer operated between January 1999 and December 2008 in a regional hospital. The pathological variant of the tumor was revised and classified again as follicular variant, sclerosing, solid, tall cell variant, columnar variant, oncocytic, cribriform, microcarcinoma, insular variant and poorly differentiated. Results: The records of 51 females aged 48 +/- 16 years and 12 males aged 42 +/- 18 years were identified. Forty patients had a well differentiated carcinoma (63 percent), 16 had a follicular variant (25 percent), four had a sclerosing variant and three other types. Capsule involvement was observed in six of 27 stage I, four of nine stage II, 20 of 26 stage III and one of one stage four tumor. Peritumoral lymphatic invasion was observed in 12 of 27 stage I, four of nine stage II, 21 of 26 stage III and one of one stage IV tumor. Lymph node relapse was observed in three patients without and nine patients with capsule involvement (p < 0.01) and in 11 of 38 patients without and 27 of 38 patients with lymphatic invasion (p < 0.01). Two patients in stage III and one in stage IV died. Lethality was 3 percent. Conclusions: Relapse of papillary carcinoma was associated with capsule involvement and lymphatic invasion. Tumor variants were not associated with relapse or mortality.

Objetivo del estudio: Identificar la incidencia de las variantes del cáncer papilar de tiroides (CPT), factores de mal pronóstico asociados a variantes histológicas, comparar la recurrencia y estadio de la enfermedad según la variedad, e identificar pacientes de alto riesgo de recurrencia. Material y Método: Cohorte única longitudinal entre Enero de 1999 y Diciembre de 2008. La clasificación de los subtipos fue: papilar bien diferenciado, variante folicular, esclerosante, sólido, células altas, células columnares, oncocítico, cribiforme, microcarcinoma, insular y pobremente diferenciado. Resultados: Incidencia: papilar bien diferenciado 40 casos (63,5 por ciento), variante folicular 16 casos (25,4 por ciento), esclerosante 4 casos, otros 3 casos. Hubo compromiso de la cápsula del tiroides en 6/27 casos en estadio I, 4/9 casos en estadio II, 20/26 casos en estadio III y 1/1 caso en estadio IV, p < 0,01. Hubo 3 recurrencias ganglionares sin compromiso tumoral de la cápsula y 9 recurrencias con compromiso tumoral, p < 0,05. Hubo invasión linfática peritumoral en 12/27 en estadio I; 4/9 casos en estadio II, 21/ 26 casos en estadio III, y 1/1 en estadio I V, p < 0,05. En 11/38 pacientes sin invasión linfática hubo recurrencia ganglionar y 27/38 con invasión linfática hubo recurrencia, p < 0,01. Fallecieron 2 casos en estadio III y 1 en estadio I V, p < 0,01. La letalidad fue 3,2 por ciento. Conclusión: La recurrencia se asoció a estadio avanzado, compromiso de cápsula e infiltración linfática. No identificamos asociación entre recurrencia y variedades del CPT. La mortalidad se asoció a estadio avanzado. No identificamos asociación entre variante histológica y mortalidad, p = 0,48.

Cáncer anaplásico de tiroides de manejo quirúrgico / Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma, review of six patients

Background: Anaplastic Thyroid Carcinoma corresponds 2 to 5 percent of all thyroid cancers. It affects mainly women in the sixth or seventh decade of life, appearing as a hard, fast growing cervical mass that is adhered to surrounding structures. Treatment includes surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Aim: to report a series of patients with anaplastic thyroid carcinoma. Patients and Methods: Review of medical records of patients with anaplastic thyroid cancer operated between 2002 and 2008. Results: The records of six patients aged 46 to 82 years (four males), were retrieved. A bilateral total thyroidectomy was performed in four patients. Two patients required tracheostomy during the postoperative period. Mean hospital stay was six days. None received neoadjuvant or adjuvant radio-chemotherapy. Three patients died within one month of the operation. The rest died at 115, 184 and 283 days after surgery. Conclusions: All these patients were diagnosed in advanced stages of the disease, a fact that can explain the dismal evolution observed.

Introducción: El Cáncer Anaplásico de Tiroides corresponde al 2 a 5 por ciento del total de cánceres tiroideos. Afecta a mujeres en la sexta o séptima década de la vida, presentándose como masa cervical pétrea de crecimiento rápido, adherida a planos profundos. El tratamiento incluye cirugía, quimioterapia y radioterapia, siendo de elección el tratamiento multimodal. Objetivo: Conocer los resultados de una serie de casos manejados quirúrgicamente en el Hospital Dr. Gustavo Fricke de Viña del Mar. Pacientes y Método: Estudio de serie de casos de Cáncer Anaplásico de Tiroides tratados exclusivamente con cirugía entre los años 2002 y 2008. Se registraron características generales, técnica operatoria, complicaciones, uso de otras terapias y sobrevida. Resultados: Se manejaron 6 pacientes, cuatro hombres y dos mujeres. El promedio de edad fue de 59 años. La estadía hospitalaria promedio fue de 6 días. Se realizó tiroidectomía total bilateral en 4 pacientes. Dos pacientes requirieron traqueostomía durante el postoperatorio. En ninguno de ellos se realizó radioquimioterapia neoadyuvante o adyuvante. La sobrevida promedio fue de 108 días. Discusión: Destaca en esta serie el diagnóstico en etapas avanzadas de la enfermedad, lo cual determina la imposibilidad de realizar terapia multimodal y la sobrevida observada. Por lo anterior, es de importancia la sospecha y la derivación inmediata para el manejo especializado, aumentando así la posibilidad del uso de terapia multimodal con mejores resultados en términos de sobrevida. Se observó una sobrevida menor a la reportada en la literatura.