Evaluation of radiofrequency ablation for papillary thyroid microcarcinoma with trachea-adjacent location versus trachea-distant location: a propensity score matching study

Abstract Purpose To evaluate the outcomes of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) adjacent to the trachea and compare those with PTMC distant from the trachea. Methods This retrospective study reviewed patients who underwent RFA for solitary low-risk PTMC between June 2014 and July 2020. Patients were categorized into A group (PTMC adjacent to the trachea) (n = 211) and D group (PTMC distant from the trachea) (n = 790). The volume, volume reduction ratio (VRR), tumor disappearance, complication, and disease progression were assessed and compared between groups. Factors affecting disease progression were evaluated by Cox regression analysis. Results After a mean follow-up time of 30.0 ± 16.5 months, the overall VRR and tumor disappearance rate were 99.2 ± 4.6% and 87.5%, respectively. After propensity score matching, no significant differences were observed between the groups in the latest volume (0.8 ± 4.0 mm 3 vs 0.6 ± 3.5 mm 3 , p = 0.631), VRR (99.5 ± 2.3% vs 99.5 ± 2.8%, p = 0.638), and tumor disappearance rate (87.6% vs 88.0%, p = 0.845). In addition, no differences could be found between groups in the incidence of disease progression (2.9% vs 3.3%, p = 0.624) and complication (0.5% vs 0.5%, p = 1.000). Tracheal adjacency was not associated with disease progression (p = 0.671). Conclusion RFA is an effective and safe alternative approach for eligible patients with PTMC located adjacent to the trachea and PTMC distant from the trachea.