Assessment of thermal ablation for treating Bethesda IV thyroid nodules: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Bibliographic Details
Title: Assessment of thermal ablation for treating Bethesda IV thyroid nodules: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Jia-shan Yao, Xi-han Zhang, Zi-geng Li, Yu Xi
Source: Thyroid Research, Vol 18, Iss 1, Pp 1-13 (2025)
Publisher Information: BMC, 2025.
Publication Year: 2025
Collection: LCC:Diseases of the endocrine glands. Clinical endocrinology
Subject Terms: Thermal ablation, Radiofrequency ablation, Microwave ablation, Bethesda IV, Thyroid nodules, Diseases of the endocrine glands. Clinical endocrinology, RC648-665
More Details: Abstract Background This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of thermal ablation in the treatment of patients with Bethesda IV thyroid nodules (follicular neoplasms) by analyzing large-scale data on various outcomes. Materials and methods Literature searches were conducted in PUBMED, EMBASE, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library for studies on the use of thermal ablation in patients with Bethesda IV thyroid nodules published from March 1, 2014, to March 1, 2024. Data on volume change at 12 months; the volume reduction rate (VRR) at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months; the complete disappearance rate (CDR); and the complication rate were evaluated. All the data were analyzed with STATA 15. Results Five eligible studies were included. The findings indicate that thermal ablation is both effective and safe. The mean change in tumor volume at 12 months postthermal ablation was characterized by a standardized mean difference (SMD) of -1.13 (95% CI: -1.36 - -0.90, p = 0.000). Specifically, the mean changes in tumor volume at 12 months after radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and microwave ablation (MWA) were − 1.19 (95% CI: -1.75 - -0.64) and − 1.26 (95% CI: -1.71 - -0.81), respectively. The VRRs at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postthermal ablation were 43% (95% CI: 33 − 53%), 47% (95% CI: 20 − 74%), 69% (95% CI: 62 − 76%), and 85% (95% CI: 79 − 90%), respectively. The VRRs at 12 months after RFA and MWA were 84% (95% CI: 76 − 91%) and 85% (95% CI: 75 − 95%), respectively. The VRR at 12 months, stratified by initial nodule size, was 84% (95% CI: 77 − 91%) and 86% (95% CI: 78 − 94%). The CDR at the final follow-up was 88% (95% CI: 80 − 95%). The complication rate was 4.0% (95% CI: 0.0 − 8.0%), with pain and hoarseness being the most frequently reported complications; no life-threatening complications were documented. Conclusions Thermal ablation is a reliable treatment for Bethesda IV thyroid nodules, and RFA and MWA are advantageous treatment strategies. However, more prospective, multicenter, and large-sample studies are needed in the future.
Document Type: article
File Description: electronic resource
Language: English
ISSN: 1756-6614
Relation: https://doaj.org/toc/1756-6614
DOI: 10.1186/s13044-024-00215-6
Access URL: https://doaj.org/article/3871703a4d9e488aa512b32c8d843282
Accession Number: edsdoj.3871703a4d9e488aa512b32c8d843282
Database: Directory of Open Access Journals
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More Details
ISSN:17566614
DOI:10.1186/s13044-024-00215-6
Published in:Thyroid Research
Language:English