Thermal ablation vs. conventional neck dissection for recurrent low-burden lymph node metastasis in thyroid cancer: a dual-center retrospective cohort study
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To compare ultrasound-guided thermal ablation (TA) with conventional neck dissection (CND) for recurrent low-burden lymph node metastasis (≤3 lesions, <2 cm) in regional recurrences of thyroid papillary carcinoma, and to guide risk-adaptive therapeutic strategies. METHODS: = 115). Endpoints included recurrence-free survival, complications, thyroglobulin (Tg) dynamics, quality of life (EORTC QLQ-C30), and healthcare costs. RESULTS: > 0.7).TA Advantages: Shorter operative time, less blood loss, faster recovery, shorter hospital stays, and lower costs. Nearly 50% of TA-treated patients achieved complete lymph node volume reduction (100% VRR) within 36 months. CONCLUSION: TA demonstrates non-inferior oncological efficacy compared to CND for strictly selected patients with recurrent low-burden lymph node metastasis, offering minimally invasive, risk-adaptive therapeutic strategies with superior procedural efficiency and quality-of-life benefits.
Authors: Xiaojian Ye, Lei Yan, Jinshu Zeng, Jianchuan Yang, Lingpeng Tang, Xiaoying Lin, Yuqi Hong, Xueqing Lin, Qi Zhong, Songsong Wu
Language: English
Subfield: Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,557
OpenAlex ID: W7140779627