Age-stratified comparison of active surveillance versus radiofrequency ablation for papillary thyroid microcarcinoma using decision analysis

Background Papillary thyroid microcarcinomas may be treated with radiofrequency ablation, active surveillance, or surgery. The objective of this study was to use mathematical modeling to compare treatment alternatives for papillary thyroid microcarcinomas among those who decline surgery. We hypothesized that radiofrequency ablation would outperform active surveillance in avoiding progression and surgery but that the effect size would be small for older patients. Methods We engaged stakeholders to identify meaningful long-term endpoints for papillary thyroid microcarcinoma treatment—(1) cancer progression/surgery, (2) need for thyroid replacement therapy, and (3) permanent treatment complication. A Markov decision analysis model was created to compare the probability of these endpoints after radiofrequency ablation or active surveillance for papillary thyroid microcarcinomas and overall cost. Transition probabilities were extracted from published literature. Model outcomes were estimated to have a 10-year time horizon. Results The primary outcome yielded a number needed to treat of 18.1 for the avoidance of progression and 27.4 for the avoidance of lifelong thyroid replacement therapy for radiofrequency ablation compared to active surveillance. However, as patient age increased, the number needed to treat to avoid progression increased from 5.2 (age 20–29) to 39.1 (age 60+). The number needed to treat to avoid lifelong thyroid replacement therapy increased with age from 7.8 (age 20–29) to 59.3 (age 60+). The average 10-year cost/treatment for active surveillance and radiofrequency ablation were $6,400 and $11,700, respectively, translating to a cost per progression-avoided of $106,500. Conclusion As an alternative to active surveillance, radiofrequency ablation may have a greater therapeutic impact in younger patients. However, routine implementation may be cost-prohibitive for most patients with papillary thyroid microcarcinomas.