# Thermal ablation for ata intermediate-risk papillary thyroid carcinoma: efficacy and safety outcomes in a retrospective cohort

## TL;DR

This study shows that thermal ablation is effective and safe for treating intermediate-risk thyroid cancer, with lymph node size affecting outcomes.

## Contribution

The study provides new evidence on the use of thermal ablation for intermediate-risk papillary thyroid carcinoma.

## Key findings

- Thermal ablation achieved 100% technical success and complete ablation rates.
- The 5-year recurrence-free survival rate was 79.8%.
- Larger metastatic lymph node diameter predicted higher cancer progression risk.

## Abstract

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of thermal ablation (TA) for ATA intermediate-risk papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC).

This retrospective study analyzed ATA intermediate-risk PTC (either ultrasound extrathyroidal extension or cervical lymph node < 3cm metastasis) patients treated with TA at China-Japan Friendship Hospital between April 2018 and December 2023. Outcomes included technical success, recurrence-free survival (RFS), and complications. Multi-Cox regression identified prognostic factors.

A total of 113 people were included. TA demonstrated 100% technical success and complete ablation rates. 18 patients (15.9%) had developed tumor recurrence. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year RFS rates were 95.6%, 83.7%, and 79.8%, respectively. Metastatic lymph node diameter independently predicted progression (HR:3.20, p<0.05). Complications occurred in 21.2% of cases, with 1.8% permanent vocal cord paralysis.

TA shows promising efficacy and safety for selected ATA intermediate-risk PTC patients, with lymph node size as a key prognostic factor.