Changes of biochemical factors and the effect on recurrence of medullary thyroid carcinoma after surgery

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Oncology
• Surgical Oncology

Background:

• Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is a rare endocrine malignancy characterized by calcitonin (Ctn) secretion.
• Understanding Ctn kinetics and its relationship with treatment outcomes is crucial for managing MTC.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the relationship between Ctn levels at various time points in MTC patients.
• To evaluate the predictive value of Ctn levels for disease recurrence and long-term outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective study of 212 MTC patients in northern China.
• Assessed interrelationships between preoperative Ctn, postoperative Ctn normalization (NPS), and long-term biochemical cure.
• Evaluated prediction roles for structural recurrence.

Main Results:

• NPS and absence of structural recurrence were associated with biochemical cure (P < 0.001 and P = 0.003, respectively).
• Non-biochemical cure, larger tumor size, and multifocality were unfavorable predictors of recurrence and disease-free survival (P < 0.05).
• 5- and 10-year disease-free survival rates were 81.5% and 66.8%.

Conclusions:

• Postoperative serum Ctn normalization (NPS) is a stronger predictor of long-term biochemical cure in MTC than preoperative Ctn levels.
• Tumor burden (size and multifocality) are significant negative prognostic factors for MTC recurrence.