Related Experiment Videos
Comparative efficacy and thyroid function effects of non-surgical treatments for benign thyroid nodules: a Bayesian
Heng Weng1, Dejian Meng1, Gang Liu2
1Department Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Huangshi Central Hospital (Affiliated Hospital of Hubei Polytechnic University), Huangshi, Hubei, China.
Summary
Non-surgical treatments for benign thyroid nodules (BTN) vary in effectiveness. Percutaneous laser ablation (PLA) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) reduce nodule size, while levothyroxine (L-T4) best suppresses TSH levels.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Minimally Invasive Therapies
- Oncology
Background:
- Benign thyroid nodules (BTN) management lacks comprehensive comparative data on non-surgical treatments.
- Existing evidence on structural efficacy and thyroid function is fragmented.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare non-surgical interventions for BTN using a Bayesian network meta-analysis.
- To evaluate effects on nodule volume and thyroid function parameters (TSH, FT3, FT4).
Main Methods:
- Systematic search of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library up to August 2025.
- Inclusion of 14 RCTs (545 participants) evaluating levothyroxine (L-T4), radiofrequency ablation (RFA), microwave ablation (MWA), percutaneous ethanol injection (PEI), and percutaneous laser ablation (PLA).
- Bayesian random-effects network meta-analysis and SUCRA rankings for outcome assessment.
Main Results:
- PLA and RFA demonstrated superior nodule volume reduction compared to L-T4 and placebo.
- L-T4 exhibited the strongest TSH suppression effect compared to MWA.
- No significant differences were found in FT3 or FT4 levels across treatments.
Conclusions:
- Non-surgical treatments for BTN yield outcome-specific benefits.
- Thermal ablation (PLA, RFA) excels in nodule volume reduction; L-T4 is most effective for TSH suppression.
- Limited applicability due to historical comparators and lack of patient-centered outcomes necessitates further head-to-head trials.