Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology (대한영상의학회지)

The Korean Society of Radiology (대한영상의학회)
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Application of Radiofrequency Ablation to Thyroid Cancer: Past, Present, and Future

갑상선암에 대한 고주파 절제 적용의 과거, 현재, 그리고 미래

  • Ji-hoon Kim (Department of Radiology, Seoul National University Hospital, College of Medicine of Seoul National University)
  • 김지훈 (서울대학교 의과대학 서울대학교병원 영상의학과)
  • Received : 2023.06.16
  • Accepted : 2023.07.20
  • Published : 2023.09.01
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Abstract

Thyroid cancer, characterized by high incidence rates, good prognosis, and frequent recurrence, is typically treated surgically. However, since the early 2000s, radiofrequency ablation, which is commonly utilized in liver, lung, and kidney cancers, is being performed for management of primary and recurrent thyroid cancers. Many studies have focused on inoperable cases of low-risk papillary microcarcinoma (≤ 1 cm) and some have investigated its role in larger lesions (up to 4 cm). Overall, these studies have reported positive results. Radiofrequency ablation for recurrent cancer has primarily been performed for locally recurrent cervical cancer, and this therapeutic approach has been attempted for treatment of distant metastases in lungs and bones, with encouraging outcomes. A growing global trend, particularly in South Korea, the United States, and Europe supports radiofrequency ablation for thyroid cancer. However, this therapy is currently not recognized as a treatment option recommended by universally accepted clinical guidelines such as those established by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network. Based on past efforts and future research, radiofrequency ablation is expected to play a key role in thyroid cancer treatment in the near future.

발생률이 높고, 예후는 좋지만 재발을 잘하는 경향이 있는 갑상선암에서도 전통적인 치료법은 수술이다. 하지만, 2000년대 초반부터, 간암, 폐암, 신장암에서와 마찬가지로 고주파 절제술이 원발 갑상선암 및 재발 갑상선암에 적용되기 시작했다. 원발암에서는 1 cm 이하 크기의 미세유두암 저위험군에서 수술 불가능한 경우에 대한 많은 연구가 이뤄져 왔고, 1 cm보다 더 크고 4 cm 이하의 다양한 군에 대해서도 일부 연구가 시행되었으며, 전반적으로 모두 양호한 결과를 보고하였다. 재발암에 대해서도 주로는 국소 경부 재발암에 고주파 절제술이 시행되었으며, 일부 폐, 뼈 등의 원격 전이에 대해서도 시도되었고, 전반적으로 양호한 결과가 보고되었다. 최근 들어, 한국, 미국, 유럽 등 각지에서 갑상선암의 고주파 절제술에 대해 옹호하는 움직임이 있다. 하지만, 미국 국립 종합 암 네트워크(National Comprehensive Cancer Network) 등의 중립적인 임상지침에는 고주파 절제술이 아직 인정되지는 않은 상태이다. 지금까지의 노력들과 미래의 연구를 바탕으로 향후 가까운 미래에 갑상선암의 치료에 있어 고주파 절제술이 적절한 자리매김을 할 것으로 전망한다.

Keywords

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