Endocrinology and Metabolism

Review Articles

Thyroid
2025 Korean Thyroid Association Clinical Management Guideline on Active Surveillance for Low-Risk Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma: Eun Kyung Lee, Min Joo Kim, Seung Heon Kang, Bon Seok Koo, Kyungsik Kim, Mijin Kim, Bo Hyun Kim, Ji-hoon Kim, Shinje Moon, Kyorim Back, Young Shin Song, Jong-hyuk Ahn, Hwa Young Ahn, Ho-Ryun Won, Won Sang Yoo, Min Kyoung Lee, Jeongmin Lee, Ji Ye Lee, Kyong Yeun Jung, Chan Kwon Jung, Yoon Young Cho, Dong-Jun Lim, Sun Wook Kim, Young Joo Park, Dong Gyu Na, Jee Soo Kim; Endocrinol Metab. 2025;40(3):307-341. Published online June 24, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3803/EnM.2025.2461

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Abstract PDF PubReader ePub: The increasing detection of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) has raised concerns regarding overtreatment. For low-risk PTMC, either immediate surgery or active surveillance (AS) can be considered. To facilitate the implementation of AS, the Korean Thyroid Association convened a multidisciplinary panel and developed the first Korean guideline. AS is recommended for adults with pathologically confirmed Bethesda V–VI PTMC who have no clinical evidence of lymph node or distant metastasis, gross extrathyroidal extension, invasion of the trachea or recurrent laryngeal nerve, or aggressive histology. A baseline assessment requires high-resolution neck ultrasound performed by experienced operators to exclude extrathyroidal extension, tracheal or recurrent laryngeal nerve invasion, and lymph node metastasis; contrast-enhanced neck computed tomography is optional. Patient characteristics, including age, comorbidities, and the capacity for long-term follow-up, should be thoroughly assessed. Shared decision-making should carefully weigh the benefits and risks of surgery versus AS, considering expected oncologic outcomes, potential complications, quality of life, anxiety, medical costs, and patient preference. Follow-up involves neck ultrasound and thyroid function tests every 6 months for 2 years and annually thereafter. Disease progression, defined as significant tumor growth or newly detected nodal or distant metastasis, warrants surgery. Despite remaining uncertainties, this guideline provides a structured framework to ensure oncologic safety and supports patient-centered AS.

Thyroid
Ultrasound Imaging Criteria and Protocols for Active Surveillance of Low-Risk Thyroid Cancer: A Review of International Consensus Guidelines: Ji Ye Lee, Dong Gyu Na; Endocrinol Metab. 2025;40(2):185-194. Published online March 27, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3803/EnM.2024.2319

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Abstract PDF PubReader ePub: Given the indolent nature and favorable outcomes of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC), active surveillance (AS) has been adopted as an alternative management option to immediate surgery. However, the meticulous selection of patients based on individual and tumor-specific characteristics, as well as ultrasound (US) findings, is crucial in AS. Regular US monitoring is performed during AS to detect indicators of tumor progression, such as growth, the emergence of new US features suggestive of gross extrathyroidal extension, and lymph node metastasis. Thus, imaging-based evaluations play a pivotal role in guiding the decision to continue AS or proceed with surgical intervention. This review introduces the Korean Society of Thyroid Radiology (KSThR) guideline for the standardized US imaging of patients with low-risk PTMC under AS, which provide practical recommendations for tumor assessment during the initiation and follow-up phases of AS. This review compared the key features of the KSThR guideline with those of major international guidelines and identified the similarities and differences in imaging methodologies and follow-up strategies. The primary objective of this review is to support the broader implementation of AS and improve outcomes for patients with low-risk PTMC by emphasizing imaging protocols.

Original Article

Thyroid
Study Protocol of Expanded Multicenter Prospective Cohort Study of Active Surveillance on Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinoma (MAeSTro-EXP): Jae Hoon Moon, Eun Kyung Lee, Wonjae Cha, Young Jun Chai, Sun Wook Cho, June Young Choi, Sung Yong Choi, A Jung Chu, Eun-Jae Chung, Yul Hwangbo, Woo-Jin Jeong, Yuh-Seog Jung, Kyungsik Kim, Min Joo Kim, Su-jin Kim, Woochul Kim, Yoo Hyung Kim, Chang Yoon Lee, Ji Ye Lee, Kyu Eun Lee, Young Ki Lee, Hunjong Lim, Do Joon Park, Sue K. Park, Chang Hwan Ryu, Junsun Ryu, Jungirl Seok, Young Shin Song, Ka Hee Yi, Hyeong Won Yu, Eleanor White, Katerina Mastrocostas, Roderick J. Clifton-Bligh, Anthony Glover, Matti L. Gild, Ji-hoon Kim, Young Joo Park; Endocrinol Metab. 2025;40(2):236-246. Published online February 18, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3803/EnM.2024.2136

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material PubReader ePub: Background
Active surveillance (AS) has emerged as a viable management strategy for low-risk papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC), following pioneering trials at Kuma Hospital and the Cancer Institute Hospital in Japan. Numerous prospective cohort studies have since validated AS as a management option for low-risk PTMC, leading to its inclusion in thyroid cancer guidelines across various countries. From 2016 to 2020, the Multicenter Prospective Cohort Study of Active Surveillance on Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinoma (MAeSTro) enrolled 1,177 patients, providing comprehensive data on PTMC progression, sonographic predictors of progression, quality of life, surgical outcomes, and cost-effectiveness when comparing AS to immediate surgery. The second phase of MAeSTro (MAeSTro-EXP) expands AS to low-risk papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) tumors larger than 1 cm, driven by the hypothesis that overall risk assessment outweighs absolute tumor size in surgical decision-making.
Methods
This protocol aims to address whether limiting AS to tumors smaller than 1 cm may result in unnecessary surgeries for low-risk PTCs detected during their rapid initial growth phase. By expanding the AS criteria to include tumors up to 1.5 cm, while simultaneously refining and standardizing the criteria for risk assessment and disease progression, we aim to minimize overtreatment and maintain rigorous monitoring to improve patient outcomes.
Conclusion
This study will contribute to optimizing AS guidelines and enhance our understanding of the natural course and appropriate management of low-risk PTCs. Additionally, MAeSTro-EXP involves a multinational collaboration between South Korea and Australia. This cross-country study aims to identify cultural and racial differences in the management of low-risk PTC, thereby enriching the global understanding of AS practices and their applicability across diverse populations.

Review Article

Thyroid
Active Surveillance for Low-Risk Thyroid Cancers: A Review of Current Practice Guidelines: Min Joo Kim, Jae Hoon Moon, Eun Kyung Lee, Young Shin Song, Kyong Yeun Jung, Ji Ye Lee, Ji-hoon Kim, Kyungsik Kim, Sue K. Park, Young Joo Park; Endocrinol Metab. 2024;39(1):47-60. Published online February 15, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3803/EnM.2024.1937

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Abstract PDF PubReader ePub

The indolent nature and favorable outcomes associated with papillary thyroid microcarcinoma have prompted numerous prospective studies on active surveillance (AS) and its adoption as an alternative to immediate surgery in managing low-risk thyroid cancer. This article reviews the current status of AS, as outlined in various international practice guidelines. AS is typically recommended for tumors that measure 1 cm or less in diameter and do not exhibit aggressive subtypes on cytology, extrathyroidal extension, lymph node metastasis, or distant metastasis. To determine the most appropriate candidates for AS, factors such as tumor size, location, multiplicity, and ultrasound findings are considered, along with patient characteristics like medical condition, age, and family history. Moreover, shared decision-making, which includes patient-reported outcomes such as quality of life and cost-effectiveness, is essential. During AS, patients undergo regular ultrasound examinations to monitor for signs of disease progression, including tumor growth, extrathyroidal extension, or lymph node metastasis. In conclusion, while AS is a feasible and reliable approach for managing lowrisk thyroid cancer, it requires careful patient selection, effective communication for shared decision-making, standardized follow-up protocols, and a clear definition of disease progression.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Proteomic Analysis of Tissue Proteins Related to Lateral Lymph Node Metastasis in Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinoma
Qiyao Zhang, Zhen Cao, Yuanyang Wang, Hao Wu, Zejian Zhang, Ziwen Liu
Journal of Proteome Research.2025; 24(1): 256. CrossRef
Association Between Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease and Thyroid Cancer
Sang Yi Moon, Minkook Son, Jung-Hwan Cho, Hye In Kim, Ji Min Han, Ji Cheol Bae, Sunghwan Suh
Thyroid®.2025; 35(1): 79. CrossRef
Navigating Active Surveillance for Low-Risk PTMC by Standardizing Ultrasound Evaluation: Key Takeaways from the Latest Korean Society of Thyroid Radiology Consensus Statements
Young Joo Park
Clinical Thyroidology®.2025; 37(1): 27. CrossRef
Assessing the Rise in Papillary Thyroid Cancer Incidence: A 38-Year Australian Study Investigating WHO Classification Influence
Steven Weller, Cordia Chu, Alfred King-yin Lam
Journal of Epidemiology and Global Health.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
A Personalized, Risk-Based Approach to Active Surveillance for Prostate Cancer with Takeaways from Broader Oncology Practices: A Mixed Methods Review
Jeroen J. Lodder, Sebastiaan Remmers, Roderick C. N. van den Bergh, Arnoud W. Postema, Pim J. van Leeuwen, Monique J. Roobol
Journal of Personalized Medicine.2025; 15(3): 84. CrossRef
Exploration of immunocytochemical biomarkers related to central lymph node metastasis in papillary thyroid microcarcinoma
Lulu Rong, Jie Wang, Qian Wang, Yanli Zhu, Wenhao Ren
Cytojournal.2025; 22: 18. CrossRef
Study Protocol of Expanded Multicenter Prospective Cohort Study of Active Surveillance on Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinoma (MAeSTro-EXP)
Jae Hoon Moon, Eun Kyung Lee, Wonjae Cha, Young Jun Chai, Sun Wook Cho, June Young Choi, Sung Yong Choi, A Jung Chu, Eun-Jae Chung, Yul Hwangbo, Woo-Jin Jeong, Yuh-Seog Jung, Kyungsik Kim, Min Joo Kim, Su-jin Kim, Woochul Kim, Yoo Hyung Kim, Chang Yoon Le
Endocrinology and Metabolism.2025; 40(2): 236. CrossRef
2024 International Expert Consensus on US-guided Thermal Ablation for T1N0M0 Papillary Thyroid Cancer
Zhen-long Zhao, Shu-rong Wang, Jennifer Kuo, Bülent Çekiç, Lei Liang, Hossam Arafa Ghazi, Shu-hang Xu, Gerardo Amabile, Song-song Wu, Ajit Yadav, Gang Dong, Ingo Janssen, Bo-qiang Fan, Nobuhiro Fukunari, Jun-feng He, Le Thanh Dung, Song-yuan Yu, Sum Leong
Radiology.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
Ultrasound and gene-guided microwave ablation vs. surgery for low-risk papillary thyroid carcinoma: a prospective observational cohort study
Yunfang Yu, Yuxin Shen, Yujie Tan, Yisikandaer Yalikun, Tian Tian, Qingqing Tang, Qiyun Ou, Yue Zhu, Miaoyun Long
Precision Clinical Medicine.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
Global research landscape on active surveillance for papillary thyroid microcarcinoma: a bibliometric analysis
Dong-Shu Kang, Yu-Hao Lin, Jian-Qing Tian
Discover Oncology.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
2025 Korean Thyroid Association Clinical Management Guideline on Active Surveillance for Low-Risk Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma
Eun Kyung Lee, Min Joo Kim, Seung Heon Kang, Bon Seok Koo, Kyungsik Kim, Mijin Kim, Bo Hyun Kim, Ji-hoon Kim, Shin Je Moon, Kyorim Back, Young Shin Song, Jong-hyuk Ahn, Hwa Young Ahn, Ho-Ryun Won, Won Sang Yoo, Min Kyoung Lee, Jeongmin Lee, Ji Ye Lee, Kyo
International Journal of Thyroidology.2025; 18(1): 30. CrossRef
2025 Korean Thyroid Association Clinical Management Guideline on Active Surveillance for Low-Risk Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma
Eun Kyung Lee, Min Joo Kim, Seung Heon Kang, Bon Seok Koo, Kyungsik Kim, Mijin Kim, Bo Hyun Kim, Ji-hoon Kim, Shinje Moon, Kyorim Back, Young Shin Song, Jong-hyuk Ahn, Hwa Young Ahn, Ho-Ryun Won, Won Sang Yoo, Min Kyoung Lee, Jeongmin Lee, Ji Ye Lee, Kyon
Endocrinology and Metabolism.2025; 40(3): 307. CrossRef
Current evidence and strategies for preventing tumor recurrence following thermal ablation of papillary thyroid carcinoma
Ru Li, Luyang Yang, Ming Xu, Baofeng Wu, Qinhao Liu, Qin An, Yuchen Sun, Yi Zhang, Yunfeng Liu
Cancer Imaging.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
2023 Update of the Korean Thyroid Association Guidelines for the Management of Thyroid Nodules
Eun Kyung Lee, Young Joo Park
Clinical Thyroidology®.2024; 36(4): 153. CrossRef
Association between exercise habits and incident type 2 diabetes mellitus in patients with thyroid cancer: nationwide population-based study
Jiyun Park, Jin-Hyung Jung, Hyunju Park, Young Shin Song, Soo-Kyung Kim, Yong-Wook Cho, Kyungdo Han, Kyung-Soo Kim
BMC Medicine.2024;[Epub] CrossRef
Prediction of Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Invasion in Thyroid Cancer by Ultrasound
Jin Hyang Jung, Eunji Kim, Byung Ju Kang
Journal of Surgical Ultrasound.2024; 11(1): 18. CrossRef
Advances in clinical research on ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation for papillary thyroid microcarcinoma
Hua Xu, Jin-yan Yang, Xing Zhao, Zhe Ma
Frontiers in Oncology.2024;[Epub] CrossRef
Systemic therapy for differentiated thyroid cancer with distant metastasis
Eun Kyung Lee
Journal of the Korean Medical Association.2024; 67(7): 484. CrossRef
Active Surveillance of Papillary Thyroid Cancer—A Feasibility Experience from a Tertiary Care Centre
Narmada Nangadda, Hetashvi Gondaliya, Deepali Bhat, Anirudh J. Shetty, Kranti S. Khadilkar, Shivaprasad Kumbenahalli Siddegowda, Basavaraj G. Sooragonda, Vijay Pillai, Vidhya Bhushan Rangappa, Vivek Shetty, Yogesh Madhav Dokhe, Trupti C. Kolur, Naveen Ban
Indian Journal of Surgical Oncology.2024;[Epub] CrossRef

Original Article

Thyroid Thyroid Cancer Screening
Diagnostic Performance of Ultrasound-Based Risk Stratification Systems for Thyroid Nodules: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis: Leehi Joo, Min Kyoung Lee, Ji Ye Lee, Eun Ju Ha, Dong Gyu Na; Endocrinol Metab. 2023;38(1):117-128. Published online February 27, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3803/EnM.2023.1670

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8 Web of Science
12 Crossref

Abstract PDF PubReader ePub

Background
This study investigated the diagnostic performance of biopsy criteria in four society ultrasonography risk stratification systems (RSSs) for thyroid nodules, including the 2021 Korean (K)-Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TIRADS).
Methods
The Ovid-MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane, and KoreaMed databases were searched and a manual search was conducted to identify original articles investigating the diagnostic performance of biopsy criteria for thyroid nodules (≥1 cm) in four widely used society RSSs.
Results
Eleven articles were included. The pooled sensitivity and specificity were 82% (95% confidence interval [CI], 74% to 87%) and 60% (95% CI, 52% to 67%) for the American College of Radiology (ACR)-TIRADS, 89% (95% CI, 85% to 93%) and 34% (95% CI, 26% to 42%) for the American Thyroid Association (ATA) system, 88% (95% CI, 81% to 92%) and 42% (95% CI, 22% to 67%) for the European (EU)-TIRADS, and 96% (95% CI, 94% to 97%) and 21% (95% CI, 17% to 25%) for the 2016 K-TIRADS. The sensitivity and specificity were 76% (95% CI, 74% to 79%) and 50% (95% CI, 49% to 52%) for the 2021 K-TIRADS_1.5 (1.5-cm size cut-off for intermediate-suspicion nodules). The pooled unnecessary biopsy rates of the ACR-TIRADS, ATA system, EU-TIRADS, and 2016 K-TIRADS were 41% (95% CI, 32% to 49%), 65% (95% CI, 56% to 74%), 68% (95% CI, 60% to 75%), and 79% (95% CI, 74% to 83%), respectively. The unnecessary biopsy rate was 50% (95% CI, 47% to 53%) for the 2021 K-TIRADS_1.5.
Conclusion
The unnecessary biopsy rate of the 2021 K-TIRADS_1.5 was substantially lower than that of the 2016 K-TIRADS and comparable to that of the ACR-TIRADS. The 2021 K-TIRADS may help reduce potential harm due to unnecessary biopsies.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Enhancing diagnostic accuracy of thyroid nodules: integrating self-learning and artificial intelligence in clinical training
Daham Kim, Yoon-a Hwang, Youngsook Kim, Hye Sun Lee, Eunjung Lee, Hyunju Lee, Jung Hyun Yoon, Vivian Youngjean Park, Miribi Rho, Jiyoung Yoon, Si Eun Lee, Jin Young Kwak
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Accuracy of ultrasound in predicting thyroid malignancy: a comparative analysis of the ACR TI-RADS and ATA risk stratification systems
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Young Joo Park, Eun Kyung Lee, Young Shin Song, Su Hwan Kang, Bon Seok Koo, Sun Wook Kim, Dong Gyu Na, Seung-Kuk Baek, So Won Oh, Min Kyoung Lee, Sang-Woo Lee, Young Ah Lee, Yong Sang Lee, Ji Ye Lee, Dong-Jun Lim, Leehi Joo, Yuh-Seog Jung, Chan Kwon Jung,
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Miguel Ángel Castilla Villanueva, Dania Guadalupe Solis Cano, Ana Amador Martínez, Marco Antonio Téliz Meneses, Jesús Baquera-Heredia, Cesar Eduardo Vallin Orozco, Mónica Loya Ceballos
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Frontiers in Endocrinology.2024;[Epub] CrossRef
Systemic therapy for differentiated thyroid cancer with distant metastasis
Eun Kyung Lee
Journal of the Korean Medical Association.2024; 67(7): 484. CrossRef
To Screen or Not to Screen?
Do Joon Park
Endocrinology and Metabolism.2023; 38(1): 69. CrossRef
The 2017 United States Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation for Thyroid Cancer Screening Is No Longer the Gold Standard
Ka Hee Yi
Endocrinology and Metabolism.2023; 38(1): 72. CrossRef
Thyroid Cancer Screening: How to Maximize Its Benefits and Minimize Its Harms
Jung Hwan Baek
Endocrinology and Metabolism.2023; 38(1): 75. CrossRef
2023 Korean Thyroid Association Management Guidelines for Patients with Thyroid Nodules
Young Joo Park, Eun Kyung Lee, Young Shin Song, Soo Hwan Kang, Bon Seok Koo, Sun Wook Kim, Dong Gyu Na, Seung-Kuk Baek, So Won Oh, Min Kyoung Lee, Sang-Woo Lee, Young Ah Lee, Yong Sang Lee, Ji Ye Lee, Dong-Jun Lim, Leehi Joo, Yuh-Seog Jung, Chan Kwon Jung
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Evaluation of the Appropriateness of Thyroid Fine-Needle Aspiration
Lairce Cristina Ribeiro Brito, Iara Beatriz De Carvalho Botêlho, Lanna Matos Silva Fernandes, Nayze Lucena Sangreman Aldeman, Uziel Nunes Silva
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