Efficacy and Oncologic Outcomes of Thermal Ablation Techniques in the Treatment of Primary Low-Risk Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the safety, efficacy, and oncologic outcomes of thermal ablation techniques, including radiofrequency, laser, and microwave ablation, in treating primary thyroid cancer compared with surgical resection.

Method: We conducted a systematic review and network meta-analysis, which included 21 comparative studies and 40 noncomparative studies.

Results: The three thermal ablation techniques showed significant superiority over surgical resection in terms of operative time, pain, cost, quality of life, and complications. Three years after the procedure, the tumor volume reduction and complete disappearance rates for the three thermal ablation techniques were similar, at approximately 99% and 93%-95%, respectively. The recurrence rate remained comparable (approximately 2%-3%) among the three thermal ablation techniques and surgical resection during a follow-up period exceeding 3 years.

Conclusions: The safety, efficacy, and oncologic outcomes of thermal ablation techniques may be acceptable and comparable to surgical resection for selected cases of primary thyroid cancer.