The Clinical Application of Radiofrequency Ablation in the Treatment of Primary Low-risk Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinoma

Purpose of ReviewTo review and summarize the clinical application of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in the treatment of primary low-risk papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC).Recent FindingsThe therapeutic response of RFA for low-risk PTMC is satisfactory and sustainable with a mean volume reduction rate of 99.3% after a follow-up period ranging from 7.8 to 25.7 months. No life-threatening complications have been found. Compared with surgery, RFA has similar local tumor recurrence rate with more advantages including less invasive procedure, fewer complications, better preservation of thyroid function, and a better quality of life. The concerns of incomplete treatment are still existed in case of non-standard inclusion criteria and inexperienced physicians.SummaryRFA is a promising treatment for primary low-risk PTMC, even though comparative studies of RFA with active surveillance and surgical operation with larger sample size and longer follow-up time are still needed to demonstrate its clinical values.