Thermal Ablation for Autonomously Functioning Thyroid Nodules: A Prospective Comparison of Radiofrequency and Microwave Ablation
Authors' conclusion
Thermal ablation is an effective treatment for autonomously functioning nodules, with RFA and MWA as complementary options. TMNG responded more favorably than TA, likely reflecting smaller nodule size. The greater energy required for toxic nodules may increase rupture risk.
Study context
- Population
- Patients with toxic adenoma (TA) or toxic multinodular goiter (TMNG); median baseline nodule volume 4.4 mL
- Participants
- 63 patients
- Exposure
- Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) vs microwave ablation (MWA)
- RFAn = 47
- MWAn = 16reference
- Outcome
- Biochemical response: normalization of serum TSH
Methodological detailssingle-centre
- Single-centre
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Biochemical cure
Biochemical cure overall
89%
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Secondary outcomes
Biochemical cure by subgroup: TMNG vs TA
P = 0.01
- Ablation time per mL · MWA required significantly less time per mL
- P = 0.01
Volume reduction ratio (VRR)
- Median VRR exceeded 84% in both groups
Safety
Complications · 12 months
- Complication rates did not differ between modalities
- Nodule rupture exceeded rates in the nonfunctioning nodule literature
Original publication
Thermal Ablation for Autonomously Functioning Thyroid Nodules: A Prospective Comparison of Radiofrequency and Microwave Ablation. Endocr Pract. Published 7 September 2026. doi:10.
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