Korean Thyroid Association Guidelines on the Management of Differentiated Thyroid Cancers; Part II. Follow-up Surveillance after Initial Treatment 2026
- Author:
Eun Kyung LEE
1
;
Seung Heon KANG
;
Bon Seok KOO
;
Mijin KIM
;
Min Joo KIM
;
Bo Hyun KIM
;
Ji Won KIM
;
Dong Gyu NA
;
Sohyun PARK
;
Ji-In BANG
;
Kyorim BACK
;
Youngduk SEO
;
Young-Ik SON
;
Young Shin SONG
;
Dong Yeob SHIN
;
Jong-Hyuk AHN
;
Hwa Young AHN
;
So Won OH
;
Ho-Ryun WON
;
Won Sang YOO
;
Min Kyoung LEE
;
Sang-Woo LEE
;
Jeongmin LEE
;
Ji Ye LEE
;
Dong-Jun LIM
;
Ki-Wook CHUNG
;
Ari CHONG
;
Jin Hyang JUNG
;
Sun Wook CHO
;
Yoon Young CHO
;
Chae Moon HONG
;
Young Joo PARK
;
Author Information
- Publication Type:REVIEW ARTICLE
- From:International Journal of Thyroidology 2026;19(1):1-40
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
- Abstract: In patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC), initial recurrence risk stratification based on clinical, histopathological, and perioperative data remains the key determinant for guiding management strategies during the first 1-2 years post-treatment. However, the adoption of ongoing risk stratification (ORS), which dynamically reassesses risk by integrating longitudinal clinical data and treatment response, enables more precise long-term prognostic assessment and facilitates highly individualized management. Building upon recent guidelines, the 2026 KTA guideline has been further refined by incorporating robust evidence from large-scale national cohorts and comprehensive systematic reviews. These updated recommendations outline contemporary concepts of ORS, risk-adapted TSH suppression targets, optimized surveillance modalities for recurrence detection, and disease-specific long-term follow-up strategies. Reflecting the paradigm shift toward de-escalated treatment, this revision integrates evolved perspectives on TSH suppression intensity, the clinical interpretation of thyroglobulin levels, and tailored follow-up intervals. These evidence-based recommendations aim to minimize unnecessary treatment and excessive surveillance in the large proportion of patients with excellent prognosis after initial therapy, while ensuring that each patient receives appropriately tailored and effective long-term management.
