1.Korean Thyroid Association Guidelines on the Management of Differentiated Thyroid Cancers; Part II. Follow-up Surveillance after Initial Treatment 2026
Eun Kyung LEE ; 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 ;
International Journal of Thyroidology 2026;19(1):1-40
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.
2.Comparing Stability, Gait, and Functional Score after 40-mm Dual-Mobility Hip Arthroplasty to 36-mm Head Hip Arthroplasty in Elderly Hip Fracture Patients
Yonghan CHA ; Sang-Yeob LEE ; Ji-Ho BAE ; Yang Jae KANG ; Ji-Hoon BAEK ; Joon Soon KANG ; Chan Ho PARK ; Shinjune KIM ; Jun-Il YOO
Clinics in Orthopedic Surgery 2025;17(1):62-70
Background:
This study aimed to compare the intraoperative stability and early clinical outcomes of 40-mm diameter dual mobility (DM)-total hip arthroplasty (THA) with 36-mm ceramic head (large head) THA in active elderly patients with hip fractures.
Methods:
A prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted from May 2022 to December 2022. Inclusion criteria were as follows: age ≥ 60 years, displaced femoral neck fracture, Koval grade 1 or 2, planned 54-mm acetabular component, and over 1-year follow-up. Intraoperative stability tests were performed on all patients (internal rotation at 45°, 60°, and 90° of hip fracture). Functional outcomes (Harris Hip Score and University of California, Los Angeles [UCLA] Score) were evaluated at 6 weeks and 3 months postoperatively. Gait analysis using artificial intelligence (AI) techniques was conducted at 3 months postoperatively.
Results:
The study included 36 DM-THA patients (mean age, 69.6 ± 2.2 years; 44% women) and 37 large head THA patients (mean age, 69.6 ± 1.2 years; 64% women). No statistically significant differences were observed in functional outcomes and hip range of motion between the 2 groups. However, there was a significant difference in the gait speed and stance-swing phase of the large head THA group and the DM-THA group: the DM-THA group demonstrated superior gait speed (2.85 ± 0.83 kph vs. 2.04 ± 1.04 kph, p = 0.003) and higher stance phase ratios (operated side: 63.57% ± 3.82% vs. 48.19% ± 5.50%, p < 0.001; opposite side: 62.77% ± 2.27% vs. 49.93% ± 6.94%, p < 0.001). In the stability test at 90° of hip flexion, the DM-THA group had a measurement of 48.40° ± 5.17°, while the large head THA group had a measurement of 30.94° ± 2.98° (p = 0.012). Despite the lack of statistical significance, the intraoperative stability test showed the dislocation angle was notably different between the groups in the hip flexion position of 60° (51.60° ± 6.09° in the DM-THA group and 40.00° ± 2.80° in the large head THA group, p = 0.072).
Conclusions
Superior results were observed in the intraoperative stability test and early recovery of gait after DM-THA compared to large head THA. We believe that DM-THA can be a useful surgical option for THA in elderly patients with hip fractures.
3.Comparing Stability, Gait, and Functional Score after 40-mm Dual-Mobility Hip Arthroplasty to 36-mm Head Hip Arthroplasty in Elderly Hip Fracture Patients
Yonghan CHA ; Sang-Yeob LEE ; Ji-Ho BAE ; Yang Jae KANG ; Ji-Hoon BAEK ; Joon Soon KANG ; Chan Ho PARK ; Shinjune KIM ; Jun-Il YOO
Clinics in Orthopedic Surgery 2025;17(1):62-70
Background:
This study aimed to compare the intraoperative stability and early clinical outcomes of 40-mm diameter dual mobility (DM)-total hip arthroplasty (THA) with 36-mm ceramic head (large head) THA in active elderly patients with hip fractures.
Methods:
A prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted from May 2022 to December 2022. Inclusion criteria were as follows: age ≥ 60 years, displaced femoral neck fracture, Koval grade 1 or 2, planned 54-mm acetabular component, and over 1-year follow-up. Intraoperative stability tests were performed on all patients (internal rotation at 45°, 60°, and 90° of hip fracture). Functional outcomes (Harris Hip Score and University of California, Los Angeles [UCLA] Score) were evaluated at 6 weeks and 3 months postoperatively. Gait analysis using artificial intelligence (AI) techniques was conducted at 3 months postoperatively.
Results:
The study included 36 DM-THA patients (mean age, 69.6 ± 2.2 years; 44% women) and 37 large head THA patients (mean age, 69.6 ± 1.2 years; 64% women). No statistically significant differences were observed in functional outcomes and hip range of motion between the 2 groups. However, there was a significant difference in the gait speed and stance-swing phase of the large head THA group and the DM-THA group: the DM-THA group demonstrated superior gait speed (2.85 ± 0.83 kph vs. 2.04 ± 1.04 kph, p = 0.003) and higher stance phase ratios (operated side: 63.57% ± 3.82% vs. 48.19% ± 5.50%, p < 0.001; opposite side: 62.77% ± 2.27% vs. 49.93% ± 6.94%, p < 0.001). In the stability test at 90° of hip flexion, the DM-THA group had a measurement of 48.40° ± 5.17°, while the large head THA group had a measurement of 30.94° ± 2.98° (p = 0.012). Despite the lack of statistical significance, the intraoperative stability test showed the dislocation angle was notably different between the groups in the hip flexion position of 60° (51.60° ± 6.09° in the DM-THA group and 40.00° ± 2.80° in the large head THA group, p = 0.072).
Conclusions
Superior results were observed in the intraoperative stability test and early recovery of gait after DM-THA compared to large head THA. We believe that DM-THA can be a useful surgical option for THA in elderly patients with hip fractures.
4.Comparing Stability, Gait, and Functional Score after 40-mm Dual-Mobility Hip Arthroplasty to 36-mm Head Hip Arthroplasty in Elderly Hip Fracture Patients
Yonghan CHA ; Sang-Yeob LEE ; Ji-Ho BAE ; Yang Jae KANG ; Ji-Hoon BAEK ; Joon Soon KANG ; Chan Ho PARK ; Shinjune KIM ; Jun-Il YOO
Clinics in Orthopedic Surgery 2025;17(1):62-70
Background:
This study aimed to compare the intraoperative stability and early clinical outcomes of 40-mm diameter dual mobility (DM)-total hip arthroplasty (THA) with 36-mm ceramic head (large head) THA in active elderly patients with hip fractures.
Methods:
A prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted from May 2022 to December 2022. Inclusion criteria were as follows: age ≥ 60 years, displaced femoral neck fracture, Koval grade 1 or 2, planned 54-mm acetabular component, and over 1-year follow-up. Intraoperative stability tests were performed on all patients (internal rotation at 45°, 60°, and 90° of hip fracture). Functional outcomes (Harris Hip Score and University of California, Los Angeles [UCLA] Score) were evaluated at 6 weeks and 3 months postoperatively. Gait analysis using artificial intelligence (AI) techniques was conducted at 3 months postoperatively.
Results:
The study included 36 DM-THA patients (mean age, 69.6 ± 2.2 years; 44% women) and 37 large head THA patients (mean age, 69.6 ± 1.2 years; 64% women). No statistically significant differences were observed in functional outcomes and hip range of motion between the 2 groups. However, there was a significant difference in the gait speed and stance-swing phase of the large head THA group and the DM-THA group: the DM-THA group demonstrated superior gait speed (2.85 ± 0.83 kph vs. 2.04 ± 1.04 kph, p = 0.003) and higher stance phase ratios (operated side: 63.57% ± 3.82% vs. 48.19% ± 5.50%, p < 0.001; opposite side: 62.77% ± 2.27% vs. 49.93% ± 6.94%, p < 0.001). In the stability test at 90° of hip flexion, the DM-THA group had a measurement of 48.40° ± 5.17°, while the large head THA group had a measurement of 30.94° ± 2.98° (p = 0.012). Despite the lack of statistical significance, the intraoperative stability test showed the dislocation angle was notably different between the groups in the hip flexion position of 60° (51.60° ± 6.09° in the DM-THA group and 40.00° ± 2.80° in the large head THA group, p = 0.072).
Conclusions
Superior results were observed in the intraoperative stability test and early recovery of gait after DM-THA compared to large head THA. We believe that DM-THA can be a useful surgical option for THA in elderly patients with hip fractures.
5.Comparing Stability, Gait, and Functional Score after 40-mm Dual-Mobility Hip Arthroplasty to 36-mm Head Hip Arthroplasty in Elderly Hip Fracture Patients
Yonghan CHA ; Sang-Yeob LEE ; Ji-Ho BAE ; Yang Jae KANG ; Ji-Hoon BAEK ; Joon Soon KANG ; Chan Ho PARK ; Shinjune KIM ; Jun-Il YOO
Clinics in Orthopedic Surgery 2025;17(1):62-70
Background:
This study aimed to compare the intraoperative stability and early clinical outcomes of 40-mm diameter dual mobility (DM)-total hip arthroplasty (THA) with 36-mm ceramic head (large head) THA in active elderly patients with hip fractures.
Methods:
A prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted from May 2022 to December 2022. Inclusion criteria were as follows: age ≥ 60 years, displaced femoral neck fracture, Koval grade 1 or 2, planned 54-mm acetabular component, and over 1-year follow-up. Intraoperative stability tests were performed on all patients (internal rotation at 45°, 60°, and 90° of hip fracture). Functional outcomes (Harris Hip Score and University of California, Los Angeles [UCLA] Score) were evaluated at 6 weeks and 3 months postoperatively. Gait analysis using artificial intelligence (AI) techniques was conducted at 3 months postoperatively.
Results:
The study included 36 DM-THA patients (mean age, 69.6 ± 2.2 years; 44% women) and 37 large head THA patients (mean age, 69.6 ± 1.2 years; 64% women). No statistically significant differences were observed in functional outcomes and hip range of motion between the 2 groups. However, there was a significant difference in the gait speed and stance-swing phase of the large head THA group and the DM-THA group: the DM-THA group demonstrated superior gait speed (2.85 ± 0.83 kph vs. 2.04 ± 1.04 kph, p = 0.003) and higher stance phase ratios (operated side: 63.57% ± 3.82% vs. 48.19% ± 5.50%, p < 0.001; opposite side: 62.77% ± 2.27% vs. 49.93% ± 6.94%, p < 0.001). In the stability test at 90° of hip flexion, the DM-THA group had a measurement of 48.40° ± 5.17°, while the large head THA group had a measurement of 30.94° ± 2.98° (p = 0.012). Despite the lack of statistical significance, the intraoperative stability test showed the dislocation angle was notably different between the groups in the hip flexion position of 60° (51.60° ± 6.09° in the DM-THA group and 40.00° ± 2.80° in the large head THA group, p = 0.072).
Conclusions
Superior results were observed in the intraoperative stability test and early recovery of gait after DM-THA compared to large head THA. We believe that DM-THA can be a useful surgical option for THA in elderly patients with hip fractures.
6.Prognostic Roles of Inflammatory Biomarkers in Radioiodine-Refractory Thyroid Cancer Treated with Lenvatinib
Chae A KIM ; Mijin KIM ; Meihua JIN ; Hee Kyung KIM ; Min Ji JEON ; Dong Jun LIM ; Bo Hyun KIM ; Ho-Cheol KANG ; Won Bae KIM ; Dong Yeob SHIN ; Won Gu KIM
Endocrinology and Metabolism 2024;39(2):334-343
Background:
Inflammatory biomarkers, such as the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR), and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), serve as valuable prognostic indicators in various cancers. This multicenter, retrospective cohort study assessed the treatment outcomes of lenvatinib in 71 patients with radioactive iodine (RAI)-refractory thyroid cancer, considering the baseline inflammatory biomarkers.
Methods:
This study retrospectively included patients from five tertiary hospitals in Korea whose complete blood counts were available before lenvatinib treatment. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were evaluated based on the median value of inflammatory biomarkers.
Results:
No significant differences in baseline characteristics were observed among patients grouped according to the inflammatory biomarkers, except for older patients with a higher-than-median NLR (≥2) compared to their counterparts with a lower NLR (P= 0.01). Patients with a higher-than-median NLR had significantly shorter PFS (P=0.02) and OS (P=0.017) than those with a lower NLR. In multivariate analysis, a higher-than-median NLR was significantly associated with poor OS (hazard ratio, 3.0; 95% confidence interval, 1.24 to 7.29; P=0.015). However, neither the LMR nor the PLR was associated with PFS. A higher-than-median LMR (≥3.9) was significantly associated with prolonged OS compared to a lower LMR (P=0.036). In contrast, a higher-than-median PLR (≥142.1) was associated with shorter OS compared to a lower PLR (P=0.039).
Conclusion
Baseline inflammatory biomarkers can serve as predictive indicators of PFS and OS in patients with RAI-refractory thyroid cancer treated with lenvatinib.
7.Korean Thyroid Association Guidelines on the Management of Differentiated Thyroid Cancers; Part IV. Thyroid Cancer during Pregnancy 2024
Hwa Young AHN ; Ho-Cheol KANG ; Mijin KIM ; Bo Hyun KIM ; Sun Wook KIM ; Won Gu KIM ; Hee Kyung KIM ; Dong Gyu NA ; Young Joo PARK ; Young Shin SONG ; Dong Yeob SHIN ; Jee Hee YOON ; Dong-Jun LIM ; Yun Jae CHUNG ; Kwanhoon JO ; Yoon Young CHO ; A Ram HONG ; Eun Kyung LEE ;
International Journal of Thyroidology 2024;17(1):188-192
The prevalence of thyroid cancer in pregnant women is unknown; however, given that thyroid cancer commonly develops in women, especially young women of childbearing age, new cases are often diagnosed during pregnancy. This recommendation summarizes the follow-up and treatment when thyroid cancer is diagnosed during pregnancy and when a woman with thyroid cancer becomes pregnant. If diagnosed in the first trimester, surgery should be postponed until after delivery, and the patient should be monitored with ultrasound. If follow-up before 24–26 weeks of gestation shows that thyroid cancer has progressed, surgery should be considered. If it has not progressed at 24–26 weeks of gestation or if papillary thyroid cancer is diagnosed after 20 weeks of pregnancy, surgery should be considered after delivery.
8.Korean Thyroid Association Guidelines on the Management of Differentiated Thyroid Cancers; Part I. Initial Management of Differentiated Thyroid Cancers - Chapter 7. Adjuvant External Beam Radiotherapy and Systemic Chemotherapy Following Thyroidectomy 2024
Shin Je MOON ; Ho-Cheol KANG ; Sun Wook KIM ; Won Gu KIM ; Dong Gyu NA ; Young Joo PARK ; Young Shin SONG ; Eun Kyung LEE ; Dong-Jun LIM ; Yun Jae CHUNG ; Dong Yeob SHIN ;
International Journal of Thyroidology 2024;17(1):111-114
Surgical resection is typically the primary treatment for differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC), followed by radioactive iodine (RAI) and thyroid-stimulating hormone suppression therapies based on the cancer stage and risk of recurrence. Nevertheless, further treatment may be necessary for patients exhibiting persistent disease following RAI therapy, residual disease refractory to RAI, or unresectable locoregional lesions. This guideline discusses the role of external beam radiotherapy and chemotherapy following surgical resection in patients with DTC. External beam radiotherapy is ineffective if DTC has been entirely excised (Grade 2). Adjuvant external beam radiotherapy may be optionally performed in patients with incomplete surgical resection or frequently recurrent disease (Grade 2). In patients at high risk of recurrence following surgery and RAI therapy, adjuvant external beam radiotherapy may be optionally considered (Grade 3). However, external beam radiotherapy may increase the risk of serious adverse events after tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy. Therefore, careful consideration is needed when prescribing external beam radiotherapy for patients planning to undergo tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy. There is no evidence supporting the benefits of the routine use of adjuvant chemotherapy for DTC treatment (Grade 2).
9.Korean Thyroid Association Guidelines on the Management of Differentiated Thyroid Cancers; Part III. Management of Advanced Differentiated Thyroid Cancers - Chapter 5.Treatment of Metastatic Lesions in Advanced Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma 2024
Kyong Yeun JUNG ; Youngduk SEO ; Ho-Cheol KANG ; Sun Wook KIM ; Dong Gyu NA ; Young Joo PARK ; Young Shin SONG ; Dong Yeob SHIN ; Sang-Woo LEE ; Eun Kyung LEE ; Dong-Jun LIM ; Yun Jae CHUNG ; Won Gu KIM ;
International Journal of Thyroidology 2024;17(1):182-187
Only a small percentage of patients (2-5%) with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) exhibit distant metastasis at the initial diagnosis or during the disease course. The most common metastatic sites of DTC are the lungs, followed by the bones. Radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy is considered the primary treatment for RAI-avid distant metastatic DTC. Depending on the characteristics of metastatic lesions, local treatment such as surgical resection, radiofrequency ablation, and external beam radiation therapy may be considered for some patients with metastatic DTC. Slowly growing and asymptomatic metastases can be monitored with follow-up while receiving thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) suppression therapy. In patients with a limited number of lung metastases and good performance status, surgical removal of the metastatic lesions may be considered. Systemic therapy should be considered for patients with progressive RAI refractory DTC. In this clinical guideline, we aim to outline the treatment principles for patients with lung, bone, and brain metastases of DTC.
10.Korean Thyroid Association Guidelines on the Management of Differentiated Thyroid Cancers; Part III. Management of Advanced Differentiated Thyroid Cancers - Chapter 4. Systemic Therapy for Progressive Radioiodine-Refractory Differentiated Thyroid Cancer 2024
Dong Yeob SHIN ; Ho-Cheol KANG ; Sun Wook KIM ; Dong Gyu NA ; Young Joo PARK ; Young Shin SONG ; Eun Kyung LEE ; Dong-Jun LIM ; Yun Jae CHUNG ; Won Gu KIM ;
International Journal of Thyroidology 2024;17(1):168-181
The primary treatment for differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) with distant metastasis is high-dose radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy, which can have various effects depending on the iodine uptake of thyroid cancer cells. The iodine uptake of metastatic lesions decreases over time, and approximately 40-70% of patients eventually develop RAI refractory disease. Although the prognosis of patients with RAI refractory DTC is very poor, clinical outcomes vary depending on the location and progression of metastatic lesions. Therefore, it is crucial to determine which patients should receive active systemic therapy with tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) and how to apply local treatment before or during systemic therapy. This guideline covers the definition, treatment principles, systemic anticancer agents, and complications of progressive RAI-refractory DTC. RAI refractory DTC is defined as (1) the absence of RAI uptake on whole body scan, (2) presence of RAI uptake in some lesions but not in others, or (3) disease progression despite RAI uptake. Treatment options for RAI refractory DTC include surgery, external beam radiation therapy, locoregional therapies such as high-intensity focused ultrasound ablation, and systemic anticancer therapy.In patients with minimal symptoms and progression, active surveillance without specific treatment may be considered. Systemic treatment should be considered for patients with multiple progressive lesions by RECIST criteria. Furthermore, testing for cancer gene mutations, including BRAF, NTRK, and RET genes, is recommended for personalized therapy. Systemic therapy should be decided based on shared decision-making between the patient and specialist, considering anticipated benefits and risks. Regular assessment of treatment responses and evaluation of adverse events is essential, with dose adjustment based on these assessments. The optimal time of use, clinical approaches for the prevention and control of adverse events, and individualized treatment approaches based on patient characteristics will be of great help in the treatment of patients with RAI-refractory DTC.

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