Patient Report of Recurrent and Persistent Thyroid Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Despite the excellent survival of most patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC), recurrent and persistent disease remain major concerns for physicians and patients. However, studies on patient report of recurrent and persistent disease are lacking. METHODS: Between February 1, 2017 and October 31, 2018 we surveyed eligible patients who were diagnosed with DTC between 2014 and 2015 from the Georgia and Los Angeles Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) cancer registries (N=2,632; response rate, 63%). Patients who reported current disease status were included in this study (n=2,454). Patient reported data were linked to registry data. A multivariable, multinomial logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine patient and tumor characteristics associated with recurrent and persistent thyroid cancer. Quality of life was evaluated using the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS)-Global Health v1.2 questionnaire. Meaningful change in global health was defined as a minimal difference of a half standard deviation or 5 points compared with the mean (T score=50) of a sample population matching the United States 2000 General Census. RESULTS: Of the 2,454 patients completing the survey, 95 (4.1%) reported recurrent disease and 137 (5.8%) reported persistent disease. In multinomial analyses, T3/T4 classification and cervical lymph node involvement (N1) were associated with both report of recurrent (adjusted relative risk ratio (RRR) 1.99, 95% CI 1.16-3.42; adjusted RRR 2.03, 95% CI 1.29-3.21, respectively) and persistent disease (adjusted RRR 3.48, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.96-6.20; adjusted RRR 3.56, 95% CI 2.41-5.24, respectively). Additionally, Hispanic ethnicity was associated with report of recurrent disease (adjusted RRR 1.99, 95% CI 1.23-3.24). Regarding quality of life, the median scores in patients with persistent disease met criteria for meaningful change in global physical health (T-score=44.9) and global mental health (T-score=43.5), when compared to the general population norms. Median scores in patients with cured or recurrent disease did not meet criteria for meaningful change. CONCLUSIONS: Patient report is a reasonable method of assessing recurrent and persistent disease. Impact on quality of life is more marked for patients with reported persistent disease. Our findings will help personalize treatment and long-term follow up in these patients.