Could This New Test Save Patients from Unnecessary Thyroid Surgeries?

Photo from Left to Right: Leonie Wheeldon Consultant Biomedical Scientist Diagnostic Cytopathology , Sarah Martyn Consultant Sonographer , Gerard Little Biomedical Scientist , Mandy Keen Clinical Imaging Assistant

Transforming Thyroid Diagnostics in Cornwall

A revolutionary study in Cornwall could drastically change how thyroid lumps are assessed, sparing hundreds of patients from unnecessary surgeries while potentially saving the NHS significant resources.

Led by the Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust (RCHT), this ground-breaking research is exploring a molecular test that could offer more accurate diagnoses. Coordinated by Leonie Wheeldon, a Consultant Biomedical Scientist in Diagnostic Cytopathology, the trial involves eight hospital sites across the UK.

Addressing the “Grey Zone” in Diagnoses

Currently, thyroid lumps are analysed using a fine needle aspiration (FNA) procedure, where cells are collected and examined under a microscope. While the majority of results are definitive, around 25% of cases fall into a “grey zone” where the findings are inconclusive. This uncertainty often leads to precautionary surgeries, with up to 75% later revealing no cancer.

The new test under evaluation, called Thyroidprint, seeks to solve this issue. By analysing the genetic profile of cells collected during an FNA, the test provides a risk score that helps identify whether a lump is low-risk (likely benign) or high-risk (concerning).

Benefits for Patients and the NHS

Thyroidprint offers several advantages. It can be carried out locally using existing laboratory equipment already in use for other cancer tests, such as melanoma and colorectal cancer. This capability could streamline the diagnostic process, reducing the need for invasive surgeries and the associated risks for patients.

Leonie said, “This study has the potential to streamline thyroid cancer pathways, significantly reduce the number of unnecessary surgeries for patients, improving their quality of life and reducing costs for the NHS.”

A Promising Step Forward

If successful, this trial could transform thyroid cancer care, ensuring more patients receive accurate diagnoses without enduring unnecessary surgical procedures. The NHS could also benefit from reduced costs associated with avoidable treatments.

Photo from Left to Right: Leonie Wheeldon Consultant Biomedical Scientist Diagnostic Cytopathology , Sarah Martyn Consultant Sonographer , Gerard Little Biomedical Scientist , Mandy Keen Clinical Imaging Assistant