Predictors of Complete Remission in Differentiated Thyroid Cancer: A Study from the Nuclear Medicine Department of Ibn Rochd Hospital in Casablanca, Morocco.

BACKGROUND

Differentiated thyroid cancers (DTCs) are the most common endocrine malignancies. Although they are generally associated with a favorable prognosis, some patients do not achieve complete remission after treatment. This study aimed to identify predictive factors for complete remission among Moroccan patients with DTCs.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients diagnosed with DTCs between 2004 and 2012 and followed at the Nuclear Medicine Department of Ibn Rochd Hospital. Associations between complete remission and various epidemiological and histopathological factors were assessed using the chi-square test and logistic regression.

RESULTS

A total of 1,366 patients were included. The cohort comprised 89.6% females and 10.4% males, with a sex ratio of 8.5. The mean age at diagnosis was 44 years (range: 14-85 years), and the mean follow-up duration was 125 months. Logistic regression analysis identified the following as significant predictors of complete remission: female sex, age <55 years, papillary thyroid carcinoma, tumor size ≤4 cm, unilaterality, absence of extrathyroidal extension, absence of vascular invasion, undetectable postoperative thyroglobulin (TG) levels, and absence of local or distant involvement.

CONCLUSION

Younger age, female sex, favorable histology, and limited tumor burden were associated with a higher likelihood of complete remission in Moroccan patients with DTCs. Identifying these factors is crucial for tailoring treatment strategies and optimizing follow-up, particularly for patients at higher risk of persistent or recurrent disease.