Investigating Serum Antithyroglobulin Antibody Trend and Response to Treatment in Patients With Differentiated Thyroid Cancer Publisher



Mirahmad M ; Naserian S ; Alinaghi SAS ; Rabizadeh S ; Nakhjavani M ; Hemmatabadi M ; Shirzad N
Source: Endocrinology Research and Practice Published:2025

Abstract

Objective: Serum thyroglobulin (Tg) and serum antithyroglobulin antibody (TgAb) are used to monitor the progression or recurrence of differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). The aim was to examine the potential of TgAb levels and trends as indicators of response to treatment in the long-term follow-up of DTC patients. Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, the medical records of DTC patients with total thyroidectomy and positive TgAb were reviewed. Collected data included age, gender, Tg, TgAb, clinicopathological characteristics, DTC risk, and response to treatment. The association between response to treatment and TgAb level/trend was investigated. Results: A total of 64 DTC patients with positive TgAb, with a mean ± SD age of 47.73 ± 14.12 years, were followed up for a median of 7.1 years. The TgAb trend had a significant association with DTC risk (P = .010) and incomplete structural response (P < .001). The majority of those with incomplete structural responses (60.9%) had increasing TgAb trends. After 6 months of follow-up, TgAb values had a significant association with response to treatment, with higher TgAb levels in those with incomplete response than excellent response. A decreasing trend of mean TgAb levels over time was noticed in the excellent response group. There was no significant association between thyroglobulin (Tg) level and response to treatment in the first year of follow-up. The correlation between TgAb and Tg levels was weak and non-significant (correlation coefficient (r) < 0.3, P > .05). Conclusion: In patients with DTC, TgAb levels and trends are significant indicators of response to treatment. The recurrence or persistent disease should be suspected in patients with an increasing TgAb trend. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.