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. 2026 May 29;26(3):1–227.

Table A21:

Characteristics of Studies Included in the Selected Systematic Reviews

Author, year, country Study design Intervention Comparator No. patients (M/F); age, mean ± SD Baseline nodule characteristics, mean ± SD Follow-up duration Notes
Studies included in the systematic review by Nicolopoulos et al (Austria Institute of Health Technology Assessment)85 on symptomatic benign thyroid nodules
Jin et al, 2021,117 China RCT RFA or MWA Thyroidectomy MWA or RFA: 225; 43 ± 5 y Thyroidectomy: 225; 43 ± 5 y Maximum diameter, cm RFA or MWA: 2.72 ± 0.82 Thyroidectomy: 3.21 ± 0.61 15 mo
Loss to follow-up RFA or MWA: 11% Thyroidectomy: 12%
Separate data on MWA (n = 89) and RFA (n = 112) for volume reduction rate only
Yan et al, 2018,118 China RCT MWA Thyroidectomy MWA: 57 (M 8/F 49);
45.8 ± 10.2 y
Thyroidectomy: 51 (M 11/F 40); 46.2 ± 11.5 y
Diameter, cm MWA: 2.55 ± 1.13 Thyroidectomy: 2.34 ± 1.05 48 h
Loss to follow-up NR
Zhi et al, 2018,119 China RCT MWA Thyroidectomy MWA: 28 (M 20/F 8);
53.61 ± 8.76 y
Thyroidectomy: 24 (M 14/F 10); 52.05 ± 11.95 y
Maximum diameter, cm MWA: 3.76 ± 1.06 Thyroidectomy: 4.36 ± 0.84
Volume, mL
MWA: 17.11 ± 14.41
Thyroidectomy: 20.79 ± 14.00
12 mo
Loss to follow-up MWA: 7%
Thyroidectomy: 20%
Jin et al, 2018,121 China Retrospective, propensity-score matching, double-blinded MWA Thyroidectomy Before propensity matching MWA: 156 (M 58/F 98);
36.7 ± 10.3 y
Thyroidectomy: 124 (M 40/F 84);
45.4 ± 11.2 y
After propensity matching MWA: 106 (M 31/F 75);
39.6 ± 11.2 y
Thyroidectomy: 106 (M 28/F 78):
45.4 ± 11.2 y
Median (IQR)
Before propensity matching
Diameter, cm
MWA: 28.2 (24.1-35.6)
Thyroidectomy: 26.3 (23.2-32.1)
Volume, mL
MWA: 5.7 (3.8-10.3)
Thyroidectomy: 4.6 (3.4-8.5)
After propensity matching Diameter, cm MWA: 28.6 (24.1-35.3) Thyroidectomy: 28.2 (23.0-35.9)
Volume, mL
MWA: 5.7 (3.8-10.3)
Thyroidectomy: 5.5 (3.5-9.6)
MWA: 12.8 mo Thyroidectomy:
12.6 mo
Loss to follow-up NR
Lang et al, 2019,23 China Retrospective, propensity-score matching HIFU Lobectomy Before propensity matching HIFU: 97 (M 12/F 85); 48 ± 12 y Lobectomy: 88 (M 25/F 63);
54 ± 15.17 y
After propensity matching HIFU: 77 (M 12/F 65); 49 ± 13 y Lobectomy: 77 (M 17/F 60);
51 ± 14 y
Before propensity matching Dominant size, cm HIFU: 3.5 ± 1.1 Lobectomy: 3.9 ± 1.5 Dominant volume, mL HIFU: 25.2 ± 14.0 Lobectomy: 26.67 ± 13.9
After propensity matching Dominant size, cm HIFU: 4.0 ± 1.0 Lobectomy: 4.0 ± 1.0 Dominant volume, mL HIFU: 24.8 ± 14.5 Lobectomy: 24.0 ± 17.2
6 mo
Loss to follow-up NR
Yan et al, 2023,122 China Retrospective, propensity-score matching RFA Thyroidectomy Median age (IQR)
Before propensity matching RFA: 49 (M 9/F 40); 65 (5.5) y Thyroidectomy: 181 (M 59/
F 122); 64 (6.0) y
After propensity matching RFA: 49 (M 9/F 40); 65 (5.5) y Thyroidectomy: 49 (M 9/F 40); 64 (5.0) y
Median (IQR)
Before propensity matching Largest diameter, cm RFA: 3.2 (1.5) Thyroidectomy: 4.1 (1.6)
Volume, mL RFA: 7.4 (10.1) Thyroidectomy: 18.6 (22.0) After propensity matching Largest diameter, cm RFA: 3.2 (1.5) Thyroidectomy: 3.1 (1.2) Volume, mL RFA: 7.4 (10.1) Thyroidectomy: 7.1 (13.6)
Median (IQR)
RFA: 27.3 (36.3) mo Thyroidectomy:
35.7 (25.9) mo Loss to follow-up NR
Elderly
populations
Yue et al, 2016,123 China Retrospective, propensity-score matching RFA Thyroidectomy Before propensity matching RFA: 137 (M 38/F 99);
48.3 ± 12.9 y
Thyroidectomy: 267 (M 129/
F 138); 52.4 ± 12.7 y After propensity matching RFA: 108 (M 36/F 72);
50.8 ± 11.9 y
Thyroidectomy: 108 (M 39/F 69);
49.8 ± 13.6 y
Median (IQR)
Before propensity matching Volume, mL RFA: 5.7 (3.9-9.1) Thyroidectomy: 5.2 (1.4-11.2)
After propensity matching Volume, mL RFA: 5.6 (3.9-8.7) Thyroidectomy: 5.3 (2.2-10.4)
6 mo
Loss to follow-up NR
Studies included in the systematic review by Leon-Salas et al77 on cystic thyroid nodules
Baek et al, 2015,125 Korea RCT EA RFA EA: 24 (M 6/F 18); 47.6 y RFA: 22 (M 3/F 19); 50.8 y Diameter, cm EA: 3.6 ± 1.0 RFA: 3.0 ± 1.0 Volume, mL EA: 14.7 ± 13.7 RFA: 8.6 ± 9.4 6 mo
Loss to follow-up RFA: 3 PEI: 1
Predominantly cystic thyroid nodules (50%-90% cystic portion)
Sung et al, 2013,126 Korea RCT EA RFA EA: 25 (M 2/F 23); 45.0 ± 10.9 y RFA: 25 (M 3/F 22); 44.9 ± 10.6 y Diameter, cm
EA: 3.4 ± 1.0 (range 1.7-5.7) RFA: 3.0 ± 1.2 (range 1.8-6.2) Volume, mL
EA: 12.2 ± 11.0 (range 1.9-39.0) RFA: 9.3 ± 11.7 (range 1.8-54.0)
6 mo Predominantly cystic thyroid nodules (> 90% cystic portion)
Studies included in the systematic review by Javid et al70 on AFTNs
Bernardi et al, 2017,129 Italy Prospective
noncomparative
RFA 30 (M 10/F 20); 69.1 ± 2.0 y NR 12 mo Single RFA session
Cesareo et al, 2018,132 Italy Prospective
noncomparative
RFA 29 (M 18/F 11); 51.41 ± 15.5 y NR 24 mo Single RFA session
Dobnig and Amrein, 2018,134 Austria Prospective
noncomparative
RFA - 32; NR NR 12 mo Single RFA session
Vu et al, 2022,136 Vietnam Prospective
noncomparative
RFA 17 (M 2/F 15); 46.47 ± 13.11 y NR 24 mo Single RFA session
Baek et al, 2009,127 Korea Retrospective
noncomparative
RFA 9 (M 1/F 8); 47 ± 17 y NR 11.0 ± 4.2 mo Multiple RFA sessions
Bernardi et al, 2018,128 Italy Retrospective
noncomparative
RFA 32; NR NR NR Single RFA session
Cappelli et al, 2020,130 Italy Retrospective
noncomparative
RFA 17 (M 6/F 11); 45.3 ± 18.0 y NR 12 mo Single RFA session
Cervelli et al, 2019,131 Italy Retrospective
noncomparative
RFA 22 (M 2/F 20); 51.9 ± 13.9 y NR 12 mo Single RFA session
Deandrea et al, 2008,133 Italy Retrospective
noncomparative
RFA 22; NR NR 6 mo Single RFA session
Sung et al, 2015,135 Korea Retrospective
noncomparative
RFA 44 (M 2/F 42); 43 ± 14.7 y NR 19.9 ± 12.6 mo Multiple RFA sessions
Studies included in the systematic review by Nguyen et al84 on papillary thyroid cancer
Guo et al, 2024,137 China Prospective
comparative
MWA Surgery MWA: 52 (M 9/F 43); NR Surgery: 71 (M 13/F 58); NR Size, mm MWA: 12.9 ± 2.2 Surgery: 13.6 ± 5.6 Volume, mm3 MWA: 660 ± 440 Surgery: 820 ± 560 12 mo PTC
Zheng et al, 2023,138 China Prospective
comparative
MWA Surgery MWA: 92 (M 16/F 76); NR Surgery: 106 (M 23/F 83); NR Size, mm MWA: 8.1 ± 3.0 Surgery: 8.9 ± 3.3 Volume, mm3 MWA: 230 ± 330 Surgery: 320 ± 370 13 mo PTC, PTMC
Cao et al, 2021,139 China Retrospective
comparative
RFA MWA RFA: 49 (M 7/F 42); 46.0 ± 14.0 y
MWA: 123 (M 31/F 92);
46.0 ± 12.0 y
Size, mm RFA: 13.2 ± 2.8 MWA: 13.5 ± 2.8 Volume, mm3 NR 25 mo PTC
Cao et al, 2021,140 China Retrospective
comparative
RFA MWA RFA: 183; NR MWA: 542; NR Size, mm NR
Volume, mm3 NR
21 mo PTMC
He et al, 2021,141 China Retrospective
comparative
RFA Surgery RFA: 94 (M 23/F 71); 43.9 y Surgery: 110 (M 17/F 93); 43.8 y Size, mm NR
Volume, mm3 RFA: 795 ± 480.2 Surgery: NR
NR PTC
Li et al, 2018,142 China Retrospective
comparative
MWA Surgery MWA: 46 (M 14/F 32);
43.6 ± 9.3 y
Surgery: 46 (M 13/F 33);
49.6 ± 9.0 y
Size, mm MWA: 4.5 ± 1.6 Surgery: 4.3 ± 1.4 Volume, mm3 MWA: 56.6 ± 48.8 Surgery: NR 42 mo PTMC
Li et al, 2019,143 China Retrospective
comparative
MWA Surgery MWA: 168 (M 36/F 132); 47.3 ± 10.7 y
Surgery: 143 (M 29/F 114); 49.2 ± 11.4 y
Size, mm NR
Volume, mm3 MWA: 81.6 ± 10.0 Surgery: NR
12 mo PTMC
Author, year, country Study design Intervention Comparator No. patients (M/F); age, mean ± SD Baseline nodule characteristics, mean ± SD Follow-up duration Notes
Li et al, 2024,144 China Retrospective
comparative
RFA MWA RFA: 346 (M 63/F 283);
37.3 ± 9.8 y
MWA: 166 (M 38/F 128);
38.3 ± 9.9 y
Size, mm RFA: 1.3 ± 2.0 MWA: 1.0 ± 1.1
Volume, mm3 NR
22 mo PTMC
Song et al, 2021,145 China Retrospective
comparative
RFA Surgery RFA: 115 (M 18/F 97); 44.9 ± 10.4 y
Surgery: 103 (M 19/F 84); 45.4 ± 9.9 y
Size, mm RFA: 6.5 ± 1.9 Surgery: 6.9 ± 1.6 Volume, mm3 RFA: 181.6 ± 156.5 Surgery: 198.2 ± 118.8 RFA: 26 mo Surgery: 29 mo PTMC
Wang et al, 2021,146 China Retrospective
comparative
MWA Surgery MWA: 63 (M 12/F 51); 43.6 ± 14.2 y Surgery: 83 (M 24/F 59); 43.2 ± 10.9 y Size, mm MWA: 4.5 ± 1.1 Surgery: 4.5 ± 1.1 Volume, mm3 MWA: 35.1 ± 26.8 Surgery: NR 24 mo PTMC
Wei et al, 2022,147 China Retrospective
comparative
MWA Surgery MWA: 350 (M 82/F 268);
44.0 ± 12.0
Surgery: 350 (M 83/F 267);
44.0 ± 12.0
Size, mm MWA: 8.0 ± 4.0 Surgery: 8.0 ± 4.0
Volume, mm3 MWA: 200 ± 300 Surgery: NR
36 mo PTC, PTMC
Xu et al, 2018,148 China Retrospective
comparative
MWA Surgery MWA: 41 (M 12/F 29); 45.8 ± 10.2 y Surgery: 46 (M 16/F 30); 46.2 ± 11.5 y Size, mm MWA: 8.9 ± 1.0 Surgery: 8.1 ± 1.2 Volume, mm3 NR NR PTMC
Yan et al, 2021,202 China Retrospective
comparative
RFA Surgery RFA: 332 (M 82/F 250); 44.1 ± 9.5 y
Surgery: 332 (M 84/F 248); 43.8 ± 9.5 y
Size, mm RFA: 5.7 ± 2.2 Surgery: 5.5 ± 2.2
Volume, mm3 RFA: 91.6 ± 107.5 Surgery: 86.4 ± 106.8
RFA: 47 mo Surgery: 51 mo PTMC
Yan et al, 2023,203 China Retrospective
comparative
RFA MWA RFA: 357 (M 98/F 259);
44.8 ± 10.4 y
MWA: 117 (M 25/F 92);
45.8 ± 10.5 y
Size, mm NR
Volume, mm3 NR
77 mo PTMC
Author, year, country Study design Intervention Comparator No. patients (M/F); age, mean ± SD Baseline nodule characteristics, mean ± SD Follow-up duration Notes
Yan et al, 2023,149 China Retrospective
comparative
RFA Surgery RFA: 44 (M 10/F 34); 44.3 ± 10.2 y
Surgery: 53 (M 18/F 35); 41.6 ± 10.1 y
Size, mm RFA: 5.5 ± 2.3 Surgery: 6.0 ± 2.4
Volume, mm3 RFA: 83.2 ± 111.3 Surgery: 110.0 ± 150.5
RFA: 74 mo Surgery: 22 mo PTMC
Zeng et al, 2023,150 China Retrospective
comparative
RFA Surgery RFA: 86 (M 41/F 45); 48.5 ± 7.4 y Surgery: 74 (M 28/F 46);
47.1 ± 6.8 y
Size, mm RFA: 5.4 ± 1.8 Surgery: 5.6 ± 1.8 Volume, mm3 RFA: 50.5 ± 16.8 Surgery: 54.8 ± 17.2 NR PTMC
Zhang et al, 2020,152 China Retrospective
comparative
RFA Surgery RFA: 94 (M 24/F 70); 45.4 ± 10.8 y
Surgery: 80 (M 20/F 60); 44.1 ± 9.6 y
Size, mm RFA: 6.1 ± 2.5 Surgery: 6.0 ± 1.5
Volume, mm3 RFA: 175.9 ± 228.3 Surgery: 132.7 ± 94.1
64 mo PTMC
Zhang et al, 2022,151 China Retrospective
comparative
RFA Surgery RFA: 157 (M 60/F 97);
45.8 ± 9.9 y
Surgery: 206 (M 105/F 101); 45.7 ± 10.8 y
Size, mm RFA: 5.3 ± 1.8 Surgery: 5.3 ± 1.8 Volume, mm3 RFA: 58.3 ± 52.7 Surgery: 61.9 ± 54.1 30 mo PTMC
Zhou et al, 2019,153 China Retrospective
comparative
LA Surgery LA: 36 (M 14/F 22); 41.5 ± 11.3 y Surgery: 45 (M 17/F 28);
41.6 ± 9.6
Size, mm LA: 4.7 ± 1.4 Surgery: 5.0 ± 1.1
Volume, mm3 LA: 43.3 ± 38.8 Surgery: 49.3 ± 30.4
LA: 36 mo Surgery: 28 mo PTMC
Zhou et al, 2020,154 China Retrospective
comparative
MWA LA MWA: 33 (M 7/F 26);
37.9 ± 10.1 y
LA: 34 (M 11/F 23); 41.8 ± 13.4 y
Size, mm MWA: 5.0 ± 1.4 LA: 4.5 ± 1.6 Volume, mm3 MWA: 38.5 ± 43.0 LA: 51.9 ± 40.8 30 mo PTMC
Author, year, country Study design Intervention Comparator No. patients (M/F); age, mean ± SD Baseline nodule characteristics, mean ± SD Follow-up duration Notes
Zu et al, 2021,155 China Retrospective
comparative
MWA Surgery MWA: 320 (M 83/F 237); 45.0 ± 10.6 y
Surgery: 324 (M 77/F 247); 43.9 ± 11.5 y
Size, mm MWA: 5.0 ± 1.9 Surgery: 5.1 ± 1.9
Volume, mm3 MWA: 85.1 ± 89.1 Surgery: NR
94 mo PTMC
Han et al, 2023,156 China Prospective
noncomparative
MWA 1,278 (M 282/F 996); 44.3 ± 10.7 y Size, mm: 6.1 ± 2.1 Volume, mm3: 110.0 ± 110.0 36 mo PTMC
Lim et al, 2022,157 China Prospective
noncomparative
RFA 12 (M 2/F 10); 51.2 ± 11.0 y Size, mm: 5.3 ± 1.5 Volume, mm3: 172.5 ± 104.6 12 mo PTMC
Teng et al, 2018,158 China Prospective
noncomparative
MWA 15 (M 6/F 9); 48.0 ± 8.8 y Size, mm: 5.8 ± 2.5 Volume, mm3: 134.3 ± 129.8 42 mo PTMC
Wang et al, 2014,159 China Prospective
noncomparative
RFA 8 (M 1/F 7); 43.6 ± 9.3 y Size, mm: 10.0 ± 6.1 Volume, mm3: 206.0 ± 241.0 12 mo PTC
Yue et al, 2014,160 China Prospective
noncomparative
MWA 18 (M 6/F 12); 52.1 ± 13.6 y Size, mm: 7.3 ± 3.0 Volume, mm3: 89.5 ± 20.1 12 mo PTMC
Yue et al, 2020,161 China Prospective
noncomparative
MWA 119 (M 27/F 92); 48.7 ± 11.8 y Size, mm: 6.9 ± 1.9 Volume, mm3: 130.0 ± 90.0 17 mo PTMC
Zhang et al, 2016,162 China Prospective
noncomparative
RFA 92 (M 23/F 69); 44.7 ± 10.7 y Size, mm: 5.5 ± 2.0 Volume, mm3: 118.8 ± 106.9 9 mo PTMC
Zheng et al, 2023,163 China Prospective
noncomparative
MWA 461 (M 124/F 337); 43.0 ± 11.0 y Size, mm: 6.0 ± 2.0 Volume, mm3: 100.0 ± 100.0 26 mo PTMC
Cao et al, 2020,164 China Retrospective
noncomparative
MWA 14 (M 3/F 11); 46.9 ± 11.9 y Size, mm: 11.8 ± 3.2 Volume, mm3: 271.4 ± 195.9 24 mo PTC
Cho et al, 2020,165 Korea Retrospective
noncomparative
RFA 74 (M 8/F 66); 46.0 ± 12.0 y Size, mm: 5.2 ± 1.4 Volume, mm3: 59.8 ± 47.8 72 mo PTMC
Ding et al, 2019,166 China Retrospective
noncomparative
RFA 37 (M 8/F 29); 45.1 ± 13.0 y Size, mm: 7.4 ± 4.1 Volume, mm3: 120.0 ± 100.0 9 mo PTMC
Dong et al, 2024,167 China Retrospective
noncomparative
MWA 66 (M 13/F 53); 43.5 ± 8.7 y Size, mm: 5.1 ± 3.0 Volume, mm3: 43.8 ± 75.7 60 mo PTMC
Guang et al, 2017,168 China Retrospective
noncomparative
RFA 33 (M 11/F 22); 43.7 ± 10.7 y Size, mm: 12.2 ± 5.1 Volume, mm3: 405.8 ± 440.3 21 mo PTC
Han et al, 2020,169 China Retrospective
noncomparative
MWA 37 (M 17/F 20); 43.6 ± 13.8 y Size, mm: 13.2 ± 5.9 Volume, mm3: NR 11 mo PTC
He et al, 2021,170 China Retrospective
noncomparative
RFA 95 (M 24/F 71); 66.6 ± 4.4 y Size, mm: 6.1 ± 2.0 Volume, mm3: 107.3 ± 99.1 36 mo PTMC
Ji et al, 2019,171 China Retrospective
noncomparative
LA 37 (M 12/F 25); 43.9 ± 17.6 y Size, mm: 5.1 ± 3.4 Volume, mm3: 52.8 ± 30.6 18 mo PTMC
Jing et al, 2024,172 China Retrospective
noncomparative
RFA 592 (M 122/F 470); 43.9 ± 10.1 y Size, mm: NR
Volume, mm3: 107.6 ± 96.0
40 mo PTMC
Juan et al, 2022,173 China Retrospective
noncomparative
LA 38 (M 12/F 26); 62.0 ± 2.4 y Size, mm: 5.1 ± 1.0 Volume, mm3: 40.7 ± 16.5 60 mo PTMC
Kim et al, 2017,174 Korea Retrospective
noncomparative
RFA 6 (M 2/F 4); 72.0 ± 6.6 y Size, mm: 9.2 ± 2.8 Volume, mm3: 215.3 ± 197.9 48 mo PTMC
Lim et al, 2019,175 Korea Retrospective
noncomparative
RFA 133 (M 19/F 114); 46.0 ± 12.0 y Size, mm: 4.3 ± 1.4 Volume, mm3: 30.0 ± 40.0 39 mo PTMC
Mauri et al, 2016,176 Italy Retrospective
noncomparative
LA 24 (M 11/F 13); 62.3 ± 13.2 y Size, mm: 10.0 ± 5.0 Volume, mm3: NR 30 mo PTC
Offi et al, 2021,177 Italy Retrospective
noncomparative
LA 10 (M 4/F 6); 40.2 ± 17.9 y Size, mm: NR
Volume, mm3: 182.0 ± 345.0
NR PTC
Peng et al, 2021,178 China Retrospective
noncomparative
LA 105 (M 31/F 74); 44.1 ± 12.2 y Size, mm: 6.3 ± 2.6 Volume, mm3: 99.4 ± 84.0 65 mo PTMC
Seo et al, 2021,179 Korea Retrospective
noncomparative
RFA 5 (M 0/F 5); 40.4 ± 8.8 y Size, mm: 5.0 ± 1.2 Volume, mm3: NR 130 mo PTMC
Song et al, 2020,180 China Retrospective
noncomparative
RFA 112 (M 18/F 94); 44.9 ± 10.6 y Size, mm: 6.5 ± 1.9 Volume, mm3: 181.6 30 mo PTMC
Teng et al, 2019,181 China Retrospective
noncomparative
MWA 185 (M 40/F 145); 42.2 ± 11.7 y Size, mm: 5.3 ± 1.9 Volume, mm3: 100.1 ± 92.9 20 mo PTMC
Teng et al, 2020,182 China Retrospective
noncomparative
MWA 41 (M 13/F 28); 46.1 ± 8.9 y Size, mm: 5.6 ± 2.1 Volume, mm3: 61.3 ± 20.9 60 mo PTMC
Wang et al, 2024,183 China Retrospective
noncomparative
RFA 50 (M 7/F 43); 52.3 ± 7.3 y Size, mm: 5.6 ± 1.6 Volume, mm3: NR 12 mo PTMC
Wu et al, 2020,186 China Retrospective
noncomparative
RFA 198 (M 57/F 141); 42.5 ± 9.5 y Size, mm: 6.3 ± 1.8 Volume, mm3: 99.4 ± 84.0 26 mo PTMC
Wu et al, 2021,185 China Retrospective
noncomparative
MWA 106 (M 19/F 87); 44.4 ± 11.1 y Size, mm: 7.7 ± 3.5 Volume, mm3: 200.0 ± 300.0 42 mo PTMC
Wu et al, 2022,184 China Retrospective
noncomparative
MWA 69 (M 18/F 51); 45.5 ± 11.8 y Size, mm: 8.4 ± 3.9 Volume, mm3: 260.0 ± 350.0 36 mo PTC
Yan et al, 2020,188 China Retrospective
noncomparative
RFA 202 (M 50/F 152); 42.8 ± 10.1 y Size, mm: 5.4 ± 1.6 Volume, mm3: 102.3 ± 93.8 25 mo PTMC
Yan et al, 2021,187 China Retrospective
noncomparative
RFA 414 (M 91/F 323); 43.6 ± 9.8 y Size, mm: 5.2 ± 1.6 Volume, mm3: 92.7 ± 83.4 42 mo PTMC
Yan et al, 2022,189 China Retrospective
noncomparative
RFA 487 (M 106/F 381); 43.6 ± 9.7 y Size, mm: 6.1 ± 1.9 Volume, mm3: 96.2 ± 83.6 50 mo PTMC
Zhang et al, 2018,191 China Retrospective
noncomparative
LA 64 (M 23/F 41); 42.5 ± 12.3 y Size, mm: 4.6 ± 1.5 Volume, mm3: 41.0 ± 40.4 26 mo PTMC
Zhang et al, 2019,192 China Retrospective
noncomparative
RFA 30 (M 8/F 22); 44.1 ± 9.0 y Size, mm: NR
Volume, mm3: 110.0 ± 170.0
18 mo PTMC
Zhang et al, 2022,190 China Retrospective
noncomparative
LA 72 (M 14/F 58); 39.2 ± 9.3 y Size, mm: 5.1 ± 1.5 Volume, mm3: 44.7 ± 13.7 18 mo PTMC
Zhou et al, 2017,194 China Retrospective
noncomparative
LA 30 (M 13/F 17); NR Size, mm: 4.8 ± 1.2 Volume, mm3: 43.7 ± 37.8 11 mo PTMC
Zhou et al, 2019,193 China Retrospective
noncomparative
MWA 14 (M 3/F 11); 45.1 ± 12.1 y Size, mm: 10.1 ± 4.7 Volume, mm3: 291.9 ± 255.6 9 mo PTC
Zhu et al, 2021,195 China Retrospective
noncomparative
RFA 102 (M 20/F 82); 43.0 ± 19.0 y Size, mm: 5.0 ± 2.9 Volume, mm3: 60.0 ± 90.0 60 mo PTMC

Abbreviations: EA, ethanol ablation; HIFU, high-intensity focused ultrasound; IQR, interquartile range; LA, laser ablation; MWA, microwave ablation; NR, not reported; PTC, papillary thyroid carcinoma; PTMC, papillary thyroid microcarcinoma; RCT, randomized controlled trial; RFA, radiofrequency ablation; SD, standard deviation.

Note: Studies are ordered alphabetically and then by study design.