Carrie C Lubitz

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This study looked at how adding a wellness expert to mentorship meetings for early-career surgeons at Massachusetts General Hospital improved their support during the stressful COVID-19 pandemic. Thirteen surgeons reported positive experiences, with many wishing they had this kind of mentorship earlier in their careers, and a significant number chose to continue with one-on-one wellness coaching afterward. This new approach shows that combining traditional surgical mentoring with an emphasis on overall well-being can be beneficial and is worth considering in other healthcare settings. Who this helps: This helps early-career surgeons and potentially other healthcare professionals facing similar stresses.

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The study looked at how delays in surgery for endocrine conditions due to COVID-19 affected patients. Out of 850 patients, 4% experienced disease progression while 4.1% had changes to their planned surgery, but most patients did not see worsening of their condition despite a median delay of 70 days. This is important because it suggests that under extreme circumstances, postponing surgery for endocrine diseases may not be harmful for most patients. Who this helps: This helps patients with endocrine diseases who faced surgery delays during the pandemic.

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Researchers studied a type of thyroid tumor called noninvasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary-like nuclear features (NIFTP) to better understand its diagnosis and treatment. They found that NIFTP rarely led to cancer recurrence after surgery, but the way it was diagnosed often varied, leading to uncertainty in treatment decisions. This highlights the need for clearer guidelines for managing these borderline tumors, which can help doctors take more consistent and effective actions for their patients.

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This study looked at how many cancer surgery patients felt unsure about their treatment decisions and how that uncertainty affected their activity levels after surgery. Among the 85 patients surveyed, 27% reported significant decision-making conflict, and those patients tended to be younger and more likely to live alone. Importantly, these patients were less active after surgery, averaging about 33 minutes less physical activity a day at 30 days post-surgery compared to those without decision conflict. Who this helps: This benefits cancer patients by highlighting the need for better support in their decision-making process.

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This study looked at how often a specialized imaging technique called four-dimensional computed tomography (4D-CT) is used to locate problem parathyroid glands before surgery in patients with hyperparathyroidism. Out of nearly 8,000 patients, only 20% had 4D-CT scans, while 86% had ultrasounds and 64% had another test called sestamibi. Since 4D-CT is known to be more accurate, improving its use could help doctors better prepare for surgery and provide better care. Who this helps: This helps patients facing surgery for hyperparathyroidism.

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This study looked at the impact of surgery to remove adrenal tumors in patients with lung cancer that has spread to the adrenal glands. Researchers followed 122 patients and found that those who had this surgery lived an average of 47 months after the procedure. Factors that were linked to better survival included having the lung tumor removed first and the metastases being on the same side as the primary lung cancer. Who this helps: Patients with non-small cell lung cancer that has only spread to the adrenal glands.

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This research looked at how accurate various molecular tests are in determining if thyroid nodules are cancerous. It analyzed data from 49 studies and found that the most accurate test, the ThyroSeq v2, had a sensitivity of 86% (it correctly identified 86% of cancer cases) and a specificity of 74% (it correctly identified 74% of non-cancer cases). While the tests show promise, there are many biases and limitations in the studies that could affect their reliability. Who this helps: Patients with indeterminate thyroid nodules and their doctors.

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This study looked at how the COVID-19 pandemic affected endocrine surgeons, focusing on their work and patient care. Out of 77 surveyed surgeons, all had to stop non-emergency surgeries, and 74.6% reported seeing fewer patients than usual. On average, each surgeon had about 30 surgeries piled up waiting to be rescheduled, and there was a significant shift to more virtual consultations instead of in-person visits. Who this helps: This helps patients needing endocrine surgery by highlighting delays and changes in care during the pandemic.

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This study looked at patients who had surgery to remove cancer that spread to their adrenal glands, specifically to understand how long they survive after the procedure and who benefits most. Out of 269 patients, the average survival after surgery was about 53 months, with 43% alive after five years. Those with lung cancer tended to live longer after the surgery, while patients with more advanced cancer outside the adrenal glands or incomplete tumor removal had shorter survival times. Who this helps: This information benefits patients with adrenal metastases and their doctors, guiding decisions about surgery.

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This study looked at how smartphone GPS data can help understand recovery after different types of breast cancer surgery—specifically breast-conserving surgery (BCS) versus mastectomy. Researchers followed 31 patients and found that mastectomy patients spent an average of 16.7 hours at home in week 4 after surgery, compared to 11.0 hours for those who had BCS, and traveled shorter distances (52.5 km for mastectomy patients vs. 107.7 km for BCS patients). These findings indicate that while the GPS data highlighted differences in physical recovery, it didn’t show significant differences in self-reported quality of life measures, suggesting that combining both types of data could better inform treatment decisions. Who this helps: This helps patients and doctors by providing more insights into recovery after breast cancer surgery.

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This study looked at thyroid surgeries in the U.S. from 2007 to 2018 to see how well doctors followed new guidelines aimed at reducing aggressive treatments for thyroid conditions. Researchers examined data from over 220,000 patients and found that after the guidelines were released in late 2015, the number of total thyroid removals dropped significantly from 80% to 39%, while less invasive procedures increased, particularly for thyroid cancer. This shift is important because it means patients may now receive safer, less intense treatments that still effectively manage their conditions. Who this helps: Patients with thyroid nodules or cancer, particularly those seeking less invasive treatment options.

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This study focused on identifying genes that make people more likely to develop non-medullary thyroid cancer (NMTC), which is on the rise but often hard to treat when advanced. Researchers found 12 key genes linked to NMTC, and patients with these genes may also be at risk for 79 other diseases, including colorectal and breast cancers. Knowing about these genetic links can lead to earlier cancer detection and better prevention strategies. Who this helps: This research helps patients with genetic predispositions and their doctors by informing them about increased risks and the need for closer monitoring.

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This study focused on how the time between diagnosis and surgery affects survival rates for patients with papillary thyroid cancer. It found that the longer patients waited for surgery, the worse their chances of survival became: waiting 91-180 days increased the risk of death by 30%, and waiting more than 180 days nearly doubled that risk. Specifically, survival rates after five years dropped from 95.7% for patients who had surgery within 90 days to 87.9% for those who waited over 180 days. Who this helps: This information benefits patients with thyroid cancer and their healthcare providers by highlighting the importance of timely surgical intervention.

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The study looked at how patients with low-risk thyroid cancer feel about surgery and radioactive iodine treatment, especially in light of new guidelines. Out of 1,546 participants, 96% had their entire thyroid removed, but 39% would have chosen less invasive surgery, and 35% would have considered monitoring their cancer instead of immediate treatment. Importantly, many patients experienced significant side effects from the radioactive iodine, and 80% believed that monitoring their cancer would be manageable, highlighting the need for better communication and shared decision-making in their treatment options. Who this helps: This helps thyroid cancer patients and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at the progress made in treating advanced thyroid cancers, specifically focusing on how different genetic changes in these tumors can guide treatment. It found that advanced thyroid cancers often develop from earlier forms of the disease and have a high rate of specific gene mutations that can be targeted by new drugs. Understanding these genetic changes is crucial because it helps doctors choose the most effective treatments, leading to better outcomes for patients. Who this helps: This helps patients with advanced thyroid cancers and their doctors.

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Researchers created a new online tool, called the Thyroid Nodule App (TNAPP), to help physicians evaluate and manage thyroid nodules based on updated guidelines and the latest scientific findings. The tool uses various data types to make decisions and aims to avoid unnecessary tests and surgeries. In tests involving 95 thyroid nodules, TNAPP was checked against established methods to ensure it could effectively assist in patient care while reducing unnecessary procedures. Who this helps: This tool benefits patients with thyroid nodules and their doctors by improving the evaluation process and reducing unnecessary treatments.

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This study looked at how cancer surgery patients' expectations of their recovery compared to their actual experiences of health-related quality of life (HRQL) after surgery. Researchers found that while patients expected their health to worsen immediately after surgery and gradually improve, their actual experiences differed; overall, patients had lower HRQL scores than they expected. Specifically, the correlation between what patients thought they would feel and what they actually felt was low, except for the areas of physical functioning and physical role limitations, which showed moderate correlation. Who this helps: This research helps patients by highlighting the importance of clear communication with their doctors about recovery expectations.

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This study focuses on a new online tool, called the Thyroid Nodule App (TNAPP), designed to help doctors assess and manage thyroid nodules more effectively. When tested on 95 cases, TNAPP was found to provide data-driven guidance that could reduce unnecessary procedures. This matters because it aims to improve patient care by helping doctors make better decisions, improving the management of thyroid nodules, and cutting down on overtreatment. Who this helps: This helps patients with thyroid nodules and their doctors.

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This study looked at how the updated 2015 guidelines from the American Thyroid Association (ATA) for managing thyroid nodules and cancer compare to the older 2009 guidelines in terms of cost and effectiveness. The researchers found that following the 2015 guidelines can lead to longer, better quality lives for patients while costing less overall—13.09 quality-adjusted life years at an average cost of $14,752 compared to 12.43 years at $20,126 using the 2009 guidelines. Although there were slightly more thyroid cancer deaths under the new guidelines, this was more than balanced out by fewer deaths from surgery, making it a smarter, more affordable approach to treatment. Who this helps: This helps thyroid cancer patients and doctors making treatment decisions.

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This study looked at two types of primary hyperparathyroidism: one with normal calcium levels (normocalcemic) and one with high calcium levels (hypercalcemic). Among nearly 7,600 patients, 9.7% had the normocalcemic type, which showed higher rates of complex cases requiring surgery on multiple glands (43.1% compared to 21.9%) and a need for follow-up surgeries (6.4% vs. 4.5%). This is important because it indicates that normocalcemic primary hyperparathyroidism is more difficult to treat than the hypercalcemic type, meaning patients may need more complex care. Who this helps: This helps patients with normocalcemic primary hyperparathyroidism and their doctors.

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This study looked at the financial and emotional challenges faced by people who have survived thyroid cancer compared to other types of cancer. It found that 46.1% of thyroid cancer survivors reported feeling psychological financial stress, which is significantly higher than the 24% of non-thyroid cancer survivors who reported similar feelings. This matters because recognizing the unique financial and emotional burdens of thyroid cancer survivors can help doctors provide better support for them. Who this helps: This helps thyroid cancer survivors and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how smartphone sensors can track physical activity in patients recovering from cancer surgery. Researchers found that patients who experienced complications after surgery were generally less active during the first six weeks of recovery, averaging about 40 minutes less daily activity compared to those without complications. This information is important because understanding recovery patterns can help doctors monitor patient progress and improve care strategies. Who this helps: Patients recovering from cancer surgery and their doctors.

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This study focused on creating clear and reliable guidelines for performing thyroid surgery safely and effectively. After reviewing a vast amount of research, experts found that over 100,000 thyroid surgeries happen each year in the U.S., and they established recommendations based on the best available evidence to improve surgical outcomes. These guidelines are important because they help ensure that patients receive consistent and high-quality care regardless of where they are treated. Who this helps: This helps patients with thyroid issues and the doctors who treat them.

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This study created clear, research-based guidelines on how to safely and effectively perform thyroid surgery in adults, which is important because over 100,000 thyroid surgeries are done every year in the US. A group of 19 experts reviewed medical literature from 1985 to 2018 to provide recommendations on when surgery is needed, how it should be done, and what patients can expect in terms of recovery and outcomes. These guidelines will help doctors offer better care to their patients by ensuring consistent standards in thyroid surgery. Who this helps: Patients with thyroid conditions who need surgery.

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This study focuses on primary aldosteronism (PA), a condition that causes high blood pressure due to excess hormone production from the adrenal glands. It is found in about 10% of people with high blood pressure and up to 20% of those with hard-to-treat cases, but many do not receive a proper diagnosis. Understanding how to recognize, screen for, and treat PA can lead to better management and outcomes for patients, as there are effective surgical and medical treatments available depending on the type of PA. Who this helps: This helps patients with high blood pressure, especially those who have trouble managing it.

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This study looked at how thyroid cancer survivors feel about their quality of life after treatment, focusing on their physical and emotional health. Out of nearly 1,000 research articles, only 28 studies were relevant, which used 15 different tools to measure quality of life, but none were specifically validated for thyroid cancer survivors. Most studies showed that these survivors face ongoing psychological challenges and difficulties in their daily lives, highlighting the need for better quality of life measurement tools designed specifically for this group. Who this helps: This helps thyroid cancer survivors, doctors, and researchers.

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This study looked at patients with papillary thyroid cancer, which is a common type of thyroid cancer. Researchers found that patients with a BRAF mutation faced a higher chance of their cancer coming back—about 18.6% compared to 9.9% for those without the mutation. Understanding this link matters because it can help doctors decide how often certain patients should be checked for cancer recurrence, ensuring high-risk patients get the attention they need while reducing unnecessary checks for low-risk patients. Who this helps: This benefits doctors and patients with papillary thyroid cancer by improving follow-up care.

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This study looked at whether overlapping surgeries—where two surgeries happen at the same time—led to worse outcomes for patients compared to regular surgeries. The researchers analyzed data from 14 studies and found that there was no significant difference in the risk of death (30-day mortality) or complications (morbidity) between the two groups. However, surgeries that overlapped did take slightly longer, on average. Who this helps: This helps patients and doctors understand that overlapping surgeries may be safe in terms of severe outcomes.

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This study examined the malpractice claims related to thyroid and parathyroid surgeries, looking at over 5,000 claims filed between 1995 and 2015. Researchers found that 128 of these claims specifically involved surgical management, with a median payout of about $278,000 and a typical resolution time of 39 months. Notably, complications like nerve injuries contributed to patient payouts in about one-third of cases and even led to death in 18 situations, highlighting a significant need for better communication and resolution processes between surgeons and patients after adverse events. Who this helps: This information benefits patients and surgeons by highlighting areas for improvement in surgical practices.

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This study examined whether radiation therapy helps people survive longer after surgical treatment for soft-tissue sarcoma (STS), a type of cancer. The analysis reviewed 30 studies and found that those receiving radiation therapy had a 13% lower risk of death compared to those who didn’t, especially in higher quality studies, which showed a significant benefit. This finding is important because it suggests that radiation therapy may improve survival rates for certain patients with STS after surgery. Who this helps: This benefits patients with soft-tissue sarcoma and their doctors in making treatment decisions.

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This study looked at changing the classification of a type of thyroid cancer to see how it would affect treatment decisions. Researchers found that 14.5% of patients had tumors that fit the new criteria, and while this reclassification could lower unnecessary surgeries and costs, it would only directly impact 3.2% of those patients' treatment plans. This adjustment is important because it could prevent patients from undergoing surgeries they don't need. Who this helps: This helps patients with thyroid cancer by reducing the chances of undergoing unnecessary surgeries.

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This study looked at the levels of a specific tumor marker called BRAF in the blood of patients with thyroid cancer and tested how these levels changed with treatment. The researchers found that in patients with a certain type of thyroid cancer, BRAF levels dropped significantly after surgery, going from an average of 370 to 178.5 (a reduction of 52%), and that lower BRAF levels after treatment were linked to a good response in patients receiving targeted therapies. This finding is important because it provides a new way to track treatment effectiveness in patients with thyroid cancer, especially those who have other complications complicating traditional monitoring methods. Who this helps: Patients with thyroid cancer and their doctors.

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This study looked at two types of surgery for patients with low-risk papillary thyroid cancer: removing one lobe of the thyroid (lobectomy) versus removing the entire thyroid (total thyroidectomy). Researchers reviewed 13 studies and found that total thyroidectomy leads to slightly better disease-free survival but does not significantly improve overall survival compared to lobectomy for tumors between 1.0 and 4.0 cm. This matters because it suggests that less extensive surgery (lobectomy) can effectively treat many patients without compromising their chances of recovery. Who this helps: Patients with low-risk papillary thyroid cancer.

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Researchers studied Hürthle cell carcinoma (HCC), a type of thyroid cancer that doesn’t respond well to typical treatment. They found specific genetic changes in the cancer cells, including mutations in key genes and significant loss of genetic material, which were present even as the cancer spread. These discoveries highlight how HCC is genetically different from other thyroid cancers and may lead to better treatment options in the future. Who this helps: This helps patients with Hürthle cell carcinoma and their doctors.

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This study looked at how different surveys measure the quality of life for patients with papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) during their treatment. Researchers found that among 117 patients, those who completed the Short Form-12v2 (SF6D) reported the most significant changes in their health-related quality of life compared to other surveys, and overall scores indicated good health for these patients. Understanding these impacts is important because it helps improve treatment approaches and support for PTC patients, especially regarding their emotional and social well-being. Who this helps: Patients with papillary thyroid cancer.

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This study looked at how expanding health insurance in Massachusetts in 2006 affected the treatment of thyroid cancer. The researchers found that after this insurance expansion, there was a 26% increase in the number of patients undergoing surgery to remove the thyroid (thyroidectomy) and a 22% increase in surgeries to remove nearby lymph nodes (neck dissection). This increase matters because it shows that having better insurance can lead to more people getting necessary treatments for thyroid cancer. Who this helps: Patients with thyroid cancer, especially those who may depend on government-subsidized insurance.

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This study looked at how well people feel and function five years after undergoing a specific surgery called pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) for tumors. Researchers found that 80% of the 305 patients surveyed reported better overall quality of life and physical abilities compared to people of the same age and sex who hadn't had the surgery. Notably, about 11% of patients developed diabetes after the surgery, and half were taking enzyme supplements to help with digestion. Who this helps: This benefits patients who have undergone pancreaticoduodenectomy and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at the safety of allowing people with a history of thyroid cancer to donate a kidney. The researchers found that for young, healthy donors, the risk of the cancer returning or spreading to the recipient is very low. This is important because it could expand the pool of potential kidney donors, helping more people in need of transplants. Who this helps: Kidney patients awaiting transplants and potential living donors with a history of thyroid cancer.

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This study looked at whether certain patient characteristics, like obesity and previous abdominal surgeries, should lead surgeons to avoid a minimally invasive surgery for removing adrenal tumors called laparoscopic transperitoneal adrenalectomy (LTA). Researchers analyzed data from 365 patients and found that these factors didn’t lead to worse outcomes, such as higher complication rates or the need to switch to a more invasive surgery. In fact, while obesity and tumor size did increase surgery time, the other characteristics didn’t affect safety or recovery, suggesting that experienced surgeons can safely perform this surgery on these patients. Who this helps: This benefits patients needing adrenal surgery, especially those with obesity or prior surgeries.

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This study looked at a mutation called BRAF(V600E) found in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), which is linked to more aggressive cancer behavior. Researchers developed a blood test that accurately detects this mutation in 63% of patients already diagnosed with PTC, showing a strong correlation with results from traditional tissue tests. This is important because it could help doctors monitor the disease and make better treatment decisions for patients. Who this helps: Patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma.

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This study looked at a specific genetic mutation (BRAF(V600E)) in patients with papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC), a type of small thyroid cancer, to see if it was linked to the cancer coming back after treatment. The researchers reviewed data from over 2,200 patients and found that those with the BRAF mutation were more than twice as likely to have their cancer return (with odds of 2.09) compared to those without the mutation. Understanding this link is important because it can help doctors determine the best treatment approach—whether a patient should undergo surgery or just be monitored. Who this helps: Patients with papillary thyroid microcarcinoma and their doctors.

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This study looked at patients with primary hyperparathyroidism, focusing on those with double adenomas, which are tumors in two parathyroid glands. Researchers found that out of 501 patients, 68 (about 13.5%) had double adenomas. They also discovered that imaging tests like ultrasound and CT scans often misidentified these cases, leading to 40% of patients initially expected to have a simpler surgery needing more extensive procedures instead, with all patients returning to normal calcium levels after six months. Who this helps: This research aids doctors in improving surgical approaches for patients with double adenomas.

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Researchers looked at the rise of thyroid cancer, particularly the less aggressive type known as papillary thyroid carcinoma, which has tripled in cases over the last 30 years. They found that most of the increase is due to overdiagnosis, leading to unnecessary treatments, which is causing shifts toward less aggressive management. This is important because many patients are young and often face ongoing health costs and quality-of-life issues after surviving the cancer. Who this helps: This helps thyroid cancer survivors and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at women who developed primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) after having a specific weight loss surgery called Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP). Researchers found that out of ten patients, 80% had symptoms, and 90% underwent imaging before surgery. Most of the patients had a single growth causing the issue, and after surgery, 90% showed improvement with normal calcium levels after six months. Who this helps: This research benefits patients who have undergone weight loss surgery and need proper monitoring and treatment for hormone-related issues.

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This study looked at different ways to diagnose and treat primary aldosteronism (PA) in patients with resistant hypertension (RH), which is high blood pressure that doesn’t respond to standard treatments. The researchers found that using a CT scan followed by a specialized test (adrenal venous sampling) was the best option, costing about $82,000 per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained, making it more cost-effective than other strategies. This is important because identifying and treating PA can potentially cure the condition, improving patients’ lives and health outcomes. Who this helps: This helps patients with resistant hypertension and their doctors.