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Vigliar E, Carillo AM, Nacchio M, Cozzolino D, Acanfora G, Salatiello M, Pisapia P, Malapelle U, Troncone G, Bellevicine C. The evolving role of interventional cytopathology from thyroid FNA to NGS: Lessons learned at Federico II University of Naples. Cytopathology 2024. [PMID: 38979838 DOI: 10.1111/cyt.13415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) guided by ultrasound (US) has emerged as a highly precise diagnostic method for managing thyroid nodules, significantly diminishing unnecessary surgeries. The effectiveness of US-guided FNA is high when a single specialist performs the FNA procedure and the microscopy. This paradigm has paved the way for the evolution of interventional cytopathology, a specialist with a pivotal role in the preoperative diagnostic process, encompassing patient history review, clinical examination, FNA execution under US guidance, preparation, and microscopic interpretation of cytological samples. As the landscape of precision medicine unfolds, molecular testing assumes greater importance in thyroid cytopathology, particularly in refining the risk of malignancy for indeterminate nodules. The updated Bethesda classification system underscores the clinical significance of molecular tests, emphasizing their role in refining diagnostic accuracy. With this evolving landscape, interventional cytopathologists must adapt by acquiring expertise in molecular technologies and addressing ongoing challenges in workflow harmonization and optimization. This paper delves into our decade-long experience as interventional cytopathologists, focusing on recent endeavours to ensure adequate samples not only for microscopic diagnosis but also for molecular testing. Additionally, here we review the challenges of integrating next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology into clinical practice, highlighting the importance of integrating clinically meaningful molecular data into comprehensive molecular cytology reports.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Vigliar
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Carillo
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Mariantonia Nacchio
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Domenico Cozzolino
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Gennaro Acanfora
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Salatiello
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Pasquale Pisapia
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Umberto Malapelle
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Troncone
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Claudio Bellevicine
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
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2
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Lacoste-Collin L, Decaussin-Petrucci M, Buffet C. [Molecular and other ancillary tests proposed by The Bethesda system for reporting thyroid cytopathology 2023]. Ann Pathol 2024; 44:36-46. [PMID: 37953129 DOI: 10.1016/j.annpat.2023.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
For the first time the 2023 version of The Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytology dedicates a whole chapter (chapter 14) to ancillary studies almost exclusively represented by molecular testing. The latest data reported bring some evidence that molecular testing could help to optimize the diagnostic performance of « indeterminate » categories (AUS and NF). Other studies suggest a promising role to guide the management of suspicious of malignancy and malignant categories. Indeed, the recognition of prognostic and predictive biomarkers analyzed on cytological samples, regardless of how it is collected, has progressed thanks to advances in our knowledge of molecular abnormalities of thyroid tumors. The chapter 14 is presented here highlighting the current and emerging roles of « in-house » and commercialized molecular testing as presented by TSBRTC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Myriam Decaussin-Petrucci
- Service d'anatomie pathologique, centre hospitalier Lyon Sud, hospices civils de Lyon, EA 3738, université Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - Camille Buffet
- Service des pathologies thyroïdiennes et tumorales endocrines, hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, AP-HP, Sorbonne université, GRC n(o) 16, GRC tumeurs thyroïdiennes, 75013 Paris, France; Laboratoire d'Imagerie Biomédicale, CNRS, Inserm, 75006 Paris, France
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3
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Lončar I, van Velsen EFS, Massolt ET, van Kemenade FJ, van Engen-van Grunsven ACH, van Hemel BM, van Nederveen FH, Netea-Maier R, Links TP, Peeters RP, van Ginhoven TM. European experience with the Afirma Gene Expression Classifier for indeterminate thyroid nodules: A clinical utility study in the Netherlands. Head Neck 2023; 45:2227-2236. [PMID: 37490544 DOI: 10.1002/hed.27472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Gene Expression Classifier (GEC) and Genomic Sequencing Classifier (GSC) were developed to improve risk stratification of indeterminate nodules. Our aim was to assess the clinical utility in a European population with restrictive diagnostic workup. METHODS Clinical utility of the GEC was assessed in a prospective multicenter cohort of 68 indeterminate nodules. Diagnostic surgical rates for Bethesda III and IV nodules were compared to a historical cohort of 171 indeterminate nodules. Samples were post hoc tested with the GSC. RESULTS The GEC classified 26% as benign. Surgical rates between the prospective and historical cohort did not differ (72.1% vs. 76.6%). The GSC classified 59% as benign, but misclassified six malignant lesions as benign. CONCLUSION Implementation of GEC in management of indeterminate nodules in a European country with restrictive diagnostic workup is currently not supported, especially in oncocytic nodules. Prospective studies with the GSC in European countries are needed to determine the clinical utility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivona Lončar
- Department of Surgical Oncology and Gastrointestinal Surgery, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Evert F S van Velsen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC Academic Center for Thyroid Diseases, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Elske T Massolt
- Department of Internal Medicine, Albert Schweitzer Hospital, Dordrecht, the Netherlands
| | | | | | - Bettien M van Hemel
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | | | - Romana Netea-Maier
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Thera P Links
- Department of Endocrinology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Robin P Peeters
- Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC Academic Center for Thyroid Diseases, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Tessa M van Ginhoven
- Department of Surgical Oncology and Gastrointestinal Surgery, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
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Lubin DJ, Sadow PM. Development and validation of an RNA sequencing-based classifier for medullary thyroid carcinoma on thyroid FNA. Cancer Cytopathol 2023; 131:154-157. [PMID: 36047747 PMCID: PMC10294123 DOI: 10.1002/cncy.22643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
This commentary describes the development and validation of the Afirma RNA sequencing–based classifier for medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). The importance of the early diagnosis of MTC is discussed along with the limitations of cytomorphology alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J. Lubin
- Department of Pathology, Emory University Hospital Midtown,
Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Peter M. Sadow
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital,
Boston, MA, USA
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Patel J, Klopper J, Cottrill EE. Molecular diagnostics in the evaluation of thyroid nodules: Current use and prospective opportunities. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1101410. [PMID: 36909304 PMCID: PMC9999006 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1101410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Thyroid cancer is the most common endocrine malignancy with an estimated 43,800 new cases to be diagnosed in 2022 and representing the 7th most common cancer in women. While thyroid nodules are very common, being identified in over 60% of randomly selected adults, only 5-15% of thyroid nodules harbor thyroid malignancy. Therefore, it is incumbent upon physicians to detect and treat thyroid malignancies as is clinically appropriate and avoid unnecessary invasive procedures in patients with benign asymptomatic lesions. Over the last 15-20 years, rapid advances have been made in cytomolecular testing to aid in thyroid nodule management. Initially, indeterminate thyroid nodules, those with Bethesda III or IV cytology and approximately a 10-40% risk of malignancy, were studied to assess benignity or malignancy. More recently, next generation sequencing and micro-RNA technology platforms have refined the diagnostic capacity of thyroid nodule molecular testing and have introduced opportunities to glean prognostic information from both cytologically indeterminate and malignant thyroid nodules. Therefore, clinicians can move beyond determination of malignancy, and utilize contemporary molecular information to aid in decisions such as extent of surgery and post-therapy monitoring plans. Future opportunities include molecularly derived information about tumor behavior, neo-adjuvant treatment opportunities and response to thyroid cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jena Patel
- Department of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Joshua Klopper
- Department of Medical Affairs, Veracyte, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Elizabeth E. Cottrill
- Department of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- *Correspondence: Elizabeth E. Cottrill,
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Nasr CE, Andrioli M, Endo M, Harrell RM, Livhits MJ, Osakwe I, Polavarapu P, Siperstein A, Wei S, Zheng X, Jiang R, Hao Y, Huang JI, Klopper JP, Kloos RT, Kennedy G, Angell TE. Real World Performance of The Afirma Genomic Sequencing Classifier (GSC) - A Meta-analysis. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2022; 108:1526-1532. [PMID: 36470585 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgac688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT The Afirma® GSC aids in risk stratifying indeterminate thyroid nodule cytology (ITN). The 2018 GSC validation study (VS) reported a sensitivity (SN) of 91%, specificity (SP) of 68%, positive predictive value (PPV) of 47%, and negative predictive value (NPV) of 96%. Since then, 13 independent real world (RW) post-validation studies have been published. OBJECTIVE This study's objective is to compare the RW GSC performance to the VS metrics. METHODS Rules and assumptions applying to this analysis include: 1. At least one patient with molecular benign results must have surgery for that study to be included in SN, SP and NPV analyses. 2. Molecular benign results without surgical histology are considered true negatives (TN) (as are the molecular benign results with benign surgical histology) 3. Unoperated patients with suspicious results are either excluded from the analysis (observed PPV (oPPV) and observed SP (oSP)) or assumed as histology negatives (false positives - conservative PPV (cPPV) and conservative SP (cSP)) 4. NIFTP is considered malignant. RESULTS In RW studies, the GSC demonstrates a SN, oSP, oPPV and NPV of 97%, 88%, 65%, 99% respectively, and conservative RW performance showed cSP of 80% and cPPV of 49%, all significantly higher than the VS save for SN and cPPV. There was also a higher benign call rate (BCR) of 67% in RW studies compared to 54% in the VS (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION RW data for the Afirma GSC demonstrates significantly better oSP and oPPV performance compared to the VS, indicating an increased yield of cancers for resected GSC suspicious nodules. The higher BCR likely increases the overall rate of clinical observation in lieu of surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Ibitoro Osakwe
- Umass Chan Medical School, Baystate, Springfield, MA, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - JIng Huang
- Veracyte, Inc, South San Francisco, CA, USA.
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7
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Randolph GW, Sosa JA, Hao Y, Angell TE, Shonka DC, LiVolsi VA, Ladenson PW, Blevins TC, Duh QY, Ghossein R, Harrell M, Patel KN, Shanik MH, Traweek ST, Walsh PS, Yeh MW, Abdelhamid Ahmed AH, Ho AS, Wong RJ, Klopper JP, Huang J, Kennedy GC, Kloos RT, Sadow PM. Preoperative Identification of Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma (MTC): Clinical Validation of the Afirma MTC RNA-Sequencing Classifier. Thyroid 2022; 32:1069-1076. [PMID: 35793115 PMCID: PMC9526471 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2022.0189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Background: Cytopathological evaluation of thyroid fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) specimens can fail to raise preoperative suspicion of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). The Afirma RNA-sequencing MTC classifier identifies MTC among FNA samples that are cytologically indeterminate, suspicious, or malignant (Bethesda categories III-VI). In this study we report the development and clinical performance of this MTC classifier. Methods: Algorithm training was performed with a set of 483 FNAB specimens (21 MTC and 462 non-MTC). A support vector machine classifier was developed using 108 differentially expressed genes, which includes the 5 genes in the prior Afirma microarray-based MTC cassette. Results: The final MTC classifier was blindly tested on 211 preoperative FNAB specimens with subsequent surgical pathology, including 21 MTC and 190 non-MTC specimens from benign and malignant thyroid nodules independent from those used in training. The classifier had 100% sensitivity (21/21 MTC FNAB specimens correctly called positive; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 83.9-100%) and 100% specificity (190/190 non-MTC FNAs correctly called negative; CI = 98.1-100%). All positive samples had pathological confirmation of MTC, while all negative samples were negative for MTC on surgical pathology. Conclusions: The RNA-sequencing MTC classifier accurately identified MTC from preoperative thyroid nodule FNAB specimens in an independent validation cohort. This identification may facilitate an MTC-specific preoperative evaluation and resulting treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory W. Randolph
- Division of Thyroid and Parathyroid Endocrine Surgery, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Julie Ann Sosa
- Department of Surgery, University of California San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Yangyang Hao
- Department of Research and Development, Veracyte, Inc., South San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Trevor E. Angell
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - David C. Shonka
- Department of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Virginia A. LiVolsi
- Anatomic Pathology Division, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Paul W. Ladenson
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Quan-Yang Duh
- Section of Endocrine Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Ronald Ghossein
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Mack Harrell
- The Memorial Center for Integrative Endocrine Surgery, Hollywood, Weston and Boca Raton, Florida, USA
| | - Kepal Narendra Patel
- Division of Endocrine Surgery, Department of Surgery, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | | | | | - P. Sean Walsh
- Department of Research and Development, Veracyte, Inc., South San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Michael W. Yeh
- Section of Endocrine Surgery, UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Amr H. Abdelhamid Ahmed
- Division of Thyroid and Parathyroid Endocrine Surgery, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Allen S. Ho
- Department of Otolaryngology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Richard J. Wong
- Head and Neck Service, Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Joshua P. Klopper
- Department of Medical Affairs, Veracyte, Inc., South San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Jing Huang
- Department of Research and Development, Veracyte, Inc., South San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Giulia C. Kennedy
- Department of Research and Development, Veracyte, Inc., South San Francisco, California, USA
- Department of Medical Affairs, Veracyte, Inc., South San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Richard T. Kloos
- Department of Medical Affairs, Veracyte, Inc., South San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Peter M. Sadow
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Address correspondence to: Peter M. Sadow, MD, PhD, Departments of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
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8
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Belovarac B, Zhou F, Modi L, Sun W, Shafizadeh N, Negron R, Yee-Chang M, Szeto O, Simsir A, Sheth S, Brandler TC. Evaluation of ACR TI-RADS cytologically indeterminate thyroid nodules and molecular profiles: a single-institutional experience. J Am Soc Cytopathol 2022; 11:165-172. [PMID: 35181254 DOI: 10.1016/j.jasc.2022.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The American College of Radiology (ACR) Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data Systems (TI-RADS) was developed to standardize thyroid ultrasound reports and predict the likelihood of malignancy. In our study, we aimed to correlate indeterminate thyroid fine needle aspiration cytology cases with preceding ultrasound (US) ACR TI-RADS scores and concurrent molecular testing results to examine how well the use of the ACR TI-RADS in our institution predicted which patients with indeterminate cytology might harbor molecular alterations. MATERIALS AND METHODS We performed a retrospective review of thyroid nodules. Patients with US reports that included TI-RADS scores, fine needle aspiration specimens with indeterminate cytology (Bethesda class III-V), and molecular testing results were included. RESULTS A total of 46 indeterminate cytology cases had had preceding US reports with TI-RADS scores and molecular testing (Bethesda class III, n = 37; Bethesda class IV, n = 6; Bethesda class V, n = 3). Most of the indeterminate cases had had a TI-RADS score of TR4 (31 of 46; 67.39%) or TR5 (9 of 46; 19.57%). RAS mutations were the most common alteration (n = 12). Of the 46 cases, 22 (47.85%) showed no alterations. Ten cases proceeded to surgery, of which seven displayed malignancies. CONCLUSIONS Molecular testing in cytologically indeterminate thyroid nodules provided valuable information for TR4 and TR5 lesions; however, the TR2 and TR3 lesions often had no molecular alterations. These findings highlight the potential value of including US imaging features when assessing the significance of indeterminate cytology findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brendan Belovarac
- Department of Pathology, New York University Langone Health, New York, New York
| | - Fang Zhou
- Department of Pathology, New York University Langone Health, New York, New York
| | - Lopa Modi
- Department of Pathology, New York University Langone Health, New York, New York; Department of Pathology, Englewood Health, Englewood, New Jersey
| | - Wei Sun
- Department of Pathology, New York University Langone Health, New York, New York
| | - Negin Shafizadeh
- Department of Pathology, New York University Langone Health, New York, New York
| | - Raquel Negron
- Department of Pathology, New York University Langone Health, New York, New York
| | - Melissa Yee-Chang
- Department of Pathology, New York University Langone Health, New York, New York
| | - Oliver Szeto
- Department of Pathology, New York University Langone Health, New York, New York
| | - Aylin Simsir
- Department of Pathology, New York University Langone Health, New York, New York
| | - Sheila Sheth
- Department of Radiology, New York University Langone Health, New York, New York
| | - Tamar C Brandler
- Department of Pathology, New York University Langone Health, New York, New York.
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Hu MI, Waguespack SG, Dosiou C, Ladenson PW, Livhits MJ, Wirth LJ, Sadow PM, Krane JF, Stack BC, Zafereo ME, Ali SZ, Weitzman SP, Hao Y, Babiarz JE, Kennedy GC, Kloos RT. Afirma Genomic Sequencing Classifier and Xpression Atlas Molecular Findings in Consecutive Bethesda III-VI Thyroid Nodules. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2021; 106:2198-2207. [PMID: 34009369 PMCID: PMC8277199 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgab304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Broad genomic analyses among thyroid histologies have been described from relatively small cohorts. OBJECTIVE Investigate the molecular findings across a large, real-world cohort of thyroid fine-needle aspiration (FNA) samples. DESIGN Retrospective analysis of RNA sequencing data files. SETTING Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments laboratory performing Afirma Genomic Sequencing Classifier (GSC) and Xpression Atlas (XA) testing. PARTICIPANTS A total of 50 644 consecutive Bethesda III-VI nodules. INTERVENTION None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Molecular test results. RESULTS Of 48 952 Bethesda III/IV FNAs studied, 66% were benign by Afirma GSC. The prevalence of BRAF V600E was 2% among all Bethesda III/IV FNAs and 76% among Bethesda VI FNAs. Fusions involving NTRK, RET, BRAF, and ALK were most prevalent in Bethesda V (10%), and 130 different gene partners were identified. Among small consecutive Bethesda III/IV sample cohorts with one of these fusions and available surgical pathology excision data, the positive predictive value of an NTRK or RET fusion for carcinoma or noninvasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary-like nuclear features was >95%, whereas for BRAF and ALK fusions it was 81% and 67%, respectively. At least 1 genomic alteration was identified by the expanded Afirma XA panel in 70% of medullary thyroid carcinoma classifier-positive FNAs, 44% of Bethesda III or IV Afirma GSC suspicious FNAs, 64% of Bethesda V FNAs, and 87% of Bethesda VI FNAs. CONCLUSIONS This large study demonstrates that almost one-half of Bethesda III/IV Afirma GSC suspicious and most Bethesda V/VI nodules had at least 1 genomic variant or fusion identified, which may optimize personalized treatment decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mimi I Hu
- Department of Endocrine Neoplasia and Hormonal Disorders, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Correspondence: Mimi I. Hu, MD, Department of Endocrine Neoplasia and Hormonal Disorders, University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Unit 1461, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - Steven G Waguespack
- Department of Endocrine Neoplasia and Hormonal Disorders, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Chrysoula Dosiou
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Gerontology, & Metabolism, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Paul W Ladenson
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Masha J Livhits
- Department of Surgery, Section of Endocrine Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Lori J Wirth
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Peter M Sadow
- Department of Pathology, Head and Neck Pathology Subspecialty, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Jeffrey F Krane
- Department of Pathology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Brendan C Stack
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, IL 62794, USA
| | - Mark E Zafereo
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Syed Z Ali
- Departments of Pathology and Radiology, The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Steven P Weitzman
- Department of Endocrine Neoplasia and Hormonal Disorders, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Yangyang Hao
- Research and Development, Veracyte, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Joshua E Babiarz
- Research and Development, Veracyte, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Giulia C Kennedy
- Departments of Clinical Affairs, Medical Affairs, Research and Development, Veracyte, Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Richard T Kloos
- Department of Medical Affairs, Veracyte, Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
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10
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Geng Y, Aguilar-Jakthong JS, Moatamed NA. Comparison of Afirma Gene Expression Classifier with Gene Sequencing Classifier in indeterminate thyroid nodules: A single-institutional experience. Cytopathology 2020; 32:187-191. [PMID: 33010060 DOI: 10.1111/cyt.12920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 09/05/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The Afirma test has been used in the diagnosis of cytologically indeterminate thyroid nodules to reduce diagnostic uncertainty and unnecessary surgeries. Gene Sequencing Classifier (GSC) was developed to improve the positive predictive value and overall test performance of Gene Expression Classifier (GEC). Here we present our experience comparing the performance of first-generation assay of Afirma (GEC) with the new assay (GSC). METHODS Retrospective analysis was performed on all Bethesda III and IV cytology thyroid nodules tested with GEC and GSC. Test performance was evaluated by surgical pathology outcomes. RESULTS In total, 167 cases were tested with GEC, of which 49% were reported as benign. Fourteen cases had surgical follow-up with 11 benign, one non-invasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary-like nuclear features (NIFTP) and two malignant diagnoses. Of the 167 cases, 51% had suspicious GEC result. Fifty-seven of these suspicious GEC cases had surgical follow-up with 28 benign, nine NIFTP and 20 malignant histology. There 133 cases tested with GSC, of which 61% were reported as benign. Ten cases had surgical follow-up, all of which showed benign results and 32% of the cases were tested as suspicious. Thirty-six cases with suspicious GSC had surgical follow-up. Fourteen of them had benign, five NIFTP, and 17 malignant surgical pathology. Based on molecular testing, surgical resection could have been be prevented 61% with GSC, compared to 49% with GEC test. CONCLUSION Our experience shows that GSC has a better test performance than GEC. Also, our data support that GSC identify more cases as benign and reduces the number of unnecessary surgeries compared to GEC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yipeng Geng
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Josephine S Aguilar-Jakthong
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Neda A Moatamed
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Endo M, Porter K, Long C, Azaryan I, Phay JE, Ringel MD, Sipos JA, Nabhan F. Features of Cytologically Indeterminate Molecularly Benign Nodules Treated With Surgery. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2020; 105:5890166. [PMID: 32772084 PMCID: PMC7497819 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgaa506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most cytologically indeterminate thyroid nodules (ITNs) with benign molecular testing are not surgically removed. The data on clinical outcomes of these nodules are limited. METHODS We retrospectively analyzed all ITNs where molecular testing was performed either with the Afirma gene expression classifier or Afirma gene sequencing classifier between 2011 and 2018 at a single institution. RESULTS Thirty-eight out of 289 molecularly benign ITNs were ultimately resected. The most common reason for surgery was compressive symptoms (39%). In multivariable modeling, patients aged <40 years, nodules ≥3 cm, presence of an Afirma suspicious nodule other than the index nodule, and compressive symptoms were associated with higher surgery rates with hazard ratios for surgery of 3.5 (P < 0.001), 3.2 (P < 0.001), 16.8 (P < 0.001), and 7.31 (P < 0.001), respectively. Of resected nodules, 5 were malignant. False-negative rate (FNR) was 1.7%, presuming all unresected nodules were truly benign and 13.2% restricting analysis to resected cases. The FNR was significantly higher in nodules with a high-risk sonographic appearance for cancer (American Thyroid Association high-risk classification and American College of Radiology Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data Systems score of 5) compared with nodules with all other sonographic categories (11.8% vs 1.1%; P = 0.03 and 11.1% vs 1.1%; P = 0.02, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Younger age, larger nodule size, presence of an Afirma suspicious nodule other than the index nodule, and compressive symptoms were associated with a higher rate of surgery. The FNR of benign Afirma was significantly higher in nodules with high-risk sonographic features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayumi Endo
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, The Ohio State University and Arthur G. James Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Nutrition, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Kyle Porter
- Center for Biostatistics, Department of Biomedical Informatics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Clarine Long
- The Ohio State University, College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Irina Azaryan
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, The Ohio State University and Arthur G. James Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio
| | - John E Phay
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Matthew D Ringel
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, The Ohio State University and Arthur G. James Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Jennifer A Sipos
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, The Ohio State University and Arthur G. James Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Fadi Nabhan
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, The Ohio State University and Arthur G. James Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio
- Correspondence and Reprint Requests: Fadi Nabhan, MD, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, The Ohio State University, 1581 Dodd Drive, Columbus, OH 43210, USA. E-mail:
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12
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Krane JF, Cibas ES, Endo M, Marqusee E, Hu MI, Nasr CE, Waguespack SG, Wirth LJ, Kloos RT. The Afirma Xpression Atlas for thyroid nodules and thyroid cancer metastases: Insights to inform clinical decision-making from a fine-needle aspiration sample. Cancer Cytopathol 2020; 128:452-459. [PMID: 32543766 PMCID: PMC7384066 DOI: 10.1002/cncy.22300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Recent analytical and clinical validation of the Afirma Xpression Atlas (XA) demonstrates test reliability and the identification of genomic alterations that may inform patient management. The updated Afirma Genomic Sequencing Classifier and XA reports aim to optimize the understanding of these contributions, including decisions about observation versus surgery, the need for disease‐specific preoperative testing, associated neoplasm types, prognostics, the identification of molecular targets for systemic therapy, and the recognition of potential hereditary syndromes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey F Krane
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California
| | - Edmund S Cibas
- Department of Pathology, the Brigham & Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Mayumi Endo
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Nutrition, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Ellen Marqusee
- The Thyroid Section, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, the Brigham & Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Mimi I Hu
- Department of Endocrine Neoplasia and Hormonal Disorders, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Christian E Nasr
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Steven G Waguespack
- Department of Endocrine Neoplasia and Hormonal Disorders, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Lori J Wirth
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Richard T Kloos
- Department of Medical Affairs, Veracyte, Inc., South San Francisco, California
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