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Ogmen BE, Ince N, Aksoy Altınboga A, Akdogan L, Polat SB, Genc B, Menekse E, Aydin C, Topaloglu O, Ersoy R, Cakir B. An old friend, a new insight: Calcitonin measurement in serum and aspiration needle washout fluids significantly increases the early and accurate detection of medullary thyroid cancer. Cancer Cytopathol 2024; 132:161-168. [PMID: 37950525 DOI: 10.1002/cncy.22779] [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: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The sensitivity of cytological (CY) evaluation after fine-needle aspiration (FNA) for detecting medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is a subject of controversy. The routine use of serum calcitonin (CT) in patients with thyroid nodules is not universally adopted. The authors conducted CT screening of FNA washout fluid (FNA-CT) to address the diagnostic challenges. The objective was to assess the contributions of serum CT, FNA cytology (FNA-CY), and FNA-CT to the diagnosis. METHODS Between February 2019 and June 2022 (group 1), the authors prospectively screened the CT of patients with thyroid nodules. Both FNA-CY and FNA-CT were performed for patients with persistently elevated CT values. The sensitivity of FNA-CY, serum CT, and FNA-CT for accurate diagnosis was evaluated. Additionally, the authors retrospectively examined data from patients with thyroid nodules before CT screening (2008-2019) (group 2). They compared the characteristics of MTC patients in groups 1 and 2. RESULTS MTC was identified in 30 patients (0.25%) in group 1 and 19 (0.07%) in group 2. A FNA-CT cutoff value of 4085.5 pg/mL detected MTC with a sensitivity of 96.8%, and a serum CT cutoff value of 28.3 pg/mL detected MTC with a sensitivity of 86.7%. In contrast, FNA-CY detected MTC with a sensitivity of 42.4%. In group 1, 18 patients (60%) with MTC were diagnosed with microcarcinoma, whereas only two patients (10.5%) in group 2 had microcarcinoma. CONCLUSIONS This study detected MTC earlier by routinely measuring serum CT in all patients with nodular thyroid disease and performing FNA-CT in those with elevated values. FNA-CT and serum CT sensitivities were significantly higher than those of FNA-CY. This study revealed different FNA-CT cutoff values compared to other studies, emphasizing the need for determining clinic-specific cutoff values.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berna Evranos Ogmen
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Ankara Yildirim Beyazit University, Faculty of Medicine, Ankara Bilkent City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Nurcan Ince
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Ankara Yildirim Beyazit University, Faculty of Medicine, Ankara Bilkent City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Aysegul Aksoy Altınboga
- Department of Pathology, Ankara Yildirim Beyazit University, Faculty of Medicine, Ankara Bilkent City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Leyla Akdogan
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Ankara Yildirim Beyazit University, Faculty of Medicine, Ankara Bilkent City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Sefika Burcak Polat
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Ankara Yildirim Beyazit University, Faculty of Medicine, Ankara Bilkent City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Birgul Genc
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Ankara Yildirim Beyazit University, Health Sciences Institute, Ankara Bilkent City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ebru Menekse
- Department of Surgery, University of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Ankara Bilkent City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Cevdet Aydin
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Ankara Yildirim Beyazit University, Faculty of Medicine, Ankara Bilkent City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Oya Topaloglu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Ankara Yildirim Beyazit University, Faculty of Medicine, Ankara Bilkent City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Reyhan Ersoy
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Ankara Yildirim Beyazit University, Faculty of Medicine, Ankara Bilkent City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Bekir Cakir
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Ankara Yildirim Beyazit University, Faculty of Medicine, Ankara Bilkent City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
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Mura C, Rodia R, Corrias S, Cappai A, Lai ML, Canu GL, Medas F, Calò PG, Mariotti S, Boi F. Diffuse C-Cells Hyperplasia Is the Source of False Positive Calcitonin Measurement in FNA Washout Fluids of Thyroid Nodules: A Rational Clinical Approach to Avoiding Unnecessary Surgery. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:210. [PMID: 38201637 PMCID: PMC10777925 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16010210] [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: 11/26/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The FNA-CT is useful for the diagnosis of MTC. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of FNA-CT in TNs coexisting with CCH. METHODS This study retrospectively reviewed the records of 11 patients with TNs submitted to thyroidectomy on the basis of elevated basal and/or stimulated serum CT values, which at histology were not confirmed to be MTC. The results obtained in this group were compared with those of a previously reported group of histologically proven MTC patients submitted to an identical presurgical evaluation. All patients, negative for known mutations in the RET proto-oncogene, were preoperatively submitted to neck ultrasound, FNA-cytology, and FNA-CT. RESULTS Approximately 6 of 11 patients showed increased (>36 ng/mL, as established in previous studies not involving patients with CCH) FNA-CT. All these patients showed diffuse CCH at histology in the thyroid lobe submitted to FNA; 5 of them were benign at histology, while only one was malignant (papillary thyroid carcinoma, PTC). The remaining 5 of 11 patients had low FNA-CT (<36 ng/mL), and all of them showed only focal CCH in the lobe submitted to FNA; three of them were malignant (2 PTC, 1 follicular carcinoma), while two were benign. CONCLUSIONS Employing the currently proposed cut-off values, false-positive FNA-CT results may be observed in benign/malignant TNs with coexisting diffuse CCH. FNA-CT must therefore be cautiously used in the diagnostic approach for patients with TNs and a slightly increased basal or stimulated serum CT concentration in order to avoid unnecessary surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Mura
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09100 Cagliari, Italy; (C.M.); (R.R.); (S.C.); (A.C.); (S.M.)
| | - Rossella Rodia
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09100 Cagliari, Italy; (C.M.); (R.R.); (S.C.); (A.C.); (S.M.)
| | - Silvia Corrias
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09100 Cagliari, Italy; (C.M.); (R.R.); (S.C.); (A.C.); (S.M.)
| | - Antonello Cappai
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09100 Cagliari, Italy; (C.M.); (R.R.); (S.C.); (A.C.); (S.M.)
| | - Maria Letizia Lai
- Pathology Unit, San Giovanni di Dio Hospital, 09100 Cagliari, Italy;
| | - Gian Luigi Canu
- Surgery Unit, Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09100 Cagliari, Italy; (G.L.C.); (F.M.); (P.G.C.)
| | - Fabio Medas
- Surgery Unit, Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09100 Cagliari, Italy; (G.L.C.); (F.M.); (P.G.C.)
| | - Pietro Giorgio Calò
- Surgery Unit, Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09100 Cagliari, Italy; (G.L.C.); (F.M.); (P.G.C.)
| | - Stefano Mariotti
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09100 Cagliari, Italy; (C.M.); (R.R.); (S.C.); (A.C.); (S.M.)
| | - Francesco Boi
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, 09100 Cagliari, Italy; (C.M.); (R.R.); (S.C.); (A.C.); (S.M.)
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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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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: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [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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Marshall R, Alexander D, Fleming J, Grayson J, Peters G, Buczek E. Utility of intraoperative frozen sections of thyroid tissue in the age of molecular testing. Clin Otolaryngol 2021; 46:991-997. [PMID: 33811452 DOI: 10.1111/coa.13766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Our study aims to examine the correlation between preoperative ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration and intraoperative frozen section and examine the clinical benefit of frozen section in the context of the latest national guidelines on the management of differentiated thyroid cancer. STUDY DESIGN A retrospective review of thyroid frozen section from 2012 to2017 at one institution. SETTING Tertiary care centre. PARTICIPANTS/MAIN OUTCOME Patient demographics, fine-needle aspiration results, molecular testing results, frozen section diagnosis (classified as benign, indeterminate, or malignant), final pathologic diagnosis, initial planned surgery, actual surgery performed, need for additional surgery and complications were recorded. Complications included hematoma formation, hypocalcaemia (requiring readmission, symptomatic, or >24-hour stay post op) and recurrent or superior laryngeal nerve damage. RESULTS 728 total patients had an intraoperative frozen section performed. A Thy 4/Bethesda V USGFNA diagnosis (n = 55) significantly correlated with a clinically important intraoperative frozen section (n = 17, P < .01). Intraoperative management was changed by the frozen section 53 times (7.2%). Molecular testing was sent on 92 USGFNA specimens, 80 of which were deemed "suspicious." Of the 49 patients whose management was upstaged intraoperatively, 29 (59%) would not necessitate a completion thyroidectomy under the latest UK and ATA guidelines based on final pathology. CONCLUSION Intraoperative frozen sections rarely alter the pre-surgical plan and indeed may result in expanded surgery that could have been avoided based on latest UK and US guidelines. Molecular testing of indeterminate fine-needle aspiration results does not appear to predict meaningful intraoperative frozen section results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Marshall
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - David Alexander
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Jason Fleming
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Jessica Grayson
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Glenn Peters
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Erin Buczek
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
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Leimbach RD, Hoang TD, Shakir MKM. Diagnostic Challenges of Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma. Oncology 2021; 99:422-432. [PMID: 33878761 DOI: 10.1159/000515373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) comprises 1-2% of all thyroid cancers, yet 15% of all thyroid cancer-related deaths. While up to 20% of cases may be predicted due to autosomal dominant germline mutations, 80% of cases are sporadic. However, due to non-specific presenting symptoms and diagnostic imaging, prompt diagnosis and treatment has remained elusive. This article will further investigate the limitations of MTC diagnosis and look into future areas for diagnostic improvement. METHODS Relevant articles were identified using a systematic PubMed and Google Scholar search. RESULTS Prophylactic total thyroidectomy for the 20% of MTC cases that are present in autosomal dominant disorder provides definitive treatment. Serum calcitonin (Ctn) screening has several technical limitations due to population variability and laboratory assay interference, but advances in laboratory technology and combined use with fine needle aspiration increase its sensitivity. Other serum assays such as carcinoembryonic antigen and procalcitonin have limited applicability. Thyroid ultrasound remains the gold standard for the initial diagnostic planning, with limited application for CT, MRI, and PET imaging. CONCLUSION With complete surgical resection the only definitive treatment, early MTC diagnosis has presented an elusive challenge, mainly due to its relative rarity and difficulty in finding an economic screening strategy. Careful family history combined with fine needle aspiration with serum Ctn analysis can improve diagnostic sensitivity and specificity to greater than 95%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert D Leimbach
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.,Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Thanh D Hoang
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.,Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Mohamed K M Shakir
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.,Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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7
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Workman AD, Soylu S, Kamani D, Nourmahnad A, Kyriazidis N, Saade R, Ren Y, Wirth L, Faquin WC, Onenerk AM, Nikiforov YE, Al-Qurayshi Z, Kandil E, Kloos RT, Eldeiry L, Lubitz C, Stathatos N, Randolph GW. Limitations of preoperative cytology for medullary thyroid cancer: Proposal for improved preoperative diagnosis for optimal initial medullary thyroid carcinoma specific surgery. Head Neck 2020; 43:920-927. [PMID: 33269526 DOI: 10.1002/hed.26550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2020] [Revised: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preoperative diagnosis of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is often difficult, given the poor sensitivity of fine-needle aspiration (FNA) cytology for MTC. This study investigates this issue and presents recommendations for improving preoperative diagnostic paradigms in MTC cases. DESIGN/METHOD Histopathologically confirmed MTC patients with preoperative cytologic assessment of index nodules were enrolled. FNA diagnosis, final pathology, and surgery details were collected. RESULTS Out of 71 patients, 49 (69%) were diagnosed by FNA as either definitive MTC (35, 49%) or suspected MTC (14, 20%) and 22 (31%) patients had no indication of MTC on FNA. CONCLUSION In a tertiary-care setting, one-third of subjects had an FNA interpretation that did not suggest the possibility of MTC. The limitations of preoperative diagnosis are especially problematic for MTC as they can cause delayed or incomplete treatment. Additional testing is proposed to improve preoperative diagnosis and surgical care of MTC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan D Workman
- Division of Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery, Department of Otolaryngology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Selen Soylu
- Division of Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery, Department of Otolaryngology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Dipti Kamani
- Division of Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery, Department of Otolaryngology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Natalia Kyriazidis
- Division of Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery, Department of Otolaryngology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ryan Saade
- Division of Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery, Department of Otolaryngology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Yin Ren
- Division of Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery, Department of Otolaryngology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lori Wirth
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - William C Faquin
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ayşe M Onenerk
- Department of Pathology, Haydarpaşa Numune Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Yuri E Nikiforov
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Zaid Al-Qurayshi
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Emad Kandil
- Department of Surgery, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Richard T Kloos
- Department of Medical Affairs, Veracyte Inc., South San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Leslie Eldeiry
- Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates, Atrius Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Carrie Lubitz
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Institute for Technology Assessment, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Nikolaos Stathatos
- Thyroid Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Gregory W Randolph
- Division of Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery, Department of Otolaryngology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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8
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Abstract
Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), arising from the parafollicular C cells of the thyroid, accounts for 1–2% of thyroid cancers. MTC is frequently aggressive and metastasizes to cervical and mediastinal lymph nodes, lungs, liver, and bones. Although a number of new imaging modalities for directing the management of oncologic patients evolved over the last two decades, the clinical application of these novel techniques is limited in MTC. In this article, we review the biology and molecular aspects of MTC as an important background for the use of current imaging modalities and approaches for this tumor. We discuss the modern and currently available imaging techniques—advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based techniques such as whole-body MRI, dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) technique, diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) with 18F-FDOPA and 18F-FDG, and integrated positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance (PET/MR) hybrid imaging—for primary as well as metastatic MTC tumor, including its metastatic spread to lymph nodes and the most common sites of distant metastases: lungs, liver, and bones.
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Nishino M, Krane JF. Role of Ancillary Techniques in Thyroid Cytology Specimens. Acta Cytol 2019; 64:40-51. [PMID: 30947167 DOI: 10.1159/000496502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2018] [Accepted: 01/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Ancillary molecular testing has emerged as a promising way to refine the preoperative risk stratification of thyroid nodules with indeterminate fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy results. Commercially available molecular tests for thyroid FNAs include those that analyze samples for mutations and gene fusions, gene expression alterations, microRNA expression alterations, chromosomal copy number alterations, or a combination thereof. This review summarizes the performance characteristics of the most current iterations of three tests currently marketed for cytologically indeterminate thyroid nodules: ThyroSeq v3, ThyGeNEXT/ThyraMIR, and Afirma Gene Sequencing Classifier.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michiya Nishino
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA,
| | - Jeffrey F Krane
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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10
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Abstract
Fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) and ultrasonography are the most common modalities for the diagnosis and follow up of thyroid nodules. FNAB is able to distinguish benign from malignant nodules with high sensitivity and specificity; however, 20% to 30% of nodules are diagnosed as indeterminate with a risk of malignancy varying from 10% to 75% based on the 2017 revision of the Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology. Molecular tests are being increasingly used to triage this group of nodules. Several molecular tests are commercially available and newer upgrades are being developed to either "rule in" or "rule out" malignancy with greater accuracy. The Afirma gene expression classifier and its recent upgrade (the Afirma gene sequencing classifier), Thryoseq v2, a next generation sequencing test and its recent upgrade (the v3), RosettaGX Reveal based on microRNA alterations, and ThyGenX/ThyraMIR, a combination test, are currently on the market. Familiarity with these tests, their performance, and postvalidation publications will enable appropriate test selection and improve triage of patients for appropriate therapy. The underlying rate of malignancy at different institutions and the interobserver variability in cytologic and histologic diagnosis of thyroid lesions are important factors that impact the performance of the various molecular tests.
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11
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Abstract
Genomic, clinical, and pathologic studies have prompted a more risk-stratified approach to the management of patients with thyroid nodules. The recent nomenclature change concerning noninvasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary-like nuclear features reflects the clinical trend toward conservative treatment choices for carefully selected low-risk thyroid neoplasms. These developments have occurred in parallel with a growing array of molecular tests intended to improve clinical triage for patients with indeterminate fine needle aspiration diagnoses. This review discusses the implications of the nomenclature revision on the interpretation of thyroid fine needle aspiration and updates available ancillary molecular tests for thyroid fine needle aspirations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michiya Nishino
- Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, 330 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
| | - Jeffrey F Krane
- Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital, 75 Francis Street, Amory 3, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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12
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Smith A, Galli M, Piga I, Denti V, Stella M, Chinello C, Fusco N, Leni D, Manzoni M, Roversi G, Garancini M, Pincelli AI, Cimino V, Capitoli G, Magni F, Pagni F. Molecular signatures of medullary thyroid carcinoma by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation mass spectrometry imaging. J Proteomics 2018; 191:114-123. [PMID: 29581064 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2018.03.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2017] [Revised: 03/06/2018] [Accepted: 03/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The main aim of the study was to assess the feasibility of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI-MSI) in the pathological investigation of Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma (MTC). Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) samples from seven MTC patients were analysed by MALDI-MSI in order to detect proteomic alterations within tumour lesions and to define the molecular profiles of specific findings, such as amyloid deposition and C cell hyperplasia (CCH). nLC-ESI MS/MS was employed for the identification of amyloid components and to select alternative proteomic markers of MTC pathogenesis. Results highlighted the potential of MALDI-MSI to confirm the classic immunohistochemical methods employed for the diagnosis of MTC, with good sensitivity and specificity. Intratumoural amyloid components were also detected and identified, and were characterised by calcitonin, apolipoprotein E, apolipoprotein IV, and vitronectin. The tryptic peptide profiles representative of MTC and CCH were distinctly different, with four alternative markers for MTC being detected; K1C18, and three histones (H2A, H3C, and H4). Finally, a further 115 proteins were identified through the nLC-ESI-MS/MS analysis alone, with moesin, veriscan, and lumican being selected due to their potential involvement in MTC pathogenesis. This approach represents a complimentary strategy that could be employed to detect new proteomic markers of MTC. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is a rare endocrine malignancy that originates from the parafollicular C-cells of the thyroid. The diagnosis is typically established using a combination of fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) of a suspicious nodule along with the demonstrable elevation of serum biomarkers, such as calcitonin and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). Unfortunately, this combination is often associated with a high degree of false-positive results and this can lead to misdiagnosis and avoidable total thyroidectomy. The current study presents the potential role of MALDI-MSI in the search for new proteomic markers of MTC with diagnostic and prognostic significance. MALDI-MSI was capable of detecting the classic immunohistochemical markers employed for the diagnosis of MTC, with good sensitivity and specificity. Furthermore, the complementary combination of MALDI-MSI and nLC-ESI-MS/MS analysis, using a single tissue section, enabled further potential markers to be identified and their spatial localisation visualised within tumoural regions. Such findings could be a valuable starting point for further studies focused on confirming the data presented here using thyroid FNABs, with the final objective being to provide complimentary assistance for the detection of MTC during the pre-operative phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Smith
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Clinical Proteomics and Metabolomics Unit, Vedano al Lambro, Italy.
| | - Manuel Galli
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Clinical Proteomics and Metabolomics Unit, Vedano al Lambro, Italy.
| | - Isabella Piga
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Clinical Proteomics and Metabolomics Unit, Vedano al Lambro, Italy; Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Section of Pathology, Monza, Italy.
| | - Vanna Denti
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Clinical Proteomics and Metabolomics Unit, Vedano al Lambro, Italy.
| | - Martina Stella
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Clinical Proteomics and Metabolomics Unit, Vedano al Lambro, Italy.
| | - Clizia Chinello
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Clinical Proteomics and Metabolomics Unit, Vedano al Lambro, Italy.
| | - Nicola Fusco
- Division of Pathology, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.
| | - Davide Leni
- Department of Radiology, San Gerardo Hospital, Monza, Italy
| | - Marco Manzoni
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Section of Pathology, Monza, Italy
| | - Gaia Roversi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Section of Genomics, Monza, Italy.
| | | | | | - Vincenzo Cimino
- Department of Endocrinology, San Gerardo Hospital, Monza, Italy
| | - Giulia Capitoli
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Section of Biostatistics, Monza, Italy.
| | - Fulvio Magni
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Clinical Proteomics and Metabolomics Unit, Vedano al Lambro, Italy.
| | - Fabio Pagni
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Section of Pathology, Monza, Italy.
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13
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Nishino M, Nikiforova M. Update on Molecular Testing for Cytologically Indeterminate Thyroid Nodules. Arch Pathol Lab Med 2018; 142:446-457. [PMID: 29336606 DOI: 10.5858/arpa.2017-0174-ra] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT - Approximately 15% to 30% of thyroid nodules that undergo fine-needle aspiration are classified as cytologically indeterminate, presenting management challenges for patients and clinicians alike. During the past several years, several molecular tests have been developed to reduce the diagnostic uncertainty of indeterminate thyroid fine-needle aspirations. OBJECTIVE - To review the methodology, clinical validation, and recent peer-reviewed literature for 4 molecular tests that are currently marketed for cytologically indeterminate thyroid fine-needle aspiration specimens: Afirma, ThyroSeq, ThyGenX/ThyraMIR, and RosettaGX Reveal. DATA SOURCES - Peer-reviewed literature retrieved from PubMed search, data provided by company websites and representatives, and authors' personal experiences. CONCLUSIONS - The 4 commercially available molecular tests for thyroid cytology offer unique approaches to improve the risk stratification of thyroid nodules. Familiarity with data from the validation studies as well as the emerging literature about test performance in the postvalidation setting can help users to select and interpret these tests in a clinically meaningful way.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marina Nikiforova
- From the Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts (Dr Nishino); and the Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (Dr Nikiforova)
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14
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An update on the status of molecular testing for the indeterminate thyroid nodule and risk stratification of differentiated thyroid cancer. Curr Opin Oncol 2018; 30:8-15. [DOI: 10.1097/cco.0000000000000414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
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15
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Sahli ZT, Smith PW, Umbricht CB, Zeiger MA. Preoperative Molecular Markers in Thyroid Nodules. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2018; 9:179. [PMID: 29720964 PMCID: PMC5915469 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2018.00179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2018] [Accepted: 04/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The need for distinguishing benign from malignant thyroid nodules has led to the pursuit of differentiating molecular markers. The most common molecular tests in clinical use are Afirma® Gene Expression Classifier (GEC) and Thyroseq® V2. Despite the rapidly developing field of molecular markers, several limitations exist. These challenges include the recent introduction of the histopathological diagnosis "Non-Invasive Follicular Thyroid neoplasm with Papillary-like nuclear features", the correlation of genetic mutations within both benign and malignant pathologic diagnoses, the lack of follow-up of molecular marker negative nodules, and the cost-effectiveness of molecular markers. In this manuscript, we review the current published literature surrounding the diagnostic value of Afirma® GEC and Thyroseq® V2. Among Afirma® GEC studies, sensitivity (Se), specificity (Sp), positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) ranged from 75 to 100%, 5 to 53%, 13 to 100%, and 20 to 100%, respectively. Among Thyroseq® V2 studies, Se, Sp, PPV, and NPV ranged from 40 to 100%, 56 to 93%, 13 to 90%, and 48 to 97%, respectively. We also discuss current challenges to Afirma® GEC and Thyroseq® V2 utility and clinical application, and preview the future directions of these rapidly developing technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeyad T. Sahli
- Department of Surgery, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Philip W. Smith
- Department of Surgery, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Christopher B. Umbricht
- Department of Surgery, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Martha A. Zeiger
- Department of Surgery, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
- *Correspondence: Martha A. Zeiger,
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Roth MY, Witt RL, Steward DL. Molecular testing for thyroid nodules: Review and current state. Cancer 2017; 124:888-898. [DOI: 10.1002/cncr.30708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2016] [Revised: 03/02/2017] [Accepted: 03/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mara Y. Roth
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Nutrition, Department of Medicine; University of Washington; Seattle Washington
| | - Robert L. Witt
- Department of Otolaryngology; Thomas Jefferson University; Philadelphia Pennsylvania
- Multidisciplinary Head and Neck Clinic, Helen F. Graham Cancer Center; Newark Delaware
| | - David L. Steward
- Department of Otolaryngology; University of Cincinnati; Cincinnati Ohio
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17
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Poller DN, Glaysher S. Molecular pathology and thyroid FNA. Cytopathology 2017; 28:475-481. [DOI: 10.1111/cyt.12492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- D. N. Poller
- Department of Pathology & Cancer Laboratory; Queen Alexandra Hospital; Portsmouth UK
| | - S. Glaysher
- Department of Pathology & Cancer Laboratory; Queen Alexandra Hospital; Portsmouth UK
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18
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Domingo RP, Ogden LL, Been LC, Kennedy GC, Traweek ST. Identification of parathyroid tissue in thyroid fine-needle aspiration: A combined approach using cytology, immunohistochemical, and molecular methods. Diagn Cytopathol 2017; 45:526-532. [DOI: 10.1002/dc.23711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2017] [Revised: 02/19/2017] [Accepted: 03/10/2017] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
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Pankratz DG, Hu Z, Kim SY, Monroe RJ, Wong MG, Traweek ST, Kloos RT, Walsh PS, Kennedy GC. Analytical Performance of a Gene Expression Classifier for Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma. Thyroid 2016; 26:1573-1580. [PMID: 27605259 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2016.0262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to demonstrate the analytical validity of an RNA classifier for medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). METHODS Fresh-frozen tissue specimens were obtained from commercial sources, and MTC diagnoses were confirmed by histopathology review. De-identified patient fine-needle aspiration biopsies (FNABs) and whole blood from normal donors were obtained. Total RNA was extracted, amplified, and hybridized to custom microarrays for gene expression analysis. Gene expression data were normalized and classified via a machine learning algorithm. Positive control materials were produced from MTC tissues and tested across multiple experiments and laboratories. Twenty-seven MTC tissue specimens were used to evaluate the sensitivity of the MTC classifier. Gene expression data from tissues and FNABs were used to model classifier response to mixtures of MTC samples with normal thyroid tissue, a benign thyroid nodule, a Hürthle cell adenoma, and whole blood. Select mixture conditions were confirmed in vitro. Assay tolerance to RNA input variation (5-25 ng) and genomic DNA contamination (30% by mass) was evaluated. The intra- and inter-run reproducibility and inter-laboratory accuracy of MTC classifier results were characterized. RESULTS The MTC classifier sensitivity of 96.3% [confidence interval 81.0-99.9%] was determined retrospectively using 27 MTC confirmed tissue specimens. One false-negative result in a necrotic tissue implicated sample necrosis in reduced classifier sensitivity. Dilution modeling of MTC samples with normal or benign tissues showed consistent detection of MTC down to 20% sample proportions, with in vitro confirmation of 20% analytical sensitivity. Classifier tolerance to RNA input variation (5-25 ng), genomic DNA contamination (30% by mass), and an interfering substance (blood) was demonstrated with 100% accurate classifier results under all tested conditions. The maximum observed run-to-run score difference for a single FNAB sample was ∼1 unit compared with the average score difference between 38 MTC and non-MTC FNABs of ∼32 units. MTC classifier results for 20 tissues processed from total RNA in two different laboratories showed 100% concordance. CONCLUSIONS The MTC classifier, offered as part of the routine molecular testing of cytology-indeterminate thyroid nodules, demonstrates robust analytical sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and reproducibility.
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MESH Headings
- Adult
- Aged
- Biopsy, Fine-Needle
- Carcinoma, Medullary/blood
- Carcinoma, Medullary/diagnosis
- Carcinoma, Medullary/metabolism
- Carcinoma, Medullary/pathology
- Carcinoma, Neuroendocrine/blood
- Carcinoma, Neuroendocrine/diagnosis
- Carcinoma, Neuroendocrine/metabolism
- Carcinoma, Neuroendocrine/pathology
- Computational Biology
- Expert Systems
- Female
- Gene Expression Profiling
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
- Humans
- Limit of Detection
- Machine Learning
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Molecular Diagnostic Techniques
- Neoplasm Proteins/genetics
- Neoplasm Proteins/metabolism
- RNA, Neoplasm/metabolism
- Reproducibility of Results
- Sensitivity and Specificity
- Thyroid Gland/metabolism
- Thyroid Gland/pathology
- Thyroid Neoplasms/blood
- Thyroid Neoplasms/diagnosis
- Thyroid Neoplasms/metabolism
- Thyroid Neoplasms/pathology
- Tissue Banks
- Young Adult
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zhanzhi Hu
- 1 Veracyte, Inc. , South San Francisco, California
| | - Su Yeon Kim
- 1 Veracyte, Inc. , South San Francisco, California
| | | | - Mei G Wong
- 1 Veracyte, Inc. , South San Francisco, California
| | | | | | - P Sean Walsh
- 1 Veracyte, Inc. , South San Francisco, California
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