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Hernandez-Prera JC, Wenig BM. RAS-Mutant Follicular Thyroid Tumors: A Continuous Challenge for Pathologists. Endocr Pathol 2024:10.1007/s12022-024-09812-5. [PMID: 38888731 DOI: 10.1007/s12022-024-09812-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
The classification of thyroid nodules, particularly those with a follicular growth pattern, has significantly evolved. These tumors, enriched with RAS or RAS-like mutations, remain challenging for pathologists due to variables such as nuclear atypia, invasion, mitotic activity, and tumor necrosis. This review addresses the histological correlates of benign, low-risk, and malignant RAS-mutant thyroid tumors, as well as some difficult-to-classify follicular nodules with worrisome features. One prototypical RAS-mutant nodule is non-invasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary-like nuclear features (NIFTP). The assessment of nuclear characteristics in encapsulated/well-demarcated non-invasive RAS-mutant follicular-patterned tumors helps distinguish between follicular thyroid adenoma (FTA) and NIFTP. Despite this straightforward concept, questions about the degree of nuclear atypia necessary for the diagnosis of NIFTP are common in clinical practice. The nomenclature of follicular nodules lacking clear invasive features with increased mitotic activity, tumor necrosis, and/or high-risk mutations (e.g., TERT promoter or TP53) remains debated. Invasion, particularly angioinvasion, is the current hallmark of malignancy in RAS-mutant follicular-patterned neoplasms, with follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC) as the model. Assessing the tumor interface is critical, though full capsule evaluation can be challenging. Multiple levels and NRASQ61R-specific immunohistochemistry can aid in identifying invasion. Controversies around vascular invasion persist, with ancillary stains like CD31, ERG, and CD61 aiding in its evaluation. Moreover, the review highlights that invasive encapsulated follicular variant papillary thyroid carcinoma (IEFVPTC) is closely associated with FTC, suggesting the need for better nomenclature. The concept of "high-grade" differentiated carcinomas, applicable to FTC or IEFVPTC with necrosis and/or high mitotic activity, is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan C Hernandez-Prera
- Department of Pathology, Moffitt Cancer Center, 12902 Magnolia Drive, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA.
| | - Bruce M Wenig
- Department of Pathology, Moffitt Cancer Center, 12902 Magnolia Drive, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA
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Hernandez-Prera JC. Molecular Pathology of Thyroid Tumors: Old Problems and New Concepts. Clin Lab Med 2024; 44:305-324. [PMID: 38821646 DOI: 10.1016/j.cll.2023.08.006] [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] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
The molecular signatures of many thyroid tumors have been uncovered. These discoveries have translated into clinical practice and are changing diagnostic and tumor classification paradigms. Here, the findings of recent studies are presented with special emphasis on how molecular insights are impacting the understating of RAS mutant thyroid nodules, Hürthel cell neoplasms, and unusual thyroid tumors, such as hyalinizing trabecular tumor, secretory carcinoma of the thyroid, and sclerosing mucoepidermoid carcinoma with eosinophilia. In addition, the utility of detecting actionable molecular alterations by immunohistochemistry in advanced and aggressive thyroid cancer is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan C Hernandez-Prera
- Department of Pathology, Moffitt Cancer Center, 12902 Magnolia Drive, Tampa, Florida 33612, USA.
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Fu G, Chazen RS, MacMillan C, Witterick IJ. Discriminating Interpatient Variabilities of RAS Gene Variants for Precision Detection of Thyroid Cancer. JAMA Netw Open 2024; 7:e2411919. [PMID: 38758552 PMCID: PMC11102019 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.11919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Importance Interpatient variabilities in genomic variants may reflect differences in tumor statuses among individuals. Objectives To delineate interpatient variabilities in RAS variants in thyroid tumors based on the fifth World Health Organization classification of thyroid neoplasms and assess their diagnostic significance in cancer detection among patients with thyroid nodules. Design, Setting, and Participants This prospective diagnostic study analyzed surgically resected thyroid tumors obtained from February 2016 to April 2022 and residual thyroid fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsies obtained from January 2020 to March 2021, at Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Data were analyzed from June 20, 2022, to October 15, 2023. Exposures Quantitative detection of interpatient disparities of RAS variants (ie, NRAS, HRAS, and KRAS) was performed along with assessment of BRAF V600E and TERT promoter variants (C228T and C250T) by detecting their variant allele fractions (VAFs) using digital polymerase chain reaction assays. Main Outcomes and Measures Interpatient differences in RAS, BRAF V600E, and TERT promoter variants were analyzed and compared with surgical histopathologic diagnoses. Malignancy rates, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive values, and negative predictive values were calculated. Results A total of 438 surgically resected thyroid tumor tissues and 249 thyroid nodule FNA biopsies were obtained from 620 patients (470 [75.8%] female; mean [SD] age, 50.7 [15.9] years). Median (IQR) follow-up for patients who underwent FNA biopsy analysis and subsequent resection was 88 (50-156) days. Of 438 tumors, 89 (20.3%) were identified with the presence of RAS variants, including 51 (11.6%) with NRAS, 29 (6.6%) with HRAS, and 9 (2.1%) with KRAS. The interpatient differences in these variants were discriminated at VAF levels ranging from 0.15% to 51.53%. The mean (SD) VAF of RAS variants exhibited no significant differences among benign nodules (39.2% [11.2%]), noninvasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary-like nuclear features (NIFTPs) (25.4% [14.3%]), and malignant neoplasms (33.4% [13.8%]) (P = .28), although their distribution was found in 41.7% of NIFTPs and 50.7% of invasive encapsulated follicular variant papillary thyroid carcinomas (P < .001). RAS variants alone, regardless of a low or high VAF, were significantly associated with neoplasms at low risk of tumor recurrence (60.7% of RAS variants vs 26.9% of samples negative for RAS variants; P < .001). Compared with the sensitivity of 54.2% (95% CI, 48.8%-59.4%) and specificity of 100% (95% CI, 94.8%-100%) for BRAF V600E and TERT promoter variant assays, the inclusion of RAS variants into BRAF and TERT promoter variant assays improved sensitivity to 70.5% (95% CI, 65.4%-75.2%), albeit with a reduction in specificity to 88.8% (95% CI, 79.8%-94.1%) in distinguishing malignant neoplasms from benign and NIFTP tumors. Furthermore, interpatient differences in 5 gene variants (NRAS, HRAS, KRAS, BRAF, and TERT) were discriminated in 54 of 126 indeterminate FNAs (42.9%) and 18 of 76 nondiagnostic FNAs (23.7%), and all tumors with follow-up surgical pathology confirmed malignancy. Conclusions and Relevance This diagnostic study delineated interpatient differences in RAS variants present in thyroid tumors with a variety of histopathological diagnoses. Discrimination of interpatient variabilities in RAS in combination with BRAF V600E and TERT promoter variants could facilitate cytology examinations in preoperative precision malignancy diagnosis among patients with thyroid nodules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guodong Fu
- Alex and Simona Shnaider Research Laboratory in Molecular Oncology, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Sinai Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ronald S Chazen
- Alex and Simona Shnaider Research Laboratory in Molecular Oncology, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Sinai Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Christina MacMillan
- Alex and Simona Shnaider Research Laboratory in Molecular Oncology, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Sinai Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Mount Sinai Hospital, Sinai Health and University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ian J Witterick
- Alex and Simona Shnaider Research Laboratory in Molecular Oncology, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Sinai Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Joseph and Mildred Sonshine Family Centre for Head and Neck Diseases, Mount Sinai Hospital, Sinai Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Mount Sinai Hospital, Sinai Health and University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Stewardson P, Eszlinger M, Wu J, Khalil M, Box A, Perizzolo M, Punjwani Z, Ziehr B, Sanyal R, Demetrick DJ, Paschke R. Prospective Validation of ThyroSPEC Molecular Testing of Indeterminate Thyroid Nodule Cytology Following Diagnostic Pathway Optimization. Thyroid 2023; 33:1423-1433. [PMID: 37742115 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2023.0255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/25/2023]
Abstract
Background: Molecular testing for cytologically indeterminate thyroid nodules (ITNs) is often reported with incomplete data on clinical assessment and ultrasound malignancy risk (USMR) stratification. This study aimed to clinically validate the diagnostic accuracy of a novel molecular test, assess the incremental preoperative malignancy risk of other clinical factors, and measure the impacts of introducing molecular testing at the population level. Methods: Comprehensive clinical data were collected prospectively for the first 615 consecutive patients with ITNs in a centralized health care system following implementation of a reflexive molecular test. Clinical data include patient history, method of nodule discovery, clinical assessment, USMR, cytology, molecular testing, and surgery or follow-up along with surgeon notes on surgical decision-making. Accuracy of molecular testing and the impact of the introduction of molecular testing were calculated. A multivariable regression model was developed to identify which clinical factors have the most diagnostic significance for ITNs. Results: A locally developed, low-cost molecular test achieved a negative predictive value (NPV) of 76-91% [confidence interval, CI 66-95%] and a positive predictive value (PPV) of 46-65% [CI 37-75%] in ITNs using only residual material from standard liquid cytology fine-needle aspiration (FNA). Sensitivity was highest (80%; [CI 63-92%]) in the American Thyroid Association (ATA) intermediate-suspicion ultrasound category, and lowest (46%; [CI 19-75%]) in the ATA high-suspicion ultrasound category. Following implementation of molecular testing, diagnostic yield increased by 14% (p = 0.2442) and repeat FNAs decreased by 24% (p = 0.05). Mutation was the primary reason for surgery in 76% of resected, mutation-positive patients. High-risk mutations were associated with a 58% (p = 0.0001) shorter wait for surgery. Twenty-six percent of patients with a negative molecular test result underwent surgery. Multivariable regression highlighted molecular testing and USMR as significantly associated with malignancy. Conclusions: Molecular testing improves preoperative risk stratification but requires further stratification for intermediate-risk mutations. Incorporation of clinical factors (especially USMR) with molecular testing may increase the sensitivity for detection of malignancy. Introduction of molecular testing offers some clinical benefits even in a low resection rate setting, and directly influences surgical decision-making. This study illustrates the importance of the local diagnostic pathway in ensuring appropriate integrated use of molecular testing for best outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Stewardson
- Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, Department of Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Markus Eszlinger
- Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, Department of Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
- Department of Oncology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Jiahui Wu
- Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, Department of Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Moosa Khalil
- Alberta Precision Laboratories, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Adrian Box
- Alberta Precision Laboratories, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Marco Perizzolo
- Alberta Precision Laboratories, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Zoya Punjwani
- Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, Department of Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Bjoern Ziehr
- Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, Department of Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Ratna Sanyal
- Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, Department of Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Douglas J Demetrick
- Alberta Precision Laboratories, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Ralf Paschke
- Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, Department of Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
- Department of Oncology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
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Effect of Having Concurrent Mutations on the Degree of Aggressiveness in Patients with Thyroid Cancer Positive for TERT Promoter Mutations. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15020413. [PMID: 36672362 PMCID: PMC9856260 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15020413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Revised: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to examine whether concurrent mutations with a TERT promoter mutation are associated with a greater likelihood of more aggressive disease than a TERT promoter mutation alone. The medical records of 1477 patients who underwent thyroid surgery at two tertiary hospitals between 2017 and 2022 were reviewed. Twenty-four patients had TERT promoter mutations based on molecular profile testing. Clinicodemographic data, mutational profiles, and histopathological features were assessed. Descriptive analysis, Fisher's exact test, and binary logistic regression were performed. Seven patients had single-gene TERT promoter mutations, and 17 had concurrent mutations, including BRAF V600E, HRAS, NRAS, PIK3CA, and EIF1AX. The overall prevalence of malignancy was 95.8%, of which 78.3% were aggressive thyroid cancers. There was a statistically significant association between concurrent mutations and disease aggressiveness. The odds of having aggressive disease were 10 times higher in patients with a TERT promoter mutation and a concurrent molecular alteration than in those with a TERT promoter mutation alone. This is an important finding for thyroid specialists to consider when counseling patients concerning risk stratification and management options.
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Tang J, Ma J, Xi X, Wang L, Li H, Huo S, Zhang B. Real-life utility of five-gene panel test in preoperative thyroid fine-needle aspiration biopsy: a large cohort of 740 patients study. Endocrine 2022; 80:552-562. [PMID: 36542267 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-022-03286-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy is an effective method to discriminate malignant thyroid nodules but reaches indeterminate results in approximately 30% of cases. Molecular testing can improve the diagnostic accuracy of FNA. This study aimed to investigate the real-life utility of the five-gene panel testing in thyroid FNAs. METHODS 759 thyroid nodules from 740 patients under FNAs were retrospectively enrolled. Gene mutation information and clinical parameters, including age, gender, tumor size, and lymph node metastasis, were respectively recorded. Cytological results were classified based on The Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology (TBSRTC). We analyzed mutational hotspots in BRAF, KRAS, NRAS, HRAS, and TERT genes from FNA specimens. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and accuracy were calculated to assess diagnostic performance. RESULTS We identified 549 five-gene mutations in 759 nodules (72.3%), and the mutation frequency increased from the lower TBSRTC category to the upper category. BRAF.p.V600E showed the highest mutation incidence (71.3%) in the five-gene panel, correlated with the small to medium diameter (p = 0.008, p = 0.012) and high cytological categories (p < 0.001). The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and accuracy of the combination of FNA cytology and five-gene detection were 96.83%, 100%, 100%, 42.86%, and 96.90%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The mutation frequency of the five-gene panel is 72.3% in thyroid FNAs. BRAF.p.V600E has the highest alteration rate, which is closely associated with tumor size and cytological results. The five-gene panel can improve the sensitivity and accuracy of FNA cytology, which may represent a valid adjunct technique in distinguishing thyroid nodules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiajia Tang
- Department of Ultrasound, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, 100029, China
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Jiaojiao Ma
- Department of Ultrasound, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Xuehua Xi
- Department of Ultrasound, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Liangkai Wang
- Department of Ultrasound, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, 100029, China
- Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Huilin Li
- Department of Ultrasound, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, 100029, China
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Shirui Huo
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Bo Zhang
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China.
- Department of Ultrasound, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, National Center for Respiratory Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Diseases, Institute of Respiratory Medicine of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100029, China.
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Cipriani NA, Johnson DN, Sarne DH, Angelos P, Reeves W, Antic T. The Significance of RAS-Like Mutations and MicroRNA Profiling in Predicting Malignancy in Thyroid Biopsy Specimens. Endocr Pathol 2022; 33:446-456. [PMID: 36227454 DOI: 10.1007/s12022-022-09734-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
In cytologically indeterminate thyroid nodules undergoing molecular testing, estimated risk of malignancy is variable. Identification of a non-cancer-specific mutation (RAS-like) confirms a neoplastic process but does not differentiate between benign, malignant, and low-risk neoplasms. This study aims to retrospectively evaluate institutional experience of Interpace (ThyGeNEXT® and ThyraMIR®; Pittsburgh, PA) testing and to determine the rate of malignancy in resected nodules, stratified by mutational analysis and microRNA profile. Of 1917 fine need aspirations, 140 (7.3%) underwent Interpace testing: 47 (33.6%) were molecular-not-benign (harbored mutation, fusion, and/or positive miRNA) and 93 (66.4%) were molecular-benign (no mutations or fusions and negative microRNA). Surgery was spared in 79.6% of molecular-benign and 61.4% of all tested patients. Fifty-four (38.6%) underwent resection. Seventeen (89.5%) of the resected molecular-benign were benign and 2 were malignant. Thirteen (37.1%) of the resected molecular-not-benign were benign, 7 (20%) were noninvasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary-like nuclear features (NIFTP), and 15 (42.9%) were malignant (p < 0.05, negative predictive value (NPV) 89.4-95.6%, positive predictive value (PPV) 22.3-42.8%). Most molecular-not-benign (72.3%) had RAS-like mutation. Twenty-three were resected: 3 were malignant and 7 were NIFTP. Nodules with non-RAS-like mutations (BRAF V600E-like, others) were more likely to be malignant than RAS-like (H/N/KRAS, BRAF K601E) (p < 0.05, NPV 86.9-96.5%, PPV 100%). Most nodules had RAS-like mutations and most were benign or low-risk neoplasms (NIFTP). This study supports the role of histologic examination in the distinction of malignancy in RAS-like thyroid neoplasms and underscores the role of molecular testing in risk stratification, patient counseling, and operative management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole A Cipriani
- Department of Pathology, The University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Ave., MC 6101, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA.
| | | | - David H Sarne
- Department of Medicine, Section of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Peter Angelos
- Department of Surgery, Section of Endocrine Surgery, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Ward Reeves
- Department of Pathology, The University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Ave., MC 6101, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Tatjana Antic
- Department of Pathology, The University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Ave., MC 6101, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
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Torrecillas V, Sharma A, Neuberger K, Abraham D. Utility of mutational analysis for risk stratification of indeterminate thyroid nodules in a real-world setting. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2022; 96:637-645. [PMID: 34605038 DOI: 10.1111/cen.14601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE American Thyroid Association (ATAn) 2015 guidelines recommend repeat fine-needle aspiration with molecular marker profiling (MMP) or diagnostic lobectomy in thyroid nodules yielding atypia of unknown significance/follicular lesion of unknown significance (AUS/FLUS) or follicular neoplasm/suspicious for follicular neoplasm (FN/SFN) cytology. Our objective is to describe the molecular profiles and histological correlates of these cytologically indeterminate nodules (CIN) to aid risk stratification. DESIGN Retrospective chart review. PATIENTS Adults with CIN that underwent MMP from 2017 to 2020. MEASUREMENTS Pearsons' χ2 , Fisher's exact test, nonparametric testing and multiple regression analysis were performed. RESULTS A total of 89 CIN underwent mutational analysis. Of 55% (n = 49) were Bethesda class III AUS/FLUS and 45% (n = 40) were Bethesda class IV FN/SFN. The US phenotype of a CIN was isoechoic (53%) or hypoechoic (32%) with well-defined margins (98%), absence of calcifications (75%) and mildly increased internal vascularity (70%). A total of 84% and 87% of nodules were classified as mild/moderate or low/intermediate risk per the Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System and ATA classifications, respectively. Based on the Thyroseq patient management resource, 6.7% (n = 6) of nodules had a high predicted probability of cancer (≥95%), 41.6% (n = 37) were intermediate probability (40%-94%) and 51.7% (n = 46) were low probability (<40%). MMP revealed positive mutations in 45% (n = 40) of nodules, with 71% demonstrating RAS mutations. Of the nodules that underwent resection (n = 38), 39% (n = 15) had malignant pathology. Increasing the threshold to recommend surgical resection to a Thyroseq predicted probability of cancer to ≥50%, had a 100% sensitivity and 65% specificity for detecting malignant nodules (area under the ROC curve: 0.86). The positive predictive value was 37% and the negative predictive value was 100%. CONCLUSION US phenotypes of CIN nodules were variable and did not aid in differentiating malignant from benign nodules. Of the CIN nodules with a positive MMP, most were RAS and had a benign pathology. With the exception of high-risk genetic markers for malignancy, the threshold to recommend surgical resection should be raised for CIN. Further studies to improve risk stratification in these nodules are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Torrecillas
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Anu Sharma
- Department of Internal Medicine, Endocrinology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Kaden Neuberger
- School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Dev Abraham
- Department of Internal Medicine, Endocrinology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
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Ullmann TM, Thiesmeyer JW, Lee YJ, Beg S, Mosquera JM, Elemento O, Fahey TJ, Scognamiglio T, Houvras Y. RET Fusion-Positive Papillary Thyroid Cancers are Associated with a More Aggressive Phenotype. Ann Surg Oncol 2022; 29:10.1245/s10434-022-11418-2. [PMID: 35230579 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-022-11418-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is unclear if different genetic drivers in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) confer different phenotypic tumor behavior leading to more aggressive disease. We hypothesized that RET-driven cancers are more aggressive. PATIENTS AND METHODS We reviewed records of consecutive patients treated for newly diagnosed PTC at this single institution from 2015 to 2016. Tumor samples from these patients were genotyped to identify RET-translocated, BRAFV600E mutant, and HRAS, KRAS, and NRAS mutant tumors. Patient demographic, clinicopathologic, and outcomes data were compared to identify genotype-specific patterns of disease. RESULTS Of the 327 patients who underwent initial surgery for PTC during the study period, 192 (58.7%) had BRAFV600E mutant tumors (BRAF), 14 (4.3%) had RET-rearranged tumors (RET), 46 (14.1%) had RAS mutant tumors (RAS), and 75 (22.9%) had BRAF, RET, and RAS wildtype tumors. RET-driven tumors were more likely to have extrathyroidal extension (50.0% versus 27.0% for BRAF and 2.2% for RAS, P < 0.001), multifocal disease (85.7% versus 60.3%, and 44.4%, respectively, P = 0.017), and distant metastases (14.3% versus 1.1%, and 0%, respectively, P = 0.019). RET and BRAF patients also had worse disease-free survival than RAS patients (Kaplan-Meier log rank, P = 0.027). CONCLUSIONS Patients with RET-driven PTCs had higher rates of extrathyroidal extension, multifocal disease, and distant metastases than patients whose tumors had BRAFV600E or RAS mutations. Patients with RET-rearranged tumors had similar disease-free survival to patients with BRAFV600E mutant tumors. RET rearrangement may confer an aggressive phenotype in PTC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy M Ullmann
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Yeon Joo Lee
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Shaham Beg
- Department of Pathology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Olivier Elemento
- Department of Pathology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
- Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Thomas J Fahey
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Yariv Houvras
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA.
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Abstract
The molecular signatures of many thyroid tumors have been uncovered. These discoveries have translated into clinical practice and are changing diagnostic and tumor classification paradigms. Here, the findings of recent studies are presented with special emphasis on how molecular insights are impacting the understating of RAS mutant thyroid nodules, Hürthel cell neoplasms, and unusual thyroid tumors, such as hyalinizing trabecular tumor, secretory carcinoma of the thyroid, and sclerosing mucoepidermoid carcinoma with eosinophilia. In addition, the utility of detecting actionable molecular alterations by immunohistochemistry in advanced and aggressive thyroid cancer is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan C Hernandez-Prera
- Department of Pathology, Moffitt Cancer Center, 12902 Magnolia Drive, Tampa, Florida 33612, USA.
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11
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Marotta V, Bifulco M, Vitale M. Significance of RAS Mutations in Thyroid Benign Nodules and Non-Medullary Thyroid Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13153785. [PMID: 34359686 PMCID: PMC8345070 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13153785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Only about 4% of thyroid nodules are carcinomas and require surgery. Fine-needle aspiration cytology is the most accurate tool to distinguish benign from malignant thyroid nodules, however it yields an indeterminate result in about 30% of the cases, posing diagnostic and prognostic dilemmas. Testing for genetic mutations, including those of RAS, has been proposed for indeterminate cytology to solve these dilemmas and support the clinician decision making process. A passionate debate is ongoing on the biological and clinical significance of RAS mutations, calling into question the utility of RAS as tumor marker. Recently, the description of a new entity of non-invasive follicular thyroid neoplasm and the accurate review of more recent analyses demonstrate that RAS mutations have limited utility in both the diagnostic and prognostic setting of thyroid nodular disease. Abstract Thyroid nodules are detected in up to 60% of people by ultrasound examination. Most of them are benign nodules requiring only follow up, while about 4% are carcinomas and require surgery. Malignant nodules can be diagnosed by the fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC), which however yields an indeterminate result in about 30% of the cases. Testing for RAS mutations has been proposed to refine indeterminate cytology. However, the new entity of non-invasive follicular thyroid neoplasm, considered as having a benign evolution and frequently carrying RAS mutations, is expected to lower the specificity of this mutation. The aggressive behavior of thyroid cancer with RAS mutations, initially reported, has been overturned by the recent finding of the cooperative role of TERT mutations. Although some animal models support the carcinogenic role of RAS mutations in the thyroid, evidence that adenomas harboring these mutations evolve in carcinomas is lacking. Their poor specificity and sensitivity make the clinical impact of RAS mutations on the management of thyroid nodules with indeterminate cytology unsatisfactory. Evidence suggests that RAS mutation-positive benign nodules demand a conservative treatment. To have a clinical impact, RAS mutations in thyroid malignancies need not to be considered alone but rather together with other genetic abnormalities in a more general context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Marotta
- UOC Clinica Endocrinologica e Diabetologica, AOU S. Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi D’Aragona, 84131 Salerno, Italy;
| | - Maurizio Bifulco
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, 80100 Naples, Italy;
| | - Mario Vitale
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-089-672-753
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Póvoa AA, Teixeira E, Bella-Cueto MR, Batista R, Pestana A, Melo M, Alves T, Pinto M, Sobrinho-Simões M, Maciel J, Soares P. Genetic Determinants for Prediction of Outcome of Patients with Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:2048. [PMID: 33922635 PMCID: PMC8122921 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13092048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) usually presents an excellent prognosis, but some patients present with aggressive metastatic disease. BRAF, RAS, and TERT promoter (TERTp) genes are altered in PTC, and their impact on patient outcomes remains controversial. We aimed to determine the role of genetic alterations in PTC patient outcomes (recurrent/persistent disease, structural disease, and disease-specific mortality (DSM)). The series included 241 PTC patients submitted to surgery, between 2002-2015, in a single hospital. DNA was extracted from tissue samples of 287 lesions (primary tumors and metastases). Molecular alterations were detected by Sanger sequencing. Primary tumors presented 143 BRAF, 16 TERTp, and 13 RAS mutations. Isolated TERTpmut showed increased risk of structural disease (HR = 7.0, p < 0.001) and DSM (HR = 10.1, p = 0.001). Combined genotypes, BRAFwt/TERTpmut (HR = 6.8, p = 0.003), BRAFmut/TERTpmut (HR = 3.2, p = 0.056) and BRAFmut/TERTpwt (HR = 2.2, p = 0.023) showed increased risk of recurrent/persistent disease. Patients with tumors BRAFwt/TERTpmut (HR = 24.2, p < 0.001) and BRAFmut/TERTpmut (HR = 11.5, p = 0.002) showed increased risk of structural disease. DSM was significantly increased in patients with TERTpmut regardless of BRAF status (BRAFmut/TERTpmut, log-rank p < 0.001; BRAFwt/TERTpmut, log-rank p < 0.001). Our results indicate that molecular markers may have a role in predicting PTC patients' outcome. BRAFmut/TERTpwt tumors were prone to associate with local aggressiveness (recurrent/persistent disease), whereas TERTpmut tumors were predisposed to recurrent structural disease and DSM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antónia Afonso Póvoa
- Department of General Surgery, Centro Hospitalar de Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho (CHVNG/E), 4434-502 Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal;
- IPATIMUP—Instituto de Patologia e Imunologia Molecular da Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (E.T.); (R.B.); (A.P.); (M.M.); (M.P.); (M.S.-S.)
- Cancer Signaling and Metabolism, i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Departament of Pathology, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto, 4200-319, Porto, Portugal
| | - Elisabete Teixeira
- IPATIMUP—Instituto de Patologia e Imunologia Molecular da Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (E.T.); (R.B.); (A.P.); (M.M.); (M.P.); (M.S.-S.)
- Cancer Signaling and Metabolism, i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Departament of Pathology, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto, 4200-319, Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria Rosa Bella-Cueto
- Department of Pathology, Parc Taulí Sabadell Hospital Universitari—Institut d’Investigació i Innovació Parc Taulí—I3PT—Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08208 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Rui Batista
- IPATIMUP—Instituto de Patologia e Imunologia Molecular da Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (E.T.); (R.B.); (A.P.); (M.M.); (M.P.); (M.S.-S.)
- Cancer Signaling and Metabolism, i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Departament of Pathology, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto, 4200-319, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana Pestana
- IPATIMUP—Instituto de Patologia e Imunologia Molecular da Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (E.T.); (R.B.); (A.P.); (M.M.); (M.P.); (M.S.-S.)
- Cancer Signaling and Metabolism, i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Departament of Pathology, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto, 4200-319, Porto, Portugal
| | - Miguel Melo
- IPATIMUP—Instituto de Patologia e Imunologia Molecular da Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (E.T.); (R.B.); (A.P.); (M.M.); (M.P.); (M.S.-S.)
- Cancer Signaling and Metabolism, i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Department of Endocrinology, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Coimbra,3000-075 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Thalita Alves
- Laboratório de Endocrinologia Molecular e Translacional—Departamento de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo 04039-032, Brazil;
| | - Mafalda Pinto
- IPATIMUP—Instituto de Patologia e Imunologia Molecular da Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (E.T.); (R.B.); (A.P.); (M.M.); (M.P.); (M.S.-S.)
- Cancer Signaling and Metabolism, i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Manuel Sobrinho-Simões
- IPATIMUP—Instituto de Patologia e Imunologia Molecular da Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (E.T.); (R.B.); (A.P.); (M.M.); (M.P.); (M.S.-S.)
- Cancer Signaling and Metabolism, i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Departament of Pathology, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto, 4200-319, Porto, Portugal
| | - Jorge Maciel
- Department of General Surgery, Centro Hospitalar de Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho (CHVNG/E), 4434-502 Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal;
- Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Fernando Pessoa, 4200-253 Porto, Portugal
| | - Paula Soares
- IPATIMUP—Instituto de Patologia e Imunologia Molecular da Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (E.T.); (R.B.); (A.P.); (M.M.); (M.P.); (M.S.-S.)
- Cancer Signaling and Metabolism, i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Departament of Pathology, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto, 4200-319, Porto, Portugal
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Hernandez-Prera JC, Valderrabano P, Creed JH, de la Iglesia JV, Slebos RJ, Centeno BA, Tarasova V, Hallanger-Johnson J, Veloski C, Otto KJ, Wenig BM, Yoder SJ, Lam CA, Park DS, Anderson AR, Raghunand N, Berglund A, Caudell J, Gerke TA, Chung CH. Molecular Determinants of Thyroid Nodules with Indeterminate Cytology and RAS Mutations. Thyroid 2021; 31:36-49. [PMID: 32689909 PMCID: PMC7864115 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2019.0650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Background:RAS gene family mutations are the most prevalent in thyroid nodules with indeterminate cytology and are present in a wide spectrum of histological diagnoses. We evaluated differentially expressed genes and signaling pathways across the histological/clinical spectrum of RAS-mutant nodules to determine key molecular determinants associated with a high risk of malignancy. Methods: Sixty-one thyroid nodules with RAS mutations were identified. Based on the histological diagnosis and biological behavior, the nodules were grouped into five categories indicating their degree of malignancy: non-neoplastic appearance, benign neoplasm, indeterminate malignant potential, low-risk cancer, or high-risk cancer. Gene expression profiles of these nodules were determined using the NanoString PanCancer Pathways and IO 360 Panels, and Angiopoietin-2 level was determined by immunohistochemical staining. Results: The analysis of differentially expressed genes using the five categories as supervising parameters unearthed a significant correlation between the degree of malignancy and genes involved in cell cycle and apoptosis (BAX, CCNE2, CDKN2A, CDKN2B, CHEK1, E2F1, GSK3B, NFKB1, and PRKAR2A), PI3K pathway (CCNE2, CSF3, GSKB3, NFKB1, PPP2R2C, and SGK2), and stromal factors (ANGPT2 and DLL4). The expression of Angiopoietin-2 by immunohistochemistry also showed the same trend of increasing expression from non-neoplastic appearance to high-risk cancer (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: The gene expression analysis of RAS-mutant thyroid nodules suggests increasing upregulation of key oncogenic pathways depending on their degree of malignancy and supports the concept of a stepwise progression. The utility of ANGPT2 expression as a potential diagnostic biomarker warrants further evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan C. Hernandez-Prera
- Department of Pathology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida, USA
- Juan C. Hernandez-Prera, MD, Department of Pathology, Moffitt Cancer Center, 12902 USF Magnolia Drive, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Pablo Valderrabano
- Department of Endocrinology and Nutrition, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, IRYCIS, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jordan H. Creed
- Department of Cancer Epidemiology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Janis V. de la Iglesia
- Department of Head and Neck-Endocrine Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Robbert J.C. Slebos
- Department of Head and Neck-Endocrine Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | | | - Valentina Tarasova
- Department of Head and Neck-Endocrine Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | | | - Colleen Veloski
- Department of Head and Neck-Endocrine Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Kristen J. Otto
- Department of Head and Neck-Endocrine Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Bruce M. Wenig
- Department of Pathology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Sean J. Yoder
- Molecular Genomics Core Facility, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Cesar A. Lam
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging and Interventional Radiology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Derek S. Park
- Department of Integrated Mathematical Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Alexander R. Anderson
- Department of Integrated Mathematical Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | | | - Anders Berglund
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Jimmy Caudell
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Travis A. Gerke
- Department of Cancer Epidemiology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Christine H. Chung
- Department of Head and Neck-Endocrine Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida, USA
- Address correspondence to: Christine H. Chung, MD, Department of Head and Neck-Endocrine Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, 12902 USF Magnolia Drive, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
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Tang AL, Kloos RT, Aunins B, Holm TM, Roth MY, Yeh MW, Randolph GW, Tabangin ME, Altaye M, Steward DL. Pathologic Features Associated With Molecular Subtypes of Well-Differentiated Thyroid Cancer. Endocr Pract 2020; 27:206-211. [PMID: 33655886 DOI: 10.1016/j.eprac.2020.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Revised: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the association between pathologic features and molecular classes (BRAF-like, RAS-like, and non-BRAF-like non-RAS-like [NBNR]). METHODS Retrospective review of a merged database containing 676 patients, 84% (571/676) were assigned to a molecular class from publicly accessible sequenced data of thyroid neoplasms. RESULTS The merged cohort included 571 neoplasms: 353 (62%) BRAF-like, 172 (30%) RAS-like, and 46 (8.1%) NBNR. Lymph node metastasis (any N1 disease) was present in 166/337 (49%) of BRAF-like, 23/164 (14%) of RAS-like, and 0/46 (0%) of NBNR and are significantly different (P < .001). Gross extra-thyroidal extension was observed in 27 patients, including 24/331 (7%) of BRAF-like, 2/160 (1%) of RAS-like, and 1/46 (2%) of NBNR (P = .01). N1B lymph node metastases or T4 disease was present in 74/333 (22%) of BRAF-like, 10/160 (6%) of RAS-like, and 1/46 (2%) of NBNR (P < .0001). Distant metastasis was present in 4/151 (2.6%) of BRAF-like, 2/50 (4%) of RAS-like and 0/46 for NBNR (P = .627). Angioinvasion was present in 0/81 (0%) of BRAF-like, 3/53 (6%) of RAS-like, and 3/46 (7%) of NBNR (P = .08); and multifocality was present in 27/81 (33%) of BRAF-like, 9/53 (17%) of RAS-like, and 1/46 (2%) for NBNR (P = .0001). CONCLUSION Pathological features of metastasis, gross extra-thyroidal extension, and multifocality were more prevalent in BRAF-like samples compared to RAS-like and NBNR. A trend towards increased frequency of angioinvasion in RAS-like and NBNR cancers compared to BRAF-like samples was observed. Further studies are needed to evaluate if preoperative knowledge of molecular mutations in thyroid tumors aids in decision-making regarding extent of surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice L Tang
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio.
| | - Richard T Kloos
- Medical Affairs, Veracyte, Inc, South San Francisco, California
| | - Benjamin Aunins
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Tammy M Holm
- Department of Surgery University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Mara Y Roth
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington and Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, Seattle, Washington
| | - Michael W Yeh
- Section of Endocrine Surgery, UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California
| | - Gregory W Randolph
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Meredith E Tabangin
- Division of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Mekibib Altaye
- Division of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - David L Steward
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
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15
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Chin PD, Zhu CY, Sajed DP, Fishbein GA, Yeh MW, Leung AM, Livhits MJ. Correlation of ThyroSeq Results with Surgical Histopathology in Cytologically Indeterminate Thyroid Nodules. Endocr Pathol 2020; 31:377-384. [PMID: 32671653 DOI: 10.1007/s12022-020-09641-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The ThyroSeq next-generation sequencing test refines the risk of malignancy in cytologically indeterminate thyroid nodules. Specific genetic alterations have distinct cancer probabilities and clinical phenotypes. There is limited data on the association between specific genetic alterations and histopathologic features. The aim of this study was to evaluate specific ThyroSeq alterations in prognosticating high-risk histopathologic characteristics. We performed a retrospective single-institution study of all patients diagnosed with indeterminate thyroid nodules (May 2016-December 2019) who had a mutation identified with ThyroSeq v2 or v3 and underwent surgical resection. Specific genetic alterations were correlated with surgical histopathology. The main outcomes were risk of malignancy and structural recurrence risk based on histopathologic features and the 2015 American Thyroid Association (ATA) risk stratification. Of the 78 nodules, 50 (64%) were thyroid cancer or noninvasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary-like nuclear features (NIFTP) on surgical histopathology. Nodules with high-risk TERT or TP53 combination mutations (TERT/TP53) and those with BRAF-like mutations were associated with a 100% probability of cancer and higher rates of extrathyroidal extension and regional nodal involvement than nodules with RAS-like mutations. Among nodules with RAS-like mutations, there was an even distribution between benign, NIFTP, and malignant results, the latter of which were all ATA low risk for structural disease recurrence. Overall, TERT/TP53 and BRAF-like ThyroSeq mutations are associated with an increased cancer probability and risk of recurrence defined by histopathologic features, while RAS-like mutations are associated with lower cancer probability and indolent disease. Individualized management, including extent of surgery, should be considered based on specific genetic alterations found in cytologically indeterminate thyroid nodules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick D Chin
- Section of Endocrine Surgery, University of California Los Angeles David Geffen School of Medicine, 10833 Le Conte Ave, Suite 72-228 CHS, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Catherine Y Zhu
- Section of Endocrine Surgery, University of California Los Angeles David Geffen School of Medicine, 10833 Le Conte Ave, Suite 72-228 CHS, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Dipti P Sajed
- Division of Anatomic Pathology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California Los Angeles David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Gregory A Fishbein
- Division of Anatomic Pathology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California Los Angeles David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Michael W Yeh
- Section of Endocrine Surgery, University of California Los Angeles David Geffen School of Medicine, 10833 Le Conte Ave, Suite 72-228 CHS, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Angela M Leung
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, University of California Los Angeles David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Masha J Livhits
- Section of Endocrine Surgery, University of California Los Angeles David Geffen School of Medicine, 10833 Le Conte Ave, Suite 72-228 CHS, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
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16
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Grani G, Sponziello M, Pecce V, Ramundo V, Durante C. Contemporary Thyroid Nodule Evaluation and Management. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2020; 105:5850848. [PMID: 32491169 PMCID: PMC7365695 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgaa322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Approximately 60% of adults harbor 1 or more thyroid nodules. The possibility of cancer is the overriding concern, but only about 5% prove to be malignant. The widespread use of diagnostic imaging and improved access to health care favor the discovery of small, subclinical nodules and small papillary cancers. Overdiagnosis and overtreatment is associated with potentially excessive costs and nonnegligible morbidity for patients. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION We conducted a PubMed search for the recent English-language articles dealing with thyroid nodule management. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS The initial assessment includes an evaluation of clinical risk factors and sonographic examination of the neck. Sonographic risk-stratification systems (e.g., Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data Systems) can be used to estimate the risk of malignancy and the need for biopsy based on nodule features and size. When cytology findings are indeterminate, molecular analysis of the aspirate may obviate the need for diagnostic surgery. Many nodules will not require biopsy. These nodules and those that are cytologically benign can be managed with long-term follow-up alone. If malignancy is suspected, options include surgery (increasingly less extensive), active surveillance or, in selected cases, minimally invasive techniques. CONCLUSION Thyroid nodule evaluation is no longer a 1-size-fits-all proposition. For most nodules, the likelihood of malignancy can be confidently estimated without resorting to cytology or molecular testing, and low-frequency surveillance is sufficient for most patients. When there are multiple options for diagnosis and/or treatment, they should be discussed with patients as frankly as possible to identify an approach that best meets their needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgio Grani
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Marialuisa Sponziello
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Valeria Pecce
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Valeria Ramundo
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Cosimo Durante
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Correspondence and Reprint Requests: Cosimo Durante, MD, PhD, Dipartimento di Medicina Traslazionale e di Precisione, Università di Roma “Sapienza,” Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161, Roma, Italy. E-mail:
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Prasad PK, Mahajan P, Hawkins DS, Mostoufi-Moab S, Venkatramani R. Management of pediatric differentiated thyroid cancer: An overview for the pediatric oncologist. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2020; 67:e28141. [PMID: 32275118 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.28141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2019] [Revised: 11/11/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) is the most common childhood thyroid malignancy. The standard of care for pediatric DTC is total thyroidectomy followed by radioactive iodine (RAI) treatment when indicated. Molecular changes and potential therapeutic targets have been recently described in pediatric thyroid cancer. Pediatric oncologists are increasingly involved in the evaluation of thyroid nodules in childhood cancer survivors and in the management of advanced thyroid cancer. In 2015, the American Thyroid Association published management guidelines for children with DTC. We provide an overview of the current standard of care and highlight available targeted therapies for progressive or RAI refractory DTC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pinki K Prasad
- Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Children's Hospital of New Orleans, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Priya Mahajan
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Texas Children's Cancer Center, Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Douglas S Hawkins
- Seattle Children's Hospital, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Sogol Mostoufi-Moab
- Divisions of Endocrinology and Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Rajkumar Venkatramani
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Texas Children's Cancer Center, Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
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18
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Guan H, Toraldo G, Cerda S, Godley FA, Rao SR, McAneny D, Doherty G, Braverman L, Lee SL. Utilities of RAS Mutations in Preoperative Fine Needle Biopsies for Decision Making for Thyroid Nodule Management: Results from a Single-Center Prospective Cohort. Thyroid 2020; 30:536-547. [PMID: 31996097 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2019.0116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Background: It has been advocated to apply individualized strategies to evaluate thyroid nodules due to the growing awareness that the pathogenesis of thyroid cancer is not uniform. Molecular markers in fine needle biopsies (FNBs) may be helpful for the diagnosis and management decisions. Unlike the detection of BRAF mutations, the clinical utility of rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (RAS) mutations has not been fully elucidated. This study aimed at presenting a real-world performance of RAS mutations in identifying thyroid malignancies, at investigating the nature of thyroid tumors carrying RAS mutations, and at providing an additional reference for interpreting how to utilize the presence of RAS mutations in the decision-making process of thyroid nodule management. Methods: Between February 2015 and December 2017, 1400 sequential thyroid biopsies were performed at Boston Medical Center. Of these, 546 FNBs were evaluated for RAS mutations by using a ThyroSeq next-generation sequencing panel. Nodules carrying RAS mutations were prospectively followed, and medical records were collected. Results: ThyroSeq successfully provided molecular information in 504 nodules; 173 with molecular alteration(s); and 80 positive for mutations in the Kirsten-, Neuroblastoma-, or Harvey-RAS genes. RAS gene mutations constituted up to 46.2% of the total molecular alterations found in the study. Fifty-six of the 80 RAS-positive nodules underwent surgery, 33 (58.9%) were confirmed to be benign, 7 (12.5%) were noninvasive follicular thyroid neoplasms with papillary-like nuclear features (NIFTP), and 16 (28.6%) were thyroid carcinomas. The positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy of RAS mutations for identifying malignancies among cytologically indeterminate nodules were 25.5%, 89.7%, and 54.0% when NIFTP was not counted as cancer. A combination of RAS and other mutations increased the risk of malignancy. Twelve histopathologically proved RAS-only-positive malignant nodules all showed low-risk features and favorable prognosis. RAS isoforms added little assistance for predicting a malignancy and the response to therapy in our series. Conclusions:RAS mutations represent the most frequently detected genetic alterations in our series. RAS mutations, when occurring alone, are not helpful markers to identify malignancy among Bethesda III/IV cytologies, but may predict favorable behavior, and hence should be considered to guide initial management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haixia Guan
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Section of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Nutrition, Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Gianluca Toraldo
- Section of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Nutrition, Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Sandra Cerda
- Department of Pathology, Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Frederick A Godley
- Section of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Nutrition, Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Sowmya R Rao
- Department of Global Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - David McAneny
- Department of Surgery, Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Gerard Doherty
- Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Lewis Braverman
- Section of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Nutrition, Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Stephanie L Lee
- Section of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Nutrition, Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
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19
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Bellevicine C, Migliatico I, Sgariglia R, Nacchio M, Vigliar E, Pisapia P, Iaccarino A, Bruzzese D, Fonderico F, Salvatore D, Biondi B, Masone S, Novizio V, Scavuzzo F, Serino D, De Palma M, Chiofalo MG, Botti G, Pezzullo L, Nuzzo V, Spiezia S, De Chiara G, Iorio S, Conzo G, Docimo G, Faggiano A, Bongiovanni M, Malapelle U, Colao A, Triassi M, Troncone G. Evaluation of
BRAF
,
RAS
,
RET/PTC
, and
PAX8/PPARg
alterations in different Bethesda diagnostic categories: A multicentric prospective study on the validity of the 7‐gene panel test in 1172 thyroid FNAs deriving from different hospitals in South Italy. Cancer Cytopathol 2019; 128:107-118. [DOI: 10.1002/cncy.22217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2019] [Revised: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ilaria Migliatico
- Department of Public Health University of Naples Federico II Naples Italy
| | - Roberta Sgariglia
- Department of Public Health University of Naples Federico II Naples Italy
| | | | - Elena Vigliar
- Department of Public Health University of Naples Federico II Naples Italy
| | - Pasquale Pisapia
- Department of Public Health University of Naples Federico II Naples Italy
| | - Antonino Iaccarino
- Department of Public Health University of Naples Federico II Naples Italy
| | - Dario Bruzzese
- Department of Public Health University of Naples Federico II Naples Italy
| | - Francesco Fonderico
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery University of Naples Federico II Naples Italy
| | - Domenico Salvatore
- Department of Public Health University of Naples Federico II Naples Italy
| | - Bernadette Biondi
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery University of Naples Federico II Naples Italy
| | - Stefania Masone
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery University of Naples Federico II Naples Italy
| | - Vincenzo Novizio
- Department of Endocrinology Aziena Ospedaliera di Rilievo Nazionale A. Cardarelli Naples Italy
| | - Francesco Scavuzzo
- Department of Endocrinology Aziena Ospedaliera di Rilievo Nazionale A. Cardarelli Naples Italy
| | - Domenico Serino
- Department of Endocrinology Aziena Ospedaliera di Rilievo Nazionale A. Cardarelli Naples Italy
| | - Maurizio De Palma
- Department of Surgery Aziena Ospedaliera di Rilievo Nazionale A. Cardarelli Naples Italy
| | | | | | - Luciano Pezzullo
- Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery Unit IRCCS G. Pascale Naples Italy
| | - Vincenzo Nuzzo
- Department of Endocrinology Hospital of the Sea‐Azienda Sanitaria Locale Naples 1 Center Naples Italy
| | - Stefano Spiezia
- Department of Endocrine Surgery Hospital of the Sea‐Azienda Sanitaria Locale Naples 1 Center Naples Italy
| | - Giovanni De Chiara
- Department of Pathology Aziena Ospedaliera di Rilievo Nazionale San Giuseppe Moscati Avellino Italy
| | - Sergio Iorio
- Department of Medical, Surgical, Neurological, Metabolic, and Aging Sciences University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli Caserta Italy
| | - Giovanni Conzo
- Department of Cardiothoracic and Respiratory Sciences University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli Caserta Italy
| | - Giovanni Docimo
- Department of Medical, Surgical, Neurological, Metabolic, and Aging Sciences University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli Caserta Italy
| | | | | | - Umberto Malapelle
- Department of Public Health University of Naples Federico II Naples Italy
| | - Annamaria Colao
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery University of Naples Federico II Naples Italy
| | - Maria Triassi
- Department of Public Health University of Naples Federico II Naples Italy
| | - Giancarlo Troncone
- Department of Public Health University of Naples Federico II Naples Italy
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20
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Goldner WS, Angell TE, McAdoo SL, Babiarz J, Sadow PM, Nabhan FA, Nasr C, Kloos RT. Molecular Variants and Their Risks for Malignancy in Cytologically Indeterminate Thyroid Nodules. Thyroid 2019; 29:1594-1605. [PMID: 31469053 PMCID: PMC6864764 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2019.0278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Background: Gene panels are routinely used to assess predisposition to hereditary cancers by simultaneously testing multiple susceptibility genes and/or variants. More recently, genetic panels have been implemented as part of solid tumor malignancy testing assessing somatic alterations. One example is targeted variant panels for thyroid nodules that are not conclusively malignant or benign upon fine-needle aspiration (FNA). We systematically reviewed published studies from 2009 to 2018 that contained genetic data from preoperative FNA specimens on cytologically indeterminate thyroid nodules (ITNs) that subsequently underwent surgical resection. Pooled prevalence estimates per gene and variant, along with their respective positive predictive values (PPVs) for malignancy, were calculated. Summary: Our systematic search identified 540 studies that were supplemented by 18 studies from bibliographies or personal files. Sixty-one studies met all inclusion criteria and included >4600 ITNs. Overall, 26% of nodules contained at least 1 variant or fusion. However, half of them did not include details on the specific gene, variant, and/or complete fusion pair reported for inclusion toward PPV calculations. The PPVs of genomic alterations reported at least 10 times were limited to BRAFV600E (98%, 95% confidence interval [CI 96-99%]), PAX8/PPARG (55% [CI 34-78%]), HRASQ61R (45% [CI 22-72%]), BRAFK601E (42% [CI 19-68%]), and NRASQ61R (38% [CI 23-55%]). Excluding BRAFV600E, the pooled PPV for all other specified variants and fusions was 47%. Multiple variants within the same nodule were identified in ∼1% of ITN and carried a cumulative PPV of 77%. Conclusions: The chance that a genomic alteration predicts malignancy depends on the individual variant or fusion detected. Only five alterations were reported at least 10 times; BRAFV600E had a PPV of 98%, while the remaining four had individual PPVs ranging from 38% to 55%. The small sample size of most variants and fusion pairs found among ITNs, however, limits confidence in their individual PPV point estimates. Better specific reporting of genomic alterations with cytological category, histological subtype, and cancer staging would facilitate better understanding of cancer prediction, and the independent contribution of the genomic profile to prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Whitney S. Goldner
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
- Address correspondence to: Whitney S. Goldner, MD, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 984120 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-4120
| | - Trevor E. Angell
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angles, California
| | | | | | - Peter M. Sadow
- Pathology Service, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Otolaryngology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Fadi A. Nabhan
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and Arthur G. James Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Christian Nasr
- Endocrinology and Metabolism Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio
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21
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Titov SE, Ivanov MK, Demenkov PS, Katanyan GA, Kozorezova ES, Malek AV, Veryaskina YA, Zhimulev IF. Combined quantitation of HMGA2 mRNA, microRNAs, and mitochondrial-DNA content enables the identification and typing of thyroid tumors in fine-needle aspiration smears. BMC Cancer 2019; 19:1010. [PMID: 31660895 PMCID: PMC6819494 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-019-6154-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2019] [Accepted: 09/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Analysis of molecular markers in addition to cytological analysis of fine-needle aspiration (FNA) samples is a promising way to improve the preoperative diagnosis of thyroid nodules. Nonetheless, in clinical practice, applications of existing diagnostic solutions based on the detection of somatic mutations or analysis of gene expression are limited by their high cost and difficulties with clinical interpretation. The aim of our work was to develop an algorithm for the differential diagnosis of thyroid nodules on the basis of a small set of molecular markers analyzed by real-time PCR. Methods A total of 494 preoperative FNA samples of thyroid goiters and tumors from 232 patients with known histological reports were analyzed: goiter, 105 samples (50 patients); follicular adenoma, 101 (48); follicular carcinoma, 43 (28); Hürthle cell carcinoma, 25 (11); papillary carcinoma, 121 (56); follicular variant of papillary carcinoma, 80 (32); and medullary carcinoma, 19 (12). Total nucleic acids extracted from dried FNA smears were analyzed for five somatic point mutations and two translocations typical of thyroid tumors as well as for relative concentrations of HMGA2 mRNA and 13 microRNAs and the ratio of mitochondrial to nuclear DNA by real-time PCR. A decision tree–based algorithm was built to discriminate benign and malignant tumors and to type the thyroid cancer. Leave-p-out cross-validation with five partitions was performed to estimate prediction quality. A comparison of two independent samples by quantitative traits was carried out via the Mann–Whitney U test. Results A minimum set of markers was selected (levels of HMGA2 mRNA and miR-375, − 221, and -146b in combination with the mitochondrial-to-nuclear DNA ratio) and yielded highly accurate discrimination (sensitivity = 0.97; positive predictive value = 0.98) between goiters with benign tumors and malignant tumors and accurate typing of papillary, medullary, and Hürthle cell carcinomas. The results support an alternative classification of follicular tumors, which differs from the histological one. Conclusions The study shows the feasibility of the preoperative differential diagnosis of thyroid nodules using a panel of several molecular markers by a simple PCR-based method. Combining markers of different types increases the accuracy of classification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergei E Titov
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia. .,AO Vector-Best, Koltsovo, 630559, Russia.
| | - Mikhail K Ivanov
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia.,AO Vector-Best, Koltsovo, 630559, Russia
| | - Pavel S Demenkov
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia.,Novosibirsk State University, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia
| | | | - Eugenia S Kozorezova
- Siberian District Medical Center of Federal Medical and Biological Agency, Novosibirsk, 630007, Russia
| | - Anastasia V Malek
- N.N. Petrov National Medical Research Center of Oncology, St. Petersburg, 197758, Russia
| | - Yulia A Veryaskina
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia
| | - Igor F Zhimulev
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia
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22
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Abstract
Thyroid nodules and thyroid cancer are common conditions and may be identified during pregnancy. The comprehensive evaluation of thyroid nodules during pregnancy includes a medical history, physical examination, ultrasound assessment, and (when indicated) an ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy. Most thyroid cancers detected during pregnancy will not grow nor pose significant risk during gestation, and thyroid surgery in pregnant women poses higher risks than in nonpregnant women. Through a balanced and informed approach to the clinical care of this unique population, outcomes can be optimized for both the mother and the fetus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trevor E Angell
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, 1333 San Pablo Avenue, BMT-B11, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Erik K Alexander
- The Thyroid Section, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Hypertension, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis Street, Thorn Building 1st Floor, Room 126. Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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23
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Wu H, Zhang B, Cai G, Li J, Gu X. American College of Radiology thyroid imaging report and data system combined with K-RAS mutation improves the management of cytologically indeterminate thyroid nodules. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0219383. [PMID: 31295281 PMCID: PMC6622496 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0219383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2019] [Accepted: 06/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
We investigated whether use of American College of Radiology thyroid imaging report and data system (ACR TIRADS) in combination with K-RAS mutation status may facilitate risk stratification of patients with cytological Bethesda Category III and IV thyroid nodules. Ultrasonographic, cytological, and histopathological diagnoses were retrospectively correlated with K-RAS mutation status in a series of 43 cytologically indeterminate thyroid nodules (CITNs) that were referred for surgical excision. K-RAS mutations were detected in 8/43 (18.6%) fine-needle aspiration (FNA) samples as against 11/43 (25.6%) surgical specimens. ACR TIRADS level (TR) TR3 lesions had a malignancy risk of 40%; the K-RAS mutation rate in FNA samples and surgical specimens of category TR3 lesions was 40% and 60%, respectively. K-RAS mutation-positive malignancy was significantly more frequently detected in follicular neoplasm/suspicious for follicular neoplasm (FN/SFN) lesions than that in atypia or follicular lesion of undetermined significance (AUS/FLUS) (P<0.01). Combined use of ACR TIRADS (TR5 as the diagnostic threshold) and K-RAS mutation status helped identify 83.3% (10/12) malignant nodules (58.6% specificity, 45.5% positive predictive value, 89.5% negative predictive value, and 65.9% accuracy). CITNs with ACR TIRADS category TR3 showed an unexpectedly high risk of malignancy. K-RAS mutation-positive FN/SFN nodules have a 50% risk of malignancy and surgery should be recommended. Combined use of ACR TIRADS and K-RAS mutation may facilitate risk-stratification of patients with CITNs. The high negative predictive value (NPV) for malignancy seems sufficient to allow conservative management of patients with active surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongxun Wu
- Department of Ultrasound, Jiangyuan Hospital Affiliated to Jiangsu Institute of Nuclear Medicine (Key Laboratory of Nuclear Medicine, Ministry of Health/Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Nuclear Medicine), Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
- * E-mail:
| | - Bingjie Zhang
- Department of Ultrasound, Jiangyuan Hospital Affiliated to Jiangsu Institute of Nuclear Medicine (Key Laboratory of Nuclear Medicine, Ministry of Health/Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Nuclear Medicine), Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Gangming Cai
- Clinical Molecular Biology Laboratory, Jiangyuan Hospital Affiliated to Jiangsu Institute of Nuclear Medicine (Key Laboratory of Nuclear Medicine, Ministry of Health/Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Nuclear Medicine), Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jie Li
- Department of Ultrasound, Jiangyuan Hospital Affiliated to Jiangsu Institute of Nuclear Medicine (Key Laboratory of Nuclear Medicine, Ministry of Health/Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Nuclear Medicine), Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaobo Gu
- Clinical Molecular Biology Laboratory, Jiangyuan Hospital Affiliated to Jiangsu Institute of Nuclear Medicine (Key Laboratory of Nuclear Medicine, Ministry of Health/Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Nuclear Medicine), Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
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24
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Murugan AK, Grieco M, Tsuchida N. RAS mutations in human cancers: Roles in precision medicine. Semin Cancer Biol 2019; 59:23-35. [PMID: 31255772 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2019.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2018] [Revised: 05/13/2019] [Accepted: 06/07/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Ras proteins play a crucial role as a central component of the cellular networks controlling a variety of signaling pathways that regulate growth, proliferation, survival, differentiation, adhesion, cytoskeletal rearrangements and motility of a cell. Almost, 4 decades passed since Ras research was started and ras genes were originally discovered as retroviral oncogenes. Later on, mutations of the human RAS genes were linked to tumorigenesis. Genetic analyses found that RAS is one of the most deregulated oncogenes in human cancers. In this review, we summarize the pioneering works which allowed the discovery of RAS oncogenes, the finding of frequent mutations of RAS in various human cancers, the role of these mutations in tumorigenesis and mutation-activated signaling networks. We further describe the importance of RAS mutations in personalized or precision medicine particularly in molecular targeted therapy, as well as their use as diagnostic and prognostic markers as therapeutic determinants in human cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avaniyapuram Kannan Murugan
- Department of Molecular Cellular Oncology and Microbiology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8549 Japan.
| | - Michele Grieco
- DiSTABiF, Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali, Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Seconda Università di Napoli, via Vivaldi 43, Caserta 81100 Italy
| | - Nobuo Tsuchida
- Department of Molecular Cellular Oncology and Microbiology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8549 Japan.
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25
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Partyka KL, Trevino K, Randolph ML, Cramer H, Wu HH. Risk of malignancy and neoplasia predicted by three molecular testing platforms in indeterminate thyroid nodules on fine-needle aspiration. Diagn Cytopathol 2019; 47:853-862. [DOI: 10.1002/dc.24250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2019] [Revised: 05/02/2019] [Accepted: 05/23/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Kristen L. Partyka
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine; Indiana University School of Medicine; Indianapolis Indiana
| | - Karen Trevino
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine; Indiana University School of Medicine; Indianapolis Indiana
| | - Melissa L. Randolph
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine; Indiana University School of Medicine; Indianapolis Indiana
| | - Harvey Cramer
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine; Indiana University School of Medicine; Indianapolis Indiana
| | - Howard H. Wu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine; Indiana University School of Medicine; Indianapolis Indiana
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26
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Meng Z, Matsuse M, Saenko V, Yamashita S, Ren P, Zheng X, Jia Q, Tan J, Li N, Zheng W, Zhao L, Mitsutake N. TERT
promoter mutation in primary papillary thyroid carcinoma lesions predicts absent or lower
131
i uptake in metastases. IUBMB Life 2019; 71:1030-1040. [PMID: 31026111 DOI: 10.1002/iub.2056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2019] [Accepted: 04/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Zhaowei Meng
- Department of Nuclear MedicineTianjin Medical University General Hospital Tianjin People's Republic of China
| | - Michiko Matsuse
- Department of Radiation Medical Sciences, Atomic Bomb Disease InstituteNagasaki University Nagasaki Japan
| | - Vladimir Saenko
- Department of Radiation Molecular Epidemiology, Atomic Bomb Disease InstituteNagasaki University Nagasaki Japan
| | - Shunichi Yamashita
- Department of Radiation Medical Sciences, Atomic Bomb Disease InstituteNagasaki University Nagasaki Japan
- Department of Radiation Molecular Epidemiology, Atomic Bomb Disease InstituteNagasaki University Nagasaki Japan
- Radiation Medical Science Center for the Fukushima Health Management SurveyFukushima Medical University Fukushima Japan
| | - Peng Ren
- Department of Esophageal Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of CancerKey Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy of Tianjin City Tianjin People's Republic of China
| | - Xiangqian Zheng
- Department of Thyroid and Neck Tumor, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for CancerKey Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy of Tianjin City Tianjin People's Republic of China
| | - Qiang Jia
- Department of Nuclear MedicineTianjin Medical University General Hospital Tianjin People's Republic of China
| | - Jian Tan
- Department of Nuclear MedicineTianjin Medical University General Hospital Tianjin People's Republic of China
| | - Ning Li
- Department of Nuclear MedicineTianjin Medical University General Hospital Tianjin People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Zheng
- Department of Nuclear MedicineTianjin Medical University General Hospital Tianjin People's Republic of China
| | - Li Zhao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical SciencesTianjin Medical University Tianjin People's Republic of China
| | - Norisato Mitsutake
- Department of Radiation Medical Sciences, Atomic Bomb Disease InstituteNagasaki University Nagasaki Japan
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27
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Abstract
Controversies exist on how to optimally manage thyroid cancer because the prognosis is often uncertain based on clinical backgrounds. This can now be helped with prognostic genetic markers in thyroid cancer, exemplified by BRAF V600E and TERT promoter mutations, which have been well characterized and widely appreciated. The genetic duet of BRAF V600E/RAS and TERT promoter mutations is a most robust prognostic genetic pattern for poor prognosis of differentiated thyroid cancer. The high negative predictive values of the prognostic genetic markers are equally valuable. The best prognostic value of genetic markers in thyroid cancer is achieved through a clinical risk level-based and genotype-individualized manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingzhao Xing
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 1830 East Monument Street, Suite 333, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA.
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28
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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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29
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Banizs AB, Silverman JF. The utility of combined mutation analysis and microRNA classification in reclassifying cancer risk of cytologically indeterminate thyroid nodules. Diagn Cytopathol 2018; 47:268-274. [DOI: 10.1002/dc.24087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2018] [Revised: 08/15/2018] [Accepted: 09/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Anna B. Banizs
- Department of Pathology; Allegheny General Hospital; Pittsburgh Pennsylvania
| | - Jan F. Silverman
- Department of Pathology; Allegheny General Hospital; Pittsburgh Pennsylvania
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30
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Mitmaker EJ, Tabah R, How J. Thyroid Nodule DNA Methylation Signatures: An Important Diagnostic Annotation. Clin Cancer Res 2018; 25:457-459. [DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-18-2820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2018] [Revised: 10/02/2018] [Accepted: 10/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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31
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Brandler TC, Liu CZ, Cho M, Zhou F, Cangiarella J, Yee-Chang M, Shi Y, Simsir A, Sun W. Does Noninvasive Follicular Thyroid Neoplasm With Papillary-Like Nuclear Features (NIFTP) Have a Unique Molecular Profile? Am J Clin Pathol 2018; 150:451-460. [PMID: 30052723 DOI: 10.1093/ajcp/aqy075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Recognizing preoperative characteristics of noninvasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary-like nuclear features (NIFTP) is important for clinical management. Therefore, we assessed presurgical NIFTP molecular profiles using fine-needle aspiration (FNA) material. METHODS Presurgical FNA reports of 39 surgically confirmed NIFTP cases from January 2013 through May 2017 were assessed for Afirma and ThyroSeq results. RESULTS Twenty-one of 39 NIFTP nodules were preoperatively tested with Afirma with two benign and 19 suspicious results. Twenty-seven of 39 nodules were tested with ThyroSeq (nine of 39 had both Afirma and Thyroseq): 18 (67%) had RAS mutations (13 NRAS, four HRAS, one KRAS), and three of 18 had multiple alterations (NRAS + TP53, n = 1; NRAS + PTEN, n = 2). BRAF T599_R603 + EIF1AX mutation (n = 1), PTEN mutation (n = 1), MET overexpression (n = 1), PAX8/PPARG fusion (n = 3), and THADA/IGF2BP3 fusion (n = 3) comprised the remainder. CONCLUSIONS NIFTP cases most commonly displayed suspicious Afirma results and RAS mutations on ThyroSeq, lacking aggressive/BRAF-V600E-like mutations. While NIFTP remains a surgical entity, the lack of aggressive/BRAF-V600E-like mutations can aid in determining the extent of surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamar C Brandler
- Department of Pathology, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York
| | - Cheng Z Liu
- Department of Pathology, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York
| | - Margaret Cho
- Department of Pathology, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York
| | - Fang Zhou
- Department of Pathology, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York
| | - Joan Cangiarella
- Department of Pathology, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York
| | - Melissa Yee-Chang
- Department of Pathology, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York
| | - Yan Shi
- Department of Pathology, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York
| | - Aylin Simsir
- Department of Pathology, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York
| | - Wei Sun
- Department of Pathology, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York
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32
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Ullmann TM, Gray KD, Moore MD, Zarnegar R, Fahey TJ. Current controversies and future directions in the diagnosis and management of differentiated thyroid cancers. Gland Surg 2018; 7:473-486. [PMID: 30505769 DOI: 10.21037/gs.2017.09.08] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Despite the development of novel diagnostic, surgical, and chemotherapeutic approaches to differentiated thyroid cancers (DTCs), the diagnosis and management of these tumors remains controversial. The most recent American Thyroid Association (ATA) guidelines, released in 2015, reflect a recent shift towards less aggressive management for patients with DTCs. However, many clinicians have expressed concern that more conservative management will put patients at risk for disease recurrence and metastasis. In particular, the management of indeterminate nodules on fine needle aspiration (with special attention to genetic and epigenetic markers of malignancy), the extent of surgery for known differentiated cancers, the role of adjuvant radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy, and novel targeted treatments with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) represent current areas of uncertainty and opportunities for future research. In this review, we examine the current state of the art in these areas, and address some of the questions that remain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy M Ullmann
- Department of Surgery, New York Presbyterian Hospital, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Katherine D Gray
- Department of Surgery, New York Presbyterian Hospital, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Maureen D Moore
- Department of Surgery, New York Presbyterian Hospital, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Rasa Zarnegar
- Department of Surgery, New York Presbyterian Hospital, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Thomas J Fahey
- Department of Surgery, New York Presbyterian Hospital, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
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Giordano TJ. 65 YEARS OF THE DOUBLE HELIX: Classification of endocrine tumors in the age of integrated genomics. Endocr Relat Cancer 2018; 25:T171-T187. [PMID: 29980645 DOI: 10.1530/erc-18-0116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2018] [Accepted: 05/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The classification of human cancers represents one of the cornerstones of modern pathology. Over the last century, surgical pathologists established the current taxonomy of neoplasia using traditional histopathological parameters, which include tumor architecture, cytological features and cellular proliferation. This morphological classification is efficient and robust with high reproducibility and has served patients and health care providers well. The most recent decade has witnessed an explosion of genome-wide molecular genetic and epigenetic data for most cancers, including tumors of endocrine organs. The availability of this expansive multi-dimensional genomic data, collectively termed the cancer genome, has catalyzed a re-examination of the classification of endocrine tumors. Here, recent cancer genome studies of various endocrine tumors, including those of the thyroid, pituitary and adrenal glands, pancreas, small bowel, lung and skin, are presented with special emphasis on how genomic insights are impacting endocrine tumor classification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas J Giordano
- Divisions of Anatomic Pathology and Molecular & Genomic PathologyDepartments of Pathology and Internal Medicine, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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Nabhan F, Porter K, Lupo MA, Randolph GW, Patel KN, Kloos RT. Heterogeneity in Positive Predictive Value of RAS Mutations in Cytologically Indeterminate Thyroid Nodules. Thyroid 2018; 28:729-738. [PMID: 29665745 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2017.0635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND RAS mutations are common in the available mutational analysis of cytologically indeterminate (Cyto-I) thyroid nodules. However, their reported positive predictive value (PPV) for cancer is widely variable. The reason for this variability is unknown, and it causes clinical management uncertainty. A systematic review was performed, evaluating the PPV for cancer in RAS mutation positive Cyto-I nodules, and variables that might affect residual heterogeneity across the different studies were considered. METHODS PubMed was searched through February 22, 2017, including studies that evaluated at least one type of RAS mutation in Cyto-I nodules, including any (or all) of the Bethesda III/IV/V categories or their equivalents and where the histological diagnosis was available. The PPV residual heterogeneity was investigated after accounting for Bethesda classification, blindedness of the histopathologist to the RAS mutational status, Bethesda category-specific cancer prevalence for each study, and which RAS genes and codons were tested. This was studied using five meta-regression models fit to different sets of Bethesda classification categories: Bethesda III, IV, or V (III/IV/V); Bethesda III or IV (III/IV); Bethesda III only; Bethesda IV only; and Bethesda V only. RESULTS Of 1831 studies, 23 were eligible for data inclusion. Wide ranges of PPV were found at 0-100%, 28-100%, and 0-100% in Bethesda III, IV, and V, respectively. Residual heterogeneity remained moderately high for PPV after accounting for the above moderators for Bethesda III/IV/V (21 studies; I2 = 59.5%) and Bethesda III/IV (19 studies; I2 = 66.0%), with significant Cochran's Q-test for residual heterogeneity (p < 0.001). Among individual Bethesda categories, residual heterogeneity was: Bethesda III (eight studies; I2 = 89.0%), IV (12 studies; I2 = 53.5%), and V (10 studies; I2 = 34.4%), with significant Cochran's Q-test for Bethesda III (p < 0.001) and IV (p = 0.04). CONCLUSION The PPV of RAS mutations in Bethesda III and IV categories is quite heterogeneous across different studies, creating low confidence in the accuracy of a single estimate of PPV. Clinicians must appreciate this wide variability when managing a RAS-mutated Cyto-I nodule. Future studies should seek to resolve this unexplained variability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fadi Nabhan
- 1 Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, The Ohio State University and Arthur G. James Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Kyle Porter
- 2 Center for Biostatistics, Division of Human Genetics, The Ohio State University and Arthur G. James Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Mark A Lupo
- 3 Thyroid and Endocrine Center of Florida , Sarasota, Florida
| | - Gregory W Randolph
- 4 Department of Otolaryngology Harvard Medical School Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Kepal N Patel
- 5 Division of Endocrine Surgery, NYU Langone Medical Center , New York, New York
| | - Richard T Kloos
- 6 Department of Medical Affairs, Veracyte, Inc. , South San Francisco, California
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Kakudo K, El-Naggar AK, Hodak SP, Khanafshar E, Nikiforov YE, Nosé V, Thompson LDR. Noninvasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary-like nuclear features (NIFTP) in thyroid tumor classification. Pathol Int 2018; 68:327-333. [PMID: 29675873 DOI: 10.1111/pin.12673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Kennichi Kakudo
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Nara Hospital, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Ikoma-city, Nara-ken, Japan
| | - Adel K El-Naggar
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas, M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Steven P Hodak
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Elham Khanafshar
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Yuri E Nikiforov
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Vania Nosé
- Departments of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lester D R Thompson
- Southern California Permanente Medical Group, Woodland Hills, California, USA
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Bellevicine C, Sgariglia R, Migliatico I, Vigliar E, D'Anna M, Nacchio MA, Serra N, Malapelle U, Bongiovanni M, Troncone G. Different qualifiers of AUS/FLUS thyroid FNA have distinct BRAF, RAS, RET/PTC, and PAX8/PPARg alterations. Cancer Cytopathol 2018; 126:317-325. [PMID: 29469940 DOI: 10.1002/cncy.21984] [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: 11/18/2017] [Revised: 01/09/2018] [Accepted: 02/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology category of atypia of undetermined significance/follicular lesion of undetermined significance (AUS/FLUS) includes fine-needle aspiration (FNA) specimens that cannot straightforwardly be classified as benign or malignant. To determine whether morphological subcategorization based on atypia qualifiers and molecular testing could improve malignancy risk stratification of AUS/FLUS patients, this study assessed the correlation between these qualifiers and the molecular alterations commonly harbored by thyroid neoplasms. METHODS A total of 162 AUS/FLUS cases were subcategorized by atypia qualifiers (Hürthle cell changes, architectural atypia, and cytologic atypia [CyA]) and were tested for BRAF, N-H-KRAS, RET/PTC, and paired box 8 (PAX8)/peroxisome proliferator activated receptor γ (PPARg) mutations. RESULTS CyA was observed more frequently in mutation-positive AUS/FLUS (14 of 37 [37.84%]) than mutation-negative AUS/FLUS (20 of 125 [16.00%]; P < .0084), and it specifically harbored the BRAFV600E point mutation. Malignancy was confirmed in the available follow-up. Conversely, although RAS was the most frequent mutation identified in AUS/FLUS FNA specimens (26 of 37 cases [70.27%]; P < .0001), it was distributed across various AUS/FLUS subcategories and was not significantly associated with a specific atypia qualifier or malignant outcome according to the available follow-up. Rearrangements of both RET/PTC (n = 1) and PAX8/PPARg (n = 3) were rarely retrieved in the FNA samples. CONCLUSIONS BRAF and RAS mutations are associated with different AUS/FLUS qualifiers and hence have different risks of malignancy. Consequently, a hybrid molecular and morphological subcategorization system could improve the malignancy risk stratification of thyroid FNA samples diagnosed as AUS/FLUS. Cancer Cytopathol 2018;126:317-25. © 2018 American Cancer Society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Bellevicine
- Department of Public Health, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Roberta Sgariglia
- Department of Public Health, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Ilaria Migliatico
- Department of Public Health, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Elena Vigliar
- Department of Public Health, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Melania D'Anna
- Department of Public Health, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Nicola Serra
- Department of Public Health, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Umberto Malapelle
- Department of Public Health, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Giancarlo Troncone
- Department of Public Health, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
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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: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [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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Ferraz C. Can current molecular tests help in the diagnosis of indeterminate thyroid nodule FNAB? ARCHIVES OF ENDOCRINOLOGY AND METABOLISM 2018; 62:576-584. [PMID: 30624496 PMCID: PMC10118674 DOI: 10.20945/2359-3997000000081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2018] [Accepted: 11/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Approximately 15-30% of all thyroid nodules evaluated with fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) are classified as cytologically indeterminate. The stepwise unraveling of the molecular etiology of thyroid nodules has provided the basis for a better understanding of indeterminate samples and an opportunity to decrease diagnostic surgery in this group of patients. Over the last 15 years, several studies have tested different methodologies to detect somatic mutations (by polymerase chain reaction and next-generation sequencing, for example), and to identify differentially expressed genes or microRNA, aiming at developing molecular tests to improve the presurgical diagnosis of cytologically indeterminate nodules. In this review, we will provide an overview of the currently available molecular tests and the impact of mutation testing on the diagnosis of thyroid cancer. We will also review current published data and future perspectives in molecular testing of thyroid nodule FNAB and describe the current Brazilian experience with this diagnostic approach. Based on currently available data, especially for countries outside the US-Europe axis, a rational use of these tests must be made to avoid errors with regard to test indication and interpretation of test outcomes. In addition to clinical, radiological, and cytological features, we still need to determine local malignancy rates and conduct more independent validation and comparative performance studies of these tests before including them into our routine approach to indeterminate FNAB.
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Song YS, Lim JA, Min HS, Kim MJ, Choi HS, Cho SW, Moon JH, Yi KH, Park DJ, Cho BY, Park YJ. Changes in the clinicopathological characteristics and genetic alterations of follicular thyroid cancer. Eur J Endocrinol 2017; 177:465-473. [PMID: 28864536 DOI: 10.1530/eje-17-0456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2017] [Revised: 07/27/2017] [Accepted: 09/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Changes in the clinicopathological characteristics and genetic alterations of follicular thyroid cancer (FTC) over time have not been reported. Moreover, the prognostic effects of RAS and TERT promoter mutations in FTC have not been clearly elucidated. We investigated changes in the clinicopathological characteristics of patients with FTC over four decades, as well as the clinical significance of genetic mutations of FTC. DESIGN AND METHODS This retrospective study included 690 patients with FTC who underwent thyroidectomy between 1973 and 2015 at the Seoul National University Hospital. In 134 samples, genetic tests for N/H/KRAS and TERT promoter mutations and PAX8/PPARγ rearrangement were performed. RESULTS The age at diagnosis has increased (P < 0.001) in recent decades and extrathyroidal extension of the tumor has become less common (P = 0.033). Other clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of FTC have not significantly changed. The prevalence of RAS mutations decreased (P = 0.042) over time, whereas that of TERT promoter mutations remained stable. RAS mutations were associated with distant metastasis and persistent disease, and TERT promoter mutations were associated with distant metastasis, advanced TNM stage, recurrence and disease-specific mortality. FTC patients with coexistent RAS and TERT promoter mutations showed a higher recurrence risk than those with only one mutation. CONCLUSIONS The age at diagnosis of FTC and the frequency of extrathyroidal extension have changed over four decades. Moreover, the prevalence of RAS mutations decreased. RAS and TERT promoter mutations may be associated with poor clinical outcomes in FTC, especially when the two mutations coexist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young Shin Song
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jung Ah Lim
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hye Sook Min
- Department of Pathology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Min Joo Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hoon Sung Choi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kangwon National University Hospital, Chuncheon, Korea
| | - Sun Wook Cho
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jae Hoon Moon
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Ka Hee Yi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Do Joon Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
- Korea National Institute of Health, Cheongju, Korea
| | - Bo Youn Cho
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Young Joo Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
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Chen YC, Gotea V, Margolin G, Elnitski L. Significant associations between driver gene mutations and DNA methylation alterations across many cancer types. PLoS Comput Biol 2017; 13:e1005840. [PMID: 29125844 PMCID: PMC5709060 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1005840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2017] [Revised: 11/30/2017] [Accepted: 10/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent evidence shows that mutations in several driver genes can cause aberrant methylation patterns, a hallmark of cancer. In light of these findings, we hypothesized that the landscapes of tumor genomes and epigenomes are tightly interconnected. We measured this relationship using principal component analyses and methylation-mutation associations applied at the nucleotide level and with respect to genome-wide trends. We found that a few mutated driver genes were associated with genome-wide patterns of aberrant hypomethylation or CpG island hypermethylation in specific cancer types. In addition, we identified associations between 737 mutated driver genes and site-specific methylation changes. Moreover, using these mutation-methylation associations, we were able to distinguish between two uterine and two thyroid cancer subtypes. The driver gene mutation–associated methylation differences between the thyroid cancer subtypes were linked to differential gene expression in JAK-STAT signaling, NADPH oxidation, and other cancer-related pathways. These results establish that driver gene mutations are associated with methylation alterations capable of shaping regulatory network functions. In addition, the methodology presented here can be used to subdivide tumors into more homogeneous subsets corresponding to underlying molecular characteristics, which could improve treatment efficacy. Mutations that alter the function of driver genes by changing DNA nucleotides have been recognized as key players in cancer progression. However, recent evidence has shown that DNA methylation, which can control gene expression, is also highly dysregulated in cancer and contributes to carcinogenesis. Whether methylation alterations correspond to mutated driver genes in cancer remains unclear. In this study, we analyzed 4,302 tumors from 18 cancer types and demonstrated that driver gene mutations are inherently connected with the aberrant DNA methylation landscape in cancer. We showed that driver gene–associated methylation patterns can classify heterogeneous tumors within a cancer type into homogeneous subtypes and have the potential to influence genes that contribute to tumor growth. This finding could help us better understand the fundamental connection between driver gene mutations and DNA methylation alterations in cancer, and to further improve cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Ching Chen
- Genomic Functional Analysis Section, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States
| | - Valer Gotea
- Genomic Functional Analysis Section, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States
| | - Gennady Margolin
- Genomic Functional Analysis Section, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States
| | - Laura Elnitski
- Genomic Functional Analysis Section, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States
- * E-mail:
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The current review focuses on the uncertainty regarding the management of rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog RAS-positive thyroid nodules. The application of oncogene testing has been heralded for improving risk assessment for indeterminate cytology thyroid nodules and has grown in clinical use. RAS mutations are historically considered oncogenic. However, RAS mutation detection in thyroid nodules has proven problematic, as these mutations are found in benign and malignant lesions. RECENT FINDINGS RAS-positive thyroid nodules frequently have indeterminate cytology and a finding of a positive RAS mutation identifies a significant number of benign lesions as well as thyroid cancers. Long-term follow-up of RAS-positive nodules with benign cytology shows an indolent course not consistent with eventual malignant transformation. Many RAS-positive nodules previously diagnosed as follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma now will be reclassified as noninvasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary-like nuclear features, indicating a more indolent nature of these RAS-positive lesions. SUMMARY Recent findings have underscored that diagnosis of a RAS-positive thyroid nodule is not synonymous with thyroid malignancy. The ideal clinical and surgical management of these nodules remains challenging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trevor E Angell
- Thyroid Section, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, The Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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42
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Vuong HG, Kondo T, Oishi N, Nakazawa T, Mochizuki K, Miyauchi A, Hirokawa M, Katoh R. Paediatric follicular thyroid carcinoma - indolent cancer with low prevalence of RAS mutations and absence of PAX8-PPARG fusion in a Japanese population. Histopathology 2017. [PMID: 28621837 DOI: 10.1111/his.13285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Paediatric follicular thyroid carcinomas are uncommon, and their clinicopathological features and molecular profiles are still unknown. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the clinicopathological aspects of a large series of follicular thyroid carcinomas (FTCs) in paediatric patients and to analyse the point mutations in codons 12, 13 and 61 of NRAS, HRAS and KRAS genes and the rearrangements of PAX8-PPARG. METHODS AND RESULTS A total of 41 paediatric FTCs less than 21 years of age were enrolled into the present study. We used direct sequencing and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to detect RAS mutations and PAX8-PPARG fusions, respectively. The paediatric FTCs were 6:1 in a female to male ratio, with a mean tumour size of 52.7 mm. Distant metastasis was found in one case at the time of presentation. During a median follow-up time of 69 months, two cases had lung metastasis and all patients were alive. Histologically, all cases were minimally invasive FTCs and varied in growth patterns: microfollicular (39%), follicular (14.6%), solid/trabecular (6%), oncocytic (4.9%) and mixed patterns (26.8%). The mean Ki67 index was 5.7% and it was not statistically different among the growth patterns. NRAS mutations were found in five cases (12.2%) and associated significantly with small tumour size (P = 0.014). PAX8-PPARG fusion was not detected in our series. CONCLUSION Paediatric FTCs are indolent in clinical course in spite of their large tumour size and have a distinct genetic background. RAS mutations and PAX8-PPARG fusions may not play major roles in the tumorigenesis of paediatric FTCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huy Gia Vuong
- Department of Pathology, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi, Japan
| | - Tetsuo Kondo
- Department of Pathology, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi, Japan
| | - Naoki Oishi
- Department of Pathology, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi, Japan
| | - Tadao Nakazawa
- Department of Pathology, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi, Japan
| | - Kunio Mochizuki
- Department of Pathology, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi, Japan
| | | | | | - Ryohei Katoh
- Department of Pathology, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi, Japan
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Rusinek D, Chmielik E, Krajewska J, Jarzab M, Oczko-Wojciechowska M, Czarniecka A, Jarzab B. Current Advances in Thyroid Cancer Management. Are We Ready for the Epidemic Rise of Diagnoses? Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:E1817. [PMID: 28829399 PMCID: PMC5578203 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18081817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2017] [Revised: 08/16/2017] [Accepted: 08/16/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
A rising incidence of thyroid cancers (TCs) mainly small tumors, observed during recent years, lead to many controversies regarding treatment strategies. TCs represent a distinct molecular background and clinical outcome. Although in most cases TCs are characterized by a good prognosis, there are some aggressive forms, which do not respond to standard treatment. There are still some questions, which have to be resolved to avoid dangerous simplifications in the clinical management. In this article, we focused on the current advantages in preoperative molecular diagnostic tests and histopathological examination including noninvasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary-like nuclear features (NIFTP). We discussed the controversies regarding the extent of thyroid surgery and adjuvant radioiodine therapy, as well as new treatment modalities for radioiodine-refractory differentiated thyroid cancer (RR-DTC). Considering medullary thyroid cancer (MTC), we analyzed a clinical management based on histopathology and RET (ret proto-oncogene) mutation genotype, disease follow-up with a special attention to serum calcitonin doubling time as an important prognostic marker, and targeted therapy applied in advanced MTC. In addition, we provided some data regarding anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC), a highly lethal neoplasm, which lead to death in nearly 100% of patients due to the lack of effective treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dagmara Rusinek
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Endocrine Oncology, Maria Sklodowska-Curie Memorial Institute-Cancer Center, Gliwice Branch, Wybrzeze Armii Krajowej 15, 44-101 Gliwice, Poland.
| | - Ewa Chmielik
- Tumor Pathology Department, Maria Sklodowska-Curie Memorial Institute-Cancer Center, Gliwice Branch, Wybrzeze Armii Krajowej 15, 44-101 Gliwice, Poland.
| | - Jolanta Krajewska
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Endocrine Oncology, Maria Sklodowska-Curie Memorial Institute-Cancer Center, Gliwice Branch, Wybrzeze Armii Krajowej 15, 44-101 Gliwice, Poland.
| | - Michal Jarzab
- 3rd Department of Radiotherapy and Chemotherapy, Breast Unit, Maria Sklodowska-Curie Memorial Institute-Cancer Center, Gliwice Branch, Wybrzeze Armii Krajowej 15, 44-101 Gliwice, Poland.
| | - Malgorzata Oczko-Wojciechowska
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Endocrine Oncology, Maria Sklodowska-Curie Memorial Institute-Cancer Center, Gliwice Branch, Wybrzeze Armii Krajowej 15, 44-101 Gliwice, Poland.
| | - Agnieszka Czarniecka
- Department of Oncological and Reconstructive Surgery, Maria Sklodowska-Curie Memorial Institute-Cancer Center, Gliwice Branch, Wybrzeze Armii Krajowej 15, 44-101 Gliwice, Poland.
| | - Barbara Jarzab
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Endocrine Oncology, Maria Sklodowska-Curie Memorial Institute-Cancer Center, Gliwice Branch, Wybrzeze Armii Krajowej 15, 44-101 Gliwice, Poland.
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Mehrzad R, Nishino M, Nucera C, Dias-Santagata D, Hennessey JV, Hasselgren PO. Invasive follicular variant of papillary thyroid cancer harboring the NRAS mutation Q61K and presenting with bone metastasis-A case report. Int J Surg Case Rep 2017; 38:180-184. [PMID: 28780248 PMCID: PMC5547242 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2017.06.067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2017] [Revised: 06/16/2017] [Accepted: 06/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A patient with invasive follicular variant of papillary thyroid cancer presented with bone metastasis. The thyroid tumor harbored an isolated RAS mutation. The report challenges recent views that thyroid tumors with isolated RAS mutations may have a non-aggressive clinical course and may be candidates for conservative management.
Introduction The follicular variant of papillary thyroid cancer (FVPTC) can be noninvasive or invasive. The invasive form of FVPTC commonly harbors BRAF mutations whereas RAS mutations are more often associated with noninvasive FVPTC and a favorable clinical outcome. Case report A 47-year-old man presented with a metastasis to his right iliac bone as the initial manifestation of a 1.6 cm invasive FVPTC. After total thyroidectomy, the patient underwent additional treatment, including thyroid hormone suppressive treatment to non-detectable TSH levels, repeated courses of radioiodine treatment, external beam radiation, and treatment with the tyrosine kinase inhibitor sorafenib. Despite these therapeutic efforts, the disease progressed with growth of the iliac mass and additional metastatic spread to cervical and lumbar vertebrae causing increasing pain and disability. The patient succumbed to the disease four years after presentation. Retrospective next-generation sequencing of the primary tumor using a pan-cancer targeted mutation and gene fusion panel revealed NRAS Q61K mutation and no other oncogenic alterations. Discussion The study challenges the concept that thyroid neoplasms with isolated RAS mutations are often associated with favorable clinical behavior and may be candidates for conservative management. Conclusion An isolated RAS mutation in invasive FVPTC may be associated with an aggressive clinical behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raman Mehrzad
- Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Michiya Nishino
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Carmelo Nucera
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Dora Dias-Santagata
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - James V Hennessey
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Per-Olof Hasselgren
- Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.
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Wong KS, Strickland KC, Angell TE, Nehs MA, Alexander EK, Cibas ES, Krane JF, Howitt BE, Barletta JA. The Flip Side of NIFTP: an Increase in Rates of Unfavorable Histologic Parameters in the Remainder of Papillary Thyroid Carcinomas. Endocr Pathol 2017; 28:171-176. [PMID: 28271380 DOI: 10.1007/s12022-017-9476-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The term noninvasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary-like nuclear features (NIFTP) was recently proposed to replace noninvasive follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma (FVPTC) both to promote more conservative management of these tumors and spare patients the psychological burden of a cancer diagnosis. This reclassification will lower the incidence of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). In addition, it could result in an increase in the rates of unfavorable histologic prognosticators for PTC overall because NIFTPs had previously accounted for many of the PTCs without these features. Our aim was to evaluate the potential impact of the reclassification of NIFTP on the rates of extrathyroidal extension, lymphovascular invasion, and lymph node metastases in PTC. We identified all PTCs clinically over 1 cm diagnosed on surgical resection between August 2010 and August 2012. The histopathologic characteristics, including PTC subtype, tumor size, presence of extrathyroidal extension and lymphovascular invasion, and surgical margin and lymph node status were all recorded. Based on these parameters, cases were classified according to the American Thyroid Association (ATA) risk stratification system for structural disease recurrence. Tumor slides for cases initially diagnosed as FVPTC were reviewed to identify tumors that would now be classified as NIFTPs. Our cohort included 348 cases of PTC, of which 94 (27%) would now be classified as NIFTPs. After excluding NIFTPs from the PTC category, there were increased rates of extrathyroidal extension (26% up from 19%, p = 0.046), lymphovascular invasion (37% up from 27%, p = 0.0099), and lymph node metastases (26% up from 19%, p = 0.045) among the remaining PTCs. Based on these changes in histologic features, 10% fewer cases were defined as ATA low risk (62% down from 72%, p = 0.0081). Our results indicate that the downgrading of some carcinomas to NIFTP will increase the rates of higher risk histologic parameters in the remaining PTCs by statistically significant margins. Although the overall survival for PTC is very high and would likely not be changed significantly by the introduction of NIFTP, additional studies evaluating the impact of the NIFTP shift are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristine S Wong
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kyle C Strickland
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Trevor E Angell
- Division of Endocrinology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Matthew A Nehs
- Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Erik K Alexander
- Division of Endocrinology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Edmund S Cibas
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jeffrey F Krane
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Brooke E Howitt
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Justine A Barletta
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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Paulson VA, Shivdasani P, Angell TE, Cibas ES, Krane JF, Lindeman NI, Alexander EK, Barletta JA. Noninvasive Follicular Thyroid Neoplasm with Papillary-Like Nuclear Features Accounts for More Than Half of "Carcinomas" Harboring RAS Mutations. Thyroid 2017; 27:506-511. [PMID: 28114855 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2016.0583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Molecular testing of thyroid nodules is increasingly being utilized to guide clinical management decisions. RAS mutations are the most frequent mutations detected in the context of an indeterminate fine-needle aspiration (FNA) diagnosis. The term "noninvasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary-like nuclear features" (NIFTP) was recently introduced to promote conservative management of tumors previously classified as noninvasive follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma (FVPTC). This change in terminology was based on the indolent clinical behavior of these tumors and their molecular profile, which includes frequent RAS mutations. The aim of this study was to determine the percentage of RAS-mutant "carcinomas" that would now be classified as NIFTPs. METHODS A search was performed for cases with known activating RAS mutations in a database of 199 thyroid carcinomas that underwent molecular characterization as part of Profile:Oncopanel between July 2013 and July 2015. Cases of FVPTC were re-reviewed to identify tumors that now would be categorized as NIFTP. Preceding FNA diagnoses were recorded, and cases with an indeterminate FNA result (defined as a diagnosis of atypia/follicular lesion of undetermined significance, suspicious for follicular neoplasm, or suspicious for malignancy) were identified. RESULTS A total of 27 RAS-mutant thyroid tumors were identified. Fifteen (56%) cases had an NRAS mutation, nine (33%) had an HRAS mutation, and three (11%) had a KRAS mutation. Twenty-four (89%) cases had a preceding FNA, 19 (79%) of which had an indeterminate FNA diagnosis. The surgical resection specimen demonstrated FVPTC in 20 (74%) cases, classical type PTC in two (7%), solid variant of PTC in one (4%), and follicular thyroid carcinoma in four (15%). Of the 20 FVPTCs, 16 (80%) would now be classified as NIFTP. NIFTPs accounted for 59% of RAS-mutant carcinomas overall and 63% of RAS-mutant carcinomas with a prior indeterminate FNA diagnosis. CONCLUSION NIFTPs accounted for more than half of RAS-mutant "carcinomas" in this cohort. In cases where clinical and sonographic data support a low-risk phenotype, these results suggest that a lobectomy should be considered as the initial surgical approach for a nodule with an indeterminate FNA diagnosis and a RAS mutation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vera A Paulson
- 1 Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital , Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Priyanka Shivdasani
- 1 Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital , Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Trevor E Angell
- 2 Division of Endocrinology, Brigham and Women's Hospital , Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Edmund S Cibas
- 1 Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital , Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jeffrey F Krane
- 1 Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital , Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Neal I Lindeman
- 1 Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital , Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Erik K Alexander
- 2 Division of Endocrinology, Brigham and Women's Hospital , Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Justine A Barletta
- 1 Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital , Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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Baca SC, Wong KS, Strickland KC, Heller HT, Kim MI, Barletta JA, Cibas ES, Krane JF, Marqusee E, Angell TE. Qualifiers of atypia in the cytologic diagnosis of thyroid nodules are associated with different Afirma gene expression classifier results and clinical outcomes. Cancer Cytopathol 2017; 125:313-322. [PMID: 28152275 PMCID: PMC5484344 DOI: 10.1002/cncy.21827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2016] [Revised: 12/20/2016] [Accepted: 12/22/2016] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Thyroid nodules with atypia of undetermined significance (AUS) on fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) have a low risk of malignancy that appears to vary based on specific features described in the AUS diagnosis. The Afirma gene expression classifier (GEC) is a molecular test designed to improve preoperative risk stratification of thyroid nodules, but its performance for different patterns of AUS has not been defined. The objective of this study was to assess GEC results and clinical outcomes in AUS nodules with architectural atypia (AUS‐A), cytologic atypia (AUS‐C) or both (AUS‐C/A). METHODS This was a retrospective review of all thyroid nodules with AUS cytopathology that underwent GEC testing at the authors' institution over a period of >4 years. RESULTS In 227 nodules that had AUS cytology results and Afirma GEC testing, the rate of benign GEC results was higher in AUS‐A nodules (70 of 107; 65%) than in AUS‐C/A nodules (25 of 65; 38%; P = .0008), and AUS‐C nodules exhibited an intermediate rate of benign results (27 of 55 nodules; 59%). The risk of cancer among patients who had GEC‐suspicious nodules, 86% of whom underwent resection, was 19% (6 of 25) for AUS‐A nodules compared with 57% (21 of 37) for AUS‐C/A nodules (P = .003) and 45% (10 of 22) for AUS‐C nodules (P = .07). In nodules that had an indeterminate repeat cytology result, no difference was observed in the rate of benign GEC results or in the malignancy rate compared with nodules that had a single cytology result. CONCLUSIONS The performance characteristics of Afirma GEC testing vary, depending on qualifiers of cytologic atypia. Recognition of these differences may enable clinicians to provide improved counseling and treatment recommendations to patients. Cancer Cytopathol 2017;125:313–322. © 2017 American Cancer Society. Thyroid nodules with atypia of undetermined significance cytology and Afirma gene expression classifier (GEC) testing are analyzed based on the presence of architectural, cytologic, or both cytologic and architectural atypia. Nodules with architectural atypia are the most likely to have a benign GEC result and least likely to be malignant, suggesting that clinicians should be aware of these cytologic qualifiers when advising patients regarding GEC testing and the risk of malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvan C Baca
- Department of Medicine, The Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Kristine S Wong
- Department of Pathology, The Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Kyle C Strickland
- Department of Pathology, The Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Howard T Heller
- Department of Radiology, The Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Matthew I Kim
- Thyroid Section, Division of Endocrinology, Hypertension, and Diabetes, The Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Justine A Barletta
- Department of Pathology, The Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Edmund S Cibas
- Department of Pathology, The Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jeffrey F Krane
- Department of Pathology, The Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ellen Marqusee
- Thyroid Section, Division of Endocrinology, Hypertension, and Diabetes, The Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Trevor E Angell
- Thyroid Section, Division of Endocrinology, Hypertension, and Diabetes, The Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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Kloos RT. Molecular Profiling of Thyroid Nodules: Current Role for the Afirma Gene Expression Classifier on Clinical Decision Making. Mol Imaging Radionucl Ther 2017; 26:36-49. [PMID: 28117288 PMCID: PMC5283710 DOI: 10.4274/2017.26.suppl.05] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Thyroid fine-needle aspiration biopsy results are cytologically indeterminate in 15-30% of cases. When these nodules undergo diagnostic surgery, approximately three-quarters are histologically benign. These unnecessary surgeries diminish quality of life, generate complications, and increase healthcare costs. The Afirma gene expression classifier (GEC) is validated to pre-operatively identify cytologically indeterminate nodules likely to be truly benign so that surgery can be avoided. Its performance is supported by robust multicenter prospective and blinded clinical validation studies, and supported by extensive independent clinical utility publications which show a marked reduction in surgery among patients with benign Afirma GEC results. To rule-out cancer and avoid unnecessary diagnostic surgery, Afirma’s quality and depth of validation stand alone. The accuracy of a benign result is the negative predictive value (NPV). Afirma achieves an NPV ≥94% among cytologically indeterminate nodules (Bethesda III or IV). Thirteen clinical utility studies describing 1468 GEC benign patients demonstrate that few Afirma GEC benign nodules undergo surgery, including after 3 years of follow-up. With a specificity of 52%, over half of the truly benign nodules with indeterminate cytology receive a benign GEC result. High test sensitivity is critical to safely rule out cancer. The Afirma GEC’s 90% sensitivity means that regardless of the pre-test risk of malignancy, 90% of all malignant nodules are GEC suspicious. The Afirma GEC has transformed patient care. Where the majority of cytologically indeterminate patients were once operated to determine if the nodule was benign or malignant, now nearly half of these surgeries can be avoided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard T Kloos
- Veracyte, Inc., Department of Medical Affairs, Senior Medical Director-Endocrinology, California, USA, Phone: +1(650)243-6300, E-mail:
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Najafian A, Noureldine S, Azar F, Atallah C, Trinh G, Schneider EB, Tufano RP, Zeiger MA. RAS Mutations, and RET/PTC and PAX8/PPAR-gamma Chromosomal Rearrangements Are Also Prevalent in Benign Thyroid Lesions: Implications Thereof and A Systematic Review. Thyroid 2017; 27:39-48. [PMID: 27750019 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2016.0348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Molecular markers associated with thyroid malignancy are increasingly being used as differential diagnostic tools for thyroid nodules. However, little has been reported recently regarding the prevalence of these markers in benign lesions. The literature was systematically reviewed to examine studies that reported on the prevalence of these markers in benign thyroid lesions. METHODS Appropriate studies published between January 1, 2000, and April 30, 2015, and cataloged in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were searched for by combining different keywords for "thyroid tumor" with both general and specific keywords for "molecular marker" by using "AND" as the Boolean operator. All studies meeting criteria that reported the prevalence of RAS mutations, and RET/PTC and PAX8/PPAR-gamma chromosomal rearrangements in benign thyroid lesions were included for study. RESULTS A total of 64 articles (including 8162 patients, of whom 42.5% had benign lesions) that met all the study criteria were systematically reviewed and abstracted. Among 35 studies examining RAS mutations, the reported prevalence of RAS mutation in benign lesions ranged from 0% to 48%. In 38 studies examining RET/PTC rearrangements, the prevalence in benign lesions ranged from 0% to 68%. PAX8/PPAR-gamma rearrangements were examined in 27 studies, with the prevalence in benign lesions ranging from 0% to 55%. CONCLUSION The presence of these biomarkers and the tremendous variation in reports of their prevalence in benign lesions suggests the need for caution when including these markers in diagnostic decisions. Further understanding of the importance of these markers, as well as newly discovered markers of thyroid malignancy, may be required in order to avoid overtreatment of patients with benign thyroid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Najafian
- 1 Endocrine Surgery, Department of Surgery, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine , Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Salem Noureldine
- 2 Division of Head and Neck Endocrine Surgery, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine , Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Faris Azar
- 1 Endocrine Surgery, Department of Surgery, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine , Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Chady Atallah
- 1 Endocrine Surgery, Department of Surgery, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine , Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Gina Trinh
- 2 Division of Head and Neck Endocrine Surgery, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine , Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Eric B Schneider
- 1 Endocrine Surgery, Department of Surgery, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine , Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Ralph P Tufano
- 2 Division of Head and Neck Endocrine Surgery, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine , Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Martha A Zeiger
- 1 Endocrine Surgery, Department of Surgery, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine , Baltimore, Maryland
- 3 Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine , Baltimore, Maryland
- 4 Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine , Baltimore, Maryland
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50
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Ciampi R, Romei C, Pieruzzi L, Tacito A, Molinaro E, Agate L, Bottici V, Casella F, Ugolini C, Materazzi G, Basolo F, Elisei R. Classical point mutations of RET, BRAF and RAS oncogenes are not shared in papillary and medullary thyroid cancer occurring simultaneously in the same gland. J Endocrinol Invest 2017; 40:55-62. [PMID: 27535135 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-016-0526-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2016] [Accepted: 07/27/2016] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Papillary (PTC) and medullary (MTC) thyroid carcinomas represent two distinct entities, but quite frequently, they may occur simultaneously. AIM To provide genetic analysis of PTC and MTC occurring in the same patient (PTC/MTC) to elucidate their origin. METHODS Sequencing analysis of RAS, BRAF and RET oncogenes hot spots mutations in tumoral and normal tissues of 24 PTC/MTC patients. RESULTS Two of 24 patients (8.3 %) were affected by familial MTC (FMTC) harboring RET germline mutations in all tissues. Eight of 22 (36.4 %) sporadic cases did not show any somatic mutation in the three tissue components. Considering the MTC component, 10/22 (45.4 %) patients did not show any somatic mutation, 7 of 22 (31.8 %) harbored the M918T RET somatic mutation and 4/22 (18.2 %) presented mutations in the H-RAS gene. In an additional case (1/22, 4.6 %), H-RAS and RET mutations were simultaneously present. Considering the PTC component, 1 of 24 (4.2 %) patients harbored the V600E BRAF mutation, 1 of 24 (4.2 %) the T58A H-RAS mutation and 1 of 24 (4.2 %) the M1T K-RAS mutation, while the remaining PTC cases did not show any somatic mutation. In one case, the MTC harbored a RET mutation and the PTC a BRAF mutation. None of the mutations found were present in both tumors. CONCLUSIONS To our knowledge, this is the first study analyzing a possible involvement of RET, BRAF and RAS oncogene mutations in PTC/MTC. These data clearly suggest that the classical activating mutations of the oncogenes commonly involved in the pathogenesis of PTC and MTC may not be responsible for their simultaneous occurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Ciampi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine (Endocrine Unit), Univesity-Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
| | - C Romei
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine (Endocrine Unit), Univesity-Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - L Pieruzzi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine (Endocrine Unit), Univesity-Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - A Tacito
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine (Endocrine Unit), Univesity-Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - E Molinaro
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine (Endocrine Unit), Univesity-Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - L Agate
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine (Endocrine Unit), Univesity-Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - V Bottici
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine (Endocrine Unit), Univesity-Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - F Casella
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine (Endocrine Unit), Univesity-Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - C Ugolini
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and Critical Care, University-Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - G Materazzi
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and Critical Care, University-Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - F Basolo
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and Critical Care, University-Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - R Elisei
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine (Endocrine Unit), Univesity-Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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