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Hernandez-Prera JC, Wenig BM. RAS-Mutant Follicular Thyroid Tumors: A Continuous Challenge for Pathologists. Endocr Pathol 2024; 35:167-184. [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] [MESH Headings] [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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2
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Soeratman AR, Kartini D, Andinata B, Harahap AS, Sudarsono NC. Lymph Node Metastasis in Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma, A Study of BRAF V600E and TERT Promoter Mutations. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2024; 25:2043-2049. [PMID: 38918666 PMCID: PMC11382857 DOI: 10.31557/apjcp.2024.25.6.2043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study was designed to determine the role of BRAF V600E and TERT mutations in the incidence of neck lymph node (LN) metastasis in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). METHODS This was a cross-sectional study, involving PTC patients at Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Jakarta. Data were obtained retrospectively based on medical records, except for BRAF V600E and TERT promoter mutations. Tumor tissue specimens of PTC's patients were transferred to the Integrated Laboratory of Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia. BRAF gene multiplication was performed with KOD One PCR Master Mix (Toyobo KMM-201), while TERT gene multiplication was performed with PCR Master Mix. Data analysis was performed with SPSS version 20. The data were analyzed using univariate and bivariate analysis with the Chi-Square test. RESULT 42 PTC patients were included in the study; 19 (45%) had BRAF mutation, 20 (48%) had TERT mutation, and 20 (48%) had LN metastases. BRAF V600E mutation was associated with LN metastasis [p<0.001, OR = 25.33 (95% CI 4.92 - 130.34)], while TERT mutation was not. Patients with BRAF+ and TERT- mutations were 18.00 times (95% CI 2.01 - 161.05) more likely to develop LN metastasis than patients with BRAF- and TERT-. Furthermore, the presence of TERT mutation along with BRAF mutation increased the risk to 60.00 (95% CI 4.72 - 763.04) higher than patients with BRAF- and TERT-. CONCLUSION BRAF mutation was associated with LN metastasis in PTC patients, but not TERT mutations. However, the presence of TERT mutation in PTC's patients with BRAF mutation increased the risk of LN metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alif Rizky Soeratman
- Surgical Oncology Division, Department of Surgery, Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Dharmais National Cancer Center Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Diani Kartini
- Surgical Oncology Division, Department of Surgery, Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Dharmais National Cancer Center Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Bob Andinata
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Dharmais National Cancer Center Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia
- Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Agnes Stephanie Harahap
- Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Nani Cahyani Sudarsono
- Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
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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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Riccio IR, LaForteza AC, Hussein MH, Linhuber JP, Issa PP, Staav J, Fawzy MS, Toraih EA, Kandil E. Diagnostic utility of RAS mutation testing for refining cytologically indeterminate thyroid nodules. EXCLI JOURNAL 2024; 23:283-299. [PMID: 38487090 PMCID: PMC10938255 DOI: 10.17179/excli2024-6975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
RAS mutations are prevalent in indeterminate thyroid nodules, but their association with malignancy risk and utility for diagnosis remains unclear. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to establish the clinical value of RAS mutation testing for cytologically indeterminate thyroid nodules. PubMed and Embase were systematically searched for relevant studies. Thirty studies comprising 13,328 nodules met the inclusion criteria. Random effects meta-analysis synthesized pooled estimates of RAS mutation rates, risk of malignancy with RAS positivity, and histologic subtype outcomes. The pooled mutation rate was 31 % (95 % CI 19-44 %) among 5,307 indeterminate nodules. NRAS mutations predominated at 67 % compared to HRAS (24 %) and KRAS (12 %). The malignancy rate with RAS mutations was 58 % (95 %CI=48-68 %). RAS positivity increased malignancy risk 1.7-fold (RR 1.68, 95 %CI=1.21-2.34, p=0.002), with significant between-study heterogeneity (I2=89 %). Excluding one outlier study increased the relative risk to 1.75 (95 %CI=1.54-1.98) and I2 to 14 %. Funnel plot asymmetry and Egger's test (p=0.03) indicated potential publication bias. Among RAS-positive malignant nodules, 38.6 % were follicular variant papillary carcinoma, 34.1 % classical variant, and 23.2 % follicular carcinoma. No statistically significant difference in the odds of harboring RAS mutation was found between subtypes. In conclusion, RAS mutation testing demonstrates clinical utility for refining the diagnosis of cytologically indeterminate thyroid nodules. Positivity confers a 1.7-fold increased malignancy risk, supporting use for personalized decision-making regarding surgery vs. monitoring. Follicular variant papillary carcinoma constitutes the most common RAS-positive malignant histological subtype. See also the graphical abstract(Fig. 1).
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel R. Riccio
- School of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Alexandra C. LaForteza
- Division of Endocrine and Oncologic Surgery, Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Mohammad H. Hussein
- Division of Endocrine and Oncologic Surgery, Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | | | - Peter P. Issa
- School of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Jonathan Staav
- School of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Manal S. Fawzy
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Northern Border University, Arar, Saudi Arabia
| | - Eman A. Toraih
- Division of Endocrine and Oncologic Surgery, Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
- Genetics Unit, Department of Histology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia 41522, Egypt
| | - Emad Kandil
- Division of Endocrine and Oncologic Surgery, Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
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Jones M, Abendano DG, Turner M, Sullivan C, Reyes MCD. The histologic outcomes of indeterminate thyroid nodules with rat sarcoma mutations: A case series. Diagn Cytopathol 2023; 51:E332-E337. [PMID: 37583345 DOI: 10.1002/dc.25214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
Molecular testing is an adjunct test for thyroid fine needle aspirations with indeterminate diagnoses, with certain mutations showing a greater risk of malignancy (ROM). Rat sarcoma (RAS) point mutations are the most common alterations in indeterminate thyroid nodules. While they can have a high ROM, they are also found in benign disease. This study describes the histologic outcomes of indeterminate nodules with RAS mutations. Bethesda III and IV thyroid nodules with ThyroSeq results showing RAS mutations (NRAS, KRAS, and HRAS) were identified between November 1, 2018 and February 28, 2023. Baseline patient characteristics, ThyroSeq results, and surgical diagnoses were collected. We identified 18 nodules with RAS mutations from 17 patients. Fourteen were NRAS (isolated NRAS in 6; NRAS with other abnormalities [NRAS+] in 8); one was isolated KRAS; and three were HRAS with other abnormalities (HRAS+). NRAS Q16R was the most common amino acid change. Twelve cases had follow-up. Two were malignant, a minimally invasive follicular carcinoma (NRAS+) and a papillary thyroid carcinoma, follicular variant (HRAS+). Three were noninvasive follicular thyroid neoplasms with papillary-like nuclear features (NIFTP), 2 HRAS+ and 1 NRAS+. Four were follicular adenomas, one being atypical (3 NRAS+ and one isolated NRAS). One was an oncocytic adenoma (isolated NRAS). Two were nodular hyperplasias (isolated NRAS and NRAS+, respectively). Twenty-eight percent of our RAS-mutated nodules were malignant or NIFTP. All three HRAS-mutated nodules were malignant or NIFTP. The three isolated RAS mutations with follow up were benign (adenomas or nodular hyperplasia). These findings were in line with the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- MacKenzie Jones
- Medical University of South Carolina College of Medicine, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Dorbin G Abendano
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Matthew Turner
- Medical University of South Carolina College of Medicine, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Christopher Sullivan
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Maria Cecilia D Reyes
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
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Schumm MA, Shu ML, Hughes EG, Nikiforov YE, Nikiforova MN, Wald AI, Lechner MG, Tseng CH, Sajed DP, Wu JX, Yeh MW, Livhits MJ. Prognostic Value of Preoperative Molecular Testing and Implications for Initial Surgical Management in Thyroid Nodules Harboring Suspected (Bethesda V) or Known (Bethesda VI) Papillary Thyroid Cancer. JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2023; 149:735-742. [PMID: 37382944 PMCID: PMC10311424 DOI: 10.1001/jamaoto.2023.1494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
Importance Molecular testing is commonly used in the diagnosis of thyroid nodules with indeterminate cytology. The role of molecular testing in prognosticating oncologic outcomes in thyroid nodules with suspicious or malignant cytology is unclear. Objective To determine whether molecular profiling of Bethesda V (suspicious for thyroid cancer) and VI (thyroid cancer) nodules is associated with improved prognostication and whether it may inform initial treatment. Design, Setting, and Participants This retrospective cohort study included consecutive patients with Bethesda V or VI nodules who underwent surgery, with histopathology showing differentiated thyroid cancer, between May 1, 2016, and July 31, 2019 in the University of California, Los Angeles health system. Data were analyzed between April 2, 2021, and January 18, 2023. Exposures Masked ThyroSeq, version 3 molecular analysis after completion of initial treatment and acquisition of follow-up data. Main Outcomes and Measures Structural disease persistence or recurrence, distant metastasis, and recurrence-free survival were assessed using ThyroSeq Cancer Risk Classifier (CRC) molecular risk groups (low, RAS-like; intermediate, BRAF-like; high, combination of BRAF/RAS plus TERT or other high-risk alterations) using Cox proportional hazards regression models. Results In 105 patients with papillary thyroid cancer (median [IQR] follow-up, 3.8 [3.0-4.7] years), ThyroSeq identified genomic alterations in 100 (95%) samples (6 [6%] low risk, 88 [88%] intermediate risk, and 6 [6%] high risk; median [IQR] age, 44 [34-56] years; 68 [68%] female and 32 [32%] male). No patients with low-risk or negative results experienced recurrence. Of the 88 patients with intermediate risk, 6 (7%) experienced local recurrence, with 1 of them also developing distant metastasis. The 6 patients with high risk (all with BRAF V600E plus TERT mutation) underwent total thyroidectomy followed by radioactive iodine (RAI) ablation. Four patients with high risk (67%) experienced local recurrence, with 3 of them also developing distant metastasis. Thus, patients with high-risk alterations were more likely to experience persistence or recurrence and distant metastasis than patients with intermediate risk. In a multivariable analysis incorporating patient age, sex, cancer size, ThyroSeq molecular risk group, extrathyroidal extension, lymph node positivity, American Thyroid Association risk, and RAI ablation, only cancer size (hazard ratio, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.02-1.80) and ThyroSeq CRC molecular risk group (high vs intermediate and low: hazard ratio, 6.22; 95% CI, 1.04-37.36) were associated with structural recurrence. Conclusions and Relevance Among the 6% of patients with high-risk ThyroSeq CRC alterations in this cohort study, the majority experienced recurrence or distant metastasis despite initial treatment with total thyroidectomy and RAI ablation. In contrast, patients with low- and intermediate-risk alterations had a low recurrence rate. Preoperative knowledge of molecular alteration status at diagnosis may allow for deescalation of initial surgery and refining of the intensity of postoperative surveillance in patients presenting with Bethesda V and VI thyroid nodules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max A. Schumm
- Section of Endocrine Surgery, Department of Surgery, UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California
| | - Michelle L. Shu
- Section of Endocrine Surgery, Department of Surgery, UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California
| | - Elena G. Hughes
- Section of Endocrine Surgery, Department of Surgery, UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California
| | - Yuri E. Nikiforov
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Marina N. Nikiforova
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Abigail I. Wald
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Melissa G. Lechner
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California
| | - Chi-Hong Tseng
- Department of Medicine, UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California
| | - Dipti P. Sajed
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California
| | - James X. Wu
- Section of Endocrine Surgery, Department of Surgery, UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California
| | - Michael W. Yeh
- Section of Endocrine Surgery, Department of Surgery, UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California
| | - Masha J. Livhits
- Section of Endocrine Surgery, Department of Surgery, UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California
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Han D, Ding M, Xie R, Wang Z, Xiao G, Wang X, Dong L, Yin Z, Fei J. Molecular testing raises thyroid nodule fine needle aspiration diagnostic value. Endocr Connect 2023; 12:EC-23-0135. [PMID: 37310413 PMCID: PMC10448596 DOI: 10.1530/ec-23-0135] [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: 10/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Thyroid fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) remains indeterminate in 16%-24% of the cases. Molecular testing could improve the diagnostic accuracy of FNAB. This study examined the gene mutation profile of patients with thyroid nodules and analyzed the diagnostic ability of molecular testing for thyroid nodules using a self-developed 18-gene test. Between January 2019 and August 2021, 513 samples (414 FNABs and 99 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) specimens) underwent molecular testing at Ruijin Hospital. Sensitivity (Sen), specificity (Spe), positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and accuracy were calculated. There were 457 mutations in 428 samples. The rates of BRAF, RAS, TERT promoter, RET/PTC, and NTRK3 fusion mutations were 73.3% (n=335), 9.6% (n=44), 2.8% (n=13), 4.8% (n=22), and 0.4% (n=2), respectively. The diagnostic ability of cytology and molecular testing were evaluated in Bethesda II and V-VI samples. For cytology alone, Sen, Spe, PPV, NPV, and accuracy were 100%, 25.0%, 97.4%, 100%, and 97.4%; these numbers were 87.5%, 50.0%, 98.0%, 12.5%, and 86.2% when considering positive mutation, and 87.5%, 75.0%, 99.0%, 17.6%, and 87.1% when considering positive cytology or and positive mutation. In Bethesda III-IV nodules, when relying solely on the presence of pathogenic mutations for diagnosis, Sen, Spe, PPV, NPV, and AC were 76.2%, 66.7%, 94.1%, 26.8%, and 75.0%, respectively. It might be necessary to analyze the molecular mechanisms of disease development at the genetic level to predict patients with malignant nodules more accurately in different risk strata and develop rational treatment strategies and definite management plans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongyan Han
- Department of Pathology, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Min Ding
- Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Rongli Xie
- Department of General Surgery, RuiJin Hospital Lu Wan Branch, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhengshi Wang
- Thyroid Center, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Center of Thyroid Diseases, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Guohui Xiao
- Department of General Surgery, Pancreatic Disease Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaohong Wang
- Shanghai Rigen Biotechnology Co., Ltd. Shanghai, China
| | - Lei Dong
- Department of Pathology, Shanghai Rui Jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhiqiang Yin
- Thyroid Center, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Center of Thyroid Diseases, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian Fei
- Department of General Surgery, Pancreatic Disease Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Research Institute of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
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9
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Hudson TJ, Pusztaszeri MP, Hier MP, Forest VI, Yang JW, Payne RJ. Does the likelihood of malignancy in thyroid nodules with RAS mutations increase in direct proportion with the allele frequency percentage? J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2023; 52:12. [PMID: 36774522 PMCID: PMC9921308 DOI: 10.1186/s40463-022-00611-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Genomic testing has enhanced pre-surgical decision making for cytologically indeterminate thyroid nodules, but there remains uncertainty regarding RAS mutations. The addition of extra genetic alterations to previous driver mutation panels has been shown to improve predictive value. This study aims to evaluate the relationship between the mutant allele frequency (AF) and likelihood of malignancy in thyroid nodules with RAS mutations. METHODS A retrospective cohort review was performed evaluating patients with indeterminate cytology (Bethesda categories III, IV and V) and ThyroSeq® v3 testing demonstrating a RAS mutation, who underwent surgery. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were used to evaluate relationships between AF, other genetic alterations, and malignancy. RESULTS Thirty-nine patients met criteria, 77% of the thyroid nodules (30/39) were found to be malignant. None demonstrated aggressive pathology. On univariate regression, there was no relationship between AF and likelihood of malignancy. There was, however, a significant correlation between AF and the rate of an additional genetic alteration. Multivariate analysis found a trend between RAS, a second genetic alteration and malignancy, but it did not reach statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS There was no direct relationship between the level of allelic frequency in thyroid nodules expressing RAS mutations and the likelihood of malignancy. There was a statistically significant relationship between increasing AF and the presence of a second genetic abnormality, suggesting a possible progression from initial driver mutation and then a second genetic alteration prior to malignant transformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas J Hudson
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, 3755 Ch. de la Côte-Sainte-Catherine Rd., Montreal, QC, H3T 1E2, Canada.,nt of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | | | - Michael P Hier
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, 3755 Ch. de la Côte-Sainte-Catherine Rd., Montreal, QC, H3T 1E2, Canada
| | - Veronique-Isabelle Forest
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, 3755 Ch. de la Côte-Sainte-Catherine Rd., Montreal, QC, H3T 1E2, Canada
| | - Ji-Wei Yang
- Division of Endocrinology, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Richard J Payne
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, 3755 Ch. de la Côte-Sainte-Catherine Rd., Montreal, QC, H3T 1E2, Canada. .,nt of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada.
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10
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Valderrabano P, Eszlinger M, Stewardson P, Paschke R. Clinical value of molecular markers as diagnostic and prognostic tools to guide treatment of thyroid cancer. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2023; 98:753-762. [PMID: 36715016 DOI: 10.1111/cen.14882] [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: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Advances in our understanding of the molecular biology of thyroid tumours is being rapidly translated into their clinical management. This review summarizes the current use of molecular testing in thyroid tumours, focusing on their usefulness as diagnostic and prognostic tools to guide treatment with consideration of present limitations. DESIGN Considerations about molecular testing applications for the diagnosis and treatment of thyroid tumours are divided into four sections/roles: (1) evaluating cytologically indeterminate thyroid nodules; (2) guiding extent of surgery in indeterminate thyroid nodules; (3) completing histological characterization of thyroid tumours and (4) identifying actionable mutations in advanced progressive thyroid cancers. RESULTS Genomic testing can improve the presurgical malignancy risk assessment in indeterminate thyroid nodules. However, a prior in-depth analysis of institutional quality and outcomes of sonographical, cytological and histological characterization of thyroid tumours is necessary. Presently, it remains uncertain whether knowing the molecular profile of a cytologically indeterminate thyroid nodule might be advantageous to modify the extent of initial surgery. Molecular characterization of thyroid tumours can be a valuable adjunct to morphological diagnosis in some challenging cases, such as in low-risk follicular cell-derived neoplasms, or rare tumours. Finally, as selective kinase inhibitors are available, molecular testing in locally advanced/metastatic progressive thyroid cancers should also be integrated into the institutional clinical management pathway to improve outcomes and limit toxicity. CONCLUSIONS Molecular testing needs to be implemented into the local evidence-based clinical management thyroid nodule/cancer pathways to improve its diagnostic and prognostic value and to optimize cost-effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Valderrabano
- Department of Endocrinology and Nutrition, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, IRYCIS, Madrid, Spain
| | - Markus Eszlinger
- Department of Oncology and Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Halle (Saale), Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Paul Stewardson
- Department of Medical Science and Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Ralf Paschke
- Departments of Medicine, Oncology, Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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11
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Ren M, Yao Q, Bao L, Wang Z, Wei R, Bai Q, Ping B, Chang C, Wang Y, Zhou X, Zhu X. Diagnostic performance of next-generation sequencing and genetic profiling in thyroid nodules from a single center in China. Eur Thyroid J 2022; 11:e210124. [PMID: 35521779 PMCID: PMC9175606 DOI: 10.1530/etj-21-0124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective The data regarding the mutation landscape in Chinese patients with thyroid cancer are limited. The diagnostic performance of thyroid nodules by fine-needle aspiration (FNA) cytology needs optimization, especially in indeterminate nodules. Methods A total of 1039 FNA and surgical resection samples tested using the targeted multigene next-generation sequencing (NGS) panel were retrospectively collected. The features of gene alterations in different thyroid tumors were analyzed, and the diagnostic efficacy was evaluated. Results Among 1039 samples, there were 822 FNA and 217 surgical FFPE samples. Among 207 malignant thyroid resections, a total of 181 out of 193 papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTCs) were NGS-positive (93.8%), with a high prevalence of BRAF mutations (81.9%, 158/193) and a low prevalence of RAS (1.0%, 2/193) and TERT promoter mutations (3.6%, 7/193). Gene fusions, involving the RET and NTRK3 genes, were present in 20 PTCs (10.4%) and mutually exclusive with other driver mutations. Two of three follicular thyroid carcinomas harbored multiple mutations. RET gene point mutations were common in medullary thyroid carcinoma (8/11, 72.7%). The combination of cytology and DNA-RNA-based NGS analysis demonstrated superior diagnostic value (98.0%) in FNA samples. For indeterminate thyroid nodules, the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of NGS testing were 79.2 (38/48) and 80.0% (8/10), respectively. Two mutation-positive benign cases harbored NRAS and TSHR mutations, respectively. Conclusions Our study revealed the distinct molecular profile of thyroid tumors in the Chinese population. The combination of NGS testing and FNA cytology could facilitate the accurate diagnosis of thyroid nodules, especially for indeterminate nodules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Ren
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qianlan Yao
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Longlong Bao
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhiting Wang
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ran Wei
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qianming Bai
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bo Ping
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Cai Chang
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Ultrasound, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoyan Zhou
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoli Zhu
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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12
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Elia G, Ferrari SM, Ragusa F, Paparo SR, Mazzi V, Ulisse S, Benvenga S, Antonelli A, Fallahi P. Advances in pharmacotherapy for advanced thyroid cancer of follicular origin (PTC, FTC). New approved drugs and future therapies. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2022; 23:599-610. [PMID: 35038965 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2022.2030704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The most common altered signaling found in aggressive iodine-refractory Thyroid cancer derived from follicular cells (RAI-TC) are RTK, MAPK, PI3K, WNT, BRAF, RAS, RET, and TP53. Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors (TKI) are multi-kinase inhibitors able to act against different pathways, that elicit an anti-neoplastic activity. AREAS COVERED The aim of this paper is to review recent novel molecular therapies of RAI-TC. Recently, sorafenib and lenvatinib, have been approved for the treatment of aggressive RAI-TC. Other studies are evaluating vandetanib and selumetinib in RAI-TC. Furthermore, preliminary studies have evaluated dabrafenib, and vemurafenib in BRAF mutated RAI-TC patients to re-induce 131-iodine uptake. The interplay between cells of the immune system and cancer cells can be altered by immune checkpoints inhibitors. The expression of PDL1 in RAI-TC was related to tumor recurrence and poor survival. Several clinical trials are investigating a combination of different therapies, such as lenvatinib and pembrolizumab. EXPERT OPINION Mechanisms of resistance to TKIs inhibitors can be of intrinsic or acquired origin. An acquired resistance to lenvatinib, or sorafenib can be due to upregulation of FGFR; therefore anti-FGFR agents are evaluated. A new strategy is to combine TKIs with immunotherapy. Several studies are evaluating lenvatinib and pembrolizumab in RAI-TC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giusy Elia
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Francesca Ragusa
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Valeria Mazzi
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Salvatore Ulisse
- Department of Experimental Medicine, 'Sapienza' University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Salvatore Benvenga
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.,Master Program on Childhood, Adolescent and Women's Endocrine Health, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.,Interdepartmental Program of Molecular and Clinical Endocrinology and Women's Endocrine Health, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Policlinico 'G. Martino', I-98125, Messina, Italy
| | - Alessandro Antonelli
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Poupak Fallahi
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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13
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Gilani SM, Abi-Raad R, Garritano J, Cai G, Prasad ML, Adeniran AJ. RAS mutation and associated risk of malignancy in the thyroid gland: An FNA study with cytology-histology correlation. Cancer Cytopathol 2021; 130:284-293. [PMID: 34847284 DOI: 10.1002/cncy.22537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Activating point mutations of the RAS gene (NRAS, HRAS, and KRAS) can be seen in benign and malignant thyroid tumors; among these, NRAS mutations are more commonly seen. This study was conducted to evaluate the thyroid risk of malignancy (ROM) associated with RAS mutations in thyroid fine-needle aspiration (FNA) at the authors' institution. METHODS The authors searched their electronic database system between January 2015 and May 2021 for thyroid FNA cases with any type of RAS mutation. Molecular alterations were identified with the ThyroSeq Genomic Classifier, ThyGeNEXT (thyroid oncogene panel)/ThyraMIR (miRNA classifier), or ThyroSure gene panel. RESULTS A total of 127 cases (age, 51 ± 14 years; 100 females and 27 males) were identified, and 72 had histologic follow-up. The overall ROM associated with RAS mutations (with or without any other molecular alterations) was 29%, whereas the ROM was lower (18%) with RAS mutations only. Isolated NRAS, HRAS, and KRAS mutation-associated ROMs were 15%, 27%, and 14%, respectively. Among these RAS-mutated cases, the cases with a Bethesda category IV cytologic diagnosis had a higher ROM than the cases with a category III diagnosis (38% vs 17%). Twenty-one histologically confirmed malignant cases were mostly classified on cytology as category IV lesions (14 of 34; 41%), and the remainder were either category III (6 of 35; 17%) or V lesions (1 of 1; 100%). CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrated that the overall RAS mutation-associated ROM in thyroid FNA was intermediate (29%), and isolated HRAS mutations appeared to have a higher ROM (27%) than NRAS and KRAS mutations (15% and 14%, respectively).
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Affiliation(s)
- Syed M Gilani
- Department of Pathology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Rita Abi-Raad
- Department of Pathology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - James Garritano
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut.,Applied Mathematics Program, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Guoping Cai
- Department of Pathology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Manju L Prasad
- Department of Pathology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
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14
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Niciporuka R, Nazarovs J, Ozolins A, Narbuts Z, Miklasevics E, Gardovskis J. Can We Predict Differentiated Thyroid Cancer Behavior? Role of Genetic and Molecular Markers. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2021; 57:1131. [PMID: 34684168 PMCID: PMC8540789 DOI: 10.3390/medicina57101131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2021] [Revised: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Thyroid cancer is ranked in ninth place among all the newly diagnosed cancer cases in 2020. Differentiated thyroid cancer behavior can vary from indolent to extremely aggressive. Currently, predictions of cancer prognosis are mainly based on clinicopathological features, which are direct consequences of cell and tissue microenvironment alterations. These alterations include genetic changes, cell cycle disorders, estrogen receptor expression abnormalities, enhanced epithelial-mesenchymal transition, extracellular matrix degradation, increased hypoxia, and consecutive neovascularization. All these processes are represented by specific genetic and molecular markers, which can further predict thyroid cancer development, progression, and prognosis. In conclusion, evaluation of cancer genetic and molecular patterns, in addition to clinicopathological features, can contribute to the identification of patients with a potentially worse prognosis. It is essential since it plays a crucial role in decision-making regarding initial surgery, postoperative treatment, and follow-up. To date, there is a large diversity in methodologies used in different studies, frequently leading to contradictory results. To evaluate the true significance of predictive markers, more comparable studies should be conducted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Niciporuka
- Department of Surgery, Riga Stradins University, Pilsonu Street 13, LV-1002 Riga, Latvia; (A.O.); (Z.N.); (J.G.)
- Department of Surgery, Pauls Stradins Clinical University Hospital, Pilsonu Street 13, LV-1002 Riga, Latvia
| | - Jurijs Nazarovs
- Department of Pathology, Pauls Stradins Clinical University Hospital, Pilsonu Street 13, LV-1002 Riga, Latvia;
| | - Arturs Ozolins
- Department of Surgery, Riga Stradins University, Pilsonu Street 13, LV-1002 Riga, Latvia; (A.O.); (Z.N.); (J.G.)
- Department of Surgery, Pauls Stradins Clinical University Hospital, Pilsonu Street 13, LV-1002 Riga, Latvia
| | - Zenons Narbuts
- Department of Surgery, Riga Stradins University, Pilsonu Street 13, LV-1002 Riga, Latvia; (A.O.); (Z.N.); (J.G.)
- Department of Surgery, Pauls Stradins Clinical University Hospital, Pilsonu Street 13, LV-1002 Riga, Latvia
| | - Edvins Miklasevics
- Institute of Oncology, Riga Stradins University, Pilsonu Street 13, LV-1002 Riga, Latvia;
| | - Janis Gardovskis
- Department of Surgery, Riga Stradins University, Pilsonu Street 13, LV-1002 Riga, Latvia; (A.O.); (Z.N.); (J.G.)
- Department of Surgery, Pauls Stradins Clinical University Hospital, Pilsonu Street 13, LV-1002 Riga, Latvia
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15
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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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16
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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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17
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Li W, Justice-Clark T, Cohen MB. The utility of ThyroSeq ® in the management of indeterminate thyroid nodules by fine-needle aspiration. Cytopathology 2021; 32:505-512. [PMID: 33914382 DOI: 10.1111/cyt.12981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Revised: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We aim to evaluate the impact of ThyroSeq® in the management of indeterminate thyroid nodules (ITN), including Bethesda III and IV nodules. METHODS ITNs that underwent ThyroSeq testing between 2016 and 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. A control cohort included ITNs without molecular testing. Cytological, molecular, and histological data were collected. RESULTS We identified 202 ITNs that underwent molecular testing (128 in Bethesda III and 74 in Bethesda IV). Mutations were found in 58 nodules with mutation rates of 21.9% in Bethesda III and 40.5% in Bethesda IV. In this cohort, 49 cases had surgical resection with a resection rate of 24.3% (49/202, 15.6% in Bethesda III and 39.2% in Bethesda IV). Among the resected cases, 42 cases had positive molecular results. Thyroid cancer was diagnosed in 21 nodules with a malignancy detection rate of 10.4%. In the other cohort, we identified 236 ITNs (158 in Bethesda III and 78 in Bethesda IV). Surgical resection was performed in 127 cases, with a resection rate of 53.8% (127/236, 46.2% in Bethesda III and 69.2% in Bethesda IV). Thyroid cancer was diagnosed in 21 nodules, with a malignancy detection rate of 8.9%. The risk of malignancy (ROM) recalculated based on positive ThyroSeq results was significantly higher (21.4%-35.5% in Bethesda III and 50%-60% in Bethesda IV) than that without molecular testing (4.4%-9.6% in Bethesda III and 17.9%-25.9% in Bethesda IV). CONCLUSION We concluded that ThyroSeq significantly decreased the surgical resection rate (from 53.8% to 24.3%) without significantly affecting the malignancy detection rate in ITNs. Furthermore, positive molecular testing significantly increased ROM in ITNs. We believe that the recalculated ROM should be incorporated into the management of ITNs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wencheng Li
- Department of Pathology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Tracy Justice-Clark
- Department of Pathology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Michael B Cohen
- Department of Pathology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
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18
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Preoperative Role of RAS or BRAF K601E in the Guidance of Surgery for Indeterminate Thyroid Nodules. World J Surg 2021; 44:2264-2271. [PMID: 32227276 DOI: 10.1007/s00268-020-05487-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND RAS and K601E BRAF mutations are not a reliable indicator of malignancy in fine-needle aspirations (FNA) of thyroid indeterminate cytologic nodules. We aimed to evaluate the histologic characteristics, the risk of malignancy associated with such mutations in FNA and their potential interest for preoperative clinical management of nodules. METHODS We evaluated 69 indeterminate thyroid nodules with RAS or K601E BRAF mutations with available histopathologic follow-up. All FNA specimens were indeterminate according to the thyroid Bethesda system. Diagnosis of malignant, benign or indolent neoplasms was classified according to 2017 WHO classification. Carcinoma, NIFTP (noninvasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary-like features) and WDTUMP (well-differentiated tumor of uncertain malignant potential) were considered "surgical," as they require surgical excision. Adenoma was considered "non-surgical." The risk of malignancy and the risk of "surgical disease" were evaluated. RESULTS Pathologic evaluation of the 69 mutated nodules demonstrated benign, indolent and malignant histology in 17 cases (25%), 21 cases (30%) and 31 cases (45%), respectively. The risk of malignancy was 45%, and the risk of surgical disease was 75%. The majority of carcinomas were a follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma. On follow-up, there have been no recurrences to date. CONCLUSION Preoperative RAS or BRAF K601E mutations detection in cytologic indeterminate thyroid nodules carries a high risk of surgical disease and may benefit from surgical management. Most surgical lesions harboring those mutations are low-risk tumors, which may be in favor of an initial lobectomy.
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19
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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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20
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Livhits MJ, Zhu CY, Kuo EJ, Nguyen DT, Kim J, Tseng CH, Leung AM, Rao J, Levin M, Douek ML, Beckett KR, Cheung DS, Gofnung YA, Smooke-Praw S, Yeh MW. Effectiveness of Molecular Testing Techniques for Diagnosis of Indeterminate Thyroid Nodules: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Oncol 2021; 7:70-77. [PMID: 33300952 DOI: 10.1001/jamaoncol.2020.5935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Importance Approximately 20% of thyroid nodules display indeterminate cytology. Molecular testing can refine the risk of malignancy and reduce the need for diagnostic hemithyroidectomy. Objective To compare the diagnostic performance between an RNA test (Afirma genomic sequencing classifier) and DNA-RNA test (ThyroSeq v3 multigene genomic classifier). Design, Setting, and Participants This parallel randomized clinical trial of monthly block randomization included patients in the UCLA Health system who underwent thyroid biopsy from August 2017 to January 2020 with indeterminate cytology (Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology category III or IV). Interventions Molecular testing with the RNA test or DNA-RNA test. Main Outcomes and Measures Diagnostic test performance of the RNA test compared with the DNA-RNA test. The secondary outcome was comparison of test performance with prior versions of the molecular tests. Results Of 2368 patients, 397 were eligible for inclusion based on indeterminate cytology, and 346 (median [interquartile range] age, 55 [44-67] years; 266 [76.9%] women) were randomized to 1 of the 2 tests. In the total cohort assessed for eligibility, 3140 thyroid nodules were assessed, and 427 (13.6%) nodules were cytologically indeterminate. The prevalence of malignancy was 20% among indeterminate nodules. The benign call rate was 53% (95% CI, 47%-61%) for the RNA test and 61% (95% CI, 53%-68%) for the DNA-RNA test. The specificities of the RNA test and DNA-RNA test were 80% (95% CI, 72%-86%) and 85% (95% CI, 77%-91%), respectively (P = .33); the positive predictive values (PPV) of the RNA test and DNA-RNA test were 53% (95% CI, 40%-67%) and 63% (95% CI, 48%-77%), respectively (P = .33). The RNA test exhibited a higher PPV compared with the prior test version (Afirma gene expression classifier) (54% [95% CI, 40%-67%] vs 38% [95% CI, 27%-48%]; P = .01). The DNA-RNA test had no statistically significant difference in PPV compared with its prior version (ThyroSeq v2 next-generation sequencing) (63% [95% CI, 48%-77%] vs 58% [95% CI, 43%-73%]; P = .75). Diagnostic thyroidectomy was avoided in 87 (51%) patients tested with the RNA test and 83 (49%) patients tested with the DNA-RNA test. Surveillance ultrasonography was available for 90 nodules, of which 85 (94%) remained stable over a median of 12 months follow-up. Conclusions and Relevance Both the RNA test and DNA-RNA test displayed high specificity and allowed 49% of patients with indeterminate nodules to avoid diagnostic surgery. Although previous trials demonstrated that the prior version of the DNA-RNA test was more specific than the prior version of the RNA test, the current molecular test techniques have no statistically significant difference in performance. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02681328.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masha J Livhits
- Section of Endocrine Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California
| | - Catherine Y Zhu
- Section of Endocrine Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California
| | - Eric J Kuo
- Section of Endocrine Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California
| | - Dalena T Nguyen
- Section of Endocrine Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California
| | - Jiyoon Kim
- Department of Biostatistics, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles
| | - Chi-Hong Tseng
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California
| | - Angela M Leung
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California.,Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, California
| | - Jianyu Rao
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California
| | - Mary Levin
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California
| | - Michael L Douek
- Department of Radiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California
| | - Katrina R Beckett
- Department of Radiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California
| | - Dianne S Cheung
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California
| | - Yaroslav A Gofnung
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California
| | - Stephanie Smooke-Praw
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California
| | - Michael W Yeh
- Section of Endocrine Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California
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21
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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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22
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Marin F, Murillo R, Diego C, Jodar E, Acevedo A. The impact of repeat fine-needle aspiration in thyroid nodules categorized as atypia of undetermined significance or follicular lesion of undetermined significance: A single center experience. Diagn Cytopathol 2020; 49:412-417. [PMID: 33252841 DOI: 10.1002/dc.24676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2020] [Revised: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Atypia of undetermined significance (AUS) or follicular lesion of undetermined significance (FLUS) is the most controversial category of the Bethesda System. The present study was conducted to compare the histological findings in a series of thyroid nodules diagnosed with AUS/FLUS after single or repeat fine needle aspiration (FNA) cytology. METHODS Retrospective analysis of our institution's series of 514 patients with an initial diagnosis of AUS/FLUS between 11/2011 and 02/2020. RESULTS Of 4887 FNA samples, 11.8% were classified as AUS/FLUS. Of patients with an initial AUS/FLUS diagnosis, 11.5% (59/514) underwent surgery after a single FNA, 55.4% (285/514) had a repeat FNA, and 32.7% (168/514) were either observed or lost to follow-up. Surgical pathology was available in 123 cases (23.9%), and malignancy was confirmed in 32.5% (40/123) cases, with similar rates in the single 32.2% (19/59) and repeat FNA 32.8% (21/64) groups. Repeat FNA reclassified 78.9% of the AUS/FLUS cases to a different category: 57.2% were reclassified as benign, 10.5% as follicular neoplasm, and 5.6% as suspicious for malignancy or malignant. The rates of nonneoplastic benign lesions were 52.5% (31/59) and 31.2% (20/64) in the single and repeat FNA groups, respectively (P = .018). The rates of follicular adenomas were higher when repeat FNA was performed (23/64, 35.9%) compared with a single FNA (9/59; 15.2%) (P = .013). CONCLUSION In this series, a repeat FNA in cases of AUS/FLUS increased detection of follicular adenomas but not the detection of malignancy. Repeat FNA reduced the rate of benign nonneoplastic lesions by 40% in the surgical samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Marin
- Department of Endocrinology, Hospital Universitario Quironsalud, Madrid, Spain.,Medical Sciences School, Universidad Europea, Madrid, Spain
| | - Raquel Murillo
- Department of Pathology, Hospital Universitario Quironsalud, Madrid, Spain
| | - Cristina Diego
- Department of Pathology, Hospital Universitario Quironsalud, Madrid, Spain
| | - Esteban Jodar
- Department of Endocrinology, Hospital Universitario Quironsalud, Madrid, Spain.,Medical Sciences School, Universidad Europea, Madrid, Spain
| | - Agustín Acevedo
- Department of Pathology, Hospital Universitario Quironsalud, Madrid, Spain
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Gupta O, Gautam U, Chandrasekhar M, Rajwanshi A, Radotra BD, Verma R, Srinivasan R. Molecular Testing for BRAFV600E and RAS Mutations from Cytoscrapes of Thyroid Fine Needle Aspirates: A Single-Center Pilot Study. J Cytol 2020; 37:174-181. [PMID: 33776257 PMCID: PMC7984513 DOI: 10.4103/joc.joc_45_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Revised: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Context and Aim: Molecular testing of thyroid FNA has been advocated in the indeterminate categories of The Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology (TBSRTC) 2018. The utility of cytoscrapes of thyroid FNA samples for BRAF V600E and RAS mutations was evaluated in this pilot study. Methods and Materials: Thyroid FNA samples between 2015 and 2018 from TBSRTC categories 3–6 were included. DNA was extracted from one to two representative smears (cytoscrape). Real-time PCR for BRAF V600E and RAS (KRAS, NRAS, and HRAS) gene mutations was performed. Histopathology correlation was available in 44 cases. Statistical Methods: Chi-square test and calculation of sensitivity, specificity, and positive/negative predictive values were performed. Results: A total of 73 thyroid FNA cases and 11 nodal metastases of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) were evaluated. The DNA yield ranged from 1.9 to 666 ng/μl (mean 128 ng/μl) in 80 cases and was insufficient in four cases. Overall, mutations were seen in 45 (56.25%) cases with BRAF V600E, NRAS, HRAS, and KRAS in 21 (46.7%), 19 (42.2%), 4, and 1 cases, respectively. BRAF V600E mutation was seen in PTC (11/18, 61%), nodal PTC metastases (5/10, 50%), and occasionally in TBSRTC category 3 (1/18, 5.5%). NRAS mutations were seen across all categories and were maximum in the AUS/FLUS group (6/18, 33%). BRAF V600E /RAS testing had an overall sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of 61.7%, 80%, 91.3%, and 38%, respectively, for the detection of malignancy. In indeterminate thyroid nodules, the sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV were 56.2%, 80%, 81.8%, and 53.3%, respectively. Conclusion: BRAF V600E/RAS mutation testing from cytoscrapes are useful as a rule-in test for indeterminate thyroid nodules and provide molecular confirmation in nodal metastases of PTC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ojas Gupta
- Department of Cytology and Gynecological Pathology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Upasana Gautam
- Department of Cytology and Gynecological Pathology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Muralidaran Chandrasekhar
- Department of Cytology and Gynecological Pathology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Arvind Rajwanshi
- Department of Cytology and Gynecological Pathology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Bishan Dass Radotra
- Department of Histopathology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Roshan Verma
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Radhika Srinivasan
- Department of Cytology and Gynecological Pathology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
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Perdana AB, Putri RI, Rachmawati R, Andinata B, Brahma B. Clinical Utility of BRAF, NRAS, and TERT Promoter Mutation in Preoperative Thyroid Fine-Needle Aspiration Biopsy: A Diagnostic Study From Dharmais Cancer Hospital. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2020; 21:3267-3277. [PMID: 33247684 PMCID: PMC8033131 DOI: 10.31557/apjcp.2020.21.11.3267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: Molecular testing of thyroid nodules becomes important for improving the accuracy of fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB). This study aimed to investigate the diagnostic utility of BRAF, NRAS, and TERT promoter mutation in thyroid nodules at Dharmais Cancer Hospital. Methods: We performed a prospective diagnostic study involving 50 patients with thyroid nodules who needed surgery between September 2013 and August 2014. Mutational hotspots in BRAF exon 15, NRAS exon 3, and TERT promoter region were analyzed by Sanger sequencing from FNAB specimens. Cytology and molecular data were compared to histopathology results. Results: Of the 50 cases included in the analysis, 39 cases (78%) were thyroid malignancies. Mutations of BRAF, NRAS, and TERT promoter were detected in 31% (12/39), 18% (7/39), and 13% (5/39) cases, respectively. BRAF and NRAS mutations were found mutually exclusive, while all of TERT promoter mutation was found coexistent either with BRAF (40%) or NRAS (60%). The combination of FNAB cytology and molecular testing resulted in 69% sensitivity, 100% specificity, 100% positive predictive value, 48% negative predictive value, and 76% accuracy. Conclusion: Molecular testing of BRAF, NRAS, and TERT mutations improve the sensitivity of thyroid FNAB and is beneficial for more definitive treatment in selective cases. However, the NPV is relatively low to avoid the need for diagnostic surgery. Therefore, further studies to identify more sensitive methods and more comprehensive molecular markers in the diagnosis of thyroid nodules are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adhitya Bayu Perdana
- Department of Research and Development, Dharmais Cancer Hospital - National Cancer Center, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Rizky Ifandriani Putri
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, Dharmais Cancer Hospital - National Cancer Center, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Rachmawati Rachmawati
- Surgical Oncology Study Program, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine Universitas Indonesia - Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Bob Andinata
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Dharmais Cancer Hospital - National Cancer Center, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Bayu Brahma
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Dharmais Cancer Hospital - National Cancer Center, Jakarta, Indonesia
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) is an important diagnostic tool for the evaluation of thyroid nodules. However, in almost ¼ of all nodules submitted to FNA cytology is indeterminate. Since the majority of genetic alterations in thyroid cancer have been identified, the use of molecular testing platforms has been endorsed by American Thyroid Association for management of indeterminate nodules. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION Several commercial tests were based on mRNA expression of FNA samples (Afirma®, Veracyte, South San Francisco, CA, USA) while others detect DNA alterations (ThyroSeq, UPMC, Pittsburgh, PA, USA). Noncommercial tests detect limited number of point mutations or re-arrangements (gene panels). Literature study included a Pubmed research for adult original studies from 2003 to 2020, focusing on terms such as "molecular tests," "nodules with indeterminate AUS/FLUS and FN/SFN cytology." EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS Gene expression profile tests serve as "rule out" tests due to their high negative predictive value and perform better in a setting of low cancer pretest probability. Genetic alteration platforms display high positive predictive value and serve as rather "rule in" tests but their diagnostic accuracy is hampered either because a small proportion of nodules does not harbor any of these alterations targeted (gene panels) or because commonly identified RAS mutations can also be found in benign nodules. CONCLUSIONS Next generation sequencing development and incorporation of other genetic markers such as miRNA can improve diagnostic accuracy of molecular tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Karapanou
- 401Hellenic Army General Military Hospital of Athens, Athens, Greece -
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26
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Ravella L, Lopez J, Descotes F, Giai J, Lapras V, Denier ML, Borson-Chazot F, Lifante JC, Decaussin-Petrucci M. Cytological features and nuclear scores: Diagnostic tools in preoperative fine needle aspiration of indeterminate thyroid nodules with RAS or BRAF K601E mutations? Cytopathology 2020; 32:37-44. [PMID: 32803788 DOI: 10.1111/cyt.12904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Revised: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The cytological diagnosis of follicular-patterned thyroid lesions is challenging, especially since the World Health Organisation classification has recognised non-invasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary-like features. These entities are often classified as indeterminate on cytology. Molecular testing has been proposed to help classify indeterminate nodules. RAS and K601E BRAF mutations are mostly encountered in follicular-patterned lesions, but their diagnostic value is not well established. Nuclear scores have also been proposed to help classify indeterminate lesions. OBJECTIVE To investigate the correlation between cytological features and histology and to assess nuclear scores in a series of indeterminate RAS or BRAF K601E positive thyroid nodules. METHODS The cytological parameters of 69 indeterminate RAS or BRAF K601E-positive thyroid nodules were evaluated. The Strickland and Maletta scores and a new nuclear score were assessed. Diagnosis of malignant, benign or indolent neoplasms was confirmed in each case by histology. Malignant and indolent nodules were considered surgical nodules, and adenomas non-surgical nodule. RESULTS Surgical nodules were associated with the presence of ground glass nuclei (P = .001), grooves (P < .001) or irregular nuclear membranes (P = .01) on cytology. Nuclear scores were more often ≥2 in surgical nodules compared to benign ones (P < .001), with high sensitivity, but a low negative predictive value. CONCLUSIONS Analysis of nuclear features is useful to distinguish non-surgical from surgical nodules in indeterminate FNAs. Although nuclear scores are not ideal rule-out tests for indeterminate RAS or BRAF K601E positive nodules, they seem useful to screen non-molecular tested or non-mutated indeterminate FNAs. This work shows that meticulous analysis of nuclear features on cytological specimens can be useful to distinguish non-surgical nodules (adenoma) from surgical nodules in indeterminate FNAs. Although nuclear scores are not rule-out tests for indeterminate RAS or BRAF K601E positive nodules, they are useful in screening non-molecular tested or non-mutated indeterminate FNAs for surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucie Ravella
- Centre de Biologie et Pathologie Sud, Centre Hospitalier Lyon Sud, Pierre Bénite, France
| | - Jonathan Lopez
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Centre Hospitalier Lyon Sud, Pierre Bénite, France.,Team EMT and Cancer Cell Plasticity, Cancer Research Center of Lyon, Lyon 1 University, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Françoise Descotes
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Centre Hospitalier Lyon Sud, Pierre Bénite, France
| | - Joris Giai
- CNRS, UMR 5558, Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Evolutive, Equipe Biostatistique-Santé, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Véronique Lapras
- Radiology Department, Centre Hospitalier Lyon Sud, Pierre Bénite, France
| | - Marie-Laure Denier
- Radiology Department, Centre Hospitalier Lyon Sud, Pierre Bénite, France
| | - Françoise Borson-Chazot
- Endocrinology Department, Groupement Hospitalier Est, Bron, France.,Faculté de Médecine Lyon Est, Universite Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - Jean-Christophe Lifante
- Endocrine Surgery Department, Centre Hospitalier Lyon Sud, France.,Faculté de Médecine Lyon Sud, Universite, Oullins, France
| | - Myriam Decaussin-Petrucci
- Centre de Biologie et Pathologie Sud, Centre Hospitalier Lyon Sud, Pierre Bénite, France.,INSERM1052, CNRS5286, Cancer Research Center of Lyon, Lyon 1 University, Villeurbanne, France
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Nylén C, Mechera R, Maréchal-Ross I, Tsang V, Chou A, Gill AJ, Clifton-Bligh RJ, Robinson BG, Sywak MS, Sidhu SB, Glover AR. Molecular Markers Guiding Thyroid Cancer Management. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12082164. [PMID: 32759760 PMCID: PMC7466065 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12082164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The incidence of thyroid cancer is rapidly increasing, mostly due to the overdiagnosis and overtreatment of differentiated thyroid cancer (TC). The increasing use of potent preclinical models, high throughput molecular technologies, and gene expression microarrays have provided a deeper understanding of molecular characteristics in cancer. Hence, molecular markers have become a potent tool also in TC management to distinguish benign from malignant lesions, predict aggressive biology, prognosis, recurrence, as well as for identification of novel therapeutic targets. In differentiated TC, molecular markers are mainly used as an adjunct to guide management of indeterminate nodules on fine needle aspiration biopsies. In contrast, in advanced thyroid cancer, molecular markers enable targeted treatments of affected signalling pathways. Identification of the driver mutation of targetable kinases in advanced TC can select treatment with mutation targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) to slow growth and reverse adverse effects of the mutations, when traditional treatments fail. This review will outline the molecular landscape and discuss the impact of molecular markers on diagnosis, surveillance and treatment of differentiated, poorly differentiated and anaplastic follicular TC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Nylén
- Endocrine Surgical Unit, Royal North Shore Hospital, Northern Sydney Local Health District, St. Leonards, NSW 2065, Australia; (C.N.); (R.M.); (M.S.S.); (S.B.S.)
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Solna L1:00, 171 76 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Robert Mechera
- Endocrine Surgical Unit, Royal North Shore Hospital, Northern Sydney Local Health District, St. Leonards, NSW 2065, Australia; (C.N.); (R.M.); (M.S.S.); (S.B.S.)
- Department of Visceral Surgery, Clarunis University Hospital Basel, Spitalstrasse 21, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Isabella Maréchal-Ross
- Northern Clinical School, Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; (I.M.-R.); (V.T.); (A.C.); (A.J.G.); (R.J.C.-B.); (B.G.R.)
| | - Venessa Tsang
- Northern Clinical School, Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; (I.M.-R.); (V.T.); (A.C.); (A.J.G.); (R.J.C.-B.); (B.G.R.)
- Department of Endocrinology, Royal North Shore Hospital, University of Sydney, St. Leonards, NSW 2065, Australia
| | - Angela Chou
- Northern Clinical School, Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; (I.M.-R.); (V.T.); (A.C.); (A.J.G.); (R.J.C.-B.); (B.G.R.)
- NSW Health Pathology, Department of Anatomical Pathology, Royal North Shore Hospital, University of Sydney, St. Leonards, NSW 2065, Australia
| | - Anthony J. Gill
- Northern Clinical School, Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; (I.M.-R.); (V.T.); (A.C.); (A.J.G.); (R.J.C.-B.); (B.G.R.)
- NSW Health Pathology, Department of Anatomical Pathology, Royal North Shore Hospital, University of Sydney, St. Leonards, NSW 2065, Australia
| | - Roderick J. Clifton-Bligh
- Northern Clinical School, Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; (I.M.-R.); (V.T.); (A.C.); (A.J.G.); (R.J.C.-B.); (B.G.R.)
- Department of Endocrinology, Royal North Shore Hospital, University of Sydney, St. Leonards, NSW 2065, Australia
- Cancer Genetics Unit, Kolling Institute, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Bruce G. Robinson
- Northern Clinical School, Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; (I.M.-R.); (V.T.); (A.C.); (A.J.G.); (R.J.C.-B.); (B.G.R.)
- Department of Endocrinology, Royal North Shore Hospital, University of Sydney, St. Leonards, NSW 2065, Australia
- Cancer Genetics Unit, Kolling Institute, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Mark S. Sywak
- Endocrine Surgical Unit, Royal North Shore Hospital, Northern Sydney Local Health District, St. Leonards, NSW 2065, Australia; (C.N.); (R.M.); (M.S.S.); (S.B.S.)
- Northern Clinical School, Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; (I.M.-R.); (V.T.); (A.C.); (A.J.G.); (R.J.C.-B.); (B.G.R.)
| | - Stan B. Sidhu
- Endocrine Surgical Unit, Royal North Shore Hospital, Northern Sydney Local Health District, St. Leonards, NSW 2065, Australia; (C.N.); (R.M.); (M.S.S.); (S.B.S.)
- Northern Clinical School, Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; (I.M.-R.); (V.T.); (A.C.); (A.J.G.); (R.J.C.-B.); (B.G.R.)
- Cancer Genetics Unit, Kolling Institute, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Anthony R. Glover
- Endocrine Surgical Unit, Royal North Shore Hospital, Northern Sydney Local Health District, St. Leonards, NSW 2065, Australia; (C.N.); (R.M.); (M.S.S.); (S.B.S.)
- Northern Clinical School, Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia; (I.M.-R.); (V.T.); (A.C.); (A.J.G.); (R.J.C.-B.); (B.G.R.)
- The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Faculty of Medicine, St. Vincent’s Clinical School, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +61-2-9463-1477
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Molecular Profile of Locally Aggressive Well Differentiated Thyroid Cancers. Sci Rep 2020; 10:8031. [PMID: 32415114 PMCID: PMC7229018 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-64635-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2019] [Accepted: 03/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Knowledge of the genetic landscape of aggressive well differentiated thyroid cancers (WDTC) is lacking. Retrospective review of institutional database was performed to identify locally-invasive thyroid carcinomas and a comparison cohort of low-risk WDTC. ThyroSeq v2 next-generation sequencing was performed on available tissue. Survival time was analyzed by Kaplan-Meier methods and compared between groups via the log-rank test. Time to recurrence, treating death as a competing risk, was analyzed by cumulative incidence and compared between groups. Of 80 T4 tumors, 29 (36%) were met inclusion criteria, of which, 25 had genetic and clinicopathologic data. Most (24/25, 96%) harbored at least one genetic alteration, most commonly BRAF V600E (19, 76%), followed by mutations in the promoter region of TERT (14, 56%). Co-occurrence of BRAF and TERT was identified in 12 (48%) and associated with significantly higher risk of recurrence (p < 0.05). Conversely, co-occurrence of BRAF and TERT was present in only 5 of 102 (5%) patients presenting with early-stage WDTC. Compared to early-stage WDTC, co-occurrence of BRAF and TERT mutations are common in locally advanced (T4) thyroid cancer and are associated with an increased risk of recurrence. This knowledge may help predict aggressive behavior pretreatment and inform perioperative decision-making.
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29
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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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30
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Valderrabano P, Khazai L, Thompson ZJ, Otto KJ, Hallanger-Johnson JE, Chung CH, Centeno BA, McIver B. Association of Tumor Size With Histologic and Clinical Outcomes Among Patients With Cytologically Indeterminate Thyroid Nodules. JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2019; 144:788-795. [PMID: 30027226 DOI: 10.1001/jamaoto.2018.1070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Importance Tens of thousands of unnecessary operations are performed each year for diagnostic purposes among patients with cytologically indeterminate thyroid nodules. Whereas a diagnostic lobectomy is recommended for most patients with solitary indeterminate thyroid nodules, a total thyroidectomy is preferred for nodules larger than 4 cm. Objective To determine whether histologic or clinical outcomes of indeterminate thyroid nodules 4 cm or larger are worse than those for nodules smaller than 4 cm, thus justifying a more aggressive initial surgical approach. Design, Setting, and Participants In this retrospective cohort study, 652 indeterminate thyroid nodules (546 nodules <4 cm and 106 nodules ≥4 cm) with surgical follow-up were consecutively evaluated at an academic cancer center from October 1, 2008, through April 30, 2016. Exposure Tumor size. Main Outcomes and Measures Differences in cancer rates, rates of invasive features, cancer aggressiveness, and response to therapy between indeterminate thyroid nodules smaller than 4 cm and 4 cm or larger. Results A total of 652 indeterminate thyroid nodules (546 nodules <4 cm and 106 nodules ≥4 cm) from 589 patients (mean [SD] age, 53.1 [13.8] years; 453 [76.9%] female) were studied. No differences were found in the baseline characteristics of patients or nodules between the 2 size groups. Tumor size was not associated with the cancer rate as a categorical (140 of 546 [25.6%] for nodules <4 cm and 33 of 106 [31.1%] for nodules ≥4 cm; effect size, 0.05; 95% CI, 0.002-0.12) or continuous (odds ratio [OR], 1.03; 95% CI, 0.92-1.15) variable. No association was found between nodule size and prevalence of extrathyroidal extension, positive margins, lymphovascular invasion, lymph node metastasis, or distant metastasis. Most malignant tumors were low risk in both size groups (70% in the nodules <4 cm and 72% in the nodules ≥4 cm), and tumor size was not associated with tumor aggressiveness as a categorical (effect size, 0.10; 95% CI, 0.03-0.31) or continuous variable (OR for intermediate-risk cancer, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.72-1.14; OR for high-risk cancer, 1.43; 95% CI, 0.96-2.15). At the last follow-up visit, 88 of 105 patients (83.8%) with malignant tumors in the smaller than 4 cm group and 21 of 25 (84.0%) in the 4 cm or greater group had no evidence of disease, and tumor size was not associated with response to therapy (effect size, 0.13; 95% CI, 0.07-0.33). Conclusions and Relevance Most indeterminate thyroid nodules are benign or low-risk malignant tumors regardless of tumor size. In the absence of other indications for total thyroidectomy, this study suggests that a thyroid lobectomy is sufficient initial treatment for most solitary cytologically indeterminate thyroid nodules independent of the tumor size.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Valderrabano
- Department of Head and Neck-Endocrine Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Laila Khazai
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Zachary J Thompson
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Kristen J Otto
- Department of Head and Neck-Endocrine Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Julie E Hallanger-Johnson
- Department of Head and Neck-Endocrine Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Christine H Chung
- Department of Head and Neck-Endocrine Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Barbara A Centeno
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Bryan McIver
- Department of Head and Neck-Endocrine Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
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31
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Borowczyk M, Szczepanek-Parulska E, Dębicki S, Budny B, Verburg FA, Filipowicz D, Więckowska B, Janicka-Jedyńska M, Gil L, Ziemnicka K, Ruchała M. Differences in Mutational Profile between Follicular Thyroid Carcinoma and Follicular Thyroid Adenoma Identified Using Next Generation Sequencing. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20133126. [PMID: 31248021 PMCID: PMC6651591 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20133126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2019] [Revised: 06/18/2019] [Accepted: 06/24/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
We aimed to identify differences in mutational status between follicular thyroid adenoma (FTA) and follicular thyroid cancer (FTC). The study included 35 patients with FTA and 35 with FTC. DNA was extracted from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) samples from thyroidectomy. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) was performed with the 50-gene Ion AmpliSeq Cancer Hotspot Panel v2. Potentially pathogenic mutations were found in 14 (40%) FTA and 24 (69%) FTC patients (OR (95%CI) = 3.27 (1.22−8.75)). The number of mutations was higher in patients with FTC than FTA (p-value = 0.03). SMAD4 and STK11 mutations were present only in patients with FTA, while defects in FBXW7, JAK3, KIT, NRAS, PIK3CA, SMARCB1, and TP53 were detected exclusively in FTC patients. TP53 mutations increased the risk of FTC; OR (95%CI) = 29.24 (1.64–522.00); p-value = 0.001. FLT3-positivity was higher in FTC than in the FTA group (51.4% vs. 28.6%; p-value = 0.051). The presence of FLT3 and TP53 with no RET mutations increased FTC detectability by 17.1%, whereas the absence of FLT3 and TP53 with a presence of RET mutations increased FTA detectability by 5.7%. TP53 and FLT3 are candidate markers for detecting malignancy in follicular lesions. The best model to predict FTA and FTC may consist of FLT3, TP53, and RET mutations considered together.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martyna Borowczyk
- Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Internal Diseases, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-355 Poznań, Poland.
| | - Ewelina Szczepanek-Parulska
- Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Internal Diseases, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-355 Poznań, Poland
| | - Szymon Dębicki
- Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Internal Diseases, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-355 Poznań, Poland
| | - Bartłomiej Budny
- Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Internal Diseases, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-355 Poznań, Poland
| | - Frederik A Verburg
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Dorota Filipowicz
- Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Internal Diseases, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-355 Poznań, Poland
| | - Barbara Więckowska
- Department of Computer Science and Statistics, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-806 Poznań, Poland
| | | | - Lidia Gil
- Department of Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-569 Poznań, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Ziemnicka
- Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Internal Diseases, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-355 Poznań, Poland
| | - Marek Ruchała
- Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Internal Diseases, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-355 Poznań, Poland
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32
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Khatami F, Larijani B, Nasiri S, Tavangar SM. Liquid Biopsy as a Minimally Invasive Source of Thyroid Cancer Genetic and Epigenetic Alterations. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR AND CELLULAR MEDICINE 2019; 8:19-29. [PMID: 32351906 PMCID: PMC7175608 DOI: 10.22088/ijmcm.bums.8.2.19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2019] [Accepted: 05/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
In the blood of cancer patients, some nucleic acid fragments and tumor cells can be found that make it possible to trace tumor changes through a simple blood test called “liquid biopsy”. The main components of liquid biopsy are fragments of DNA and RNA shed by tumors into the bloodstream and circulate freely (ctDNAs and ctRNAs). Tumor cells which are shed into the blood (circulating tumor cells or CTCs), and exosomes that have been investigated for non-invasive detection and monitoring several tumors including thyroid cancer. Genetic and epigenetic alterations of a thyroid tumor can be a driver for tumor genesis or essential for tumor progression and invasion. Liquid biopsy can be real-time representative of such genetic and epigenetic alterations to trace tumors. In thyroid tumors, the circulating BRAF mutation is now taken into account for both thyroid cancer diagnosis and determination of the most effective treatment strategy. Several recent studies have indicated the ctDNA methylation pattern of some iodine transporters and DNA methyltransferase as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in thyroid cancer as well. There has been a big hope that the recent advances of genome sequencing together with liquid biopsy can be a game changer in oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Khatami
- Chronic Diseases Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Population Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Bagher Larijani
- Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shirzad Nasiri
- Departments of Surgery, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Shariati Hospital, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Mohammad Tavangar
- Chronic Diseases Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Population Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Departments of Pathology, Dr. Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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33
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Kuo JH, McManus C, Graves CE, Madani A, Khokhar MT, Huang B, Lee JA. In brief. Curr Probl Surg 2019. [DOI: 10.1067/j.cpsurg.2018.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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34
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Abstract
Fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) and ultrasonography are the most common modalities for the diagnosis and follow up of thyroid nodules. FNAB is able to distinguish benign from malignant nodules with high sensitivity and specificity; however, 20% to 30% of nodules are diagnosed as indeterminate with a risk of malignancy varying from 10% to 75% based on the 2017 revision of the Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology. Molecular tests are being increasingly used to triage this group of nodules. Several molecular tests are commercially available and newer upgrades are being developed to either "rule in" or "rule out" malignancy with greater accuracy. The Afirma gene expression classifier and its recent upgrade (the Afirma gene sequencing classifier), Thryoseq v2, a next generation sequencing test and its recent upgrade (the v3), RosettaGX Reveal based on microRNA alterations, and ThyGenX/ThyraMIR, a combination test, are currently on the market. Familiarity with these tests, their performance, and postvalidation publications will enable appropriate test selection and improve triage of patients for appropriate therapy. The underlying rate of malignancy at different institutions and the interobserver variability in cytologic and histologic diagnosis of thyroid lesions are important factors that impact the performance of the various molecular tests.
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35
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Kuo JH, McManus C, Graves CE, Madani A, Khokhar MT, Huang B, Lee JA. Updates in the management of thyroid nodules. Curr Probl Surg 2018; 56:103-127. [PMID: 30798796 DOI: 10.1067/j.cpsurg.2018.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2018] [Accepted: 12/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer H Kuo
- Division of Endocrine Surgery, Columbia University, New York, NY.
| | | | - Claire E Graves
- Division of Endocrine Surgery, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Amin Madani
- Division of Endocrine Surgery, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Mamoona T Khokhar
- Division of Endocrine Surgery, Banner University Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ
| | - Bernice Huang
- Division of Endocrine Surgery, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - James A Lee
- Division of Endocrine Surgery, Columbia University, New York, NY
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36
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Jeong SH, Hong HS, Lee EH, Kwak JJ, Lee JY. Analysis of RAS mutation in thyroid nodular hyperplasia and follicular neoplasm in a Korean population. Endocrinol Diabetes Metab 2018; 1:e00040. [PMID: 30815568 PMCID: PMC6354824 DOI: 10.1002/edm2.40] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Revised: 06/26/2018] [Accepted: 06/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To investigate the difference in frequency of RAS mutations between nodular hyperplasia (NH), follicular thyroid adenomas (FTAs) and follicular thyroid carcinomas (FTCs) in a Korean population. METHODS RAS mutations in 50 NH, 57 FTAs and 39 FTCs between January 2002 and May 2015 were analysed by pyrosequencing. RESULTS Nine nodules of 50 NHs (18%), 18 nodules of 39 FTCs (46.2%) and 19 nodules of 57 FTAs (33.3%) harboured RAS mutations. Three FTCs and three FTAs showed two point mutations simultaneously. N-RAS codon 61 (n = 6 of 9, 66.7%) and H-RAS codon 61 (n = 3 of 9, 33.3%) were found in NHs. K-RAS codons 12-13, K-RAS codon 61, N-RAS codons 12-13 and H-RAS codons 12-13 were not found in NHs. N-RAS codon 61 (n = 7 of 21, 33.3%), K-RAS codons 12-13 (n = 6 of 21, 28.6%), H-RAS codon 61 (n = 4 of 21, 19.0%), K-RAS codon 61 (n = 3 of 21, 14.3%) and N-RAS codons 12-13 (n = 1 of 21, 4.7%) were found in FTCs, and N-RAS codon 61 (n = 10 of 22, 45.5%), K-RAS codons 12-13 (n = 5 of 22, 22.7%), H-RAS codon 61 (n = 5 of 22, 22.7%), K-RAS codon 61 (n = 1 of 22, 4.5%) and N-RAS codons 12-13 (n = 1 of 22, 4.5%) were observed in FTAs. CONCLUSIONS The frequencies of RAS mutations among our Korean population were 18% in NHs, 46.2% in FTC and 33.3% in FTAs. N-RAS codon 61 was the most frequent mutation in NHs, FTCs and FTAs, and the frequency was not significantly different among the three groups. K-RAS codons 12-13 were the second most commonly involved site in FTCs and FTAs, whereas no mutation was detected at this site in NHs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sun Hye Jeong
- Department of RadiologySoonchunhyang University Bucheon HospitalBucheonKorea
| | - Hyun Sook Hong
- Department of RadiologySoonchunhyang University Bucheon HospitalBucheonKorea
| | - Eun Hye Lee
- Department of RadiologySoonchunhyang University Bucheon HospitalBucheonKorea
| | - Jeong Ja Kwak
- Department of PathologySoonchunhyang University Bucheon HospitalBucheonKorea
| | - Ji Ye Lee
- Department of RadiologySoonchunhyang University Bucheon HospitalBucheonKorea
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37
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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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38
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Biron VL, Matkin A, Kostiuk M, Williams J, Cote DW, Harris J, Seikaly H, O'Connell DA. Analytic and clinical validity of thyroid nodule mutational profiling using droplet digital polymerase chain reaction. J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2018; 47:60. [PMID: 30249281 PMCID: PMC6154415 DOI: 10.1186/s40463-018-0299-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2018] [Accepted: 08/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent guidelines for the management of thyroid nodules incorporate mutation testing as an adjunct for surgical decision-making, however current tests are costly with limited accuracy. Droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) is an ultrasensitive method of nucleic acid detection that is particularly useful for identifying gene mutations. This study aimed to assess the analytic and clinical validity of RAS and BRAF ddPCR mutational testing as a diagnostic tool for thyroid fine needle aspirate biopsy (FNAB). METHODS Patients with thyroid nodules meeting indication for FNAB were prospectively enrolled from March 2015 to September 2017. In addition to clinical protocol, an additional FNAB was obtained for ddPCR. Optimized ddPCR probes were used to detect mutations including HRASG12 V, HRASQ61K, HRASQ61R, NRASQ61R, NRASQ61K and BRAFV600E. The diagnostic performance of BRAF and RAS mutations was assessed individually or in combination with Bethesda classification against final surgical pathology. RESULTS A total of 208 patients underwent FNAB and mutational testing with the following Bethesda cytologic classification: 26.9% non-diagnostic, 55.2% benign, 5.3% FLUS/AUS, 2.9% FN/SPN, 2.4% SFM and 7.2% malignant. Adequate RNA was obtained from 91.3% (190) FNABs from which mutations were identified in 21.1% of HRAS, 11.5% of NRAS and 7.4% of BRAF. Malignant cytology or BRAFV600E was 100% specific for malignancy. Combining cytology with ddPCR BRAF600E mutations testing increased the sensitivity of Bethesda classification from 41.7 to 75%. Combined BRAFV600E and Bethesda results had a positive predictive value (PPV) of 100% and negative predictive value (NPV) of 89.7% for thyroid malignancy in our cohort. CONCLUSIONS DdPCR offers a novel and ultrasensitive method of detecting RAS and BRAF mutations from thyroid FNABs. BRAFV600E mutation testing by ddPCR may serve as a useful adjunct to increase sensitivity and specificity of thyroid FNAB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent L Biron
- Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Alberta, 8440-112 st, 1E4 Walter Mackenzie Centre, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2B7, Canada. .,Alberta Head and Neck Centre for Oncology and Reconstruction, Walter MacKenzie Health Sciences Centre, Edmonton, AB, Canada. .,Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Research Laboratory of Alberta, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
| | - Ashlee Matkin
- Alberta Head and Neck Centre for Oncology and Reconstruction, Walter MacKenzie Health Sciences Centre, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Undergraduate Medical Education, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Morris Kostiuk
- Alberta Head and Neck Centre for Oncology and Reconstruction, Walter MacKenzie Health Sciences Centre, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Research Laboratory of Alberta, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Jordana Williams
- Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Research Laboratory of Alberta, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - David W Cote
- Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Alberta, 8440-112 st, 1E4 Walter Mackenzie Centre, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2B7, Canada
| | - Jeffrey Harris
- Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Alberta, 8440-112 st, 1E4 Walter Mackenzie Centre, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2B7, Canada.,Alberta Head and Neck Centre for Oncology and Reconstruction, Walter MacKenzie Health Sciences Centre, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Hadi Seikaly
- Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Alberta, 8440-112 st, 1E4 Walter Mackenzie Centre, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2B7, Canada.,Alberta Head and Neck Centre for Oncology and Reconstruction, Walter MacKenzie Health Sciences Centre, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Daniel A O'Connell
- Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Alberta, 8440-112 st, 1E4 Walter Mackenzie Centre, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2B7, Canada.,Alberta Head and Neck Centre for Oncology and Reconstruction, Walter MacKenzie Health Sciences Centre, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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39
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Ferrari SM, Fallahi P, Ruffilli I, Elia G, Ragusa F, Paparo SR, Ulisse S, Baldini E, Giannini R, Miccoli P, Antonelli A, Basolo F. Molecular testing in the diagnosis of differentiated thyroid carcinomas. Gland Surg 2018; 7:S19-S29. [PMID: 30175060 DOI: 10.21037/gs.2017.11.07] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Different genetic mutations and other molecular alterations in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) and follicular thyroid cancer (FTC) can be detected in fine-needle aspiration (FNA) of thyroid nodules, and can be used successfully to ameliorate cancer diagnosis and management of patients with thyroid nodules. The greatest experience has been obtained with the diagnostic use of BRAF mutation that is strongly specific for malignancy when detected using well-validated techniques. The strongest diagnostic result can be obtained testing FNA samples for a panel of mutations that typically involve TERT, BRAF, PAX8/PPARγ, RAS, and RET/PTC. Finding any of these mutations in a thyroid nodule provides strong indication for malignancy and helps to refine clinical management for a significant proportion of patients with indeterminate cytology. The use of molecular markers, as TERT, BRAF, PAX8/PPARγ, RAS, and RET/PTC, may be considered for patients with indeterminate FNA cytology (FNAC) to help guide management. In patients with indeterminate TIR3 FNA, the combination of precise molecular marker expression analysis with molecular mutations evaluations could ameliorate significantly the accuracy of cancer diagnosis. However other prospective studies are needed to identify more accurate molecular markers. Finally, the knowledge of these molecular pathways has permitted the development of new targeted therapies for aggressive TC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Poupak Fallahi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Ilaria Ruffilli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giusy Elia
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesca Ragusa
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Salvatore Ulisse
- Department of Surgical Sciences, 'Sapienza' University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Enke Baldini
- Department of Surgical Sciences, 'Sapienza' University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Riccardo Giannini
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Paolo Miccoli
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Alessandro Antonelli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Fulvio Basolo
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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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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41
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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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42
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Valderrabano P, McIver B. Evaluation and Management of Indeterminate Thyroid Nodules: The Revolution of Risk Stratification Beyond Cytological Diagnosis. Cancer Control 2018; 24:1073274817729231. [PMID: 28975825 PMCID: PMC5937245 DOI: 10.1177/1073274817729231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
In accordance with National Guidelines, we currently follow a linear approach to the diagnosis of thyroid nodules, with management decision based primarily on a cytological diagnosis following fine-needle aspiration biopsy. However, 25% of these biopsies render an indeterminate cytology, leaving uncertainty regarding appropriate management. Individualizing the risk of malignancy of these nodules could improve their management significantly. We summarize the current evidence on the relevance of clinical information, radiological features, cytological features, and molecular markers tests results and describe how these can be integrated to personalize the management of thyroid nodules with indeterminate cytology. Several factors can be used to stratify the risk of malignancy in thyroid nodules with indeterminate cytology. Male gender, large tumors (>4 cm), suspicious sonographic patterns, and the presence of nuclear atypia on the cytology are all associated with an increased cancer prevalence. The added value of current molecular markers in the risk stratification process needs further study because their performance seems compromised in some clinical settings and remains to be validated in others. Risk stratification is possible in thyroid nodules with indeterminate cytology using data that are often underused by current guidelines. Future guidelines should integrate these factors and personalize the recommended diagnostic and therapeutic approaches accordingly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Valderrabano
- 1 Department of Head and Neck-Endocrine Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Bryan McIver
- 1 Department of Head and Neck-Endocrine Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
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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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D'Cruz AK, Vaish R, Vaidya A, Nixon IJ, Williams MD, Vander Poorten V, López F, Angelos P, Shaha AR, Khafif A, Skalova A, Rinaldo A, Hunt JL, Ferlito A. Molecular markers in well-differentiated thyroid cancer. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2018; 275:1375-1384. [PMID: 29626249 DOI: 10.1007/s00405-018-4944-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2018] [Accepted: 03/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Thyroid nodules are of common occurrence in the general population. About a fourth of these nodules are indeterminate on aspiration cytology placing many a patient at risk of unwanted surgery. The purpose of this review is to discuss various molecular markers described to date and place their role in proper perspective. This review covers the fundamental role of the signaling pathways and genetic changes involved in thyroid carcinogenesis. The current literature on the prognostic significance of these markers is also described. METHODS PubMed was used to search relevant articles. The key terms "thyroid nodules", "thyroid cancer papillary", "carcinoma papillary follicular", "carcinoma papillary", "adenocarcinoma follicular" were searched in MeSH, and "molecular markers", "molecular testing", mutation, BRAF, RAS, RET/PTC, PAX 8, miRNA, NIFTP in title and abstract fields. Multiple combinations were done and a group of experts in the subject from the International Head and Neck Scientific Group extracted the relevant articles and formulated the review. RESULTS There has been considerable progress in the understanding of thyroid carcinogenesis and the emergence of numerous molecular markers in the recent years with potential to be used in the diagnostic algorithm of these nodules. However, their precise role in routine clinical practice continues to be a contentious issue. Majority of the studies in this context are retrospective and impact of these mutations is not independent of other prognostic factors making the interpretation difficult. CONCLUSION The prevalence of these mutations in thyroid nodule is high and it is a continuously evolving field. Clinicians should stay informed as recommendation on the use of these markers is expected to evolve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anil K D'Cruz
- Head Neck Services, Tata Memorial Hospital, Parel, Mumbai, 400012, India.
| | - Richa Vaish
- Head Neck Services, Tata Memorial Hospital, Parel, Mumbai, 400012, India
| | - Abhishek Vaidya
- National Cancer Institute, Nagpur, India
- NKPSIMS, Nagpur, India
| | - Iain J Nixon
- Departments of Surgery and Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Edinburgh University, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Michelle D Williams
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Vincent Vander Poorten
- Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery and Department of Oncology, Section Head and Neck Oncology, University Hospitals Leuven, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Fernando López
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, IUOPA, University of Oviedo, CIBERONC, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Peter Angelos
- Department of Surgery and Surgical Ethics, The University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Ashok R Shaha
- Head and Neck Service, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Avi Khafif
- Head and Neck Surgery and Oncology Unit, A.R.M. Center for Advanced Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Assuta Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Alena Skalova
- Department of Pathology, Charles University, Faculty of Medicine in Plzen, Plzen, Czech Republic
| | | | - Jennifer L Hunt
- Department of Pathology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Alfio Ferlito
- International Head and Neck Scientific Group, Padua, Italy
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Valderrabano P, Khazai L, Thompson ZJ, Leon ME, Otto KJ, Hallanger-Johnson JE, Wadsworth JT, Chung CH, Centeno BA, McIver B. Impact of oncogene panel results on surgical management of cytologically indeterminate thyroid nodules. Head Neck 2018; 40:1812-1823. [PMID: 29624786 DOI: 10.1002/hed.25165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2017] [Revised: 11/15/2017] [Accepted: 02/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The impact of oncogene panel results on the surgical management of indeterminate thyroid nodules (ITNs) is currently unknown. METHODS Surgical management of 649 patients consecutively evaluated from October 2008 to April 2016 with a single nodule biopsied and indeterminate cytology (193 evaluated with and 456 without oncogene panels) was assessed and compared. Histological features of 629 consecutively resected ITNs (164 evaluated with and 465 without oncogene panels) were also characterized and compared. RESULTS Oncogene panel evaluation was associated with higher rates of total thyroidectomy (45% vs 28%; P = .006), and central lymph node dissection (19% vs 12%; P = .03) without increasing the yield of malignancy or decreasing the rate of completion thyroidectomy. Most malignancies (64%), including 83% of those with driver mutation identified, were low-risk cancers for which a lobectomy could have been sufficient initial treatment. CONCLUSION Current oncogene panel results seem insufficient to guide the surgical extent of solitary ITNs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Valderrabano
- Department of Head and Neck-Endocrine Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Laila Khazai
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Zachary J Thompson
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Marino E Leon
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Kristen J Otto
- Department of Head and Neck-Endocrine Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Julie E Hallanger-Johnson
- Department of Head and Neck-Endocrine Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - J Trad Wadsworth
- Department of Head and Neck-Endocrine Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Christine H Chung
- Department of Head and Neck-Endocrine Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Barbara A Centeno
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Bryan McIver
- Department of Head and Neck-Endocrine Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
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46
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de Koster EJ, de Geus-Oei LF, Dekkers OM, van Engen-van Grunsven I, Hamming J, Corssmit EPM, Morreau H, Schepers A, Smit J, Oyen WJG, Vriens D. Diagnostic Utility of Molecular and Imaging Biomarkers in Cytological Indeterminate Thyroid Nodules. Endocr Rev 2018; 39:154-191. [PMID: 29300866 DOI: 10.1210/er.2017-00133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2017] [Accepted: 12/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Indeterminate thyroid cytology (Bethesda III and IV) corresponds to follicular-patterned benign and malignant lesions, which are particularly difficult to differentiate on cytology alone. As ~25% of these nodules harbor malignancy, diagnostic hemithyroidectomy is still custom. However, advanced preoperative diagnostics are rapidly evolving.This review provides an overview of additional molecular and imaging diagnostics for indeterminate thyroid nodules in a preoperative clinical setting, including considerations regarding cost-effectiveness, availability, and feasibility of combining techniques. Addressed diagnostics include gene mutation analysis, microRNA, immunocytochemistry, ultrasonography, elastosonography, computed tomography, sestamibi scintigraphy, [18F]-2-fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET), and diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging.The best rule-out tests for malignancy were the Afirma® gene expression classifier and FDG-PET. The most accurate rule-in test was sole BRAF mutation analysis. No diagnostic had both near-perfect sensitivity and specificity, and estimated cost-effectiveness. Molecular techniques are rapidly advancing. However, given the currently available techniques, a multimodality stepwise approach likely offers the most accurate diagnosis, sequentially applying one sensitive rule-out test and one specific rule-in test. Geographical variations in cytology (e.g., Hürthle cell neoplasms) and tumor genetics strongly influence local test performance and clinical utility. Multidisciplinary collaboration and implementation studies can aid the local decision for one or more eligible diagnostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth J de Koster
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Lioe-Fee de Geus-Oei
- Department of Radiology, Section of Nuclear Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Olaf M Dekkers
- Department of Endocrinology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands.,Department of Epidemiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | | | - Jaap Hamming
- Department of Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Eleonora P M Corssmit
- Department of Endocrinology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Hans Morreau
- Department of Pathology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Abbey Schepers
- Department of Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Jan Smit
- Department of Endocrinology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Wim J G Oyen
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.,Division of Radiotherapy and Imaging, Institute of Cancer Research, and Department of Nuclear Medicine, Royal Marsden Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Dennis Vriens
- Department of Radiology, Section of Nuclear Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
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47
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Dom G, Frank S, Floor S, Kehagias P, Libert F, Hoang C, Andry G, Spinette A, Craciun L, de Saint Aubin N, Tresallet C, Tissier F, Savagner F, Majjaj S, Gutierrez-Roelens I, Marbaix E, Dumont JE, Maenhaut C. Thyroid follicular adenomas and carcinomas: molecular profiling provides evidence for a continuous evolution. Oncotarget 2018; 9:10343-10359. [PMID: 29535811 PMCID: PMC5828225 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.23130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2016] [Accepted: 11/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-autonomous thyroid nodules are common in the general population with a proportion found to be cancerous. A current challenge in the field is to be able to distinguish benign adenoma (FA) from preoperatively malignant thyroid follicular carcinoma (FTC), which are very similar both histologically and genetically. One controversial issue, which is currently not understood, is whether both tumor types represent different molecular entities or rather a biological continuum. To gain a better insight into FA and FTC tumorigenesis, we defined their molecular profiles by mRNA and miRNA microarray. Expression data were analyzed, validated by qRT-PCR and compared with previously published data sets. The majority of deregulated mRNAs were common between FA and FTC and were downregulated, however FTC showed additional deregulated mRNA. Both types of tumors share deregulated pathways, molecular functions and biological processes. The additional deregulations in FTC include the lipid transport process that may be involved in tumor progression. The strongest candidate genes which may be able to discriminate follicular adenomas and carcinomas, CRABP1, FABP4 and HMGA2, were validated in independent samples by qRT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. However, they were not able to adequately classify FA or FTC, supporting the notion of continuous evolving tumors, whereby FA and FTC appear to show quantitative rather than qualitative changes. Conversely, miRNA expression profiles showed few dysregulations in FTC, and even fewer in FA, suggesting that miRNA play a minor, if any, role in tumor progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geneviève Dom
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Research (IRIBHM), Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sandra Frank
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Research (IRIBHM), Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sebastien Floor
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Research (IRIBHM), Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Pashalina Kehagias
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Research (IRIBHM), Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Frederick Libert
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Research (IRIBHM), Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Catherine Hoang
- Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris, France
| | - Guy Andry
- Institut Jules Bordet, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | | | | | | | - Frederique Tissier
- Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris, France
| | | | | | - Ilse Gutierrez-Roelens
- Biolibrary of the King Albert II Institute, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, and Institut de Duve, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Etienne Marbaix
- Biolibrary of the King Albert II Institute, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, and Institut de Duve, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jacques E. Dumont
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Research (IRIBHM), Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Carine Maenhaut
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Research (IRIBHM), Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
- WELBIO, School of Medicine, Université libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
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48
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Abstract
Thyroid nodules are prevalent in upto 68% of randomly selected individuals in whom high resolution ultrasound is performed. The majority of nodules are benign. The use of ultrasound coupled with FNAC has dramatically reduced the number of patients who undergo surgery for nodules. The six tier Bethesda scoring system has reduced variability and increased the ability to clinicians to guide patients with thyroid nodules. There is good correlation between cytology and histopathologic outcomes. A significant proportion of patients will however fall into an indeterminate category. The availability of molecular markers enhanced with next generation sequencing technology and the expression classifier are added diagnostic aids that can help in management. However these are not available in many countries and in resource limited settings. A pragmatic approach to the diagnosis of indeterminate nodules includes utilising pre and post test probability, clinical acumen, correlation of ultrasound findings and expert opinion in some settings. Using this approach high risk patients can be appropriately chosen for surgery while relegating patients with lower risk to watchful followup.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krishna G. Seshadri
- Endocrinology and Medical Education, Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth University, Puducherry, India
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49
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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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50
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Serum and urine 1H NMR-based metabolomics in the diagnosis of selected thyroid diseases. Sci Rep 2017; 7:9108. [PMID: 28831094 PMCID: PMC5567318 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-09203-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2017] [Accepted: 06/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Early detection of nodular thyroid diseases including thyroid cancer is still primarily based on invasive procedures such as fine-needle aspiration biopsy. Therefore, there is a strong need for development of new diagnostic methods that could provide clinically useful information regarding thyroid nodular lesions in a non-invasive way. In this study we investigated 1H NMR based metabolic profiles of paired urine and blood serum samples, that were obtained from healthy individuals and patients with nodular thyroid diseases. Estimation of predictive potential of metabolites was evaluated using chemometric methods and revealed that both urine and serum carry information sufficient to distinguish between patients with nodular lesions and healthy individuals. Data fusion allowed to further improve prediction quality of the models. However, stratification of tumor types and their differentiation in relation to each other was not possible.
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