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Jeong IY, Yun HJ, Kim SM, Park Y. Diagnostic Performance of Preoperative Calcitonin and Procalcitonin Tests for Differential Diagnosis of Medullary Thyroid Cancer. Diagnostics (Basel) 2024; 14:1809. [PMID: 39202297 PMCID: PMC11353460 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14161809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2024] [Revised: 08/19/2024] [Accepted: 08/19/2024] [Indexed: 09/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) shows a relatively poor prognosis among thyroid cancers. Though calcitonin has been used as a diagnostic marker for MTC, it has disadvantages including poor sample stability and discrepancies among results by assay. This study aimed to compare the usefulness of preoperative calcitonin and procalcitonin (PCT) in the diagnosis of MTC. Serum calcitonin and PCT levels were measured before thyroidectomy from MTC (n = 23) and other types of thyroid cancers in patients (n = 1308). Diagnostic performances of calcitonin and PCT for discerning MTC were estimated. In a multivariate analysis, preoperative calcitonin level was independently associated with the diagnosis of MTC, whereas PCT was not. Calcitonin and PCT, respectively, exhibited area under the curve values of 0.997 and 0.979 for the diagnosis of MTC, without significant differences. For calcitonin, the sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were 0.957, 0.992, 0.688, and 0.999, respectively, at a cut-off of 7.2 pg/mL. The corresponding values for PCT were 0.913, 0.995, 0.778, and 0.998 at a cut-off of 0.19 ng/mL. Preoperative calcitonin and PCT showed similar diagnostic utility for MTC. Depending on the patient's clinical status and laboratory environment, these tests can be used as complementary methods for detecting MTC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Il Youb Jeong
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea;
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 06273, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeok Jun Yun
- Thyroid Cancer Center, Institute of Refractory Thyroid Cancer, Department of Surgery, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 06273, Republic of Korea;
| | - Seok-Mo Kim
- Thyroid Cancer Center, Institute of Refractory Thyroid Cancer, Department of Surgery, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 06273, Republic of Korea;
| | - Yongjung Park
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 06273, Republic of Korea
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Yongin Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Yongin 16995, Republic of Korea
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Liu S, Zhao H, Li X. Serum Biochemical Markers for Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma: An Update. Cancer Manag Res 2024; 16:299-310. [PMID: 38617188 PMCID: PMC11011642 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s440477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), a rare malignancy, requires early diagnosis for optimal patient outcomes. An important aspect of MTC diagnosis is the assessment of serum biomarkers. This review aimed to evaluate the use of serum biomarkers in the diagnosis, prognosis, and follow-up of MTC. Methods A thorough search of PubMed covering 1975 to 2022 was conducted to identify English-language articles on MTC serum biomarkers. Results The review revealed that calcitonin (Ctn) and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) remain the most important serum biomarkers for MTC diagnosis and management. Despite limited studies on procalcitonin (PCT), its stability and ability to exclude interference from inflammation make it a valuable potential marker of MTC. Although the positive rate of serum CA19-9 levels in MTC patients was not high, it can be used as an indicator of poor prognosis in advanced MTC. Other serum markers, including chromogranin A, gastrin-releasing peptide precursor, and neurospecific enolase, did not show any unique value in MTC diagnosis and management. Conclusion Taken together, this review emphasized the importance of serum biomarkers, particularly Ctn and CEA, in the diagnosis and management of MTC. PCT shows promise as a valuable potential marker, whereas CA19-9 can be used as a prognostic indicator of advanced MTC. Further research is needed to validate the significance of these serum biomarkers in MTC and determine the effects of confounding factors on their levels. Clinicians should consider using these markers in MTC diagnosis, prognosis, and follow-up, particularly for patients with advanced disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuzhou Liu
- Department of Head & Neck Surgery, Hainan General Hospital, Haikou, 570311, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hao Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100010, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaoyi Li
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100010, People’s Republic of China
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Bevere M, Masetto F, Carazzolo ME, Bettega A, Gkountakos A, Scarpa A, Simbolo M. An Overview of Circulating Biomarkers in Neuroendocrine Neoplasms: A Clinical Guide. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:2820. [PMID: 37685358 PMCID: PMC10486716 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13172820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) are a heterogeneous group of diseases that are characterized by different behavior and clinical manifestations. The diagnosis and management of this group of tumors are challenging due to tumor complexity and lack of precise and widely validated biomarkers. Indeed, the current circulating mono-analyte biomarkers (such as chromogranin A) are ineffective in describing such complex tumors due to their poor sensitivity and specificity. In contrast, multi-analytical circulating biomarkers (including NETest) are emerging as more effective tools to determine the real-time profile of the disease, both in terms of accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. In this review, we will analyze the capabilities and limitations of different circulating biomarkers focusing on three relevant questions: (1) accurate and early diagnosis; (2) monitoring of disease progression and response to therapy; and (3) detection of early relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Bevere
- ARC-Net Research Center, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy; (M.B.); (F.M.); (A.G.); (A.S.)
| | - Francesca Masetto
- ARC-Net Research Center, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy; (M.B.); (F.M.); (A.G.); (A.S.)
| | - Maria Elena Carazzolo
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Section of Pathology, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy; (M.E.C.); (A.B.)
| | - Alice Bettega
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Section of Pathology, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy; (M.E.C.); (A.B.)
| | - Anastasios Gkountakos
- ARC-Net Research Center, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy; (M.B.); (F.M.); (A.G.); (A.S.)
| | - Aldo Scarpa
- ARC-Net Research Center, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy; (M.B.); (F.M.); (A.G.); (A.S.)
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Section of Pathology, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy; (M.E.C.); (A.B.)
| | - Michele Simbolo
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Section of Pathology, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy; (M.E.C.); (A.B.)
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Censi S, Manso J, Mian C. Other markers of medullary thyroid cancer, not only calcitonin. Eur J Endocrinol 2023; 188:6990870. [PMID: 36651167 DOI: 10.1093/ejendo/lvac009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) is a rare neuroendocrine tumor originating from parafollicular C-cells. It represents 2% of all thyroid malignancies and 0.4-1.4% of all thyroid nodules. MTC has a variable clinical course, with complete remission often difficult to achieve. An early diagnosis is still crucial in MTC management, enabling a radical surgical treatment, the only chance for curing the patient. Calcitonin (Ct) is a very sensitive MTC tumor marker in patients with thyroid nodules, although Ct-negative MTCs have been described, but not all clinical guidelines recommend the Ct routine measurement in thyroid nodules because of the absolute low prevalence of MTC in the general population and the consequent scarce positive predictive value of Ct. Moreover, the specificity of moderately high Ct levels is not high. Thus, the scientific community has been investigating the possible role of other tumor markers for MTC diagnosis and prognosis. AIM OF THE REVIEW The present review is an attempt to summarize the knowledge available today on the role of other serum markers for MTC alternative to Ct. CONCLUSIONS At present, literature data does not seem solid enough yet to establish effective flowcharts in evaluating a thyroid nodule for MTC, involving alternative serum markers, particularly in cases of moderately high CT levels. MTC is a rare diagnosis in thyroid nodules, and this makes the evaluation of any tumor serum marker accuracy problematic. More extensive and prospective studies are needed to shed more light on this intriguing challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Censi
- Department of Medicine (DIMED), Endocrinology Unit; University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy
| | - Jacopo Manso
- Department of Medicine (DIMED), Endocrinology Unit; University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy
| | - Caterina Mian
- Department of Medicine (DIMED), Endocrinology Unit; University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy
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Garo ML, Campennì A, Petranovic-Ovcaricek P, D’Aurizio F, Giovanella L. Evolution of thyroid cancer biomarkers: from laboratory test to patients’ clinical management. Clin Chem Lab Med 2022; 61:935-945. [PMID: 36370420 DOI: 10.1515/cclm-2022-1087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Over the past three decades, laboratory medicine has significantly evolved thanks to technological advances made possible by new materials and evidence. Clinicians’ ongoing requests for powerful, rapid, and minimally invasive tests has led manufacturers to develop rapid, accurate, and sensitive tests that can increase diagnostic accuracy and improve follow-up, bringing laboratory medicine ever closer to personalized medicine. The aim of this study was to critically review the main problems of the current Tg and CT biomarkers for the diagnosis/monitoring of DTC and MTC, respectively, and to identify the advantages and challenges of using the new laboratory biomarkers in the clinical management of patients with differentiated and medullary thyroid cancer. Insufficient harmonization of Tg and CT assays and lack of interchangeability of laboratory results and cutoff values pose challenges for comparability and standardization of procedures and methods. New diagnostic and monitoring approaches such as PCT or the Tg doubling time have proven to be effective. Close collaboration between clinicians and laboratory specialists remains essential to translate the advantages and limitations of current assays into appropriate clinical interpretation criteria. Over the years, the journal Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (CCLM) has taken many steps to develop advanced research and technology in the diagnosis and monitoring of tumor cancer and to help clinicians translate it into clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alfredo Campennì
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morpho-Functional Imaging , University of Messina , Messina , Italy
| | - Petra Petranovic-Ovcaricek
- Department of Oncology and Nuclear Medicine , University Hospital Center Sestre Milosrdnice , Zagreb , Croatia
| | - Federica D’Aurizio
- Department of Laboratory Medicine , Institute of Clinical Pathology, Santa Maria della Misericordia University Hospital , Udine , Italy
| | - Luca Giovanella
- Clinic for Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Imaging Institute of Southern Switzerland, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale , Bellinzona , Switzerland
- Clinic for Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of Zürich , Zürich , Switzerland
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Schuetz P. How to best use procalcitonin to diagnose infections and manage antibiotic treatment. Clin Chem Lab Med 2022; 61:822-828. [PMID: 36317790 DOI: 10.1515/cclm-2022-1072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Objectives
Procalcitonin (PCT) is a host-response biomarker that has shown clinical value for assessing the likelihood of bacterial infections and guiding antibiotic treatment. Identifying situations where PCT can improve clinical care is therefore highly important.
Methods
The aim of this narrative review is to discuss strategies for the usage and integration of PCT into clinical routine, based on the most recent clinical evidence.
Results
Although PCT should not be viewed as a traditional diagnostic marker, it can help differentiate bacterial from non-bacterial infections and inflammation states – particularly in respiratory illness. Several trials have found that PCT-guided antibiotic stewardship reduces antibiotic exposure and associated side-effects among patients with respiratory infection and sepsis. Studies have demonstrated that patient-specific decisions regarding antibiotic usage is highly complex. Factors to consider include: the clinical situation (with a focus on the pretest probability for bacterial infection), the acuity and severity of presentation, as well as PCT test results. Low PCT levels help rule out bacterial infection in patients with both low pretest probability for bacterial infection and low-risk general condition. In high-risk individuals and/or high pretest probability for infection, empiric antibiotic treatment is mandatory. Subsequent monitoring of PCT helps track the resolution of infection and guide decisions regarding early termination of antibiotic treatment.
Conclusions
PCT possesses high potential to improve decision-making regarding antibiotic treatment – when combined with careful patient assessment, evidence-based clinical algorithms, and continuous notification and regular feedback from all antibiotic stewardship stakeholders. Medical Journals such as Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (CCLM) have played a critical role in reviewing and dissemination the high-quality evidence about assays for PCT measurement, observational research regarding association with outcomes among different populations, and interventional research proofing its effectiveness for patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Schuetz
- Department of Internal Medicine , Kantonsspital Aarau , Aarau , Switzerland
- University of Basel , Basel , Switzerland
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Preoperative Serum Calcitonin Level and Ultrasonographic Characteristics Predict the Risk of Metastatic Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma: Functional Analysis of Calcitonin-Related Genes. DISEASE MARKERS 2022; 2022:9980185. [PMID: 35280443 PMCID: PMC8906989 DOI: 10.1155/2022/9980185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background. Early cervical lymph node (LN) metastasis is an important cause of poor survival in patients with medullary thyroid cancer (MTC). This study evaluated whether the preoperative serum calcitonin level in combination with ultrasonographic features of MTC can be used to assess the LN status as well as predict the risk of metastasis in patients with MTC. Methods. We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 95 patients with MTC, and a nomogram model was constructed and validated. Using integrated database analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx), we mined pathways wherein CALCA is involved, identified calcitonin-related genes, and analyzed their functions. Results. Correlation analysis revealed a significant association between the infiltrating range, diameter, calcification, blood flow, the preoperative serum calcitonin level, and metastasis. The metastasis risk-prediction model showed great accuracy in determining the risk of metastasis in MTC (area under the curve of the receiver operating characteristic [ROC] curve: 0.979 [95% confidence interval 0.946–1.000]). Decision curve analysis (DCA) showed that the model has excellent clinical utilization potential. Significantly, CALCA, the mRNA for calcitonin, was highly expressed in thyroid cancer tissues and associated with the cytokine–cytokine receptor and neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction pathways as well as the cell-adhesion molecules. ROC curve indicated that the CNTFR, CD27, GDF6, and TSLP genes, which are related to the cytokine–cytokine receptor interaction pathway, could indicate the risk of metastasis in MTC. Conclusions. The preoperative serum calcitonin level, in combination with ultrasonographic features, can be used to predict the risk of metastasis in patients with MTC and constitute a noninvasive accurate method for preoperative diagnosis of MTC.
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Jiao Z, Wu T, Jiang M, Jiang S, Jiang K, Peng J, Luo G, Yu Y, Chen W, Yang A. Early postoperative calcitonin-to-preoperative calcitonin ratio as a predictive marker for structural recurrence in sporadic medullary thyroid cancer: A retrospective study. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:1094242. [PMID: 36589824 PMCID: PMC9800993 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1094242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Calcitonin (Ctn) is widely used as a marker in the diagnosis, prognosis, and postoperative follow-up of patients with medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). The prognostic value of postoperative calcitonin-to-preoperative calcitonin ratio (CR), reflecting the change in Ctn level of response to initial treatment, remains uncertain in long-term disease outcomes. This study aims to determine the cut-off value of CR for predicting structural recurrence and assess the prognostic role of CR in patients with MTC. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed patients with MTC in Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center (SYSUCC) between 2000 and 2022. CR is defined as the ratio of postoperative Ctn level on the day of discharge divided by preoperative Ctn level. In order to determine the optimal cut-off value of CR, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed. We evaluate the effect of CR on recurrence-free survival (RFS) by using the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression analysis. Then, a nomogram based on CR was constructed. RESULTS In total, 112 sporadic MTC patients were included in this study. The optimal cut-off value of CR that predicted disease recurrence was 0.125. Patients with CR≥0.125 showed significantly worse RFS than patients with CR <0.125, respectively (3-years RFS rate of 63.1 vs. 94.7%, 5-years RFS rate of 50.7 vs. 90.3%, P < 0.001). In the multivariate analysis, CR was the strongest independent predictor of structural recurrence (HR: 5.050, 95% CI: 2.247-11.349, P <0.001). Tumor size (HR: 1.321, 95% CI: 1.010-1.726, P =0.042), multifocality (HR: 2.258, 95% CI: 1.008-5.058, P =0.048) and metastasized lymph nodes (HR: 3.793, 95% CI: 1.617-8.897, P <0.001) were also independent predictors of structural recurrence. The uncorrected concordance index (c-index) of the nomogram was 0.827 (95% CI, 0.729-0.925) for RFS, and bias-corrected c-index were similar. As compared to TNM stage, the nomogram based on CR provided better discrimination accuracy. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrate that CR is a strong prognostic marker to predict structural recurrence in patients with sporadic MTC. The nomogram incorporating CR provided useful prediction of RFS for patients with sporadic MTC to provide personalized treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zan Jiao
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in Southern China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tong Wu
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in Southern China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mingjie Jiang
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in Southern China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuxian Jiang
- Department of Plastic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ke Jiang
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in Southern China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jin Peng
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in Southern China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guangfeng Luo
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in Southern China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yongchao Yu
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in Southern China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weichao Chen
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in Southern China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Weichao Chen, ; Ankui Yang,
| | - Ankui Yang
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in Southern China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Weichao Chen, ; Ankui Yang,
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Kiriakopoulos A, Giannakis P, Menenakos E. Calcitonin: current concepts and differential diagnosis. Ther Adv Endocrinol Metab 2022; 13:20420188221099344. [PMID: 35614985 PMCID: PMC9125613 DOI: 10.1177/20420188221099344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Calcitonin (CT) is most effectively produced by the parafollicular cells of the thyroid gland. It acts through the calcitonin receptor (CTR), a seven-transmembrane class II G-protein-coupled receptor linked to multiple signal transduction pathways with its main secretagogues being calcium and gastrin. It is clinically used mostly in the diagnosis and follow-up of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). Hypercalcitoninemia can be attributed to primary (e.g. CT-secreting tumor) or secondary (e.g. due to hypercalcemia) overproduction, underexcretion (e.g. renal insufficiency), drug reaction (e.g. β-blockers), or false-positive results. In clinical practice, elevated basal calcitonin (bCT) is indicative, but not pathognomonic, of MTC. Current literature leans toward an age as well as gender-specific cutoff approach. bCT >100 pg/ml has up to 100% positive prognostic value (PPV) for MTC, whereas bCT between 8 and 100 pg/ml for adult males and 6 and 80 pg/ml for adult females should be possibly further investigated with stimulation calcitonin (sCT) tests. Calcium is showing similar efficacy with pentagastrin (Pg) sCT; however, the real value of these provocative tests has been disputed given the availability of new, highly sensitive CT immunoassays. Anyhow, evidence concludes that sCT <2 times bCT may not be suggestive of MTC, in which case, thyroid in addition to whole body workup based on clinical evaluation is further warranted. Moreover, measurement of basal and stimulated procalcitonin has been proposed as an emerging concept in this clinical scenario. Measuring bCT levels in patients with thyroid nodules as a screening tool for MTC remains another controversial topic. It has been well established, though, that bCT levels raise the sensitivity of FNAB (Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy) and correlate with disease progression both pre- and postoperatively in this situation. There have been numerous reports about extrathyroidal neoplasms that express CT. Pancreatic, laryngeal, and lung neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) are most frequently associated with hypercalcitoninemia, but CT production has also been described in various other neoplasms such as duodenal, esophageal, cutaneous, and paranasal NENs as well as prostate, colon, breast, and lung non-NENs. This review outlines the current biosynthetic and physiology concepts about CT and presents up-to-date information regarding the differential diagnosis of its elevation in various clinical situations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Periklis Giannakis
- 5th Surgical Clinic, Department of Surgery,
‘Evgenidion Hospital’, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens
Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Evangelos Menenakos
- 5th Surgical Clinic, Department of Surgery,
‘Evgenidion Hospital’, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens
Medical School, Athens, Greece
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10
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Eckelt F, Pfaeffle R, Kiess W, Kratzsch J. Calcitonin and complementary biomarkers in the diagnosis of hereditary medullary thyroid carcinoma in children and adolescents. J Pediatr Endocrinol Metab 2021; 34:1491-1504. [PMID: 34543539 DOI: 10.1515/jpem-2021-0163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is a rare malignancy that is effectively curable by surgery. Unlike in adults, hereditary MTC has a predominant role in children. A fast and safe diagnosis is important to assure the good prognosis for the patients. A major cornerstone is the assessment of biomarkers, but the interpretation must respect their pre-, post- and analytical features. Especially calcitonin (Ctn) is a challenging biomarker in daily laboratory diagnostics. However, Ctn is of particular relevance for the diagnostic in MTC. The American Thyroid Association recommends thyroidectomy if the upper reference range of Ctn is exceeded. Interestingly, age-dependent reference ranges for children and adolescents have become available only recently for Ctn assays. With this review, we aim to highlight the importance of a timely diagnosis of MTC in children and adolescents. CONTENT Recent developments in pediatric biochemical diagnostics of MTC were summarized. This includes guidance on interpretation of RET, Ctn, procalcitonin, carcinoembryonic antigen, carbohydrate antigen 19-9, and chromogranin A. SUMMARY Currently, Ctn is the most investigated biomarker in the diagnosis of MTC in children and adolescents. Other biomarkers as PCT suggest complementary evidence about pediatric MTC but their interpretation based largely on adult's data. A successful treatment of MTC requires, besides results of biomarkers, information about medical history, RET gene analysis and recent guideline knowledge. OUTLOOK More research is required to validate complementary biomarkers of Ctn in children. Additionally, the effect of different confounder on pediatric Ctn levels has to be further clarified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix Eckelt
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Roland Pfaeffle
- Department Woman and Child Health, Hospital for Children and Adolescents, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Wieland Kiess
- Department Woman and Child Health, Hospital for Children and Adolescents, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Juergen Kratzsch
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
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Giovanella L, Garo ML, Ceriani L, Paone G, Campenni' A, D'Aurizio F. Procalcitonin as an Alternative Tumor Marker of Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2021; 106:3634-3643. [PMID: 34382653 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgab564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Calcitonin (CT) measurement is pivotal in the management of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), but several pitfalls can affect its reliability. Procalcitonin (ProCT) has been reported as a promising alternative MTC tumor marker. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to determine the ProCT diagnostic accuracy in prediction and treatment monitoring of MTC. METHODS Electronic databases were searched for observational studies published until May 2021 without language or time restrictions. Studies comparing ProCT and calcitonin accuracy were included. After removing duplicates and exclusion of not-eligible articles, relevant articles were screened independently by 2 reviewers. Eleven studies (4.5% of the identified studies) met the selection criteria. Two reviewers independently extracted data and assessed data quality and validity through QUADAS-2. RESULTS A meta-analysis was performed on 11 sufficiently clinically and statistically homogeneous studies (n = 5817 patients, 335 MTC patients). Hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristics and bivariate methods were applied. Serum ProCT was found to be a highly accurate test for MTC diagnosis and monitoring. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative likelihood ratios, area under the curve, and positive and negative predictive values for ProCT were 0.90 (95% CI: 0.71-0.97), 1.00 (95% CI: 0.85-1.00), 288 (95% CI: 5.6-14 929.3), 0.10 (95% CI: 0.03-0.33), 0.97 (95% CI: 0.95-0.98), 99%, and 2%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The high accuracy, compounded with favorable analytical characteristics, give ProCT great potential to replace calcitonin as a new standard of care in the management of MTC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Giovanella
- Clinic for Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging and Thyroid Center, Imaging Institute of Southern Switzerland, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Bellinzona, Switzerland
- Clinic for Nuclear Medicine and Thyroid Center, University and University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Luca Ceriani
- Clinic for Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging and Thyroid Center, Imaging Institute of Southern Switzerland, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Bellinzona, Switzerland
- Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Università della Svizzera Italiana, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Gaetano Paone
- Clinic for Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging and Thyroid Center, Imaging Institute of Southern Switzerland, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Alfredo Campenni'
- Unit of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morpho-Functional Imaging, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Federica D'Aurizio
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital of Udine, Udine, Italy
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