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European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology
Published in: European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology 6/2018

01-06-2018 | Review Article

Molecular markers in well-differentiated thyroid cancer

Authors: Anil K. D’Cruz, Richa Vaish, Abhishek Vaidya, Iain J. Nixon, Michelle D. Williams, Vincent Vander Poorten, Fernando López, Peter Angelos, Ashok R. Shaha, Avi Khafif, Alena Skalova, Alessandra Rinaldo, Jennifer L. Hunt, Alfio Ferlito

Published in: European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology | Issue 6/2018

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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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Metadata
Title
Molecular markers in well-differentiated thyroid cancer
Authors
Anil K. D’Cruz
Richa Vaish
Abhishek Vaidya
Iain J. Nixon
Michelle D. Williams
Vincent Vander Poorten
Fernando López
Peter Angelos
Ashok R. Shaha
Avi Khafif
Alena Skalova
Alessandra Rinaldo
Jennifer L. Hunt
Alfio Ferlito
Publication date
01-06-2018
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology / Issue 6/2018
Print ISSN: 0937-4477
Electronic ISSN: 1434-4726
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00405-018-4944-1

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