Expression Of Mcl-1 And Ki-67 In Papillary Thyroid Carcinomas

Studying molecules that are differentially expressed in cancers as well as benign and normal tissues is crucial for identifying novel bio-markers for cancer immunotherapy. This study aimed to investigate the clinical utility of the immunochemical expression of the proliferative cell marker Ki-67 and the apoptotic blocker Mcl-1 in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). Methods: We built a tissue microarray with 282 thyroid specimens. There were 59 PTCs including 35 classic (CPTC), 3 tall cell (TCPTC) and 21 follicular variants (FVPTC); 79 benign thyroid diseases (22 follicular adenomas; 57 adenomatoid hyperplasia); 33 Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) specimens; and 111 normal thyroid tissues. Clinical history and ultrasound data were retrospectively obtained by chart review. Results: Mcl-1 overexpression was evident in 66.7% of the PTC tissues compared to 32% of the benign thyroid diseases. Mcl-1 strong staining distinguished benign from malignant thyroid lesions (sensitivity = 61.3%; specificity = 72.8%; negative predictive value, NPV = 68%; positive predictive value, PPV = 66.7% and 67.5% accuracy). Positive nuclear Ki-67 staining was observed in 34% of PTCs vs. 19% of thyroid adenomas (P = 0.031). Strong Mcl-1 and Ki-67 co-expression was identified in 57.5% of PTCs with a higher PPV (75.8%). Mcl-1 and Ki-67 expression was not associated with any clinicopathological feature of malignancy. No deaths occurred during the follow-up. Conclusions: Mcl-1 immunochemical overexpression allowed differentiating low-risk PTC from the benign thyroid lesions. We suggest that Mcl-1 expression may help differentiate follicular patterned thyroid lesions. The influence of the Mcl-1 expression on several features of tumor aggressiveness has to be studied in large series of high-risk thyroid carcinomas.12420921

Value of Ultrasound and Cytological Classification System to Predict the Malignancy of Thyroid Nodules with Indeterminate Cytology

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Although fine-needle aspiration cytology is considered the gold standard for evaluating thyroid nodules, in about 10-30% of the cases, cytology is indeterminate. This study aimed to determine the value of cytological classification system and ultrasound (US) to predict malignancy in indeterminate thyroid nodule. This retrospective analysis enrolled 80 patients surgically treated at a single center, 75% (60) with benign vs. 25% (20) with malignant lesions at final histology. The clinical, scintigraphic, sonographic, and cytological classification (Bethesda) variables were analyzed in these selected cases of indeterminate cytology, and a prediction model was designed after the multivariate analysis. There was a 25% prevalence of malignancy (20/80). There were no differences in gender, serum thyroid-stimulating hormone and FT4 levels, thyroid auto-antibodies, thyroid dysfunction, and scintigraphic results between benign and malignant nodule groups. The border irregularity in sonographic study was at increased risk for malignancy. The cytological analysis based on Bethesda System (category IV) was an independent predictor for malignancy in indeterminate thyroid nodules. After the multivariate analysis, the model obtained showed border irregularity and Bethesda System category IV as predictive factors of malignancy in indeterminate thyroid nodules, featuring 76.9% of accuracy. This study confirmed a significant increase of risk for malignancy in thyroid nodules with indeterminate cytology showing Bethesda System category IV and suspicious features at US. These findings enhance our current limited predictive armamentarium and can be used to guide surgical decision making.2226673Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)FAPESP [2008/10183-7

Value of repeat ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration in thyroid nodule with a first benign cytologic result: Impact of ultrasound to predict malignancy

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)This study aimed to investigate the value of repeat ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (FNAC-US) in benign thyroid nodules and determine the ultrasound (US) predictors of malignancy in this group of nodules. The authors studied 35 of 143 nodules with initially benign cytological result who underwent serial re-biopsy (FNAC-US). By means of surgery, malignancy histology results were confirmed in 10 (28.5%) cases (G1) versus 25 (71.5%) benign nodules (G2). The clinical, lab, scintigraphyc, and US features were compared between the two groups to predict malignancy in thyroid nodules with initially benign cytological result. The cytological finding of 28/35 nodules were change to indeterminate cytology (Bethesda system category III or IV) at second and/or >= third cytological study. In this group of 28 cases, 23 (82.1%) was identified until the third procedure. The interval between first and third re-biopsy was 13 months (median). There were no differences in age, gender, thyrotropin (TSH) levels, thyroid auto-antibodies, or thyroid dysfunctions. The scintigraphy showed cold nodule in 80% of G1 versus 78.9% of G2 (NS). Sonographic studies showed malignant suspected US features in G1: micro-calcifications, central flow, hypoechogenicity, and border irregularity. This study suggests repeating FNAC-US in nodules with first benign cytologic result and suspicious US features of malignancy for at least two times (until the third FNAC) in about 13 months horizon.402290296Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)FAPESP [2008/10183-7