An increased calcitonin serum level is suggestive of a medullary thyroid cancer (MTC), but is not pathognomonic. The possibility of false positives or other calcitonin-secreting neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) should be considered. Serum calcitonin levels are generally assessed by immunoradiometric and chemiluminescent assays with high sensitivity and specificity; however, slightly moderately elevated levels could be attributable to various confounding factors. Calcitonin values >100 pg/mL are strongly suspicious of malignancy, whereas in patients with moderately elevated values (10-100 pg/mL) a stimulation test may be applied to improve diagnostic accuracy. Although the standard protocol and the best gender-specific cut-offs for calcium-stimulated calcitonin are still controversial, the fold of the calcitonin increase after stimulation seems to be more reliable. Patients with MTC show stimulated calcitonin values at least three to four times higher than the basal values, whereas calcitonin-secreting NENs can be distinguished from a C-cell disease by the absence of or
3.
Plant natural products with anti-thyroid cancer activity.
Sharifi-Rad, J, Rajabi, S, Martorell, M, López, MD, Toro, MT, Barollo, S, Armanini, D, Fokou, PVT, Zagotto, G, Ribaudo, G, et al
Fitoterapia. 2020;:104640
Abstract
Thyroid cancer is the most frequent endocrine malignancy, with more than 500,000 cases per year worldwide. Differentiated thyroid cancers are the most common forms with best prognosis, while poorly/undifferentiated ones are rare (2% of all thyroid cancer), aggressive, frequently metastasize and have a worse prognosis. For aggressive, metastatic and advanced thyroid cancer novel antitumor molecules are urgently needed and phytochemical products can be a rational and extensive source, since secondary plant metabolites can guarantee the necessary biochemical variability for therapeutic purpose. Among bioactive molecules that present biological activity on thyroid cancer, resveratrol, curcumin, isoflavones, glucosinolates are the most common and used in experimental model. Most of them have been studied both in vitro and in vivo on this cancer, but rarely in clinical trial. This review summarizes phytochemicals, phytotherapeutics and plant derived compounds used in thyroid cancer.
4.
Surufatinib in Chinese Patients with Locally Advanced or Metastatic Differentiated Thyroid Cancer and Medullary Thyroid Cancer: A Multicenter, Open-Label, Phase II Trial.
Chen, J, Ji, Q, Bai, C, Zheng, X, Zhang, Y, Shi, F, Li, X, Tang, P, Xu, Z, Huang, R, et al
Thyroid : official journal of the American Thyroid Association. 2020;(9):1245-1253
Abstract
Background: Thyroid cancer is the most common endocrine tumor with an increasing incidence. Limited treatment options are available for patients with advanced or recurrent metastatic disease, resulting in a poor prognosis. Surufatinib targets multiple kinases (vascular endothelial growth factor receptors, fibroblast growth factor receptor-1, and colony-stimulating factor-1 receptor) involved in tumor angiogenesis and tumor immune evasion. Surufatinib has demonstrated promising antitumor activity in various advanced solid tumors. This study aimed to determine the objective response rate (ORR) of surufatinib in patients with locally advanced or distant metastatic differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) or medullary thyroid cancer (MTC). Methods: This Phase II open-label study by Simon's two-stage design was conducted at 10 sites across China. Patients with radioiodine (RAI)-refractory DTC with locally advanced disease or distant metastasis (DTC1 group); patients who received limited initial surgery and then developed locally advanced unresectable recurrences and were not considered candidates for RAI therapy due to residual normal thyroid tissue (DTC2 group); or patients with MTC with locally advanced disease or distant metastasis (MTC group) were enrolled. A total of 59 patients were enrolled (26 in DTC1, 6 in DTC2, and 27 in MTC) and received 300 mg surufatinib daily in 28-day cycles. The primary endpoint was ORR as determined by the investigators. Results: Overall ORR was 23.2% [95% confidence interval, CI 12.98-36.42]: 21.7% in the DTC1 cohort, 33.3% in the DTC2 cohort, and 22.2% in the MTC cohort. Forty-nine patients achieved disease control (87.5% [CI 75.93-94.82]): 87.0% in the DTC1 cohort, 83.3% in the DTC2 cohort, and 88.9% in the MTC cohort. Median time to response was 59.0 days, and 59.0, 85.5, and 59.0 days in the DTC1, DTC2, and MTC cohorts. Overall median progression-free survival was 11.1 months [CI 5.98-16.69]; 11.1 months in DTC1 and MTC cohorts, while the DTC2 cohort had not reached the median at the data cutoff. The most common treatment-emergent adverse events grade ≥3 were hypertension (20.3%), proteinuria (11.9%), and then elevated blood pressure, hypertriglyceridemia, and pulmonary inflammation (5.1% each). Conclusions: Surufatinib demonstrated promising efficacy with a tolerable and manageable safety profile for patients with locally advanced or metastatic MTC, RAI-refractory DTC, or locally advanced unresectable recurrences unable to receive RAI.
5.
[Progress of risk factors for thyroid tumors].
Liu, S, Song, JY, Zhang, JQ
Zhonghua yu fang yi xue za zhi [Chinese journal of preventive medicine]. 2020;(8):897-901
Abstract
In recent years, both benign and malignant thyroid tumors have grown rapidly in the world, and have become one of the most common tumors in the endocrine system. At present, the pathogenesis of thyroid tumor is still unclear, but more and more studies have found that certain factors are related to the occurrence and development of thyroid tumors. It is of great significance to summarize and analyze these risk factors. This article reviews the research progress of its risk factors reported in recent years, so as to provide a basis for the accuracy and scientific prevention and control of thyroid tumors.
6.
Thyroid nodules: diagnostic evaluation based on thyroid cancer risk assessment.
Singh Ospina, N, Iñiguez-Ariza, NM, Castro, MR
BMJ (Clinical research ed.). 2020;:l6670
Abstract
Thyroid nodules are extremely common and can be detected by sensitive imaging in more than 60% of the general population. They are often identified in patients without symptoms who are undergoing evaluation for other medical complaints. Indiscriminate evaluation of thyroid nodules with thyroid biopsy could cause a harmful epidemic of diagnoses of thyroid cancer, but inadequate selection of thyroid nodules for biopsy can lead to missed diagnoses of clinically relevant thyroid cancer. Recent clinical guidelines advocate a more conservative approach in the evaluation of thyroid nodules based on risk assessment for thyroid cancer, as determined by clinical and ultrasound features to guide the need for biopsy. Moreover, newer evidence suggests that for patients with indeterminate thyroid biopsy results, a combined assessment including the initial ultrasound risk stratification or other ancillary testing (molecular markers, second opinion on thyroid cytology) can further clarify the risk of thyroid cancer and the management strategies. This review summarizes the clinical importance of adequate evaluation of thyroid nodules, focuses on the clinical evidence for diagnostic tests that can clarify the risk of thyroid cancer, and highlights the importance of considering the patient's values and preferences when deciding on management strategies in the setting of uncertainty about the risk of thyroid cancer.
7.
[Clinical application of carbon nanoparticles suspension in operation of papillary thyroid carcinoma].
Wang, C, Wang, X, Liu, L
Lin chuang er bi yan hou tou jing wai ke za zhi = Journal of clinical otorhinolaryngology, head, and neck surgery. 2020;(2):165-169
Abstract
Objective:The aim of this study is to evaluate the application of carbon nanoparticle lymphatic tracer in total thyroidectomy and bilateral Central District's thyroidectomy for papillary thyroid carcinoma. Method:Sixty-four patients with cN0 papillary thyroid carcinoma that primary treated were random divided into two groups: Trial group and control group. Carbon nanoparticles suspension was injected into the thyroid gland of trial group patients.After ten minutes, total thyroidectomy plus bilateral central neck dissection was performed in the all patients. The black stained tissue in the dissection specimen of trial group was separated. The control group underwent total thyroidectomy plus bilateral central neck dissection. Total lymph node and parathyroid gland in the black stained tissue,and non-black stained tissue in the central compartment dissection specimen of trial group and central compartment dissection specimen of control group were counted respectively.Total lymph node, the mis-cut parathyroid glands in the adipose tissue of central lymph node,post-operative blood calcium and parathyroid hormone(PTH)of two groups were contrasted and analyzed. Result:There are 235 lymph nodes in the black-stained tissue of central compartment dissection specimen of trial group.No parathyroid gland was found in the black-stained tissue.Five lymph nodes and 2 parathyroid glands were found in the non-black stained tissue of central compartment dissection specimen of trial group. There were 164 lymph nodes and 9 parathyroid glands in central compartment dissection specimen of control group. There is statistic difference between the number of lymph nodes in black stain tissue and that of control group(t=8.291, P=0.000).Rate of staining lymph node were 97.9 percent. No parathyroid glands were found in the black stained tissue. Nine mis-cut parathyroid glands(7.0%) were observed in the control group,while 2(1.6%) in the trial group(P<0.05).None permanent hypocalcemia and PTH decrease were observed in the two groups.There were 10 patients(31.3%) with temporary hypocalcemia and 9 patients(28.1%)with temporary PTH decrease respectively in the control group,and there was 1 patient(3.1%) and 1 patient(3.1%) respectively in the trial group(P<0.05). Conclusion:The effect of nano-carbon is ideal, and the parathyroid gland can not be stained black. It can distinguish the thyroid tissue from the surrounding lymphoid adipose tissue and clearly mark the Central District lymph nodes, reduce the risk of parathyroid gland injury during thyroid cancer. Neck dissection in the central region can improve the efficiency of lymph node dissection, protect the parathyroid gland and reduce the risk of postoperative complications.
8.
Circular RNAs: New players in thyroid cancer.
Borran, S, Ahmadi, G, Rezaei, S, Anari, MM, Modabberi, M, Azarash, Z, Razaviyan, J, Derakhshan, M, Akhbari, M, Mirzaei, H
Pathology, research and practice. 2020;(10):153217
Abstract
The prevalence of thyroid cancer the most frequent endocrine malignancy, is rapidly increasing. Most of thyroid cancers are relatively indolent, however, some cases still possess a risk of developing into lethal types of thyroid cancer. Regarding its multistep tumorigenesis, the determination of the underlying mechanisms is a vital issue for thyroid cancer therapy. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a type of non-coding RNAs with a closed loop structure. Numerous circRNAs have been identified in cancerous tissues. Mounting data recommends that the biological activities of circRNAs, such as serving as microRNA or ceRNAs sponges, interacting with proteins, modulating gene translation and transcription, suggesting that circRNAs will be potential targets as well as agents for the prognosis and diagnosis of diseases, including cancer. Given that circular RNAs acts as oncogenes or tumor suppressors in the thyroid cancer. Several studies documented that circular RNAs via microRNA and protein sponges could regulate a sequences of cellular and molecular mechanisms e.g., apoptosis, angiogenesis, tumor growth, and invasion that are involved in thyroid cancer pathogenesis. Herein, we summarized the role of circular RNAs as therapeutic and diagnostic biomarkers in the thyroid cancer. Moreover, we highlighted the role of these molecules in the pathogenesis of various cancers.
9.
Fathoming the link between anthropogenic chemical contamination and thyroid cancer.
Marotta, V, Malandrino, P, Russo, M, Panariello, I, Ionna, F, Chiofalo, MG, Pezzullo, L
Critical reviews in oncology/hematology. 2020;:102950
Abstract
Incidence and mortality of thyroid cancer are increasing, thus making mandatory to improve the knowledge of disease etiology. The hypothesis of a role for anthropogenic chemicals is raising wide consideration. A series of occupational studies revealed that job exposures with high risk of chemical contamination were usually more prone to thyroid cancer development. These include shoe manufacture, preserving industry, building activities, pulp/papermaker industry and the wood processing, agricultural activities, and other work categories characterized by contact with chemicals, such as chemists and pharmacists. However, such epidemiological analyses cannot define a causal relationship. Thyroid-disrupting activity has emerged for a broad set of anthropogenic chemicals, with the best evidence being gained for polychlorinated biphenyls, polybrominated diphenyl ethers, dioxins, bisphenols, phthalates, pesticides, and heavy metals. A series of case-control studies, assessing exposure to thyroid-disrupting agents, as measured on biological matrices, have been recently performed providing the following insights: a) positive relationship with thyroid cancer was found for phthalates, bisphenols, the heavy metals cadmium, copper, and lead; b) polybrominated diphenyl ethers exposure showed no relationship with thyroid cancer c) controversial results were reported for polychlorinated biphenyls and pesticides. However, such studies cannot demonstrate the causal link with disease occurrence, as exposure is assessed after tumour development. Studies with different methodological approach are therefore required for defining the role of anthropogenic environmental chemicals in thyroid carcinogenesis.
10.
Application of Nanocarbon in Breast Approach Endoscopic Thyroidectomy Thyroid Cancer Surgery.
Ma, JJ, Zhang, DB, Zhang, WF, Wang, X
Journal of laparoendoscopic & advanced surgical techniques. Part A. 2020;(5):547-552
Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to investigate the application of nanocarbon in surgical endoscopy in patients with thyroid cancer for the clinical tracing of level VI sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) and for parathyroid gland protection. Materials and Methods: Ninety-three patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) who underwent an endoscopic thyroid cancer operation were included. We randomly divided these patients into a control group (n = 42) and a nanocarbon group (n = 51). For the nanocarbon group, after thyroid exposure, nanocarbon was injected into the thyroid gland, and the SLNs were resected and subjected to frozen sectioning and routine pathological examination. In addition, the postoperative calcium and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels of both groups were analyzed to compare the features of the nanocarbon application. Results: The number of central lymph (level VI) nodes dissected and the number of metastatic lymph nodes identified were analyzed in both groups. The number of dissected lymph nodes from both unilateral and bilateral thyroid surgeries was significantly larger in the nanocarbon group than in the control group. At the same time, the number of identified metastasis lymph nodes dissected were higher in the nanocarbon group than in the control group. We assessed the postoperative calcium and PTH level to evaluate the parathyroid function. Our results show that the nanocarbon group had a better protective effect on parathyroid function than the control group. Conclusions: As a lymph node trace agent, nanocarbon could better evaluate and permit a more clear lymph dissection for patients with PTC. Nanocarbon contributes to a decrease in the incidence rate of parathyroid damage, which has great clinical value.