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Prognostic factors in well-differentiated thyroid cancer
V A LiVolsi1, G Fadda, Z W Baloch
1Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, 3400 Spruce Street, 6 Founders Pavilion Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
Rays
|May 24, 2001
Summary
Differentiated thyroid carcinomas usually have a good prognosis, but aggressive cases can be fatal. Prognostic markers, including clinicopathological, morphological, and biological factors, guide treatment strategies for these tumors.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Endocrinology
- Pathology
Background:
- Differentiated thyroid carcinomas (DTCs) are malignant neoplasms.
- Most DTCs exhibit indolent behavior with long survival, but a subset presents aggressive characteristics.
- Identifying prognostic markers is crucial for managing aggressive DTC cases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and categorize prognostic markers influencing the course of differentiated thyroid carcinomas.
- To highlight the importance of accurate prognostic evaluation for treatment planning.
Main Methods:
- Categorization of prognostic markers into clinicopathological, pathological (morphological), and biological groups.
- Review of established and emerging markers within each category.
Main Results:
- Clinicopathological markers include age, sex, tumor size, multifocality, invasion (vascular, extrathyroidal), grading, and metastases.
- Pathological markers encompass tumor subtype, association with autoimmune thyroid diseases, and ploidy.
- Biological markers involve oncogenes, specifically RET and RET/PTC rearrangements.
Conclusions:
- Accurate evaluation of diverse prognostic markers is fundamental for effective treatment schemes in differentiated thyroid carcinomas.
- Understanding these markers aids in stratifying patients and tailoring therapeutic interventions.