Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 21, 2026

In Vivo Inhibition of MicroRNA to Decrease Tumor Growth in Mice
Published on: August 23, 2019
Molecular markers of aggressiveness of thyroid cancer
1Divisions of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism and Oncology, The Ohio State University College of Medicine and Arthur G. James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA. matthew.ringel@osumc.edu
Purpose Of Review:
To review recent progress at defining molecular markers that predict the biological behavior of thyroid cancer.
Recent Findings:
Thyroid cancer behavior is defined by the effects of the initiating oncogene as well as secondary events in tumor cells and the tumor microenvironment that are both genetic and epigenetic. Over the past several years, there has been intense focus on identifying molecular markers to better predict the aggressiveness of thyroid cancers and also to define therapeutic targets. The results of recent articles in this area of work are summarized with a focus of differentiated follicular-cell-derived forms of thyroid cancer.
Summary:
Clinical staging predicts tumor behavior in many cases, but does not allow true 'personalization' of initial therapy or identify potential therapeutic targets for patients with progressive disease that does not respond to standard therapies. Recent data point to several new opportunities to refine thyroid cancer treatment based on molecular information. Several highlighted articles have begun to apply this information with clinical intent.
Related Concept Videos
Pharmacogenetics of Drug Targets: β₂-Adrenergic Receptors, Apo E, Thymidylate Synthase
Hyperthyroidism II: Pathophysiology
Graves' Disease I: Introduction
Synthesis and Regulation of Thyroid Hormones
Upon reaching the thyroid gland, TSH stimulates the follicular cells' active uptake of iodide ions from the blood. The ions diffuse to the apical surface of the cells and are oxidized to iodine. The iodine is then...
