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Radiation induced thyroid cancer: fundamental and applied aspects
M Tronko1, T Bogdanova, L Voskoboynyk
1Institute of Endocrinology and Metabolism of Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine, Vyshgorodskaya str 69, Kyiv 04114, Ukraine. tb@viaduk.net
Experimental Oncology
|March 16, 2011
Summary
Thyroid cancer incidence increased in Ukrainian children and adolescents after the Chernobyl accident, with specific genetic alterations linked to tumor behavior. RET/PTC rearrangements were more common than BRAF mutations in papillary thyroid cancer.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Radiation Epidemiology
- Molecular Pathology
Background:
- The Chernobyl nuclear accident in 1986 led to significant radioactive contamination, particularly affecting thyroid function.
- Thyroid cancer, especially papillary thyroid cancer (PTC), is a known consequence of radiation exposure in children and adolescents.
- Understanding the long-term epidemiological and molecular impact of the Chernobyl accident on thyroid cancer in Ukraine is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the epidemiology and pathology of thyroid cancer in Ukraine following the Chernobyl accident.
- To conduct molecular analysis of genetic alterations in papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTC).
- To assess the relationship between Chernobyl radiation exposure and thyroid cancer development and characteristics.
Main Methods:
- Epidemiological analysis of thyroid cancer incidence in subjects aged 0-18 years at the time of the Chernobyl accident (n=5427).
- Pathological analysis of thyroid carcinomas from patients operated between 2006-2008 (n=730).
- Molecular analysis of RET/PTC rearrangements and BRAF(V600E) mutation in 35 PTC cases.
Main Results:
- A sustained increase in thyroid cancer incidence was observed in highly contaminated Ukrainian regions, confirming a link to Chernobyl radiation exposure.
- Thyroid cancer incidence was significantly lower in individuals born after the accident.
- Pathological findings showed changes in PTC structure with increasing latency, including more papillary-follicular structures and encapsulated forms.
- RET/PTC rearrangements (34.3%) were more prevalent than BRAF(V600E) mutations (24%) in PTC cases.
Conclusions:
- Thyroid cancer incidence remains elevated in Ukrainian individuals exposed as children and adolescents to Chernobyl radiation.
- Papillary thyroid carcinomas exhibit evolving histological features over time since exposure.
- Papillary thyroid cancer with RET/PTC rearrangements demonstrated more aggressive behavior compared to BRAF(V600E)-positive tumors or those without genetic alterations.
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