Benign thyroid nodules with RAS mutation grow faster.

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Molecular Biology
• Oncology

Background:

• Benign thyroid nodules require monitoring for size changes that may necessitate intervention.
• Predicting benign thyroid nodule growth is challenging due to a lack of specific growth parameters.
• RAS mutations are found in thyroid adenomas and hyperplastic benign nodules.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if volume changes in benign thyroid nodules correlate with the presence of RAS mutations.

Main Methods:

• Analyzed genomic DNA from 78 benign thyroid nodules via fine-needle aspiration for NRAS(61) and KRAS(13) mutations.
• Assessed ultrasonographic features and nodule volumes at baseline.
• Evaluated nodule volume changes over a mean 25-month follow-up period based on RAS mutation status.

Main Results:

• RAS mutations were detected in 30.8% of benign thyroid nodules (24/78).
• RAS mutations were associated with larger baseline nodule size (P = 0.017) but not ultrasonographic features.
• Nodules with RAS mutations exhibited significantly faster annual growth (27.6%) compared to wild-type nodules (1.0%) (P < 0.001).

Conclusions:

• Benign thyroid nodules with RAS mutations demonstrate accelerated growth compared to those without.
• Detecting RAS mutations in benign thyroid nodules can aid clinicians in optimizing surgical management timing.