Circulating Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells Predict Differentiated Thyroid Cancer Diagnosis and Extent
Trevor E Angell1, Melissa G Lechner2, Alison M Smith3
11 Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Hypertension, Brigham and Women's Hospital , Boston, Massachusetts.
Thyroid : Official Journal of the American Thyroid Association
|January 13, 2016
Summary
Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) in blood can help diagnose differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). Higher MDSC levels correlate with increased malignancy risk, advanced tumor stage, and higher recurrence rates in DTC patients.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
Background:
- Differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) diagnosis and prognosis can be challenging.
- Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) are immune-suppressing cells found in cancer patients' blood.
- A novel assay detects MDSC subsets, hypothesizing higher levels correlate with malignancy and worse outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the correlation between circulating MDSC levels and differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC).
- To assess MDSC levels' potential in predicting malignancy, tumor stage, and recurrence risk in thyroid nodules.
Main Methods:
- Prospective observational pilot study of 50 patients undergoing thyroidectomy for solitary thyroid nodules.
- Preoperative peripheral blood analyzed via flow cytometry for two human MDSC subsets.
- MDSC levels compared with histopathologic diagnosis, TNM stage, and post-treatment disease status.
Main Results:
- MDSC measurement was successful in 47 patients; 35 had DTC (76%).
- Mean CD11b(+)MDSC levels were significantly higher in DTC (14.0%) vs. benign nodules (7.9%) (p < 0.005).
- Elevated MDSC levels correlated with higher TNM stage and persistent cancer post-surgery.
Conclusions:
- MDSC measurement via flow cytometry is a novel method for preoperative risk assessment in thyroid nodules.
- MDSC assessment may aid indeterminate cytology and predict tumor stage and recurrence in DTC.
- Further validation is required, but MDSC assessment shows promise as an adjunct diagnostic tool.
