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Updated: Dec 21, 2025
Spontaneous Murine Model of Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer
Published on: February 3, 2023
Metastatic propagation of thyroid cancer; organ tropism and major modulators
Sadegh Rajabi1, Heewa Shakib2, Romina Dastmalchi3
1Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract:
Thyroid cancer, as the most prevalent endocrine malignancy, comprises nearly 1% of all cancers in the world. The metastatic propagation of thyroid cancer is under the control of a number of modulating processes and factors such as signaling pathways and their components, cell division regulators, metabolic reprogramming factors, extracellular matrix remodelers, epithelial to mesenchymal transition modulators, epigenetic mechanisms, hypoxia and cytokines. Identifying the exact molecular mechanisms of these dysregulated processes could help to discover the key targets for therapeutic purposes and utilizing them as diagnostic, prognostic and predictors of the clinical course of patients. In this review article, we describe different aspects of thyroid cancer metastasis by focusing on defective genes and pathways involved in its metastatic spread.
Insights
This review explores thyroid cancer metastasis, detailing molecular mechanisms and pathways driving its spread. Understanding these processes can reveal new therapeutic and diagnostic targets for endocrine malignancy.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Thyroid cancer is the most common endocrine malignancy, accounting for nearly 1% of global cancer cases.
- Metastatic spread in thyroid cancer involves complex processes including signaling pathways, cell division, metabolism, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the molecular mechanisms and genetic factors contributing to thyroid cancer metastasis.
- To identify potential therapeutic targets and diagnostic/prognostic markers for thyroid cancer.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of scientific articles on thyroid cancer metastasis.
- Analysis of genetic pathways, cellular processes, and molecular factors involved in metastatic spread.
Main Results:
- Thyroid cancer metastasis is regulated by multiple factors including signaling pathways, cell cycle regulators, metabolic reprogramming, extracellular matrix remodeling, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, epigenetics, hypoxia, and cytokines.
- Defective genes and dysregulated pathways are key drivers of thyroid cancer's metastatic potential.
Conclusions:
- Understanding the molecular underpinnings of thyroid cancer metastasis is crucial for developing effective therapies.
- Identifying key molecular targets can improve diagnosis, prognosis, and prediction of clinical outcomes in thyroid cancer patients.
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