Immune Microenvironment of Thyroid Cancer

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Oncology
• Immunology

Background:

• Thyroid cancer (TC) is a heterogeneous endocrine malignancy with higher incidence in women.
• Previous research focused on tumor cells, neglecting the tumor microenvironment's mesenchymal cells.
• Recent studies emphasize the interaction between thyroid cancer cells and peri-tumoral stroma.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comprehensively review the immune microenvironment in thyroid cancer.
• To explore immune cell roles, secreted mediators, and immune checkpoints in TC.
• To discuss immune evasion mechanisms and current immunotherapy strategies for TC.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on thyroid cancer immunology.
• Analysis of immune cell components within the tumor microenvironment.
• Examination of immune evasion mechanisms and therapeutic approaches.

Main Results:

• Immune system components are closely linked to TC occurrence, invasion, and metastasis.
• The tumor microenvironment significantly influences treatment response and patient prognosis.
• Key immune cells, soluble mediators, and checkpoints in TC were identified.

Conclusions:

• The immune microenvironment is critical for thyroid cancer progression and patient outcomes.
• New strategies for TC prognosis prediction and immunotherapy can be developed.
• Targeting immune evasion mechanisms presents therapeutic opportunities for thyroid cancer.