Molecular trait of follicular-patterned thyroid neoplasms defined by MALDI-imaging

In the field of thyroid neoplasms, the most interesting recent change regards the introduction of a new terminology for follicular-patterned thyroid tumors, named Noninvasive Thyroid Neoplasm with Papillary-like Nuclear Features (NIFTP). This pre-malignant tumor is considered to be the putative precursor of invasive carcinoma. However, given that several issues are still unresolved, the application of ancillary tools, based on omics-techniques, may improve the clinical management of these challenging cases. The present paper highlights the proteomic profiles of a series of NIFTPs submitted to Fine Needle Aspirations (FNAs) and analysed by MALDI-imaging in order to confirm the heterogeneous phenotype of nodules included in the present NIFTP terminology and to underline the necessity of more accurate biomarkers that can be used for their characterization. Ethical and economic implications in terms of healthcare costs, operative risks, morbidity, as well as the potential need for lifelong hormone replacement therapy, seem to be significant reasons to approach the characterization of NIFTPs using alternative tools such as MALDI-MSI.