Prognostic factors and genetic markers in thymic epithelial tumors: A narrative review

Thymic epithelial tumors (TET) are a group of rare neoplasms of the anterior mediastinum comprising thymomas and thymic carcinomas. The carcinogenesis of TET is mostly unknown. Many studies, mostly retrospective case series, have tried to establish prognostic factors in TET. TET is a very heterogeneous group of tumors with many subtypes for which diagnosis and treatment remains a very challenging task. Despite the disparities among retrospective studies, there are some prognostic factors that are more pertinent such as the completeness of resection, TNM stage and the Masaoka-Koga classification. On the other hand, the identification of different genetic pathways that result in the pathogenesis of TET represents a fascinating field of study that could possibly lead to the development of new targeted therapies. The aim of this review is to discuss the different prognostic factors and genetic markers of TET. The meticulous use of national and international databases could provide sufficient number of patients in order to draw more valid conclusions.