Circulating immunophenotypes are potentially prognostic in follicular cell-derived thyroid cancer
Anupam Kotwal1,2, Michael P Gustafson3,4, Svetlana Bornschlegl3
1Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States.
Frontiers in Immunology
|January 18, 2024
Summary
Thyroid cancer prognosis is linked to immune cell changes. Aggressive cancers show fewer T cells and more myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), offering potential therapeutic targets.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Oncology
- Flow Cytometry
Background:
- The immune microenvironment of follicular cell-derived thyroid cancer holds prognostic and therapeutic promise.
- Comprehensive immunophenotyping data linked to clinical outcomes is limited in current literature.
- This study aims to identify circulating immunophenotypes associated with thyroid cancer prognosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between circulating immunophenotypes and prognosis in follicular cell-derived thyroid cancer.
- To identify potential prognostic biomarkers for advanced thyroid cancer.
- To explore the potential for targeted immunotherapies.
Main Methods:
- A pilot observational study was conducted on adult patients with follicular cell-derived thyroid cancer.
- Peripheral blood samples were collected at the time of thyroidectomy for flow cytometry analysis.
- Immunophenotyping was performed on 32 patients with varying thyroid cancer subtypes and stages.
Main Results:
- Patients with advanced AJCC stage (3/4) showed decreased T cell populations (CD4+, gamma-delta T cells, NK T-like cells) and increased monocytes and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs).
- Differences in memory T cell subtypes were observed based on ATA risk stratification and cancer course.
- A median follow-up of 58 months was recorded.
Conclusions:
- Aggressive thyroid cancer is associated with reduced T cell populations and increased MDSCs.
- Identified immunophenotypes may serve as prognostic biomarkers for advanced thyroid cancer.
- These findings support further investigation for developing targeted immunotherapies.
