Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 29, 2025
Analysis of Lymph Node Volume by Ultra-High-Frequency Ultrasound Imaging in the Braf/Pten Genetically Engineered Mouse Model of Melanoma
Published on: September 8, 2021
BRAFV600E mutation does not predict lymph node metastases and recurrence in Chinese papillary thyroid microcarcinoma
Hao Zhao1, Chun-Hao Liu2, Ying Lu2
1Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100010, China; Surgery Centre of Diabetes Mellitus, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100036, China.
The BRAFV600E mutation does not predict lymph node metastasis or recurrence in Chinese papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC). High-volume lymph node metastasis, however, is linked to poorer PTMC prognosis.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Genetics
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) prognosis is debated regarding BRAFV600E mutation status.
- The BRAFV600E mutation's role in risk-stratifying papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) remains controversial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between BRAFV600E mutation and clinicopathological features in Chinese PTMC patients.
- To evaluate the BRAFV600E mutation's predictive value for recurrence in Chinese PTMC.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 2094 PTMC patients who underwent surgery and BRAFV600E testing.
- Comparison of clinicopathological characteristics, disease-free survival (DFS), and treatment response between BRAFV600E-mutated and non-mutated groups.
Main Results:
- BRAFV600E mutation was highly prevalent (90.6%) in the study cohort.
- No significant differences in lymph node metastasis (LNM) or 3-year DFS were observed between mutation groups.
- High-volume LNM (over 5) was identified as an independent risk factor for PTMC response to therapy.
Conclusions:
- BRAFV600E mutation is not a reliable predictor of LNM or recurrence in Chinese PTMC.
- High-volume LNM significantly impacts PTMC prognosis, independent of BRAFV600E status.
Related Concept Videos
01:20The Retinoblastoma Gene
The first-ever tumor suppressor gene called Rb was identified in retinoblastoma - a rare eye tumor in children. In inherited forms of the disease, a child inherits one defective copy of the Rb gene, which predisposes them to retinoblastoma. However,...
02:23Abnormal Proliferation
01:12Loss of Tumor Suppressor Gene Functions
When the tumor suppressor genes develop mutations or are lost, cells start growing out of control, leading to cancer. However, a single functional copy of the tumor suppressor gene is enough for the cells to maintain their normal functions and cell...