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Diagnosis and Evaluation of Aggressiveness Using Circulating Plasma miRNAs in Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinoma
Jiwon Jang1, Ji Min Kim1, Sung-Chan Shin1
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, College of Medicine, Pusan National University and Biomedical Research Institute, Pusan National University Hospital, Busan 49241, Republic of Korea.
Abstract:
Background/Objectives: MicroRNAs are emerging as valuable diagnostic markers for various diseases, including papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). However, there is limited research on circulating miRNA expression in papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC). Therefore, we conducted a study to explore whether plasma-derived miRNAs can distinguish PTMC from benign nodules or predict aggressiveness. Methods: A total of 150 patients who underwent thyroidectomy from January 2013 to July 2021 were enrolled in this study. Patients were divided into three groups: benign, low-risk PTMC, and advanced PTMC. Nine patients from each group were selected for microarray analysis for plasma miRNAs. Six miRNAs were selected for comparison of expression levels using TaqMan assay. The ROC curve was utilized to evaluate the diagnostic and aggressiveness value of the miRNAs. Results: From the microarray analysis, miR-455-3p and miR-548ac were identified as miRNAs that can significantly differentiate between benign nodules and PTMC. A combination of six miRNAs (miR-455-3p, miR-548ac., miR-221, miR-222, miR-146a. miR-146b) rather than individual miRNAs had the highest AUC (0.857), sensitivity (0.867), and specificity (0.800) in differentiating benign and PTMC. In microarray analysis, no significant miRNAs were observed to distinguish between low-risk group and aggressive PTMC. However, in the six-miRNA combination, it was possible to distinguish low-risk PTMC from aggressive PTMC with an AUC of 0.763, sensitivity of 0.739, and the specificity of 0.727. Conclusions: A combination of six miRNAs presents the possibility of distinguishing between benign and PTMC and low-risk and aggressive PTMC with an acceptable AUC, sensitivity, and specificity.
Insights
A panel of six microRNAs in plasma can help differentiate papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) from benign nodules and predict tumor aggressiveness. This discovery offers potential for improved PTMC diagnosis and risk stratification in thyroid cancer research.
Area of Science:
- Biomarkers
- Molecular Diagnostics
- Oncology
Background:
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) show promise as diagnostic markers for various diseases, including papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC).
- Limited research exists on circulating miRNA expression specifically in papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC).
- Plasma-derived miRNAs require investigation for their potential to distinguish PTMC from benign nodules and assess tumor aggressiveness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate plasma-derived miRNA expression profiles in patients with PTMC.
- To determine if circulating miRNAs can differentiate PTMC from benign thyroid nodules.
- To assess the potential of miRNAs in predicting the aggressiveness of PTMC.
Main Methods:
- 150 patients undergoing thyroidectomy were categorized into benign, low-risk PTMC, and advanced PTMC groups.
- Plasma miRNA expression was analyzed using microarray analysis in nine patients per group.
- Six selected miRNAs were further validated using TaqMan assays, with ROC curve analysis for diagnostic and prognostic value.
Main Results:
- Microarray analysis identified miR-455-3p and miR-548ac as key differentiators between benign nodules and PTMC.
- A combination of six miRNAs (miR-455-3p, miR-548ac, miR-221, miR-222, miR-146a, miR-146b) achieved high diagnostic performance (AUC 0.857) for benign vs. PTMC.
- The six-miRNA combination also demonstrated potential in distinguishing low-risk PTMC from aggressive PTMC (AUC 0.763).
Conclusions:
- A specific combination of six plasma miRNAs can effectively differentiate benign thyroid nodules from PTMC.
- This miRNA panel also shows promise in distinguishing between low-risk and aggressive PTMC.
- The findings suggest a potential role for this six-miRNA signature in the non-invasive diagnosis and risk stratification of PTMC.
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