FOXE1, IMP-3, and TERT expressions in papillary thyroid carcinomas

Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is the most common thyroid cancer. The present study aims to compare the forkhead box E1 (FOXE1), insulin-like growth factor II mRNA binding protein 3 (IMP-3), and telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) immunoexpressions with clinical and prognostic histopathological findings in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma.

The study included 166 patients diagnosed with PTC. FOXE1, IMP-3, and TERT antibodies were applied to the sections, and the results were compared with patient characteristics.

The results revealed a significant relationship between FOXE1 positivity and the presence of lymphovascular invasion. There was also a significant relationship between TERT positivity and the absence of lymphocytic thyroiditis in the non-tumor thyroid tissue. No statistically significant relationship was observed between antibody staining patterns and the other studied parameters.

In conclusion, FOXE1 immunoreactivity may be a sign of lymphovascular invasion in PTCs that are prone to local extension through lymphatic vessels or direct local invasion. The patients with FOXE1 positivity require close attention with regards to lymphovascular invasion and lymph node metastasis. The authors consider that prospective studies on larger series involving molecular analysis of fine-needle aspiration specimens would contribute to preoperative diagnosis and clinical management of the patients.