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Detection of circulating thyroid cells in peripheral blood
B A Ditkoff1, M R Marvin, S Yemul
1College of Physicians & Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA.
Surgery
|December 1, 1996
Summary
Detecting thyroglobulin messenger RNA (mRNA) in blood using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) can identify patients with metastatic thyroid cancer. This method aids in identifying patients at risk for recurrent or persistent disease post-surgery.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Metastatic thyroid cancer poses a significant challenge in postoperative patient management.
- Early detection of residual or recurrent disease is crucial for effective treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the utility of detecting thyroglobulin RNA transcripts in peripheral blood for identifying patients with metastatic thyroid cancer.
- To assess the correlation between thyroglobulin mRNA detection and the presence of extrathyroidal disease.
Main Methods:
- Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was employed to detect thyroglobulin mRNA in blood samples.
- Blood samples were collected from 100 patients, including those with known metastatic thyroid cancer, thyroid cancer without metastases, benign thyroid disease, and healthy volunteers.
Main Results:
- Thyroglobulin transcripts were detected in all nine patients with metastatic thyroid cancer.
- Transcripts were found in seven of 78 patients with non-metastatic thyroid cancer, some with a history of metastasis or co-occurring cancers.
- No transcripts were detected in patients with benign thyroid disease or in normal volunteers.
Conclusions:
- RT-PCR is a sensitive method for detecting thyroglobulin mRNA in peripheral blood.
- The presence of thyroglobulin mRNA transcripts in blood is indicative of extrathyroidal disease, aiding in the identification of metastatic thyroid cancer.