PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR DIAGNOSTICS OF THYROID CANCER: THE ROLE OF BIOMARKERS AND GENE EXPRESSION
PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR DIAGNOSTICS OF THYROID CANCER: THE ROLE OF BIOMARKERS AND GENE EXPRESSION

Summary/Abstract: Background: In recent years, the incidence of thyroid cancer has increased, while mortality remains low. The current WHO classification emphasizes the importance of molecular and biological features in differentiating thyroid cancers. The widespread use of ultrasound and molecular techniques has significantly improved the diagnosis of thyroid lesions, including low-risk lesions such as papillary carcinoma, which is the most frequently diagnosed type of thyroid cancer.Aim of the study: The aim of this review was to present current knowledge on molecular diagnostic methods in thyroid cancer and on gene expression profiles used to differentiate malignant and benign tumors, which may serve as a reference point for further research.Material and methods: The analysis was conducted on the basis of 60 publications (18 reviews, 35 original research articles, and 7 guidelines) available in the PubMed, Google Scholar, and WHO databases. The literature search was performed using phrases related to the molecular diagnosis of thyroid cancer.Results: Potential biomarkers with diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic significance for specific types of thyroid cancer were identified. These included TROP-2 and HBME-1 in follicular thyroid cancer; ITGA3, cyclin D1, and claudin-1 in papillary thyroid cancer; and the oncogenes CCNB1, CDK1, and TOP2A in anaplastic thyroid cancer. Molecular analysis of medullary thyroid cancer revealed a unique expression profile of 81 genes, as well as 15 genes specific for distinguishing this cancer type from other thyroid cancer subtypes.Conclusions: Further research on the described biomarkers may contribute to improved personalization of thyroid cancer diagnosis and treatment, reducing overtreatment in low-risk patients and improving the prognosis of patients with aggressive tumors.

• Details
• Contents