The application of ultrasound combined with molecular markers Galectin-3, c-Met, HBME-1, CK19 expressions for lymph node metastasis and prognosis in thyroid carcinoma

Abstract

Objective To explore the correlation between Galectin-3, c-Met, HBME-1, CK19 and lymph node metastasis of thyroid carcinoma, and study the value of ultrasound combined with the markers in estimating prognosis. Methods From December 2015 to September 2016, 46 patients with thyroid nodules (8 were benign and 38 were malignant) who undergone surgery in our hospital were screened out. Preoperative analysis of ultrasonic manifestations of cervical lymph nodes and the evaluation of lymph node had been done before surgery.Immunohistochemical test of Galectin-3, c-Met, HBME-1 and CK19 by Maxvision one step method for postoperative paraffin wax block were performed. Pathology was the gold standard for the final determination of metastatic lymph nodes. Results Chi-square and prospective chi-square test results showed that ultrasound assessment of metastatic lymph nodes compared with the final pathological results were statistically significant (P<0.001). The expressions of Galectin-3 and c-Met were statistically significant compared with the lymph node metastasis confirmed by pathology (Galectin-3: P=0.005; c-Met: P<0.001). The expressions of HBME-1 and CK19 were not statistically significant (HBME-1: P=0.162, CK19: P=0.154). ROC curve results showed that the comparison of Galectin-3 and c-Met and ultrasound cut-off value had the highest diagnostic value, the sensitivity was 92.3% and the specificity was 80.0%. Conclusions The expressions of Galectin-3 and c-Met are associated with lymph node metastasis of thyroid carcinoma, but HBME-1 and CK19 are not. Ultrasound combined with the expression of the markers for lymph node metastasis is valuable in guiding the prognosis of patients. Key words: Ultrasonography; Thyroid neoplasms; Molecular markers; Lymph Nodes