Metastatic Thyroid Research Articles

Matrix Metalloproteinase 9/microRNA-145 Ratio: Bridging Genomic and Immunological Variabilities in Thyroid Cancer.

Matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) and microRNA-145 (miR-145) have emerged as essential biomarkers in thyroid cancer progression and metastasis. However, their combined evaluation and clinical utility as a unified prognostic marker across diverse thyroid cancer subgroups remain unexplored. We investigated the diagnostic and prognostic value of the MMP9/miR-145 ratio in thyroid cancer, hypothesizing it may overcome inter-patient heterogeneity and serve as a versatile biomarker regardless of genetic mutations or autoimmune status. MMP9 and miR-145 expressions were analyzed in 175 paired papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) and normal tissues. Plasma levels were assessed perioperatively and longitudinally over 12-18 months in 86 matched PTC patients. The associations with clinicopathological parameters and patient outcomes were evaluated. MMP9 was upregulated, and miR-145 downregulated in cancer tissues, with a median MMP9/miR-145 ratio 17.6-fold higher versus controls. The tissue ratio accurately diagnosed thyroid malignancy regardless of BRAF mutation or Hashimoto's thyroiditis status, overcoming genetic and autoimmune heterogeneity. A high preoperative circulating ratio predicted aggressive disease features, including lymph node metastasis, extrathyroidal extension, progression/relapse, and recurrence. Although the preoperative plasma ratio was elevated in patients with unfavorable outcomes, it had limited utility for post-surgical monitoring. In conclusion, the MMP9/miR-145 ratio is a promising biomarker in PTC that bridges genetic and immunological variabilities, enhancing preoperative diagnosis and prognostication across diverse patient subgroups. It accurately stratifies heterogenous cases by aggressiveness. The longitudinal trends indicate decreasing applicability for post-thyroidectomy surveillance. Further large-scale validation and protocol standardization can facilitate clinical translation of the MMP9/miR-145 ratio to guide personalized thyroid cancer management.

Use of ultrasonographic shear wave measurements to diagnose thyroid metastasis from breast carcinoma.

A metastatic thyroid tumor (MTT) arising from breast carcinoma (BC) is rare and sometimes difficult to diagnose. We present a case of MTT from BC; we suspected anaplastic thyroid carcinoma at initial presentation. The patient was a 58-year-old female with a hard nodule in the right anterior neck and a history of breast cancer. Computed tomography indicated tumors on both thyroid lobes, and ultrasonography (US) with shear wave measurement (SWM) showed malignant features. We performed fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC), the results of which led us to strongly suspect MTT from BC. The surgically resected specimen was evaluated histopathologically, including by immunohistochemistry (IHC), and the diagnosis was confirmed. In addition to FNAC and IHC, SWM is useful to diagnose MTT from BC.

The value of core needle biopsy in the diagnostic workup of a [18F]FDG-PET positive thyroid metastasis from colorectal cancer.

The value of core needle biopsy in the diagnostic workup of a [18F]FDG-PET positive thyroid metastasis from colorectal cancer.

Issues with the targeted therapy of non‑small cell lung cancer with thyroid metastases: A case report

Issues with the targeted therapy of non‑small cell lung cancer with thyroid metastases: A case report

Retracted: Mst2 Overexpression Inhibits Thyroid Carcinoma Growth and Metastasis by Disrupting Mitochondrial Fitness and Endoplasmic Reticulum Homeostasis.

[This retracts the article DOI: 10.1155/2021/1262291.].

Isolated thyroid gland metastasis from bladder urothelial carcinoma: a rare description and literature analysis.

Isolated thyroid gland metastasis from bladder urothelial carcinoma: a rare description and literature analysis.

Tetraspanin 1 regulates papillary thyroid tumor growth and metastasis through c-Myc-mediated glycolysis.

Papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) is the most common form of thyroid cancer and is characterized by its tendency for lymphatic metastasis, leading to a poor prognosis. Tetraspanin 1 (TSPAN1) is a member of the tetra-transmembrane protein superfamily and has been implicated in tumorigenesis and cancer metastasis in various studies. However, the role of TSPAN1 in PTC tumor development remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to investigate the impact of TSPAN1 on PTC cell behavior. Our results demonstrate that knockdown of TSPAN1 inhibits PTC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, while overexpression of TSPAN1 has the opposite effect. These findings suggest that TSPAN1 might play a role in the tumorigenesis and invasiveness of PTC. Mechanistically, we found that TSPAN1 activates the ERK pathway by increasing its phosphorylation, subsequently leading to upregulated expression of c-Myc. Additionally, we observed that TSPAN1-ERK-c-Myc axis activation promotes glycolytic activity in PTC cells, as evidenced by the upregulation of glycolytic genes such as LDHA. Taken together, our findings indicate that TSPAN1 acts as an oncogene in PTC by regulating glycolytic metabolism. This discovery highlights the potential of TSPAN1 as a promising therapeutic target for PTC treatment. Further research in this area could provide valuable insights into the development of targeted therapies for PTC patients.

A CASE ILLUSTRATION AND LITERATURE REVIEW OF THYROID CANCER METASTASIS TO THE PITUITARY FOSSA

Abstract AIMS To understand the clinico-radiological and histopathological features, treatment strategies and outcomes of patients with thyroid cancer metastasis to the pituitary fossa. METHOD A 71-year-old man presented with a few months’ history of headaches, blurred vision, diplopia and right sided ptosis. MRI head revealed a 2.5cm pituitary fossa lesion distorting the optic chiasm with right sided cavernous sinus invasion. It also showed frontal, temporal and parieto-occipital lesions. CT thorax, abdomen and pelvis found a retrosternal thyroid goitre. An open biopsy of the occipital lobe lesion revealed a metastatic papillary adenocarcinoma from the thyroid gland. An ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration of the goitre and abnormal level IV lymph nodes revealed Thy5. The patient subsequently underwent an endoscopic transsphenoidal resection of the pituitary tumour which was confirmed to be a carcinoma. A date and language unrestricted literature search was performed across the MEDLINE, Embase (via Ovid) and Scopus databases using keywords relating metastasis, the pituitary & thyroid glands, and the brain. Citations reporting patients with thyroid metastasis to the pituitary fossa were included. A predetermined proforma was used to extract and store data from the included citations. RESULTS After de-duplication, 2,833 citations were screened for eligibility and 42 citations met the inclusion criteria. CONCLUSIONS We present a rare case illustration and literature review of patients with thyroid cancer metastasis to the pituitary fossa.

Thyroid metastasis from nasopharyngeal cancer: a case report

Background. Nasopharyngeal cancer is a rare head and neck cancer with a relatively high risk of locoregional recurrence and distant metastases. The most common sites of metastases are bones (70–80 %) followed by liver (30 %), lung (18 %), and lymph node (axillary, mediastinal, pelvic, and inguinal). Thyroid gland is an uncommon site of metastasis with an incidence ranging from 0.5% to 24 %. Thyroid metastasis from nasopharyngeal cancer has been reported in only 9 cases in the world literature and no one in Russia. Case report. We report a case of thyroid metastasis from nasopharyngeal cancer found incidentally in a 53-year-old female patient. Conclusion. Metastases to the thyroid gland are rare, and patients with metastatic thyroid disease rarely present with organ-specifc symptoms, thus raising diagnostic diffculties for both clinicians and the pathologists. This clinical report demonstrates the diffculties of differential diagnosis,as well as the importance of a thorough collection of complaints, anamnesis, and clinical examination.

CircGLIS3 inhibits thyroid cancer invasion and metastasis through miR-146b-3p/AIF1L axis.

Studies have shown that circRNA is involved in the occurrence and development of human cancers. However, it remains unclear that the contribution of circRNA in thyroid carcinoma and its role in the process of tumorigenesis. The expression profile of circRNA-miRNA-mRNA in thyroid carcinoma was detected by RNA sequencing and verified by qRT-PCR. The characteristics of circGLIS3 were verified by RNase R and actinomycin assays, subcellular fractionation, and fluorescence in situ hybridization. The functions of circGLIS3 and AIF1L were detected by wound healing, transwell, 3D culture and Western blot. RNA Immunoprecipitation (RIP), RNA pulldown and dual-luciferase reporter assays were used to verify the target genes of circGLIS3 and downstream miRNAs. Functional rescue experiments were performed by transfecting miRNA mimics or siRNA of target genes. Finally, metastatic mouse models were used to investigate circGLIS3 function in vivo. In this study, we discovered a novel circRNA (has_circ_0007368, named as circGLIS3) by RNA sequencing. CircGLIS3 was down-regulated in thyroid carcinoma tissues and cells line, and was negatively associated with malignant clinical features of thyroid carcinoma. Functional studies found that circGLIS3 could inhibit the migration and invasion of thyroid carcinoma cells, and was related to the EMT process. Mechanistically, circGLIS3 can upregulate the expression of the AIF1L gene by acting as a miR-146b-3p sponge to inhibit the progression of thyroid carcinoma. Our study identified circGLIS3 as a novel tumor suppressor in thyroid cancer, indicating the potential of circGLIS3 as a promising diagnostic and prognostic marker for thyroid cancer.

Lung Adenocarcinoma with Massive Calcified Lymphadenopathy and Thyroid Metastases

Lung Adenocarcinoma with Massive Calcified Lymphadenopathy and Thyroid Metastases

Updates from Our Institutional Experience with Thyroid Nodules Diagnosed as Metastases.

Thyroid metastases (TMs) are a rare entity, ranging between 0 and 24% in the autopsy series. In the assessment of the best management, the discrimination between a primary and a metastatic thyroid lesion is crucial. In this regard, fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is likely to play a crucial role especially when ancillary techniques (i.e., immunocytochemistry (ICC) and molecular testing) are carried out. We searched for all the TMs diagnosed using FNAC and analyzed between 2014 and 2023. The cases were processed with liquid-based (LBC) and ICC and molecular testing performed on LBC-stored material. We reported 2.2% (19 cases) of TMs out of 1022 malignancies. TMs included: 1 larynx carcinoma (LX-Ca), 1 melanoma, 2 breast carcinomas (B-Ca), 3 lung carcinomas (LG-Ca), 4 gastro-intestinal carcinomas (GI-Ca), and 8 clear cell renal carcinomas (CCRC). All patients had a previous cancer history, between 300 and 2 months from the primary cancers. The morphological features were supported by ICC, which were contributive in 100% of cases. All TMs cases were characterized by multiple thyroid nodules except the melanoma case. Four cases underwent total thyroidectomy (1 B, 1 LX, 1 melanoma, and 1 CCRC) whilst 15 TMs were treated with radio-chemotherapy. FNAC empowered the diagnostic workup of patients with TMs avoiding useless surgery. The low sensitivity of cytology might be reinforced by the application of ancillary techniques. We found a predominant rate of kidney metastatic carcinomas, followed by lung and breast. TMs are frequently multifocal and in a context of a systemic disease so a tailored therapy seems to be the best treatment.

Anesthesia Management of a Patient with Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma Recurrence and Metastasis to the Right Atrium and Superior Vena Cava: A Case Report

Postoperative recurrence and metastasis of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) to the superior vena cava (SVC) and right atrium (RA) are rare. The application of Extracorporeal Jugular-femoral Vein Bypass and anesthesia management for SVC reconstruction in this rare situation holds instructive significance. In this case, we describe the successful anesthesia management of a patient with multiple tumor thrombi due to postoperative recurrence of PTC. The diagnosis was based on computed tomography of the chest and blood vessels, revealing three-dimensional SVC, postoperative recurrence of PTC, and multiple tumor thrombi in the internal jugular vein (IJV), subclavian vein, brachiocephalic vein, SVC, and RA. An experienced multidisciplinary team was established, and a detailed plan was made for respiration and circulation support, with cardiopulmonary bypass on standby.

Role and expression of miRNAs (miRNA 149_5p, miRNA-548c-3p, miRNA 3619-3p) in Papillary thyroid cancer progression and metastasis

Searchable abstracts of presentations at key conferences in endocrinology ISSN 1470-3947 (print) | ISSN 1479-6848 (online)

Metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the lung to the thyroid gland presented as nodular goiter: a rare case report.

A 58-year-old male patient presented with bilateral neck swelling. Fine needle aspiration is performed and was undetermined. Ultrasonography of the neck demonstrated multiple hypoechoic nodules with thyroid enlargement. The patient was diagnosed with nodular goitre and he underwent a total thyroidectomy. Microscopically, the Hematoxylin and eosin-stained sections revealed thyroid follicles with sheets composed of polygonal cells with pleomorphic nuclei, prominent nucleoli, and a moderate amount of eosinophilic cytoplasm. Keratin pearls were present. Based on histopathological and clinical findings, the final diagnosis was metastatic SCC to the thyroid gland. Clinically, patients with thyroid metastasis presented with nonspecific symptoms such as thyroid nodule or goitre, cervical discomfort, dyspnoea, dysphagia, or dysphonia. Chemotherapy is used in the case of a poly metastatic tumour and radiotherapy as a palliative treatment whereas radioiodine treatment is not indicated for thyroid metastases. Diagnosis of SCC in the thyroid gland as a primary or metastatic neoplasm is a significant challenge. In the absence of specific clinical or radiological signs, pathological studies remain the gold standard for diagnosis.

Kidney cancer with thyroid metastasis combined with thyroid carcinoma, a case report

BackgroundThyroid cancer is the most common malignant tumor of the endocrine system. There have been some reports on kidney cancer with thyroid metastasis. However, kidney cancer has rarely been detected during thyroid cancer surgery.Case presentationWe present a rare case of kidney cancer with thyroid metastasis, combined with thyroid carcinoma. A 66-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital in September 2021 due to enlarged left thyroid nodules for two years. The patient was diagnosed with a left thyroid nodule on physical examination in 2012. Extended radical resection of the thyroid cancer was performed. Intraoperatively, two thyroid lesions were identified. Thus, the patient was definitively diagnosed with kidney cancer with thyroid metastasis and papillary thyroid carcinoma. Furthermore, two metastatic nodules due to kidney cancer and one metastatic lymph node lesion due to thyroid cancer were found in the loose connective tissue adjacent to the thyroid.ConclusionsKidney cancer with thyroid metastasis and thyroid carcinoma rarely co-occur, and it is difficult to identify the primary tumor. Although clinical examination methods are increasingly updated, the past medical history and physical examination are still very important.

Flavonoids as Strong Inhibitors of MAPK3: A Computational Drug Discovery Approach.

Mitogen-activated protein kinase 3 (MAPK3) mediates the onset, progression, metastasis, drug resistance, and poor prognosis in various malignancies, including glioma, liver, ovarian, thyroid, lung, breast, gastric, and oral cancers. Negative regulation of MAPK3 expression using miRNAs has led to therapeutic effects in cancer. The present study performed molecular docking and dynamics simulation to identify potential MAPK3 inhibitors from natural flavonoids, possibly leading to drug development in cancer therapy. A computational drug discovery approach was performed using the AutoDock tool to identify potential MAPK3 inhibitors from 46 plant-based flavonoids. A cross-validation study was executed using the Schrödinger Maestro docking tool. Molecular dynamics (MD) was executed to evaluate the stability of docked poses between the top-ranked compounds and the MAPK3 catalytic domain. Interactions among the most potent MAPK3 inhibitors and residues within the receptor's active site were studied using the BIOVIA Discovery Studio Visualizer before and after 100 ns MD simulations. Kaempferol 3-rutinoside-4'-glucoside, kaempferol 3-rutinoside-7-sophoroside, rutin, and vicenin-2 exhibited a magnificent binding affinity to the receptor's active site. In addition, the stability of the docked poses of these compounds seemed to be stable after ∼45 ns computer simulations. The present study suggests that kaempferol 3-rutinoside-4'-glucoside, kaempferol 3-rutinoside-7-sophoroside, rutin, and vicenin-2 could strongly bind to the MAPK3 catalytic site and could be assigned as a potent inhibitor for MAPK3. These findings may be helpful in the treatment of various cancers. However, further validation experiments are needed.

Colorectal cancer metastases in thyroid: case report and literature review

BackgroundThe thyroid gland is an uncommon site for metastatic deposits from non-thyroid malignancies, occurring in only 1.4 - 3% of surgical specimens where malignancy is suspected. It is even rarer for the source of thyroid metastases to be of colorectal origin. In most cases reported, colorectal metastases in the thyroid occurs many years later after the primary colorectal cancer has been diagnosed and treated. In this unique case, a primary sigmoid carcinoma metastasised to the thyroid gland and presented synchronously as a thyroid nodule.Case presentationWe describe a case of a 64-year-old Caucasian woman who presented with clinical features of metastatic cancer of unknown origin. Her medical history included underlying hyperthyroidism. She had a large pelvic mass adjacent to the sigmoid colon, a left lower lobe lung mass and a suspicious nodule in the left thyroid lobe. A fine-needle aspiration biopsy of the thyroid nodule was performed, which remarkably showed malignant cells originating from primary colorectal cancer on immunohistochemical staining. The patient was managed with palliative chemotherapy given the poor prognosis due to disseminated colorectal malignancy.ConclusionsColorectal adenocarcinoma metastases can rarely present as a metastatic thyroid nodule. Fine-needle aspiration should be performed in suspicious thyroid nodules and may be the least invasive way of identifying a metastatic colorectal or other non-thyroidal malignancy in patients presenting with an unknown primary. The pathologist should be vigilant to this possibility and specific immunohistochemical markers should be used to ensure accurate diagnosis.In thyroid metastases, the prognosis is ultimately determined by the primary tumour but thyroidectomy still has a role in alleviating compressive symptoms and can potentially improve survival in selected cases.

A Neck-Thyroid Phantom with Small Sizes of Thyroid Remnants for Postsurgical I-123 and I-131 SPECT/CT Imaging.

Post-surgical I-123 and I-131 SPECT/CT imaging can provide information on the presence and sizes of thyroid remnants and/or metastasis for an accurate re-staging of disease to apply an individualized radioiodine therapy. The purpose of this study was to develop and validate a neck-thyroid phantom with small sizes of thyroid remnants to be utilized for the optimization of post-surgical SPECT/CT imaging. 3D printing and molding techniques were used to develop the hollow human-shaped and -sized phantom which enclosed the trachea, esophagus, cervical spine, clavicle, and multiple detachable sections with different sizes of thyroid remnant in clinically relevant positions. CT images were acquired to evaluate the morphology of the phantom and the sizes of remnants. Triple-energy window scattered and attenuation corrected SPECT images were acquired for this phantom and for a modified RS-542 commercial solid neck-thyroid phantom. The response and sensitivity of the SPECT modality for different administered I-123 and I-131 activities within the equal-size remnants of both phantoms were calculated. When we compared the phantoms, using the same radiopharmaceutical and similar activities, we found that the measured sensitivities were comparable. In all cases, the I-123 counting rate was higher than the I-131 one. This phantom with capabilities to insert different small sizes of remnants and simulate different background-to-remnants activity ratios can be utilized to evaluate postsurgical thyroid SPECT/CT imaging procedures.

Thyroid Metastasis from Primary Breast Cancer.

Breast cancer (BC), the most commonly diagnosed malignancy, frequently metastasizes to the bone, lungs, brain and liver at advanced stages, whereas the thyroid gland represents a rare target site for secondary disease. We examined the most recent literature about thyroid metastasis (TM) from BC after we encountered a peculiar case of a 71-year-old woman who developed sudden dysphagia, severe hypothyroidism and hypoparathyroidism due to TM 18 years after the diagnosis of her primary cancer. Based on published data, the prevalence of TM in BC ranges from 3% to 34%, with a median onset time of 48.2 months, although longer time intervals are not infrequent. TM negatively impacts the prognosis of these patients, however thyroid surgery can limit the local disease burden. Therefore, we suggest that clinicians involved in the follow-up care of BC patients should consider a differential diagnosis of secondary thyroid malignancy when incidental lesions are diagnosed during radiological evaluations or local symptoms affect the cervical region, even many years after the diagnosis of the primary cancer.