B-RAF V600E mutational analysis of fine needle aspirates correlates with diagnosis of thyroid nodules.
OBJECTIVE
A mutation of B-type RAF kinase (B-RAF) represents the most common genetic alteration in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC), possibly signifying a more aggressive biology. Fine needle aspiration (FNA) represents the most useful initial diagnostic tool of thyroid nodules. Molecular analysis of the mutation status of B-RAF in thyroid nodule FNAs may provide guidance for treatment planning.


METHODS
Cross-sectional study.


METHODS
A retrospective chart review was undertaken for clinically relevant data of papillary thyroid cancer (PTC), follicular variant of PTC (FV-PTC), and nonmalignant goiters. After blinded pathologic review, histologic and cytologic samples were analyzed by LightCycler PCR (LCPCR) with allele-specific fluorescent probe melting curve analysis (FMCA) for the V600E mutation of B-RAF.


RESULTS
Of the 45 patient samples analyzed, B-RAF mutation was found to be significantly higher in papillary carcinomas when compared to follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinomas (55.6% vs 14.3%, P = 0.05). Pathologic B-RAF mutational status significantly correlated with cytologic B-RAF mutational status (P < 0.0001), cytologic interpretation (P = 0.012), and histologic diagnosis (P = 0.011).


CONCLUSIONS
Determination of B-RAF V600E mutation of thyroid nodule FNAs by LCPCR may be a useful tool to guide treatment planning. These data support investigating the utility of this molecular marker in a prospective manner.
Bentz
Brandon G
BG
Department of Surgery, Division of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA. brandon.bentz@hci.utah.edu
Miller
Brian T
BT
Holden
Joseph A
JA
Rowe
Leslie R
LR
Bentz
Joel S
JS
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000483:Alleles; D044963:Biopsy, Fine-Needle; D002291:Carcinoma, Papillary / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000235:genetics* / Q000473:pathology; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004252:DNA Mutational Analysis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D048493:Proto-Oncogene Proteins B-raf / Q000235:genetics*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016606:Thyroid Nodule / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000235:genetics* / Q000473:pathology
C482119:BRAF protein, human; D048493:Proto-Oncogene Proteins B-raf