title: Molecular analysis of thyroid tumors.
abstract: In the recent years, a large number of molecular alterations in thyroid cancer has been discovered and characterized. Some of these markers may have significant diagnostic utility, can be used for tumor prognostication, and serve as potential therapeutic targets. The diagnostic utility of these markers is of particular importance in thyroid fine-needle aspiration samples. Some molecular markers, such as BRAF, offer help in risk stratification and can be potentially used to optimize surgical and postsurgical management of patients with thyroid cancer. This review discusses major molecular alterations known to occur in thyroid cancer, focusing on those markers that have been extensively characterized, carry clinical significance, and are being introduced into pathology practice.
authors: Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA. nikiforovye@upmc.edu
authors: Yuri E
authors: YE
authors: Nikiforov
mesh_terms: D005819:Genetic Markers; D006801:Humans; D025202:Molecular Diagnostic Techniques; D009154:Mutation; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D015689:Oncogene Protein p21(ras) / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D000072636:PAX8 Transcription Factor; D047495:PPAR gamma / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D051761:Paired Box Transcription Factors / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D011379:Prognosis; D048493:Proto-Oncogene Proteins B-raf / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D051096:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-ret / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D043562:Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D013964:Thyroid Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D000098706:Taste Receptors, Type 2
chemical_list: D005819:Genetic Markers; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins; D000072636:PAX8 Transcription Factor; C083325:PAX8 protein, human; D047495:PPAR gamma; D051761:Paired Box Transcription Factors; D043562:Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled; D000098706:Taste Receptors, Type 2; D051096:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-ret; C099282:RET protein, human; C482119:BRAF protein, human; D048493:Proto-Oncogene Proteins B-raf; D015689:Oncogene Protein p21(ras)