Summary
Many miRNAs have been proposed as promising molecular markers of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). However, there are limited data on the correlation between miRNA expression, and neck lymph node metastasis. Analysis of miRNAs expression data may improve perioperative decision making for patients with PTC, specifically in identifying patients harboring neck lymph node metastases (LNM).
Aim of the study. To determine and compare miRNA expression profiles of papillary thyroid carcinoma with lymph node metastases and papillary thyroid carcinoma without lymph node metastases and to determine the diagnostic utility of the detection of specific miRNAs in the preoperative assessment of thyroid nodules.
Material and methods. Sixty thyroid fine needle aspiration samples with suspected thyroid carcinoma were collected in the prospective molecular study at Vilnius University hospital “Santaros klinikos”. Next generation sequencing was performed to characterize miRNA and gene expression profiles in these FNA samples. All 60 patients underwent thyroidectomy: 33 papillary carcinomas without lymph node metastases, 15 papillary carcinomas with lymph node metastases and 12 benign thyroid nodules were diagnosed histologically.
Results. 10 miRNAs were significantly differentially expressed between papillary thyroid carcinoma with metastases compared with papillary thyroid carcinoma without metastases (p value <0.05; fold change ≤−2.0 or ≥2.0).
Conclusions. Analysis of miRNAs expression levels and detection of FNA miRNAs can be used for the preoperative diagnosis of thyroid cancer cervical lymph node metastasis. To translate these data into clinical application, large cohort studies are required to examine the prognostic and diagnostic value of miRNAs panels.
