A Retrospective Evaluation of the Diagnostic Performance of an Interdependent Pairwise MicroRNA Expression Analysis with a Mutation Panel in Indeterminate Thyroid Nodules.

The addition of genetic analysis to the evaluation of thyroid nodule fine-needle aspiration biopsy samples improves diagnostic accuracy of cytologically indeterminate thyroid nodules (ITNs) with Bethesda III or IV cytopathology. We previously reported the performance of a multiplatform molecular test, referred to in this study as MPTXv1, that includes a mutation panel (ThyGeNEXT) plus an algorithmic microRNA (miRNA) risk classifier (ThyraMIR). Complex interactions of growth-promoting and -suppressing miRNAs affect the phenotype.

Utility of microdissected cytology smears for molecular analysis of thyroid malignancy.

Background: Molecular testing of thyroid fine-needle aspirates has demonstrated value in cases of indeterminate cytology (Bethesda categories III, IV, and V) enabling optimized individual patient management leading to better outcomes with health economic benefits. For most molecular testing modalities, including mutational panels and classifier analyses, part or all of a dedicated needle aspiration pass is required to obtain an adequate sample for testing. Our analysis, which is based on a combination approach (mutation detection and microRNA classifier status), has documented clinical validity and utility when performed on thyroid fine-needle aspirates placed directly into RNA preservative fluid.