RET fusion genes in pediatric and adult thyroid carcinomas: cohort characteristics and prognosis.

Thyroid cancer is associated with a broad range of different mutations, including RET (rearranged during transfection) fusion genes. The importance of characterizing RET fusion-positive tumors has recently increased due to the possibility of targeted treatment. The aim of this study was to identify RET fusion-positive thyroid tumors, correlate them with clinicopathological features, compare them with other mutated carcinomas, and evaluate long-term follow-up of patients.

Fusion Genes in Thyroid Carcinomas: Clinicopathological Characteristics and Their Impacts on Prognosis.

Chromosomal rearrangements of genes are oncogenic driver mutations in thyroid cancer (TC). This study aimed to identify fusion-positive thyroid tumors and to correlate them with clinical and pathological data and determine their prognostic significance. The cohort consisted of 989 different TC samples.

Polymorphisms in selected DNA repair genes and cell cycle regulating genes involved in the risk of papillary thyroid carcinoma.

Background: Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is the most common type of thyroid cancer. In addition to causal somatic mutations in the BRAF gene and RET/PTC rearrangements, the contribution of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in low-penetrance genes in the development of PTC has been proposed.

Methods: Four SNPs in the XRCC1 (Arg399Gln, Arg280His, Arg194Trp and T-77C) and one SNP from each of three other genes participating in DNA repair pathways and/or cell cycle regulation (ATM Asp1853Asn, TP53 Arg72Pro, CDKN1B Val109Gly) were selected.

Search for new genetic biomarkers in poorly differentiated and anaplastic thyroid carcinomas using next generation sequencing.

Background: Poorly differentiated thyroid carcinoma (PDTC) and anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) are very rare tumors with extremely aggressive behavior. Their comprehensive genetic background is still unclear. Some of the main genetic changes of differentiated thyroid carcinomas, such as mutations in BRAF and RAS genes, as well as changes in CTNNB1, PIK3CA, TP53, AXIN1, PTEN or APC genes leading to the dedifferentiation of the tumors, are described.

Influence of radiofrequency surgery on architecture of the palatine tonsils.

Radiofrequency surgery is a widely used modern technique for submucosal volume reduction of the tonsils. So far there is very limited information on morphologic changes in the human tonsils after radiofrequency surgery. We performed histopathological study of tonsillectomy specimens after previous bipolar radiofrequency induced thermotherapy (RFITT).

Serum levels of growth factors HGF (Hepatocyte Growth Factor), TGFbeta1 (transforming growth factor beta1) and IGF-I (Insulin Like Growth Factor I) in parathyroid tumors.

Introduction: HGF (Hepatocyte Growth Factor), TGFbeta1 (Transforming Growth Factor beta1) and IGF-I (Insulin Like Growth Factor I) are cytokines that are involved in the parathyroid tumors formation and growth. We tried to determine, if there are changes and relationships in the production of these cytokines by tumor cells of parathyroid tumors.

Material And Methods: We determined concentrations of HGF, TGFbeta1 and IGF-I in serum from peripheral blood of 16 patients with parathyroid adenoma and of 8 patients with parathyroid secondary hyperplasia before and after parathyroidectomy.

Coincidence of thyroid tumor and thyroglossal duct remnants. Review of the literature and presentation of three cases.

Aims And Background: The coincidence of benign or malignant thyroid tumors with thyroglossal duct remnant (TDR) cysts is rare. Although the precise etiology is still unclear, thyroid origin and spread from a primary site have been suggested and this obviously has important implications for the therapeutic approach. Three cases of thyroglossal duct carcinoma are presented and its management is discussed on the basis of the current rationale for treatment of thyroid cancer.