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| EMBARGOED FOR RELEASE Oct. 14, 2006, 3:00 p.m. PDT |
For more information, please contact the ATA at thyroid@thyroid.org. |
Protein Provides Signal in Identifying Spread of Common Thyroid Tumor
(PHOENIX)—A naturally occurring protein that causes new vessels to grow may offer physicians a signal for cervical metastasis — the spread of cancer to lymph nodes in the neck — in papillary thyroid tumors, according to a new study being presented on Saturday, Oct. 14, 2006, at the 77th Annual Meeting of the American Thyroid Association (ATA) in Phoenix.
Researchers found that Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor D (VEGF-D), an important signaling protein, is related to the presence of lymph node metastasis in cervical areas — knowledge that may be critical in preventing cancer recurrence in patients.
Ashraf Khan, MD, of the University of Massachusetts Memorial Medical Center in Worcester and senior author of the study, analyzed 65 papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), including 35 follicular variants of papillary carcinoma (FVPC) and 30 PTC. In addition, 13 follicular adenoma (FA) and 10 colloid nodules (CN) were also studied. Using immunohistochemistry staining — a widely used process of localizing proteins in cells of a tissue — Dr. Khan and team found a strong relationship between VEGF-D expression and PTC lymph node metastases compared to FVPC.
“We were aware of the many uses the VEGF gene family has in regards to cancer treatment, stroke, and reducing heart disease symptoms,” explains Dr. Khan. “But, this data opens a new window in identifying key markers in cervical metastasis and reducing the recurrence of thyroid tumors, in addition to suggesting biological differences in the variants of papillary carcinoma.”
It is well-known that papillary thyroid tumors often have a pure papillary histopathology, but more than one-half contain a mixture of follicular elements. Previous research has shown that patients with these mixed tumors have identical biological behavior. Therefore, these tumors are classified under papillary and not follicular carcinoma and, thus, are known as FVPC.
However, according to the new data, Dr. Khan notes that the higher incidence of lymph node metastases seen in PTC compared with follicular variants suggests a biological difference between the two variants. This indicates a need for more individualized treatment options for each variant of papillary thyroid carcinomas, he says. A larger investigation is needed to confirm the statistical significance of these results.
For more information on thyroid cancer, visit the ATA web site at www.thyroid.org.
The newest research in mechanisms, diagnosis, and clinical management of thyroid disease will be the focus of the ATA Annual Meeting, Oct. 11–15, 2006, at the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa in Phoenix. The meeting will bring together thyroid experts from the United States and around the world.
The ATA is the North American professional society for physicians and researchers specializing in diseases of the thyroid gland. The ATA promotes excellence and innovation in clinical care, research, education, and public advocacy.
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