Study of nm23-H1 protein expression in thyroid nodules

Abstract

Thyroid tumors are the most common malignant neoplasms of the endocrine system and are becoming more and more frequent in the population. Factors such as proper diagnosis, identification of tumor aggressiveness, and early detection of recurrences are essential for therapeutic success. Although FNAB is recognized as the best means of diagnosis in cases of thyroid nodules, this procedure has some limitations that lead to invasive and unnecessary procedures in some patients. Most thyroid tumors have a good evolution and can even be submitted to active surveillance without the need for surgical intervention, but some relapse and can lead to death. Recognizing these cases is also fundamental and tumor markers have helped in the management of these patients. The nm23-H1 protein, encoded by the tumor suppressor gene of the same name, plays an important role in the apoptosis mechanism. Its reduced expression clinically translates into metastatic progression in some types of tumors. However, with regard to thyroid carcinoma, existing studies have conflicting results, as the biological meaning of the expression of this gene depends on the type of neoplastic tissue and its histological features. Thus, the present study aims to evaluate the clinical utility of protein expression, by immunohistochemistry, of nm23-H1 in patients with thyroid nodules. We will study 200 patients, including 100 differentiated thyroid carcinomas and 100 benign nodules. Clinical, laboratory, and imaging data will be obtained from the medical records of the respective patients. We believe that nm23-H1 may be a diagnostic and prognostic marker in thyroid cancer.(AU)