Oncofoetal fibronectin as a marker for thyroid cancer
Author Information
Author(s): Eric Hesse, Musholt P B, Potter E, Petrich T, Wehmeier M, von Wasielewski R, Lichtinghagen R, Musholt T J
Primary Institution: Hannover University Medical School
Hypothesis
Can oncofoetal fibronectin mRNA be used as a reliable marker for detecting minimal residual disease in differentiated thyroid carcinoma?
Conclusion
The study found that oncofoetal fibronectin mRNA is a reliable marker for monitoring minimal residual disease in differentiated thyroid carcinoma.
Supporting Evidence
- Oncofoetal fibronectin mRNA was detected in 78% of follicular thyroid carcinomas and 98% of papillary thyroid carcinomas.
- Six out of nine patients with known DTC metastases tested positive for oncofoetal fibronectin mRNA.
- Real-time RT-PCR of oncofoetal fibronectin mRNA showed higher sensitivity and specificity compared to other markers.
Takeaway
Doctors can use a special test to find tiny amounts of cancer in the blood of patients with thyroid cancer, which helps them know if the cancer is still there.
Methodology
The study analyzed mRNA expression of various markers in tissue samples and blood from patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma using real-time RT-PCR.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the small number of patients and the specific selection criteria for the study.
Limitations
The study was limited by the small sample size and the need for further validation in larger cohorts.
Participant Demographics
Patients included 18 with follicular thyroid carcinoma and 48 with papillary thyroid carcinoma.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.0001
Statistical Significance
p<0.0001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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