Abstract

ANDRADE, LJO et al. Molecular Markers in Thyroid Cancer. Rev. argent. endocrinol. metab. [online]. 2013, vol.50, n.2, pp.84-98. ISSN 1851-3034.

Advances in thyroid molecular biology studies are providing not only insight into thyroid development of diseases but may offer diagnostic and therapeutic potential in thyroid cancer. Objective: To describe the molecular aspects of thyroid cancer reported in international scientific literature, as well as their indications and epidemiological impact, through a descriptive bibliographical review. Method: Articles were searched in the EMBASE, and PubMed/Medline databases. Inclusion criteria were: publication between 1985 and 2012; keywords "molecular" AND "markers" AND "thyroid" AND "cancer". With these documents in hands, an analytical reading was done and the papers organized by themes. Results: Out of the 609 documents found, 85 were selected to present information on several molecular, epidemiological, and practices-related aspects of thyroid cancer. Articles were assessed and classified according to predetermined categories, especially number and types of markers analyzed. Among the most relevant information, we can mention the indications for use of molecular markers in thyroid cancer, which are found in more than 70 % of papillary and follicular thyroid carcinomas. The use of these markers will probably improve the diagnosis of malignancy in thyroid nodules and it may also allow individualization of surgical therapy and postoperative management. Conclusion: This study shows the importance of knowledge of molecular aspects of thyroid cancer, which allows identification of the correlation between specific mutations and phenotypic characteristics of thyroid cancer, which is essential for its prognosis.

Keywords : Molecular genetics; Carcinogen markers; Thyroid cancer.

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