Risk stratification for radioactive iodine refractoriness using molecular alterations in distant metastatic differentiated thyroid cancer

Objective: Patients with radioactive iodine-refractory differentiated thyroid cancer(RAIR-DTC) are often diagnosed with delay and constrained to limited treatment options. The correlation between RAI refractoriness and the underlying genetic characteristics has not been extensively studied.Methods: Adult patients with distant metastatic DTC were enrolled and assigned to undergo next-generation sequencing of a customized 26-gene panel(Thyro Lead). Patients were classified into RAIR-DTC or non-RAIR groups to determine the differences in clinicopathological and molecular characteristics. Molecular risk stratification(MRS) was constructed based on the association between molecular alterations identified and RAI refractoriness, and the results were classified as high, intermediate or low MRS.Results: A total of 220 patients with distant metastases were included, 63.2% of whom were identified as RAIRDTC. Genetic alterations were identified in 90% of all the patients, with BRAF(59.7% vs. 17.3%), TERT promoter(43.9% vs. 7.4%), and TP53 mutations(11.5% vs. 3.7%) being more prevalent in the RAIR-DTC group than in the non-RAIR group, except for RET fusions(15.8% vs. 39.5%), which had the opposite pattern. BRAF and TERT promoter are independent predictors of RAIR-DTC, accounting for 67.6% of patients with RAIR-DTC. MRS was strongly associated with RAI refractoriness(P<0.001), with an odds ratio(OR) of high to low MRS of 7.52 [95%confidence interval(95% CI), 3.96-14.28;P<0.001] and an OR of intermediate to low MRS of 3.20(95% CI,1.01-10.14;P=0.041).Conclusions: Molecular alterations were associated with RAI refractoriness, with BRAF and TERT promoter mutations being the predominant contributors, followed by TP53 and DICER1 mutations. MRS might serve as a valuable tool for both prognosticating clinical outcomes and directing precision-based therapeutic interventions.

MicroRNAs in thyroid cancer with focus on medullary thyroid carcinoma:potential therapeutic targets and diagnostic/prognostic markers and web based tools

This review aimed to describe the inculpation of microRNAs(miRNAs)in thyroid cancer(TC)and its subtypes,mainly medullary thyroid carcinoma(MTC),and to outline web-based tools and databases for bioinformatics analysis of miRNAs in TC.Additionally,the capacity of miRNAs to serve as therapeutic targets and biomarkers in TC management will be discussed.This review is based on a literature search of relevant articles on the role of miRNAs in TC and its subtypes,mainly MTC.Additionally,web-based tools and databases for bioinformatics analysis of miRNAs in TC were identified and described.MiRNAs can perform as oncomiRs or antioncoges,relying on the target mRNAs they regulate.MiRNA replacement therapy using miRNA mimics or antimiRs that aim to suppress the function of certain miRNAs can be applied to correct miRNAs aberrantly expressed in diseases,particularly in cancer.MiRNAs are involved in the modulation of fundamental pathways related to cancer,resembling cell cycle checkpoints and DNA repair pathways.MiRNAs are also rather stable and can reliably be detected in different types of biological materials,rendering them favorable diagnosis and prognosis biomarkers as well.MiRNAs have emerged as promising tools for evaluating medical outcomes in TC and as possible therapeutic targets.The contribution of miRNAs in thyroid cancer,particularly MTC,is an active area of research,and the utility of web applications and databases for the biological data analysis of miRNAs in TC is becoming increasingly important.

A Study on the Explainability of Thyroid Cancer Prediction:SHAP Values and Association-Rule Based Feature Integration Framework

In the era of advanced machine learning techniques,the development of accurate predictive models for complex medical conditions,such as thyroid cancer,has shown remarkable progress.Accurate predictivemodels for thyroid cancer enhance early detection,improve resource allocation,and reduce overtreatment.However,the widespread adoption of these models in clinical practice demands predictive performance along with interpretability and transparency.This paper proposes a novel association-rule based feature-integratedmachine learning model which shows better classification and prediction accuracy than present state-of-the-artmodels.Our study also focuses on the application of SHapley Additive exPlanations(SHAP)values as a powerful tool for explaining thyroid cancer prediction models.In the proposed method,the association-rule based feature integration framework identifies frequently occurring attribute combinations in the dataset.The original dataset is used in trainingmachine learning models,and further used in generating SHAP values fromthesemodels.In the next phase,the dataset is integrated with the dominant feature sets identified through association-rule based analysis.This new integrated dataset is used in re-training the machine learning models.The new SHAP values generated from these models help in validating the contributions of feature sets in predicting malignancy.The conventional machine learning models lack interpretability,which can hinder their integration into clinical decision-making systems.In this study,the SHAP values are introduced along with association-rule based feature integration as a comprehensive framework for understanding the contributions of feature sets inmodelling the predictions.The study discusses the importance of reliable predictive models for early diagnosis of thyroid cancer,and a validation framework of explainability.The proposed model shows an accuracy of 93.48%.Performance metrics such as precision,recall,F1-score,and the area under the receiver operating characteristic(AUROC)are also higher than the baseline models.The results of the proposed model help us identify the dominant feature sets that impact thyroid cancer classification and prediction.The features{calcification}and{shape}consistently emerged as the top-ranked features associated with thyroid malignancy,in both association-rule based interestingnessmetric values and SHAPmethods.The paper highlights the potential of the rule-based integrated models with SHAP in bridging the gap between the machine learning predictions and the interpretability of this prediction which is required for real-world medical applications.

COL4A2 enhances thyroid cancer cell proliferation through the AKT pathway

Objectives:Thyroid cancer(THCA)is the most common malignant tumor in endocrine system and the incidence has been increasing worldwide.And the number of patients dying from THCA has also gradually risen because the incidence continues to increase,so the mechanisms related to effective targets is necessary to improve the survival.This study was to preliminarily investigate the effects of the COL4A2 gene on the regulation of thyroid cancer(THCA)cell proliferation and the associated pathways.Methods:Bioinformatics analysis revealed that COL4A2 was closely associated with cancer development.COL4A2 expression in THCA tissues was analyzed using immunohistochemistry,and survival information was determined via Kaplan-Meier curves.The expression of COL4A2 and AKT pathway-related genes were analyzed using qPCR and western blot analyses.Colony formation as well as CCK-8 assays exhibited the cell proliferation level and cell activity,respectively.Downstream of COL4A2 was identified by Gene set enrichment analysis(GSEA).The effects of the COL4A2 and AKT pathways on THCA tumor growth in vivo were determined using a mouse model.Results:Bioinformatics analysis exhibited that COL4A2 plays a significant role in cancer and that the AKT pathway is downstream of COL4A2.THCA patients with high COL4A2 expression had shorter recurrence-free survival.Upregulation of COL4A2 gene expression in 2 THCA cell lines promoted tumor cell growth and activity.The use of AKT pathway blockers also restrained the growth and activity of the 2 THCA cell lines.The use of AKT pathway blockers reduced tumor volume and mass and prolonged mouse survival.Conclusions:COL4A2 can promote the growth as well as development of THCA through the AKT pathway and COL4A2 could be used as a target for THCA.

Anaplastic thyroid cancer: Unveiling advances in diagnosis andmanagement

The review article by Pavlidis et al published in World J Clin Oncol provides a meticulous analysis of the intricacies surrounding anaplastic carcinoma of the thyroid.Thyroid carcinoma encompasses a spectrum of diseases,each charac-terized by distinct behaviors and outcomes.Diagnostic approaches encompass a diverse array of tools.Surgery remains the pivotal treatment for anaplastic thyroid carcinoma.Radiotherapy and chemotherapy offer the best overall sur-vival in aggressive disease.Combinations of immunotherapy with targeted the-rapies,such as dabrafenib-trametinib,demonstrate potential for enhanced effect-iveness and improved survival outcomes.Multifaceted approach fuelled by precision medicine and interdisciplinary collaboration is imperative in charting a course toward improved outcomes in this formidable malignancy.

Interaction between tumor stage and age on survival outcomes of patients with anaplastic thyroid cancer

BACKGROUND Anaplastic thyroid cancer(ATC)is an aggressive,rare malignancy associated with rapid growth and metastasis,and a very poor prognosis.We investigated the clinical characteristics,survival outcomes and independent prognostic factors associated with anaplastic thyroid cancer.AIM To assess to what extent the interaction between age and tumor stage affects mortality.METHODS A total of 622 patients diagnosed with anaplastic thyroid cancer,between 2010 and 2017 were enrolled in our study by retrieving data from the Surveillance,Epidemiology and End Results(SEER)database.We analyzed demographics,clinical characteristics,overall mortality(OM)and cancer specific mortality(CSM)of ATC.Variables with a P value<0.1 were incorporated into the multivariate cox model to determine the independent prognostic factors.Furthermore,we analyzed the interaction between age and tumor stage on mortality.RESULTS In the multivariate analyses,the divorced/separated population had a lower OM[hazard ratio(HR)=0.63,95%CI:0.42-0.94,P<0.05]and CSM(HR=0.61,95%CI:0.40-0.92,P<0.05).OM was higher in tumors with direct extension only(HR=6.26,95%CI:1.29-30.42,P<0.05)and tumors with distant spread(HR=5.73,95%CI:1.34-24.51,P<0.05).CSM was also higher in tumors with direct extension(HR=5.05,95%CI:1.05-24.19,P<0.05)and tumors with distant spread(HR=4.57,95%CI:1.08-19.29,P<0.05).Mortality was not adversely affected by lymph node involvement.OM was lower in patients who received radiation(HR=0.66,95%CI:0.53-0.83,P<0.01),chemotherapy(HR=0.63,95%CI:0.50-0.79,P<0.01)or surgery(HR=0.53,95%CI:0.43-0.66,P<0.01).CSM was also lower in patient who received radiation(HR=0.64,95%CI:0.51-0.81,P<0.01),chemotherapy(HR=0.62,95%CI:0.50-0.78,P<0.01)or surgery(HR=0.51,95%CI:0.41-0.63,P<0.01).There was no significant interaction between age and tumor stage that affected mortality.CONCLUSION In this large US SEER database retrospective study,we found the mortality to be higher in advanced stage tumors with direct extension and distant metastasis.However,patients who received aggressive therapy showed a better overall survival.The aim of our study is to emphasize the importance of detecting ATC at an early stage and provide aggressive therapy to these patients.Since advanced stage ATC is associated with a dismal prognosis,we emphasize the need for randomized control trials and development of novel therapies that will be used to treat ATC.

Analysis of the Role of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy on Self-Care in Thyroid Cancer Patients

Objective:To explore the effect of cognitive behavioral therapy on self-care in thyroid cancer patients.Methods:A total of 144 thyroid cancer patients treated at the Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University from January 2022 to August 2023 were selected as research subjects.Using the random number table method,they were divided into a control group and an experimental group,each consisting of 72 cases.The control group received routine nursing intervention,while the experimental group received cognitive behavioral therapy based on standard nursing practices.The self-care ability(self-concept,self-efficacy,self-care skills,health knowledge level),coping style(confrontation,avoidance,and surrender),and quality of life(psychological function,social function,material life,physical function)of both groups before and after the intervention were compared.Results:In comparison to the pre-intervention period,the experimental group exhibited significantly higher self-care ability,quality of life,and confrontation scores after the intervention,as opposed to the control group.Additionally,the avoidance and surrender scores were lower in the experimental group than in the control group,with these differences proving to be statistically significant(P<0.01).Conclusion:The application of cognitive behavioral therapy can enhance the self-care ability of thyroid cancer patients,aid in better disease coping,and improve their overall quality of life.This approach is deserving of further promotion.

Role of TSH Inhibition Therapy in the Postoperative Management of Patients with Differentiated Thyroid Cancer

Objective:To investigate the effect of TSH inhibition therapy in the postoperative management of patients with differentiated thyroid cancer.Methods:Seventy patients diagnosed with differentiated thyroid cancer were selected for the study.TSH inhibition therapy was administered to the research group,while thyroxine replacement therapy was provided to the control group during the postoperative management phase.This allowed for a comparative analysis between the two groups.Results:In comparison with the control group,the research group exhibited significant decreases in serum TSH,T3,and T4 levels after treatment,while FT4 and FT3 levels significantly increased(P<0.05).Additionally,significant decreases in Tg,VEGF,TSGF,CD44V6,and sIL-2R levels were observed in the research group after treatment(P<0.05).No significant differences were found in pre-treatment thyroid function between the two groups(P>0.05).Conclusion:The application of TSH inhibition therapy in the postoperative management of patients with differentiated thyroid cancer demonstrates promising outcomes.

Research Progress on the Mechanism of Correlation Between Vitamin D and Thyroid Cancer

Vitamin D is a kind of fat-soluble vitamin,which is mainly involved in the metabolism of calcium and bone in the human body.As a metabolic substance,it also has a certain impact on the cellular microenvironment,and vitamin D also inhibits the proliferation of tumor cells.25(OH)D is considered the best index to evaluate the vitamin D level in the human body because of its relatively stable characteristics in the circulation.Thyroid cancer is a common malignant tumor that develops from malignant thyroid nodules.A large number of studies have found that the lower the serum 25(OH)D level,the higher the risk of thyroid nodules.A large number of studies have found that the lower the serum 25(OH)D level,the higher the risk of thyroid nodules.

Effect of TSH Suppression Therapy on Sex Hormone Levels after Thyroid Cancer Surgery

Objective:To analyze the effect of thyroid-stimulating hormone(TSH)suppression therapy on sex hormone levels in patients undergoing postoperative treatment for thyroid cancer.Methods:A total of 40 patients undergoing postoperative thyroid cancer treatment were selected for data analysis.TSH suppression therapy was implemented during the postoperative period.Patients were grouped according to the TSH level:TSH<0.1,0.1≤TSH<0.5,and TSH≥0.5.Results:Among male patients,there were no significant differences in sex hormone levels at different dosing times and TSH levels(P>0.05).For female patients,testosterone levels at different dosing times showed no significant differences under the same circumstances(P>0.05).The comparison of testosterone levels at different TSH levels over 5 years of TSH suppression therapy did not yield significant differences(P>0.05).However,the comparison of testosterone levels within 5 years of TSH suppression therapy yielded significant differences(P<0.05),with the lowest levels observed at 0.1≤TSH<0.5.Conclusion:The use of TSH suppression therapy in postoperative thyroid cancer treatment minimally affects sex hormone levels in male patients.However,it has a significant impact on female patients.Therefore,preoperative sex hormone testing is recommended,and postoperative monitoring should include regular sex hormone testing.

Unusual Scalp Process Revealing a Thyroid Cancer: “Illustrative Case”

Background: Thyroid cancers commonly display slow evolution with local and or regional extension. The classic presentation is a painless nodule of the thyroid region in a euthyroid patient. Sometimes, the nodule is discovered only on ultrasonography. Cervical lymph node is often seen in papillary thyroid cancer due to their propensity to invade lymph node. This means that follicular thyroid cancers are more insidious. Observation: We report a painless slow-growing lesion of the scalp revealing a skull metastasis of thyroid cancer. Despite catastrophic intraoperative bleeding, a total removal was achieved. Lessons: Thus, in addition to local and regional control in the management of thyroid cancers, distant metastasis should be surgically removed to provide the best chance to prolong the patient’s survival. Moreover, neurosurgeon must be prepared to deal with massive bleeding in skull metastasis of thyroid cancer.

Analysis of the value and safety of thyroid-stimulating hormone in the clinical efficacy of patients with thyroid cancer

BACKGROUND Thyroid cancer(TC)is a common malignant tumor in the endocrine system.In recent years,the incidence and recurrence rates of TC have been raising due to increasing work pressure and irregular lifestyles.Thyroid-stimulating hormone(TSH)is a specific parameter for thyroid function screening.This study aims to explore the clinical value of TSH in regulating the progression of TC,so as to find a breakthrough for the early diagnosis and treatment of TC.AIM To explore the value and safety of TSH in the clinical efficacy of patients with TC.METHODS 75 patients with TC admitted to the Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery of our hospital from September 2019 to September 2021 were selected as the observation group,and 50 healthy subjects were selected as the control group during the same period.The control group was treated with conventional thyroid replacement therapy,and the observation group was treated with TSH suppression therapy.The soluble interleukin(IL)-2 receptor(sIL-2R),IL-17,IL-35levels,free triiodothyronine(FT3),free tetraiodothyronine(FT4),CD3+,CD4+,CD8+,CD44V6,and tumor supplied group of factor(TSGF)levels were observed in the two groups.The occurrence of adverse reactions was compared between the two groups.RESULTS After treatment with different therapies,the levels of FT3,FT4,CD3+,and CD4+in the observation group and the control group were higher than those before treatment,while the levels of CD8+,CD44V6,and TSGF were lower than those before treatment,and the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).More importantly,the levels of sIL-2R and IL-17 in the observation group were lower than those in the control group after 4 wk of treatment,while the levels of IL-35 were higher than those in the control group,and the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).The levels of FT3,FT4,CD3+,and CD4+in the observation group were higher than those in the control group,and the levels of CD8+,CD44V6,and TSGF were lower than those in the control group.There was no significant difference in the overall incidence rate of adverse reactions between the two groups(P>0.05).CONCLUSION TSH suppression therapy can improve the immune function of patients with TC,lower the CD44V6 and TSGF levels,and improve serum FT3 and FT4 levels.It demonstrated excellent clinical efficacy and a good safety profile.

Type 2 diabetes and thyroid cancer:Synergized risk with rising air pollution

Diabetes is a complex condition,and the causes are still not fully understood.However,a growing body of evidence suggests that exposure to air pollution could be linked to an increased risk of diabetes.Specifically,exposure to certain pollutants,such as particulate Matter and Ozone,has been associated with higher rates of diabetes.At the same time,air pollution has also been linked to an increased risk of thyroid cancer.While there is less evidence linking air pollution to thyroid cancer than to diabetes,it is clear that air pollution could have severe implications for thyroid health.Air pollution could increase the risk of diabetes and thyroid cancer through several mechanisms.For example,air pollution could increase inflammation in the body,which is linked to an increased risk of diabetes and thyroid cancer.Air pollution could also increase oxidative stress,which is linked to an increased risk of diabetes and thyroid cancer.Additionally,air pollution could increase the risk of diabetes and thyroid cancer by affecting the endocrine system.This review explores the link between diabetes and air pollution on thyroid cancer.We will discuss the evidence for an association between air pollution exposure and diabetes and thyroid cancer,as well as the potential implications of air pollution for thyroid health.Given the connections between diabetes,air pollution,and thyroid cancer,it is essential to take preventive measures to reduce the risk of developing the condition.

Identification of a four-miRNA signature predicts the prognosis of papillary thyroid cancer

BACKGROUND In recently diagnosed patients with thyroid cancer,papillary thyroid cancer(PTC),as the most common histological subtype,accounts for 90%of all cases.Although PTC is known as a relatively adolescent malignant disease,there still is a high possibility of recurrence in PTC patients with a poor prognosis.Therefore,new biomarkers are necessary to guide more effective stratification of PTC patients and personalize therapy to avoid overtreatment or inadequate treatment.Accumulating evidence demonstrates that microRNAs(miRNAs)have broad application prospects as diagnostic biomarkers in cancer.AIM To explore novel markers consisting of miRNA-associated signatures for PTC prognostication.METHODS We obtained and analyzed the data of 497 PTC patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas.The patients were randomly assigned to either a training or testing cohort.RESULTS We discovered 237 differentially expressed miRNAs in tumorous thyroid tissues compared with normal tissues,which contained 172 up-regulated and 65 downregulated miRNAs.The evaluation of differently expressed miRNAs was conducted using our risk score model.We then successfully generated a fourmiRNA potential prognostic signature[risk score=(-0.001×hsa-miR-181a-2-3p)+(0.003×hsa-miR-138-5p)+(-0.018×hsa-miR-424-3p)+(0.284×hsa-miR-612)],which reliably distinguished patients from high and low risk with a significant difference in the overall survival(P<0.01)and was effective in predicting the five-year disease survival rate with the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.937 and 0.812 in the training and testing cohorts,respectively.Additionally,there was a trend indicated that high-risk patients had shorter relapse-free survival,although statistical significance was not reached(P=0.082)in our sequencing cohort.CONCLUSION Our results indicated a four-miRNA signature that has a robust predictive effect on the prognosis of PTC.Accordingly,we would recommend more radical therapy and closer follow-ups for highrisk groups.

Efficacy of anlotinib combined with radioiodine to treat scalp metastasis of papillary thyroid cancer:A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND Papillary thyroid cancer(PTC)is one of the well-differentiated thyroid tumors.Cutaneous metastasis from differentiated thyroid cancers occurs in<1%of primary thyroid carcinomas but produces the worst survival prognosis.The multi-targeting tyrosine kinase inhibitor anlotinib has been approved to treat refractory advanced non-small-cell lung cancer as well as advanced soft-tissue and clear cell sarcomas in China.CASE SUMMARY In a patient with scalp metastasis caused by PTC,thyroid and skull metastasis tumor sizes were significantly reduced after a trial of neoadjuvant anlotinib therapy for 3 cycles.Anlotinib maintenance medication after thyroidectomy further reduced the metastatic skull tumor size thereby preventing the requirement for craniotomy.CONCLUSION The outcome of the present trial confirmed the potential of anlotinib therapy to treat scalp metastasis induced by PTC and point the way for the treatment of similar diseases in the future.

Intratumoral Bacteria Dysbiosis Is Associated with Human Papillary Thyroid Cancer and Correlated with Oncogenic Signaling Pathways

Emerging evidence suggests that microbial dysbiosis plays vital roles in many human cancers.However,knowledge of whether the microbial community in thyroid tumor is related to tumorigenesis remains elusive.In this study,we aimed to explore the microbial community in thyroid tissues and its contribution to papillary thyroid cancer(PTC).In parallel,we performed microbial profiling and transcriptome sequencing in the tumor and adjacent normal tissues of a large cohort of 340 PTC and benign thyroid nodule(BTN)patients.Distinct microbial signatures were identified in PTC,BTN,and their adjacent nontumor tissues.Intra-thyroid tissue bacteria were verified by means of bacteria staining,fluorescence in situ hybridization,and immunoelectron microscopy.We found that 17 bacterial taxa were differentially abundant in PTC compared with BTN,which included enrichment in PTC of the pathobionts Rhodococcus,Neisseria,Streptococcus,Halomonas,and Devosia,and depletion of the beneficial bacteria Amycolatopsis.These differentially abundant bacteria could differentiate PTC tumor tissues(PTC-T)from BTN tissues(BTN-T)with an area under the curve(AUC)of 81.66%.Microbial network analysis showed increased correlation strengths among the bacterial taxa in PTC-T in comparison with BTN-T.Immunefunction-corresponding bacteria(i.e.,Erwinia,Bacillus,and Acinetobacter)were found to be enriched in PTC with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.Moreover,our integrative analysis revealed that the PTC-enriched bacteria had a positive association with key PTC-oncogenic pathway-related genes,including BRAF,KRAS,IRAK4,CTNNB1,PIK3CA,MAP3K7,and EGFR.In conclusion,our results suggest that intratumor bacteria dysbiosis is associated with the thyroid tumorigenesis and oncogenic signaling pathways of PTC.

Multifocal papillary thyroid cancer in Graves’ disease: A case report

BACKGROUND Thyroid cancer is not commonly observed in patients with Graves’disease(GD).The presence of thyroid nodules in GD is not uncommon.However,a link bet-ween these two entities has been reported.Herein,we report the case of a patient with GD and thyroid cancer in Saudi Arabia,which has not been reported previously in our region.CASE SUMMARY A 26-year-old male patient with GD,receiving carbimazole for 2 years,presented to our hospital.His hyperthyroidism was controlled clinically and biochemically.On clinical examination,he was found to have a left-sided thyroid nodule.Ultra-sound revealed a 2.6 cm hypoechoic nodule with high vascularity.He was then referred for fine needle aspiration which showed that the nodule was highly suspicious for malignancy.The patient underwent total thyroidectomy and was diagnosed with multifocal classical micropapillary thyroid cancer.Post thyroid-ectomy he received radioactive iodine ablation along with levothyroxine replace-ment therapy.CONCLUSION Careful preoperative assessment and thyroid gland ultrasound might assist in screening and diagnosing thyroid cancer in patients with GD.

Relationship between Whole Body Iodine-131 Effective Half-Life and Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate for Papillary Thyroid Cancer Patients Undergoing Radioactive Iodine Therapy

Background: The aim of this work was to examine the relationship between the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) as indicator of renal efficiency potentially related to the ability to release radioactive iodine from the patients bodies and the radioactive iodine whole body effective half-life (WBEHL) defined as the time taken for the administered activity to decay to half of its value for papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) patients undergoing radioactive iodine therapy (RAIT) in a tertiary care medical Centre. Methods: This retrospective observational study included seventy nine patients, sixty females and nineteen males. The patients were divided in two subgroups, those who have WBEHL of less than 11 hours (n = 51) and those with more than 11 (n = 28) hrs based on k-means clustering technique. Results: Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to find out if there is a statistically significant difference between the two subgroups Conclusion: There was not a statistically significant difference between the short and the longer WBEHL patients’ groups analyzed in this study. .

Proportion of thyroid cancer and other cancers in the democratic republic of Congo

BACKGROUND Cancer diagnosis is increasing around the world and in the Democratic Republic of the Congo(DRC).The proportion of thyroid cancer has increased over the past three decades.There are very few studies on cancer epidemiology,and in particular on thyroid cancer in the DRC.AIM To establish the most recent proportion of thyroid cancer in the DRC compared to other cancers.METHODS This is a retrospective and descriptive study of 6106 consecutive cancer cases listed in the pathological registers of 4 Laboratories in the city of Kinshasa.This study included all cancer cases recorded in the registers between 2005 and 2019.RESULTS From a sample of 6106 patients,including all cancer types,68.3%cases were female and 31.7%were male.Breast and cervical cancer were the most common types of cancer in women and,prostate and skin cancer were the most common types in men.Thyroid cancer was sixth in proportion in women and eleventh in men compared to all cancers.Papillary carcinoma was the most common of thyroid cancers.Rare cancers such as anaplastic and medullary thyroid carcinomas had a proportion of 7%and 2%,respectively.CONCLUSION Newer diagnostic tools led to a surge in cancer diagnoses in the DRC.Thyroid cancer has more than doubled its proportion over the last several decades in the country.

The Effect of TSH Suppression Therapy on the Efficacy and Immune Function of Postoperative Patients with Thyroid Cancer

Objective:To investigate the efficacy and immune function of thyroid stimulating hormone(TSH)suppression therapy in postoperative thyroid cancer patients.Methods:Sixty thyroid cancer patients admitted from July 2020–July 2022 were recruited and randomly divided into two groups.The control group(30 patients)received hormone replacement therapy,while the study group(30 patients)received TSH suppression therapy.The thyroid function,clinical efficacy,immune function,and tumor markers of the two groups were compared.Results:After treatment,the levels of free triiodothyronine(FT3)and thyroxine(FT4)in both groups increased significantly,while TSH levels decreased significantly.Moreover,the magnitude of change in the study group was greater than that in the control group(P<0.05).The total effective rate in the study group was significantly higher as compared to the control group(P<0.05).After treatment,the levels of CD3+and CD4+cells in both groups of patients increased significantly,with the study group showing significantly higher levels than the control group,whereas the level of CD8+cells decreased significantly,with the study group having lower levels than the control group(P<0.05).After treatment,the levels of Tg and CEA in both groups were significantly lowered as compared to before treatment,and the levels of Tg and CEA in the study group were significantly lower than the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion:TSH suppression therapy in postoperative thyroid cancer patients can improve thyroid function,suppress the levels of tumor markers,and enhance immune function,thereby achieving good clinical outcomes.