• Korean Journal of Head & Neck Oncology
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.123-127
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• 2004

Objectives: The tall cell variant is an uncommon variant and has been known as more aggressive form of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). Owing to the rarity of these thyroid cancers, their clinical behavior remains incompletely understood. To elucidate the clinicopathologic characteristics of tall cell variant, we retrospectively reviewed our surgical experience of patients with tall cell variant. Methods: Between August 1993 and July 2004, a total of 11 consecutive patients who were pathologically diagnosed with tall cell variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma were enrolled in this study. All patients underwent total (8 cases) or subtotal thyroidectomy (3 cases) with central compartment node dissections. The lateral neck dissection was added in 6 patients. After the operation, neck ultrasound and serum thyroglobulin were checked regularly during the follow-up period. Results: The mean age of the patients was 56.6years (range, 30-74years) at the time of diagnosis. 3 patients were men, and 8 were women. The mean diameter of tumor was 3.7cm(range, 1.5-6.0cm), and 6 patients had lateral neck node metastasis. Extrathyroidal extension was seen in 5 patients (45%). Loco-regional recurrence was found in 2 patients (18%), and distant metastasis in 1 patient (9%). The 5-year disease free survival rate was 68%. Conclusion: The tall cell variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma is an uncommon disease. Clinicopathologic feature and prognosis of this disease show more aggressive behaviors than ordinary papillary thyroid carcinoma. More aggressive treatment and close follow-up should be undertaken in the tall cell variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma.

• Korean Journal of Head & Neck Oncology
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• v.37 no.2
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• pp.25-31
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• 2021

Background/Objectives: Although thyroid lobectomy recently is considered as sufficient for low-risk papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), completion thyroidectomy is required due to the insufficiency of the preoperative evaluation. The aim of this study was to investigate recurrence rate and disease free survival depending on the gross extrathyroidal extension (gETE) or the number of metastatic lymph node identified in patients with PTC. Materials & Methods: We assessed 3373 patients with PTC who underwent lobectomy at Seoul St. Mary's Hospital (Seoul, Korea) between January 2009 and December 2014. Clinicopathological characteristics and long-term surgical outcomes were retrospectively analyzed through complete chart reviews. The mean follow-up duration was 97.1 ± 21.4 months. Results: The rate of recurrence was higher in gETE group (1.8% vs. 6.0%, p=0.004), leading to decreased disease free survival in Kaplan-Meier analysis (log-rank p<0.001). N1 group (n=1389) was analyzed into two groups whether the number of positive nodes is more than 5 or less. For the group of the more metastatic nodes, the recurrence rate higher compared to the other group (3.0% vs. 9.3%, p<0.001). DFS was longer in the group that had lesser metastatic nodes (log-rank p<0.001). However, in terms of N1 group over 1cm (n=492), No statistical difference was observed according to the number of positive lymph nodes (4.5% vs. 9.1%, p=0.092) Conclusion: When it comes to node positive PTC, Despite the number of positive lymph nodes was over 5, follow-up with no further surgery can be an option.

• Korean Journal of Head & Neck Oncology
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.11-15
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• 2015

Background and Objectives: This study aimed to analyze the features of patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) recurred as distant metastases (DM). Materials and Method: We retrospectively reviewed and analyzed clinical records of 63 patients who were treated for PTC recurred as DM between 2000 and 2006. Univariate and multivariate analyses of various clinical factors were performed. Results: Male patients were 12, and female patients were 51. The 5- and 10-year survival rates for PTC recurred as DM were 85% and 73%, respectively. Size of tumor, multiplicity of tumor, lateral neck node metastasis, and RAI ablation therapy with other treatments such as surgery were associated with survival rate (p < 0.005) in univariate analysis. The lateral neck node metastasis[p =0.039, hazard ratio=2.2(95% CI. 1.18~3.24)] and multiple organ DM[p =0.041, hazard ratio=2.18(95% CI. 1.03~2.89)] were related to the survival in multivariate analysis. Conclusion: PTC recurred as DM is uncommon (2.2%). The size of tumor, the multiplicity of tumor, lateral neck node metastasis and RAI ablation therapy with other treatments for DM were revealed as associated factors for the survival. Evaluation of DM should be considered in patients with PTC during long-term follow-up.

• Korean Journal of Head & Neck Oncology
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.1-4
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• 2016

Background and Objectives: National cancer center institute reports that male patients of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) are annually increasing. This study aimed to analyze the features of the male patients with PTC. Materials and Method: We retrospectively reviewed and analyzed clinical records of 170 patients who were treated for PTC in male patients between 2000 and 2010. Clinical features, size, pathologic type, extrathyroidal extension, recurrence, multiplicity, extent of surgery, and lymph node metastasis were retrospectively evaluated.Univariate and multivariate analyses of various clinical factors were performed. Results: Total 4145 patients received surgery for papillary thyroid carcinoma. The number of male patients was 170 (4.1%) among them. Of170 male patients, only 16(9.4%) patients underwent the recurrence of PTC. The size of tumor, central neck node metastasis, lateral neck node metastasis, extrathyroidal extension and RAI ablation therapy were associated with recurrence(p< 0.05) in univariate analysis. However, only the extrathyroidal extension [p=0.03, Odds ratio=3.58(95% CI. 1.09~14.24)] was related to the recurrence in multivariate analysis. Conclusion: Re-estimation of clinical features in male PTC patients should be concerned. The recurrence of PTC in male patients was 16(9.4%) and nearly same as the other studies. The extrathyroidal extension was revealed as an associated factor for the recurrence. Evaluation of regional or distant metastasis should be considered in patients with the extrathyroidal extension in male PTC patients during long-term follow-up.

• Journal of Endocrine Surgery
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.228-235
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• 2018

Purpose: The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) family plays a crucial role in the growth of malignant tumors. EGFR and human EGFR 2 (HER2) protein overexpression are associated with an unfavorable prognosis and are important therapeutic targets in breast cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between EGFR and HER2 expression and clinicopathological factors in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) at a single institution. Methods: A total of 129 consecutive patients with PTC were enrolled in this study and underwent thyroid surgery between October 2013 and February 2015. EGFR and HER2 protein expression was evaluated in the 129 primary tumors by immunohistochemistry, and the results were compared with the clinicopathological features. Results: Of the 129 PTC tumors, 20 (15.5%) were HER2 positive, and 109 (84.5%) were HER2 negative. Moreover, EGFR positivity were observed in 111 (86%) tumors. The mean age of the patients was $46.3{\pm}11.9years$ (range, 20-74 years), and the mean tumor size was $1.08{\pm}0.75cm$ (range, 0.2-3.5 cm). Tumor size, extrathyroidal extension, histological subtype, and TNM stage were not significantly associated with EGFR or HER2 expression. Meanwhile, high Ki-67 labeling index was significantly associated with EGFR expression (P=0.002), HER2 expression was significantly associated with younger age (${\leq}45years$) and cervical lymph node metastasis. Conclusion: Based on our data, it is not clear whether EGFR and HER2 expression is associated with tumor aggressiveness in PTC.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.37 no.3
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• pp.202-209
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• 2020

Background: Prophylactic central neck dissection (CND) in clinically node-negative (cN0) papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) remains controversial. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the benefits of prophylactic ipsilateral CND compared with bilateral CND in total thyroidectomy for cN0 unilateral PTC. Methods: We retrospectively enrolled 174 patients who underwent total thyroidectomies with prophylactic CND for cN0 unilateral PTC between January 2009 and May 2010. The prophylactic CND patients were divided into group 1, the ipsilateral CND group (n=74), and group 2, the bilateral CND group (n=100). The incidence of central lymph node metastasis (CLNM) and postoperative complications, such as hypoparathyroidism, recurrent laryngeal nerve injury, and recurrence were assessed. Results: CLNM was found in 22 (29.8%) in group 1 and 69 (69%) in group 2. The incidence of postoperative severe hypocalcemia less than 7.0 was also significantly different (six patients [8.1%] in group 1 and 23 [23%] in group 2; p=0.009). Permanent hypoparathyroidism was significantly more frequent in group 2 (4.1% vs. 19%; p=0.005). However, the incidence of transient hypoparathyroidism, recurrence, and recurrent laryngeal nerve injury was not significantly different. Conclusion: Prophylactic ipsilateral CND has advantage not only to reduce incidence of some complications but also to have similar recurrence rate compared with bilateral CND. We suggest that prophylactic ipsilateral CND may be safe and effective for selected patients undergoing total thyroidectomy for cN0 unilateral PTC.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.46 no.6
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• pp.360-373
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• 2023

Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is the most common subtype of thyroid carcinoma. Despite a good prognosis, approximately a quarter of PTC patients are likely to relapse. Previous reports suggest an association between S-phase kinase-associated protein 2 (SKP2) and the prognosis of thyroid cancer. SKP1 is related to apoptosis of PTC cells; however, its role in PTC remains largely elusive. This study aimed to understand the expression and molecular mechanism of SKP2 in PTC. SKP2 expression was upregulated in PTC tissues and closely associated with clinical diagnosis. In vitro and in vivo knockdown of SKP2 expression in PTC cells suppressed cell growth and proliferation and induced apoptosis. SKP2 depletion promoted cell autophagy under glucose deprivation. SKP2 interacted with PH domain leucine-rich repeat protein phosphatase-1 (PHLPP1), triggering its degradation by ubiquitination. Furthermore, SKP2 activates the AKT-related pathways via PHLPP1, which leads to the cytoplasmic translocation of SKP2, indicating a reciprocal regulation between SKP2 and AKT. In conclusion, the upregulation of SKP2 leads to PTC proliferation and survival, and the regulatory network among SKP2, PHLPP1, and AKT provides novel insight into the molecular basis of SKP2 in tumor progression.

• Journal of Clinical Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.281-285
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• 2018

Columnar cell variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma (CCV-PTC) is a rare variant representing 0.15-0.2% of all PTCs. The CCV is aggressive, due to its rapid growth, high local recurrence rate, and frequent lung, brain and bone metastasis. Aggressive surgical and medical management are recommended for these neoplasias. The authors experienced a case of CCV-PTC in a 45-year-old man. We performed total thyroidectomy with neck dissection. The patient received radiation and radioactive iodine therapy. There were no recurrences or complications in the following 24 months after the operation. The patient will closely undergo continuous follow up. We present the clinical characteristics, pathology, treatment, and prognosis of the tumor with a review of the literature.

• International journal of thyroidology
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.152-159
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• 2018

Background and Objectives: Sodium-iodine symporter (NIS) is a marker for the degree of differentiation in thyroid cancer. The genetic factors or microenvironment surrounding tumors can affect transcription of NIS. In this study, we investigated the NIS mRNA expression according to mutational status and coexistent lymphocytic thyroiditis in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). Materials and Methods: The RNA expression levels of NIS in the samples from database of The Caner Genome Atlas (TCGA; n=494) and our institute (n=125) were analyzed. Results: The PTCs with the $BRAF^{V600E}$ mutation and the coexistence of $BRAF^{V600E}$ and TERT promoter mutations showed significantly lower expression of NIS (p<0.001, respectively), and those with BRAF-like molecular subtype also had reduced expression of NIS (p<0.001). NIS expression showed a positive correlation with thyroid differentiation score (r=0.593, p<0.001) and negative correlations with expressions of genes involved in ERK signaling (r=-0.164, p<0.001) and GLUT-1 gene (r=-0.204, p<0.001). The PTCs with lymphocytic thyroiditis showed significantly higher NIS expression (p=0.013), regardless of mutational status. Conclusion: The NIS expression was reduced by the $BRAF^{V600E}$ mutation and MAPK/ERK pathway activation, but restored by the presence of lymphocytic thyroiditis.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.6
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• pp.2447-2451
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• 2015

Background: Human papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is often associated with Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT); their coexistence improves PTC prognosis. Osteopontin, a secreted glycoprotein, plays a role in cell survival, immunity, and tumor progression, its expression being associated with a poor prognosis and metastasis in several malignancies. Osteopontin overexpression correlates with aggressive clinicopathological features in PTC. Lymph node metastases and large tumor size positively correlate with osteopontin positivity. This study aimed to: (1) confirm osteopontin overexpression in human PTC samples; (2) compare osteopontin expression levels in PTC cases with and without HT; and (3) identify correlations between tumor aggressiveness and osteopontin expression levels. Materials and Methods: Plasma osteopontin was assessed in 45 patients with PTC, 22 patients with PTC and HT, and 24 healthy controls by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Thyroid tissue osteopontin mRNA and protein levels were analyzed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting, respectively. Results: Plasma osteopontin levels were significantly higher in PTC patients than in healthy controls. Plasma osteopontin, tissue osteopontin mRNA, and tissue osteopontin protein levels were significantly lower in patients with PTC and HT than in those with PTC alone. In advanced disease stage cases, osteopontin mRNA and protein expression levels were lower in patients with PTC and HT than in those with PTC alone. However, the osteopontin expression level was not significantly associated with the TNM stage. Conclusions: Plasma osteopontin, tissue osteopontin mRNA, and tissue osteopontin protein levels were significantly lower in patients with PTC and HT than in those with PTC alone, suggesting that HT attenuates PTC aggressiveness through negative regulation of osteopontin expression.