Modern concepts of the molecular pathogenesis of thyroid cancer

Abstract

Thyroid cancer remains the most common malignancy of the endocrine system worldwide. The indicators of its morbidity and mortality rates have been increasing rapidly over the last decades. Most cases of differentiated thyroid cancer (follicular and papillary histotypes) are clinically manifested by nodular goiter frequently combined with uncertain results of cytological diagnosis (categories III and IV according to the Bethesda (Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology) classification). All of that makes it difficult to choose a proper tactic for patient treatment. It is known that the development, progression, invasion, and metastasis of cancer cells are regulated by a variety of molecular mechanisms. This review describes several molecular aspects of thyroid nodules oncogenesis, as well as its most promising diagnostic tumor markers. Following molecular pathways are described in particular: gene mutations, protein tumor markers, and epigenetic effects of micro-RNA, histones, as well as DNA methylation. The study of the pathogenesis of this disease has a prognostic value and contributes to the search for effective therapeutic and diagnostic methods and their improvement. That is why we also reviewed modern test panels aimed at preoperative differential diagnosis of thyroid nodules. Summarizing the results of world research on this topic allows us not only to expand the understanding of the fundamental processes of oncogenesis, but also to outline promising areas for future experimental research projects. All of that together will contribute to developing new prognostic, diagnostic and therapeutic technologies, and as a result, will improve the quality of medical care for patients with thyroid cancer.