Management of Recurrent Well-Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma in the Neck: A Comprehensive Review.

Surgery has been historically the preferred primary treatment for patients with well-differentiated thyroid carcinoma and for selected locoregional recurrences. Adjuvant therapy with radioactive iodine is typically recommended for patients with an intermediate to high risk of recurrence. Despite these treatments, locally advanced disease and locoregional relapses are not infrequent. These patients have a prolonged overall survival that may result in long periods of active disease and the possibility of requiring subsequent treatments. Recently, many new options have emerged as salvage therapies. This review offers a comprehensive discussion and considerations regarding surgery, active surveillance, radioactive iodine therapy, ultrasonography-guided percutaneous ablation, external beam radiotherapy, and systemic therapy for well-differentiated thyroid cancer based on relevant publications and current reference guidelines. We feel that the surgical member of the thyroid cancer management team is empowered by being aware and facile with all management options.

Primary hyperparathyroidism: Disease of diverse genetic, symptomatic, and biochemical phenotypes.

Genetic, symptomatic, and biochemical heterogeneity of patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) has become apparent in recent years. An in-depth, evidence-based review of the phenotypes of PHPT was conducted. This review was intended to provide the resulting information to surgeons who operate on patients with hyperparathyroidism. This review revealed that the once relatively clear distinction between familial and sporadic PHPT has become more challenging by the finding of various germline mutations in patients with seemingly sporadic PHPT. On the one hand, the genetic and clinical characteristics of some syndromes in which PHPT is an important component are now better understood. On the other hand, knowledge is emerging about novel syndromes, such as the rare multiple endocrine neoplasia type IV (MEN4), in which PHPT occurs frequently. It also revealed that, currently, the classical array of symptoms of PHPT is seen rarely upon initial presentation for evaluation. More common are nonspecific, nonclassical symptoms and signs of PHPT. In areas of the world where serum calcium levels are checked routinely, most patients today are "asymptomatic" and they are diagnosed after an incidental finding of hypercalcemia; however, some of them have subclinical involvement of bones and kidneys, which is demonstrated on radiographs, ultrasound, and modern imaging techniques. Last, the review points out that there are three distinct biochemical phenotypes of PHPT. The classical phenotype in which calcium and parathyroid hormone levels are both elevated, and other disease presentations in which the serum levels of calcium or intact parathyroid hormone are normal. Today several, distinct phenotypes of the disease can be identified, and they have implications in the diagnostic evaluation and treatment of patients, as well as possible screening of relatives.

Hürthle Cell Carcinoma of the Thyroid Gland: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Hürthle cell carcinoma (HCC) comprises about 5% of thyroid carcinoma cases. Partly because of its rarity there is much we still need to know about HCC as compared to other histological cancer subtypes. METHODS: We conducted a systematic literature review following PRISMA guidelines and meta-analysis, from 2000 to 2020, to investigate the main characteristics of HCC and clarify information concerning tumor behavior and treatment. RESULTS: Our review included data from 9638 patients reported in 27 articles over the past 20 years. This tumor occurred more frequently in women (67.5%). The mean age was 57.6 years, and the mean size of the neoplasm at diagnosis was 30 mm. Extrathyroidal extension was common (24%) but lymph node metastasis was not (9%). Total thyroidectomy was the most common surgical approach, with neck dissection usually performed in cases with clinically apparent positive neck nodes. Radioiodine therapy was frequently applied (54%), although there is no consensus about its benefits. The mean 5- and 10-year overall survival was 91% and 76%, respectively. CONCLUSION: This review serves to further elucidate the main characteristics of this malignancy. HCC of the thyroid is rare and most often presents with a relatively large nodule, whereas lymph node metastases are rare. Given the rarity of HCC, a consensus on their treatment is needed, as doubts remain concerning the role of specific tumor findings and their influence on management.

Parathyroid cancer: An update.

Parathyroid cancer (PC) is a rare malignant tumor which comprises 0.5-5% of patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). Most of these cancers are sporadic, although it may also occur as a feature of various genetic syndromes including hyperparathyroidism-jaw tumor syndrome (HPT-JT) and multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) types 1 and 2A. Although PC is characterized by high levels of serum ionized calcium (Ca) and parathyroid hormone (PTH), the challenge to the clinician is to distinguish PC from the far more common entities of parathyroid adenoma (PA) or hyperplasia, as there are no specific clinical, biochemical, or radiological characteristic of PC. Complete surgical resection is the only known curative treatment for PC with the surgical approach during initial surgery strongly influencing the outcome. In order to avoid local recurrence, the lesion must be removed en-bloc with clear margins. PC has high recurrence rates of up to 50% but with favorable long-term survival rates (10-year overall survival of 60-70%) due to its slow-growing nature. Most patients die not from tumor burden directly but from uncontrolled severe hypercalcemia. In this article we have updated the information on PC by reviewing the literature over the past 10 years and summarizing the findings of the largest series published in this period.

Hepatitis C Virus Infection of Human Thyrocytes: Metabolic, Hormonal, and Immunological Implications.

CONTEXT: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a prevalent disease worldwide. Thyroid dysfunction is one of the most common extrahepatic manifestations of HCV infection. We hypothesized that HCV can directly infect human thyrocytes thereby causing thyroid dysfunction. SETTING: Human thyrocytes in primary cell culture, ML-1 human thyroid cell line, and Huh7.5 human hepatocyte cell line were infected with HCV using the Huh7.5JFH1 cell line that releases infectious HCV virions. After infection, the release of new virions, production of proinflammatory cytokines, and expression of miR-122 were evaluated. Ribonucleic acid (RNA) extracted from HCV-infected cells and mock-infected cells was subjected to RNA sequencing and transcriptomic analysis. Ingenuity pathway analysis was used to detect up- and down-regulated pathways. RESULTS: Human thyrocytes express major HCV entry factors including CD81, occludin, claudin-1, and scavenger receptor class B1. Viral infection of thyroid cells was confirmed by detection of HCV core protein in supernatants and negative-sense HCV RNA in cell lysates. HCV infection of thyrocytes induced the production of the chemokine CXCL-8 and the proinflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and significantly increased the expression of miR-122. Moreover, HCV infection of thyrocytes decreased expression of the thyroid peroxidase and thyroglobulin genes and increased expression of the deiodinase 2 gene. The top upregulated pathways in HCV-infected thyrocytes were immune pathways and metabolic pathways, while infected hepatocytes upregulated lipid and glucose metabolism pathways as previously reported. CONCLUSIONS: HCV infection may induce thyroid dysfunction by different mechanisms including direct infection of thyrocytes leading to activation of inflammatory pathways and upregulation of miR-122. These findings support a general mechanism for viral induction of autoimmunity through direct infection of target tissues.

Methodological Quality of Systematic Reviews of Intraoperative Neuromonitoring in Thyroidectomy: A Systematic Review.

Importance: Systematic reviews and meta-analyses are considered the best evidence for clinical decision making. Many reviews of intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) in thyroidectomy have conflicting results, owing in large part to methodological quality. Objective: To assess the methodological quality and the causes of heterogeneous results of systematic reviews that compare routine IONM vs visual identification of the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) in patients undergoing thyroidectomy. Data Sources: A systematic search was performed of MEDLINE (PubMed), Embase, the Cochrane Library, LILACS (Literatura Latino Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde), Web of Science, and Google from January 1, 1968, through June 30, 2018. Data were analyzed from July 17 to November 30, 2018. Study Selection: Studies that mentioned performance of a systematic review/meta-analysis during the search period. Data Extraction and Synthesis: Data including study characteristics, type of patients, numbers of nerves at risk, and temporary and definitive RLN paralysis by group were extracted. Data about methodological characteristics, type of statistical analysis and summary estimator, endorsement of systematic review/meta-analysis guidelines, heterogeneity, publication bias, funding, conflict of interest, and statistical analysis were also recorded. The methodological quality was measured with the AMSTAR2 (A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews) tool by 2 independent evaluators. Main Outcomes and Measures: Methodological quality. Results: The search identified 13 systematic reviews that included patients who underwent open or minimally invasive thyroidectomy, second operations, and a mixture of low- and high-risk procedures. The mean compliance with the AMSTAR2 overall criteria was 53% (range, 11%-83%); with critical criteria, 71% (range, 50%-94%). The percentage of nerves at risk from RCTs was 4.8%. The mean (SD) crude rate of definitive RLN paralysis was 0.81% (0.22%; median, 0.75% [range, 0.53%-1.30%]) in the monitoring group and 1.14% (0.56%; median, 0.96% [range, 0.57%-2.56%]) in the control group. Conclusions and Relevance: A substantial number of systematic reviews of IONM in thyroidectomy have conflicting results, but their mean methodological quality is critically low. Design of a systematic review should comply with methodological standards and recommendations to offer relevant and practical information for decision making.

Interferon-α Triggers Autoimmune Thyroid Diseases via Lysosomal-Dependent Degradation of Thyroglobulin.

Context: Autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITDs) arise from complex interactions among genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors. Thyroglobulin (TG) is a major susceptibility gene for both Graves disease and Hashimoto thyroiditis. Interferon-α (IFNα), a cytokine secreted during viral infections, has emerged as a key trigger of AITD. We have shown that IFNα upregulates TG transcription; however, how the upregulation of TG transcription by IFNα triggers AITD is still unknown. Objective: To evaluate how IFNα triggers AITD by testing its effects on TG processing. Design: We exposed human thyroid cells to IFNα and evaluated its effects on TG expression and processing. Results: Human thyroid cells exposed to INFα had increased levels of TG mRNA but reduced TG protein levels, indicating TG protein degradation. IFNα induced endoplasmic reticulum stress, but surprisingly, neither the use of chemical chaperones nor proteasome inhibitor prevented IFNα-induced TG degradation. IFNα also increased LysoTracker staining and autophagy flux measured by net light chain 3 (LC3)-II and p62 fluxes. In addition, expression of autophagy markers LC3 and autophagy-related gene 5 was higher in thyroid tissues from patients with AITD. Finally, blocking lysosomal degradation prevented IFNα-induced degradation of TG. Conclusion: We have shown in this study IFNα-induced lysosomal-dependent degradation of TG in human thyroid cells. Our findings suggest that during viral infections, local thyroidal IFNα production can lead to lysosomal TG degradation, releasing pathogenic TG peptides that can trigger AITD.

Clinical performance of a next-generation sequencing assay (ThyroSeq v2) in the evaluation of indeterminate thyroid nodules.

BACKGROUND: Molecular testing with the Thyroseq v2 next generation sequencing panel ("Thyroseq") is used to estimate the risk of cancer in indeterminate thyroid nodules. METHODS: We analyzed 156 indeterminate thyroid nodules evaluated with Thyroseq, across 3 institutions. Thyroseq data and surgical pathology were matched via pathologic re-review. A result was considered Thyroseq positive if molecular alterations were annotated on the report with malignancy probability >30%. Performance characteristics were estimated using Bayes theorem. RESULTS: The Thyroseq-negative call rate was 65% (102/156). On surgical pathology, 16% (10/63) of nodules were malignant. The positive predictive value of a Thyroseq-positive result was 22% (8/37; if 2 noninvasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary-like nuclear features are counted as malignant, 27%, 10/37). There was 1 false-negative result (negative predictive value 96%, 22/23). The most common mutation was NRAS (19/37) with a positive predictive value of 7% (1/15). The positive predictive value of all RAS mutations (HRAS, KRAS, NRAS) was 9% (2/22). The second most common mutation, BRAF V600E, had positive predictive value of 100% (3/3). CONCLUSION: We report an external analysis of Thyroseq performance in the evaluation of indeterminate thyroid nodules. These data indicate that Thyroseq is likely to offer high negative predictive value but low positive predictive value. Many genetic alterations appear to be nonspecific for malignancy, and positive results should be interpreted with caution. These findings have implications for the management of indeterminate thyroid nodules profiled with Thyroseq.

Metastasis to the Thyroid Gland: A Critical Review.

BACKGROUND: Metastasis to the thyroid gland from nonthyroid sites is an uncommon clinical presentation in surgical practice. The aim of this review was to assess its incidence management and outcomes. METHODS: A literature review was performed to identify reports of metastases to the thyroid gland. Both clinical and autopsy series were included. RESULTS: Metastases to the gland may be discovered at the time of diagnosis of the primary tumor, after preoperative investigation of a neck mass, or on histologic examination of a thyroidectomy specimen. The most common primary tumors in autopsy studies are from the lung. In clinical series, renal cell carcinoma is most common. For patients with widespread metastases in the setting of an aggressive malignancy, surgery is rarely indicated. However, when patients present with an isolated metastasis diagnosed during follow-up of indolent disease, surgery may achieve control of the central neck and even long-term cure. Other prognosticators include features of the primary tumor, time interval between initial diagnosis and metastasis, and extrathyroid extent of disease. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with thyroid metastases, communication among clinicians treating the thyroid and the index primary tumor is essential. The setting is complex, and decisions must be made considering the features of the primary tumor, overall burden of metastases, and comorbidities. Careful balancing of these factors influences individualized approaches.

Hepatitis C Virus E2 Protein Induces Upregulation of IL-8 Pathways and Production of Heat Shock Proteins in Human Thyroid Cells.

Context: Thyroiditis is one of the most common extrahepatic manifestations of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. By binding to surface cell receptor CD81, HCV envelope glycoprotein E2 mediates entry of HCV into cells. Studies have shown that different viral proteins may individually induce host responses to infection. We hypothesized that HCV E2 protein binding to CD81 expressed on thyroid cells activates a cascade of inflammatory responses that can trigger autoimmune thyroiditis in susceptible individuals. Setting: Human thyroid cell lines ML-1 and human thyrocytes in primary cell culture were treated with HCV recombinant E2 protein. The expression of major proinflammatory cytokines was measured at the messenger RNA and protein levels. Next-generation transcriptome analysis was used to identify early changes in gene expression in thyroid cells induced by E2. Results: HCV envelope protein E2 induced strong inflammatory responses in human thyrocytes, resulting in production of interleukin (IL)-8, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α. Furthermore, the E2 protein induced production of several heat shock proteins including HSP60, HSP70p12A, and HSP10, in human primary thyrocytes. In thyroid cell line ML-1, RNA sequencing identified upregulation of molecules involved in innate immune pathways with high levels of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines and increased expression of costimulatory molecules, specifically CD40, known to be a major thyroid autoimmunity gene. Conclusion: Our data support a key role for HCV envelope protein E2 in triggering thyroid autoimmunity through activation of cytokine pathways by bystander mechanisms.

CD40 Signaling in Graves Disease Is Mediated Through Canonical and Noncanonical Thyroidal Nuclear Factor κB Activation.

CD40, a tumor necrosis factor receptor, is a major immune-modulating susceptibility gene for Graves disease (GD) as well as for a variety of other autoimmune diseases. Its broad association with autoimmunity underscores its paramount role in the development of a normal adaptive immune response, primarily in coordinating effective antigen presentation. The molecular pathways by which CD40 activation in the thyroid induces GD are unknown. In this study, we investigated whether NF-κB, a ubiquitious family of transcription factors, mediates the downstream effects of thyroid-specific CD40 activation. Cultured primary human thyrocytes, from patients with and without GD, underwent CD40 stimulation. Once stimulated, cytokines and transcription factors specific for either the canonical nuclear factor κB (NF-κB)1 pathway [interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α], which primarily recruits cells for innate immunity, or the noncanonical NF-κB2 pathway [B cell-activating factor of the TNF family, CC chemokine ligand (CCL)21], which directs B cell viability, were analyzed. Significant upregulation in the messenger RNA and protein levels of both canonical and noncanonical pathway cytokines was observed. Western blot analyses of the specific transcription factors for the NF-κB1 and NF-κB2 pathways (p65 and p100/p52, respectively) demonstrated that p65 is constitutively expressed. In contrast, CD40 stimulation robustly increased the expression of the NF-κB2 p52 transcription factor, and the upregulation was significantly more profound in the GD tissue than in the normal thyroid tissue. Our data show that CD40 activity in thyrocytes is prominently mediated via NF-κB and furthermore suggest that the NF-κB1 and NF-κB2 pathways both contribute to the triggering and the progression of GD.

Using 3D computer planning for complex reconstruction of mandibular defects.

For complex reconstruction of osseous defects of the head and neck, three-dimensional (3D) computer planning has been available for over 20 years. However, despite its availability and recent refinements, it is a technology that has not been widely adopted. While 3D computer planning has been proposed to improve surgical precision, reduce operating time and enhance functional outcomes, the objective evidence supporting these claims is limited. Here we review the recent literature that supports the use of 3D computer planning for complex osseous defects of the mandible. We highlight a case example where 3D modeling played a critical role, particularly during the virtual surgical planning stage. Finally, we propose that routine post-operative 3D analysis become an essential element in determining operative success. Critical evaluation of outcomes will better define its use in complex reconstruction of osseous defects.

Mammary analog secretory carcinoma, low-grade salivary duct carcinoma, and mimickers: a comparative study.

Mammary analog secretory carcinoma (MASC) is a recently recognized low-grade salivary carcinoma characterized by a specific ETV6 rearrangement. We describe 14 new MASCs and examine their immunophenotypic and genetic profiles in the context of look-alikes, namely, low-and high-grade salivary duct carcinoma and acinic cell carcinoma. ETV6 rearrangement, and robust expression of mammaglobin and S100, were demonstrated in 11/11, 14/14, and 12/14 MASCs, respectively. All low-grade salivary duct carcinomas coexpressed S100/mammaglobin (6/6); none harbored ETV6 rearrangements (0/5). Given that S100/mammaglobin coexpression and absence of zymogen granules are features of both MASC and low-grade salivary duct carcinoma, these two are best distinguished histologically. The former is predominantly an extraductal neoplasm with bubbly pink cytoplasm, whereas the latter is a distinct intraductal micropapillary and cribriform process. Querying ETV6 gene status may be necessary for difficult cases. No acinic cell carcinoma expressed mammaglobin (0/13) or harbored an ETV6 rearrangement (0/7); only 1/13 acinic cell carcinomas weakly expressed S100. DOG1 expression was limited or absent among all tumor types, except acinic cell carcinoma which expressed DOG1 diffusely in a canalicular pattern. Therefore, histology and immunohistochemistry (mammaglobin, S100, DOG1) suffices in distinguishing acinic cell carcinoma from both MASC and low-grade salivary duct carcinoma. HER2 (ERBB2) amplification was detected in only 1/10 acinic cell carcinomas, but none of the MASCs or low-grade salivary duct carcinomas tested. High-grade salivary duct carcinomas frequently expressed mammaglobin (11/18) and harbored HER2 amplifications (13/15); none harbored ETV6 rearrangements (0/12). High-grade salivary duct carcinomas can easily be distinguished from these other entities by histology and HER2 amplification.

The Mount Sinai clinical pathway for the management of pheochromocytoma.

OBJECTIVE: Pheochromocytomas are complex tumors that require a comprehensive and systematic management plan orchestrated by a multidisciplinary team. METHODS: To achieve these ends, The Mount Sinai Adrenal Center hosted an interdisciplinary retreat where experts in adrenal disorders assembled with the aim of developing a clinical pathway for the management of pheochromocytomas. RESULTS: The result was a consensus for the diagnosis, perioperative management, and postoperative management of pheochromocytomas, with specific recommendations from our team of adrenal experts, as well as a review of the current literature. CONCLUSION: Our clinical pathway can be applied by other institutions directly or may serve as a guide for institution-specific management.