Abstract

Background: Several molecules that may have a role in tumor proliferation, differentiation and invasion, have been detected in thyroid carcinoma. Some of these molecules are NIS, cMET, TIMP1 an ephrinB2. Aim: To detect the presence of these molecules in tissue samples of thyroid carcinoma and relate their expression to the biological behavior of the tumor. Material and Methods: Tissue samples were prospectively obtained from 35 patients operated for a papillary thyroid carcinoma. Twelve patients had regional lymph node involvement. NIS, c-MET, TIMP1 and EphrinB2 were detected by real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry. Results: The expression of markers by RT-PCR was non significantly higher among tumors with lymph node involvement. Immunohistochemistry showed a significantly lower nuclear expression and a higher cytoplasmatic expression of EphrinB2 in tumors with lymph node involvement. Conclusions: Immunohistochemical expression of EphrinB2 could be useful for the initial staging of papillary thyroid carcinoma.