Transcriptome sequencing revealed that lymph node metastasis of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma is associated with high THBS4 expression and PDGFRA+ cancer-associated fibroblasts.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Cervical lymph node metastasis is a major factor influencing recurrence after surgery for papillary thyroid cancer. Molecular markers that can predict the presence of lymph node metastasis and assess the aggressiveness of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) remain poorly understood. The research question addressed whether specific genes, such as thrombospondin-4 (THBS4), could serve as predictive biomarkers for guiding surgical strategies, particularly in cases where current imaging modalities fail to detect LNM in the central region, and the decision for prophylactic central neck dissection remains controversial.

Methods

Transcriptome sequencing was employed to screen for differentially expressed genes and perform enrichment analysis. The study defined two gr

SUBMITTER: Hu L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12037473 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature