The Relationship between the p27 Expression of Papillary Thyroid Cancer Cells Obtained by FNA and Cervical Lymph Node Metastasis / 대한내분비외과학회지

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The p27 gene as a tumor suppressor gene is associated with colorectal cancer, gastric cancer and breast cancer. Some studies have shown a relationship between the underexpression of p27 and lymph node metastasis in papillary thyroid carcinoma. The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between a p27 expression of the papillary thyroid cancer cells obtained by fine needle aspiration (FNA) and cervical lymph node metastasis. METHODS: This study included 60 patients with papillary thyroid cancer and who underwent total thyroidectomy or lobectomy. Central lymph node dissection was routinely done. Out of these patients, 30 patients underwent a FNA procedure during the operation. Immunohistochemical staining for p27 antibody was performed on the papillary thyroid cancer tissues and cells. RESULTS: Cervical lymph node metastasis is correlated with the tumor size and lymphovascular invasion (P<0.001). The underexpression of p27 for the papillary thyroid cancer tissues and cells was associated with lymph node metastasis (P=0.009). CONCLUSION: An evaluation of the p27 expression for the papillary thyroid cancer cells obtained by FNA may be useful as a predictor for lymph node metastasis before surgery.