Thyroid cancer is the sixth most common cause of death all over the world. About twenty percent of all cases of thyroid cancer emerge follicular, which is more aggressive form of cancer. In a new study researchers form Mayo Clinic revealed a mutant gene that restrained the spread of malignant cells.
Researchers have unearthed the genetic basis of thyroid cancer by disclosing three genes which could increase the risk of thyroid cancer. A study analysis was carried out by experts from Cleveland Clinic, involving three thousand people with Cowden Syndrome (CS) or analogous disease.
People diagnosed with these conditions are usually considered at greater risk of breast and thyroid cancer. The study findings showed that PTEN gene was the primary cause of Cowden Syndrome. The PTEN gene crucially works as tumour suppressor that manages division and survival of cell.
The hereditary form of mutated PTEN gene seemed to found in about eighty percent of CS patients. These mutated forms appeared to inhibit PTEN protein from effectively managing the division and survival of the cell, in that way causing tumours. About six patients under the age of nineteen seemed to hold pathogenic PTEN mutation.
The study also implied that thyroid of children suffering these mutations associated with CS condition should be examined. In contrast alterations in the SDH and KLLN genes did not appear to have any connection with the occurrence of thyroid cancer in children.
According to lead researcher Charis Eng, founding director of the Genomic Medicine Institute of Cleveland Clinic, the investigation into the genetics behinds thyroid disease elevates significant details, which are applicable to diagnosis and possible treatment of the condition. The study findings are reported in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism.