Published in Thyroid, the study identifies an epigenetic signature of 156 CpG sites in primary tumors that can stratify patients based on their risk of developing distant metastases.

The findings provide new insights into the role of DNA methylation—an essential epigenetic mechanism regulating gene expression—in thyroid cancer progression. They contribute to a deeper understanding of the disease and open new possibilities for patient stratification and personalised treatment strategies.

A Multicentre Study of DNA Methylation Dynamics

Researchers analysed samples from normal thyroid tissue, low-risk primary tumors, primary tumors from patients who later developed metastases, lymph node metastases, and distant metastases. The results reveal a progressive increase in DNA methylation changes, mainly global hypomethylation, supporting a linear model of tumor metastasis.

Notably, differences in DNA methylation dynamics were observed between major thyroid cancer subtypes. Papillary (PTC) and follicular (FTC) carcinomas showed distinct profiles early on but converged toward similar epigenetic patterns during metastatic progression, suggesting shared mechanisms at advanced disease stages.

A New Tool for Early Metastasis Prediction

Through detailed analysis, the team identified a 156-CpG site epigenetic signature specific to primary tumors from patients who developed distant metastases, which was validated in an independent cohort. This signature offers a promising tool for early identification of high-risk patients, improving risk stratification and supporting personalised clinical management.

This study confirms that changes in DNA methylation are crucial to thyroid cancer progression and move us closer to early identification of high-risk patients. Collaboration between the five university hospitals and IGTP was key to ensuring robust results and underscores the importance of multidisciplinary research for advancing precision medicine in less-studied cancers like thyroid cancer, said Mireia Jordà, principal investigator and leader of the Endocrine Tumours Group at IGTP.

This research sets the stage for enhancing prognostic tools in thyroid cancer and highlights the importance of integrating epigenetic analysis into personalised patient care.

Source: https://www.germanstrias.org/en/news/600/igtp-led-study-identifies-an-epigenetic-signature-with-prognostic-value-in-metastatic-thyroid-cancer