Role of Cytomorphometry and BRAFV600E Immunocytochemistry With a Cytologic Diagnosis "Suspicious for Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma"

Launched by ASSIUT UNIVERSITY · Mar 24, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a new approach to improve the diagnosis of suspicious thyroid nodules that may indicate papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), the most common type of thyroid cancer. Researchers want to see if combining specialized tests that analyze cell features and a specific genetic marker (BRAFV600E) can help doctors more accurately identify whether a thyroid nodule is cancerous. Currently, about 4-6.5% of thyroid nodules are cancerous, and distinguishing between benign and malignant nodules can be challenging, sometimes leading to unnecessary treatments.

To participate in this study, individuals must have a specific type of thyroid cell sample (FNAC) that is marked as suspicious for PTC and has clear, well-preserved cell structures. Those with samples that are damaged or unclear, or without a confirmed diagnosis, will not be eligible. If you meet the criteria and decide to participate, you can expect to contribute to important research that may help improve thyroid cancer diagnosis in the future, potentially benefiting many patients by reducing false alarms and ensuring more targeted treatments.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Only Papanicolaou (PAP) and Hematoxylin \& Eosin (H\&E) stained FNAC smears diagnosed as suspicious for papillary thyroid carcinoma will be included in the study.
• • Only FNAC smears with well-preserved nuclear morphology will be included in the study.
• • Smears with histopathological slides.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • FNAC smears lacking histopathological confirmation.
• • Smears with extensive nuclear overlap and poor morphology.
• • Smears obscured by inflammation, blood, or mucoid material.
• • Smears exhibiting cellular degenerative changes or drying artifacts.
• • Any patient with missing data.