Modeling Thyroid Cancer in the Mouse

Abstract

Thyroid carcinomas, the most common endocrine tumors in humans, have an increasing incidence in the U.S. and worldwide. There are four major types of thyroid cancers: papillary, follicular, anaplastic, and medullary carcinomas. In recent years, significant progress has been made in the identification of genetic alterations in thyroid carcinomas, particularly, papillary and medullary thyroid cancers. Mouse models of thyroid cancer are valuable tools in elucidating molecular genetic changes underlying thyroid carcinogenesis and in identifying potential molecular targets for therapeutic intervention. Representative mouse models of papillary, follicular, and medullary carcinomas are reviewed here with particular emphasis on those for follicular thyroid carcinomas. Challenges for further development in the modeling of thyroid cancer will also be discussed.

Thyroid Cancer in Patients with Hyperthyroidism

“…Evaluation of the malignancy risk of a nodule in patients with Graves' disease appears to be crucial. Creation of rodent models of thyroid cancers and hyperthyroidism could elucidate molecular genetic changes underlying cancer development and progression [ 105 ] .…”

Evaluation of serum thyroid‐stimulating hormone as indicator for fine‐needle aspiration in patients with thyroid nodules

“…25,26 Some experimental animal models support the theory that TSH plays a role in the development of follicular cell-derived thyroid cancer. 27 In clinical practice, TSH suppressive treatment is a mainstay of differentiated thyroid cancer management, with benefits in disease progression, recurrence, and cancer-related mortality. 16,28 However, it remains uncertain whether TSH is involved in the development or progression of human thyroid cancers.…”

“…Serum TSH is involved in biological functions, such as iodine uptake, production and release of thyroid hormones, and promotion of thyroid cell growth . Some experimental animal models support the theory that TSH plays a role in the development of follicular cell–derived thyroid cancer . In clinical practice, TSH suppressive treatment is a mainstay of differentiated thyroid cancer management, with benefits in disease progression, recurrence, and cancer‐related mortality .…”

Autoimmune and Malignant Thyroid Diseases

“…The review by Dr. Cheng and co-worker gives an excellent overview on mouse models of papillary, follicular, and medullary thyroid carcinomas. In particular, they focus on models for follicular thyroid carcinomas [10] , which is in line with their original description of a mouse model for follicular thyroid cancer [11,12] . Finally, this Special Issue also deals with innovative therapy options for the treatment of thyroid cancer.…”