Subtypes of Thyroid Cancer and Their Molecular Pathogenesis
<p>Thyroid cancer encompasses a biologically diverse spectrum of malignancies whose clinical behavior, prognosis, and therapeutic responsiveness are increasingly defined by underlying molecular drivers rather than histologic appearance alone. This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of the maj...
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| Autores principales: | , , |
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| Formato: | Capítulo de libro |
| Lenguaje: | inglés |
| Publicado: |
IntechOpen
2026
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| Materias: | |
| Acceso en línea: | https://www.intechopen.com/chapters/1237357 |
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| Sumario: | <p>Thyroid cancer encompasses a biologically diverse spectrum of malignancies whose clinical behavior, prognosis, and therapeutic responsiveness are increasingly defined by underlying molecular drivers rather than histologic appearance alone. This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of the major thyroid cancer subtypes: papillary (PTC), follicular (FTC), medullary (MTC), and anaplastic (ATC), through the lens of their molecular pathogenesis. Most thyroid malignancies originate from follicular epithelial cells and are primarily driven by dysregulation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT signaling pathways. PTC is characterized by mutually exclusive alterations, such as BRAF mutations and RET/PTC rearrangements, while FTC is predominantly associated with RAS mutations and PI3K pathway activation. In contrast, MTC arises from parafollicular C cells and is driven by RET proto-oncogene activation. The accumulation of secondary genetic alterations, particularly TERT promoter mutations and TP53 inactivation, marks the transition from well-differentiated states to aggressive, dedifferentiated phenotypes, culminating in the lethal and refractory clinical behavior of anaplastic thyroid carcinoma. Integrating these molecular insights with histopathologic classification has transformed the management of thyroid cancer. Molecular profiling now informs diagnostic evaluation of indeterminate nodules, refines risk stratification, and guides the use of targeted systemic therapies and redifferentiation strategies. By synthesizing the current understanding of oncogenic signaling and genomic drivers, this chapter establishes a cohesive framework for appreciating thyroid cancer biology, emphasizing the pivotal role of precision oncology in evolving clinical care and future therapeutic innovation.</p> |
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| ISBN: | 978-1-80631-181-1 |
| DOI: | 10.5772/intechopen.1016657 |