Role of P53, E-cadherin and BRAF as predictors of regional nodal recurrence for papillary thyroid cancer

Background Regional nodal recurrence (RNR) in patients diagnosed with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) has increased. Variable immunohistochemical (IHC) markers have been studied for predicting the likelihood of PTC for recurrence. We aimed to clarify the IHC expression of p53, Ecadherin and BRAF as potential markers of RNR in PTC. Method 145 (73 study group and 72 control group) patients with PTC were analyzed retrospectively between January 2010 and June 2017. Further classification to a specific histological variant was done, and IHC expression of p53, Ecadherin and BRAF was analyzed both in the primary tumor and in nodal recurrence. Results Regarding the risk of RNR, we found certain clinicopathologic features as elder age ≥55 years, tumor size >1 cm, presence of microscopic extrathyroid extension, presence of lymphovascular emboli, and conventional papillary subtype. Furthermore, IHC results for negative E-cadherin, and positive P53 and BRAF are significant risk factors, while radioactive iodine (RAI) adjuvant therapy decrease recurrence risk. Conclusion We found several risk factors for RNR in PTC diagnosed patients, all of which are easily achievable in clinical settings. In this regard, we suggested that patients with specific clinicopathologic and immunohistochemical features have strict follow up for early detection of RNR as it has a great impact on their survival.