Molecular aspects of thyroid cancer in children

Abstract

Children with thyroid cancer generally have a more favorable prognosis than adults. This chapter reviews the data that suggest the pattern of ret/PTC, BRAF, and RAS mutations might differ in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) from children and adults. Expression of the insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) and IGF receptors may also differ, as well as the intensity or nature of the immune response. Additional study is warranted to better define the impact of each of these factors on the clinical behavior of thyroid cancers in children. © 2006 Humana Press Inc.