Middle East Area: Aggressive Thyroid Tumors Related to Leptin
One of the molecules causing obesity, entitled leptin, seems to be a key element in being able to predict a poor forecast with regards to the thyroid tumors. One of the areas affected by this situation is the Middle East area. The research presenting these findings was released during the Basic Cancer Research Meeting at the American Association for Cancer Research Frontiers.
Leading author and investigator for this study was the director of the King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center in Riyadh`s research facility located in Saudi Arabia. His name is Khawla S. Al-Kuraya. As he states, the expression of the leptin receptor may be a key factor in forecasting the stages of thyroid tumors` aggression in the Middle East area and may grant guidance for therapies and additional medical care for this type of cancer.
As statistics show, this type of cancer is the eight commonly found diseases in United States` women population which is rather acceptable compared to the fact that in women living in Saudi Arabia the thyroid cancer is the second most common form of illness. As leading investigator, Mr. Al-Kuraya states, the propensity of this type of cancer is well observed in the countries that form the Gulf Council.
The researcher stated that his team uncovered evidence that the thyroid cancer are unique with regards the molecular level in the Middle East region. Their individuality resides in the enhancement of the gene entitled PIK3CA.
During their research, the investigators took a closer look at thyroid tumor samples summing up 536 patients. The scientists studied the leptin`s receptors and levels in the samples. In approximately 80% of the studied patients, an over-expression of the obesity causing molecule was found. This finding was linked with the small tumor life span. Logically, the enhanced expression of leptin receptor was associated with a larger cancer cell found in an advanced growth stage and even metastasizing or of an advanced age. In addition, the investigators made the thyroid tumor cells subject to vitro tests and discovered that the obesity causing molecule aids the development of cancer cells in a negative way for the human body. The leptin aids the development of the thyroid cancer cells and also prevents them from dying.
Even though leptin is primarily known for the role it plays in the obesity cases and also for the fact that it is regulator for both the energy consumption and the food consumed by an individual, this study was the first one to observe the molecule`s effects in the thyroid tumors. Earlier experiments focused on the leptin`s role in poor forecasting in the cases of people suffering from types of cancer such as: gastric, breast and endometrial.
As leading investigator, Mr. Al-Kuraya states it seems that the leptin receptor state can be very quickly found out through the means of a needle biopsy. Moreover, the researcher is sure that the knowledge acquired through these means will provide to be helpful in forecasting the aggressiveness of the thyroid cancer and, thus, develop an effective and efficient therapy in order to counteract the illness. Furthermore, by doing this, doctors will also be able to choose between the various surgery alternatives at hand, the post-surgery treatment and also establish the dose of iodine received by the patient.
