Plasma Cell-Free DNA to Differentiate Malignant from Benign Thyroid Nodules

Abstract Background Molecular testing is increasingly used to identify malignancy in thyroid nodules (especially indeterminate category). Measurement of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) levels from plasma has been useful diagnosis cancers other organs/tissues; herein we analyze cfDNA patients with explore the possibility establishing a cutoff for identification malignancy. Methods Patients underwent ultrasonography (USG) and USG-guided fine needle aspiration as well surgery, where indicated. Cell-free was extracted quantified. In initial analysis (determination cutoff), were compared between Bethesda 2 5 &6 establish value that could differentiate malignant benign nodules. subsequent analysis, aforementioned applied (validation cutoff) those check ability predict Results Fine (n = 119) yielded 69) & 6 13) who histopathological confirmation. these groups 22.85 ± 1.27 96.20 8.31 (ng/mL) respectively. A 67.9 ng/mL, area under curve 0.992 (95% CI, 0.97-1.0) 100% sensitivity 93% specificity established lesions. Indeterminate group (Bethesda 3 4) surgery (malignant n 24), (benign 13), using previously identified cfDNA, able lesions 92.3%. There very strong agreement cfDNA-based classification histopathology-based (Cohen’s kappa 0.94; P < 0.001) Conclusion Plasma estimation help