Role of GDF-15 as an Immunohistochemical Marker in Follicular Neoplasms and Lesions of Thyroid

Introduction: A pre-therapeutic distinction between benign and malignant thyroid nodules is critical for deciding the therapeutic strategy, wherein fine-needle aspiration cytology plays a major role. However, there are grey-zone categories in Bethesda system reporting cytopathology, which currently, universally accepted pattern FNAC. Several immunomarkers studied these ‘indeterminate’ lesions have proven to be of limited value. Recent molecular studies shown growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) gene promising marker various malignancies; though, sparse literature regarding its use as surrogate immunohistochemical marker, especially neoplasms. The present (pilot) study explores possible utility follicular-patterned neoplasms by testing it initially on histopathologic sections. Objective: To assess GDF-15 an distinguishing common lesions. Materials Methods: immunohistochemistry was performed 75 surgical specimens lesions, comprising 19 adenomatous or follicular hyperplasias, 10 nodular goitres, 17 adenomas, 8 carcinomas, 12 variant papillary 9 conventional carcinomas. All cases were histologically proven, their interpretation using immunoreactive scoring system. Pearson’s analysis correlation among groups. Results: findings inconsistent; 16 malignancies (5 carcinomas 11 carcinoma) seven revealed both cytoplasmic membranous expression GDF-15. negative except one adenoma three exhibited patchy focal positivity. carcinoma, two found GDF-15-negative. Conclusion: Though backup supporting differentiating neoplasms, protein, failed distinguish not only but also carcinoma carcinoma.