Detection of BRAF Mutation on FNAB From Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma

Immunohistochemical Detection of the BRAFV600E Mutation on Cytological Specimen in PTC

Immunohistochemical detection of the BRAF-V600E mutation on pre-operative fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) from patients suspected for papillary thyroid carcinoma, using the mutation specific antibody VE1.

The BRAF mutation is reported to be present in approximately 50% of papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTC). The mutation has been associated with poor prognosis and more advanced disease stage. Therefore, pre-operative detection of the BRAF-V600E mutation may be of clinical interest in order to individualize treatment of patients with BRAF positive PTC.

FNABs are performed immediately before the thyroid operation, and BRAF-V600E detection using VE1 is performed on clots. The VE1 stain is compared to the mutation status of the removed cancer or control tissue using the Cobas test.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Bethesda system of reporting thyroid cytology (BSRTC) group 5-6 on pre-operative FNAB from the nodule (>1cm)
• Undergoing thyroid surgery (histology of index nodule)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Not undergoing thyroid surgery