New Epigenetic Marker Identified for Predicting Metastatic Thyroid Cancer Risk

April 25, 2025 - A groundbreaking study conducted by researchers at the Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute (IGTP), in collaboration with five university hospitals, has unveiled a significant breakthrough in the understanding of metastatic differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). The study, published in the journal Thyroid, reveals an epigenetic signature composed of 156 CpG sites found in primary tumors, which may assist in predicting the likelihood of patients developing distant metastases.

The research focuses on the mechanisms of DNA methylation, a critical epigenetic process that influences gene expression, in relation to the progression of thyroid cancer. By examining samples ranging from normal thyroid tissue to various stages of tumor development, including low-risk primary tumors and advanced metastases, the study highlights a notable progression of DNA methylation alterations as tumors advance.

Key findings indicate that there is a consistent increase in DNA methylation changes throughout tumor progression, characterized primarily by global hypomethylation. This supports a linear model concerning metastasis and suggests that DNA methylation dynamics differ between the main histological subtypes of thyroid cancer.

Specifically, while papillary (PTC) and follicular (FTC) carcinomas exhibit unique methylation profiles during early stages, both types eventually align toward shared epigenetic patterns as the disease progresses to its metastatic phase. This convergence suggests the presence of common epigenetic mechanisms at advanced stages of thyroid cancer, irrespective of the initial tumor subtype.

The research team was able to identify a specific set of 156 altered CpG sites in primary tumors from patients who developed distant metastases. This signature has been validated through an independent cohort and is viewed as a promising prognostic tool. Such a tool would significantly enhance the ability to identify high-risk patients early in their diagnosis, facilitating improved risk stratification and the implementation of personalized treatment strategies.

According to Mireia Jordà, the principal investigator of the study and head of the Endocrine Tumors Group at IGTP, the findings underscore the importance of DNA methylation changes in the progression of thyroid cancer. The collaboration across five university hospitals has been pivotal in ensuring the robustness of these results, demonstrating the value of multidisciplinary approaches in advancing precision medicine, particularly for less-studied malignancies like thyroid cancer.

This research represents a significant step forward in enhancing prognostic tools for thyroid cancer, emphasizing the integration of epigenetic analysis into individualized care plans for affected patients. The insights gained from this study are expected to have a lasting impact on the management and treatment of thyroid cancer, potentially leading to better patient outcomes.

For further information, refer to the study by Helena Rodríguez-Lloveras et al. in the journal Thyroid (2025). DOI: 10.1089/thy.2024.0303.