Submit to Biomedicines Review for Biomedicines Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Advanced Research in Thyroid and Parathyroid Diseases

Print Special Issue Flyer
Special Issue Editors
Special Issue Information
Keywords
Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue
Published Papers

A special issue of Biomedicines (ISSN 2227-9059). This special issue belongs to the section "Cancer Biology and Oncology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 March 2026) | Viewed by 11618

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Anping Su

E-Mail
Guest Editor

Division of Thyroid & Parathyroid Surgery, Department of General Surgery, West China Hospital Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
Interests: anaplastic thyroid cancer; targeted therapy strategies; integrated immunotherapy; tumor microenvironment

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Thyroid and parathyroid diseases encompass a wide spectrum of conditions, ranging from benign disorders to aggressive malignancies. Thyroid cancer remains one of the most prevalent endocrine malignancies, with its incidence continuing to rise globally. While differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) generally has a favorable prognosis when conventional treatments such as surgery, radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy, and thyroid hormone suppression are implemented, the management of aggressive subtypes—including poorly differentiated thyroid carcinoma (PDTC), anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC), and medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC)—remains a significant clinical challenge. Additionally, disorders of the parathyroid glands, particularly primary hyperparathyroidism and parathyroid carcinoma, present unique diagnostic and therapeutic challenges that warrant further investigation.

Recent advances in molecular profiling have provided deeper insights into the genetic and epigenetic alterations that promote the progression of tumors, providing a basis for novel targeted therapies and immunotherapy approaches. Furthermore, the role of calcium metabolism, parathyroid hormone regulation, and their systemic involvement in endocrine health have attracted the attention of researchers.

This Special Issue aims to highlight innovative developments in the diagnosis and treatment of thyroid and parathyroid diseases. We welcome contributions that explore innovative therapeutic strategies, precision medicine applications, and the role of tumor microenvironment modulation in disease progression. The scope of this Special Issue includes emerging biomarkers for prognosis and treatment selection, the mechanisms of treatment resistance, advances in systemic therapies, and novel surgical and radiotherapeutic techniques. We particularly welcome the submission of studies that connect laboratory discoveries with clinical applications, offering new perspectives regarding the evolving landscape of thyroid and parathyroid disease management. Through this collection, we seek to provide a comprehensive and up-to-date resource that informs future research and clinical practice.

Dr. Anping Su
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Biomedicines is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

thyroid cancer treatment
tumor microenvironment
immunotherapy
targeted therapy
precision medicine

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (7 papers)

Download All Papers

Order results

Result details

Show export options Show export options

Select all

Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review

17 pages, 556 KB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring the Appropriate Surgical Extent for Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma of the Isthmus: A Multicenter Retrospective Cohort Study

by Yuhan Jiang, Yi Yang, Hanyun Tu, Tianyuchen Jiang and Anping Su

Biomedicines 2026, 14(1), 13; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines14010013 - 20 Dec 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 877

Abstract

Background: Papillary thyroid carcinoma in the isthmus (PTCI) remains a subject of surgical debate due to its unique anatomical location and reportedly more aggressive behavior, including higher rates of lymph node metastasis, multifocality, extrathyroidal extension, and capsular invasion. There are currently no definitive guidelines regarding the optimal extent of surgery. Objective: This study aimed to compare the three surgical approaches—total thyroidectomy, lobectomy with isthmusectomy, and isthmusectomy/extended isthmusectomy—in patients with PTCI, focusing on postoperative complications, tumor recurrence, recovery, and identifying risk factors for tumor prognosis and lymph node metastasis. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed data from 215 patients treated surgically across four medical centers from 2016 to 2022, divided into three groups based on surgical extent. We compared baseline characteristics, operative time, intraoperative blood loss, length of hospital stay, postoperative complications, and central lymph node metastasis risk factors. Propensity Score Matching (PSM) was used to create more comparable groups, so as to verify the accuracy and stability of our research results. Results: No significant differences were observed among the three groups in rates of temporary or permanent recurrent laryngeal nerve injury, permanent hypoparathyroidism, or chyle leakage (all p > 0.05). However, transient hypoparathyroidism was more common in the total thyroidectomy group (p < 0.05), which also had longer operative time, greater intraoperative blood loss, and longer postoperative hospital stay (all p < 0.05) The PSM-adjusted analyses further confirmed these findings, except that the previously observed difference in postoperative drainage volume among the three groups was no longer significant (p = 0.791). The Kaplan–Meier curves showed a similar cumulative proportion of recurrence-free survivors in the three groups with no statistically significant difference observed (p = 0.804). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis identified that gender (OR = 4.405, 95%CI: 4.104–4.729, p < 0.001), multifocality (OR = 2.498, 95%CI: 1.064–5.864, p = 0.035), tumor diameter (OR = 1.096, 95%CI: 1.047–1.147, p < 0.001), capsular invasion (OR = 2.666, 95%CI: 2.547–2.791, p < 0.001), and absolute eosinophil count (OR = 1.381, 95%CI: 1.125–1.695, p = 0.002) remained significant independent predictors of central lymph node metastasis in PTCI. A multivariable logistic regression model was developed to predict CLNM, achieving an AUC of 0.777. A probability threshold of 0.50 provided the best balance between sensitivity (77.6%) and specificity (65.5%) and was selected as the clinical cut-off for stratifying high- and low-risk patients. Conclusions: Conservative procedures like lobectomy with isthmusectomy or isthmusectomy/extended isthmusectomy may represent a feasible, function-preserving option in carefully selected low-risk PTCI patients, but further validation is required. In contrast, patients with high-risk features may benefit from central lymph node dissection. The predictive model may provide supportive information for personalized surgical planning. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Research in Thyroid and Parathyroid Diseases)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

9 pages, 216 KB

Open AccessArticle

Higher Body Mass Index Shows No Evidence of Association with Histopathologic Markers of Aggressiveness in Early-Stage Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma

by Aliki Economides, Demetris Lamnisos, Paris Vogazianos, Konstantinos Giannakou, Savvas Frangos, Vasilis Constantinides, Panagiotis Papageorgis and Panayiotis A. Economides

Biomedicines 2025, 13(7), 1681; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines13071681 - 9 Jul 2025

Viewed by 1103

Abstract

Background: Obesity has been implicated in the pathogenesis and progression of several malignancies, including papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), but its role in tumor aggressiveness remains controversial. This study aimed to investigate the association between adiposity, as measured by body mass index (BMI), and histopathological features of aggressiveness in patients with PTC. Methods: This single-center retrospective study included 298 consecutive adult patients diagnosed with PTC between 2016 and 2021 at an endocrine referral center. Patients were stratified based on BMI into normal weight (<25 kg/m²) and overweight/obese (≥25 kg/m²) groups. Clinical, metabolic, and histopathological data were compared between the two groups. Results: Overweight/obese patients had significantly higher rates of hypertension, type 2 diabetes, fasting glucose, and triglycerides, as well as lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (all p < 0.01). Tumor size was similar between groups, with over 85% of tumors measuring ≤ 1 cm (microcarcinomas) and no significant difference in the proportion of tumors > 1 cm (p = 0.582). There were no significant differences in multifocality (p = 0.269) or extrathyroidal extension (ETE) (p = 0.826). Lymph node metastases occurred in 34% of normal weight and 28% of overweight/obese patients, without a statistically significant difference (p = 0.402). Lymph node compartment involvement did not significantly differ between groups (p = 0.160). Conclusions: Despite being associated with adverse metabolic profiles, higher BMI was not linked to tumor aggressiveness in patients with predominantly early-stage PTC. As the incidence of obesity and PTC continues to rise, these findings highlight the need for further research into early-stage PTC biology and more precise risk measures of adiposity beyond BMI alone. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Research in Thyroid and Parathyroid Diseases)

15 pages, 13044 KB

Open AccessArticle

Optimizing Parathyroid Preservation in Thyroidectomy: The Burjeel Protocol Utilizing Intraoperative Indocyanine Green Near-Infrared Fluorescence Imaging

by Iyad Hassan, Lina Hassan, Mohamad Askar and Rawan Khalid Salih

Biomedicines 2025, 13(5), 1044; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines13051044 - 25 Apr 2025

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3173

Abstract

Background: Autofluorescence can identify parathyroid glands and protect their vasculature during thyroid surgery to prevent postoperative hypoparathyroidism. This study evaluates the Burjeel intraoperative protocol using near-infrared indocyanine green (ICG-NiR) imaging to preserve parathyroid glands during total thyroidectomy. Methods: This study conducted a single-centre retrospective matched cohort analysis involving 156 consecutive patients who underwent thyroidectomy using the Burjeel ICG-guided near-infrared (NiR) fluorescence protocol (“ICG group”). Patients were matched 1:1 based on gender and extent of resection with 156 counterparts who underwent standard thyroid surgery. The Stryker Spy-phi NiR fluorescence imaging system (Stryker™, Portage, MI, USA) was utilized in three modes—green, black/white, and colourful—to facilitate real-time visualization. Post-lobectomy, each parathyroid gland was individually scored for viability before the closure of the surgical site. Patients were stratified into hypoparathyroidism and euparathyroidism groups based on the parathyroid hormone levels measured on the first postoperative day. Results: The groups had 133 women and 23 men. Preoperative factors like age (43.7 years in both groups); resection time (49 min in the ICG group versus 50 min in the conventional group); and PTH, TPO, and Vit D3 levels were not statistically different. The ICG group had a lower rate of inadvertent parathyroidectomy (9% vs. 17.9% in the standard group, chi-square test, p = 0.015), a lower rate of postoperative hypoparathyroidism (18.6% vs. 35.3%, chi-square test, p = 0.001), and higher postoperative PTH levels (t-test, p = 0.0001). Postoperative hypoparathyroidism was associated with malignant surgical pathology and malignancy on both sides (p = 0.026 and 0.01, respectively). This study found that female participants had a higher incidence of unintentional parathyroidectomy (p = 0.001) but not postoperative hypoparathyroidism. Subgroup analysis showed a negative connection between ICG score and female hypoparathyroidism. Conclusions: The new Burjeel ICG-guided NiR fluorescence approach has greatly reduced inadvertent parathyroidectomy and hypoparathyroidism in female total thyroidectomy patients. Further research is needed to identify numerical variables that aid intraoperative decision-making. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Research in Thyroid and Parathyroid Diseases)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research

19 pages, 1444 KB

Open AccessReview

Current Studies on the Hypoxic Tumor Microenvironment in Thyroid Cancer: From Molecular Mechanisms to Clinical Therapeutic Perspectives

by Xuejiao Peng, Li Ma and Weiqin Chang

Biomedicines 2026, 14(5), 1126; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines14051126 - 16 May 2026

Viewed by 478

Abstract

Hypoxia is a hallmark feature of solid tumors and is increasingly recognized as an important factor in tumor progression, aggressiveness, and therapeutic resistance. In the tumor microenvironment, hypoxia is associated with genetic instability, abnormal angiogenesis, metabolic reprogramming, and crosstalk with oncogenic signaling pathways, thereby potentially enhancing tumor invasiveness and metastatic potential. Furthermore, hypoxia may impair the sensitivity of tumor cells to conventional therapies and contribute to treatment resistance. This article reviews current evidence on the role of hypoxia in thyroid cancer, focusing on its biological effects, clinical implications, and therapeutic relevance. Available studies suggest that hypoxia may affect thyroid cancer progression and treatment tolerance by modulating hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) signaling, epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), angiogenesis, metabolic adaptation, cancer stem-like properties, extracellular matrix remodeling, and stress-adaptive responses. However, the strength of evidence varies across these pathways, and many hypoxia-targeted strategies remain under preclinical investigation. Approaches such as HIF inhibition, redifferentiation therapy, and vascular modulation may offer potential therapeutic directions for advanced and refractory thyroid cancer. Given the marked heterogeneity of thyroid cancer, further thyroid cancer-specific studies are needed to clarify the prognostic and therapeutic significance of hypoxia. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Research in Thyroid and Parathyroid Diseases)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 1062 KB

Open AccessReview

Update on the Risk Factors for Thyroid Dysfunction in Pregnancy

by Federica De Luca, Roberto Negro and Stella Bernardi

Biomedicines 2026, 14(3), 564; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines14030564 - 1 Mar 2026

Viewed by 1600

Abstract

Thyroid disorders are common in pregnancy and if left untreated, they can have serious consequences. There is an ongoing debate as to whether thyroid screening in pregnancy should be universal. Current guidelines recommend a risk-based thyroid screening, which is a health strategy offering TSH measurement to higher-risk women only. Given the key role of risk stratification, in this narrative review, we aimed to (i) describe the established risk factors for thyroid disease in pregnancy; (ii) provide an update on the emerging risk factors; (iii) examine their overall potential utility. For this purpose, a comprehensive literature search was conducted across the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, employing a combination of MeSH terms and relevant keywords, including ‘thyroid dysfunction’, ‘pregnancy’, ‘risk factors’, ‘screening’. In conclusion, the current literature confirms that thyroid autoimmunity and moderate-to-severe iodine deficiency remain the most consistent and reproducible predictors of thyroid dysfunction. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Research in Thyroid and Parathyroid Diseases)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 267 KB

Open AccessReview

Cinacalcet Efficacy in Hyperparathyroidism—Chronic Kidney Disease—Non-Dialysis, Hemodialysis, Peritoneal Dialysis, Kidney Transplantation: Critical Review

by Dominik Lewandowski, Miłosz Miedziaszczyk, Katarzyna Lacka and Ilona Idasiak-Piechocka

Biomedicines 2026, 14(1), 16; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines14010016 - 21 Dec 2025

Viewed by 1754

Abstract

Hyperparathyroidism is a serious complication of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and can occur in patients not on renal replacement therapy, during dialysis therapy, or after kidney transplantation. The disease leads to an increased risk of cardiovascular events, bone loss, and fractures. Cinacalcet is a widely used drug, but its effectiveness in treating hyperparathyroidism in selected stages of chronic kidney disease remains unclear. This critical review aims to integrate findings from meta-analyses and clinical trials to assess optimal therapeutic strategies in patients suffering from CKD, who are non-dialysis-dependent, dialysis-dependent, and after kidney transplantation. The authors reviewed eligible studies, including meta-analyses, randomized controlled trials, and observational studies assessing biochemical outcomes, cardiovascular, bone, and survival outcomes with cinacalcet. Cinacalcet effectively reduced serum parathyroid hormone (PTH), calcium, and phosphorus across all CKD stages, particularly in hemodialysis patients. Combination therapy with vitamin D analogs enhanced biochemical control without increasing adverse events, although mild, transient hypocalcemia and gastrointestinal symptoms were common. In kidney transplant recipients, parathyroidectomy achieved greater normalization of PTH and calcium. Cinacalcet has been shown to reduce mortality in patients on hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Research in Thyroid and Parathyroid Diseases)

14 pages, 497 KB

Open AccessReview

A Contemporary Multifaceted Narrative Review on Thyroid Dysfunction in People Living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus

by Mohanad Alhalabi, Mohamed M. Attian, Lana Alhalabi, Dushyant Mital, Omar Alhalabi and Mohamed H. Ahmed

Biomedicines 2025, 13(11), 2613; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines13112613 - 25 Oct 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1842

Abstract

The use of highly active combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) has increased life expectancy in people living with HIV (PLWH). As a result of ongoing monitoring and surveillance in established HIV out-patient clinics, thyroid dysfunction amongst this population has become increasingly reported. In this narrative review, primary studies, case reports, and meta-analyses published on PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane were analysed. The most reported thyroid dysfunction is subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH). The prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism was as high as 40% in PLWH with CD4 T-cell count < 350 cells/mm³, which is a level indicating a state of immunosuppression. Some less commonly reported thyroid dysfunctional conditions include overt hyperthyroidism and thyroid malignancy. Reports have linked the development of thyroid dysfunction to the use of cART, leading to immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS), which has also been linked to the development of Grave’s disease (GD). It is also important to check for thyroid malignancy, as PLWH are prone to having a high risk of developing non-AIDS-related or -defining cancer (NADC). Most research suggests symptom-driven monitoring. However, evidence also suggests that monitoring with cART status change, monitoring for patients with significant comorbidities, or with immune reconstitution may be useful. The screening should include Free Thyroxine (FT4), triiodothyronine (FT3), and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) testing. Furthermore, vigilance for Grave’s disease and performing thyroid antibody checks are advised, especially once the reconstitution of T-cells is achieved. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Research in Thyroid and Parathyroid Diseases)

► Show Figures

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Advanced Research in Thyroid and Parathyroid Diseases

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editor

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Published Papers (7 papers)

Research

Review

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI