Assessing the sodium-iodide symporter (NIS) in pediatric differentiated thyroid carcinoma
Authors' conclusion
This study highlights significant differences in NIS expression between pediatric thyroid tumors and adjacent nontumoral tissue, with a lower proportion of NIS-positive tumors compared with SLC5A5-high cases. No associations were observed between NIS protein detection or SLC5A5 expression and clinical features, histology, tumor aggressiveness, or treatment response.
Study context
- Population
- Pediatric and adolescent patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) diagnosed under the age of 19
- Participants
- 92 participants
- Exposure
- NIS protein expression in tumor vs adjacent nontumoral thyroid tissue
- Outcome
- NIS protein expression (immunohistochemistry)
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Odds ratio
106.8
95% CI 30.7–337.5
P < 0.0001
- NIS detected in tumor samples
- 20/92
- SLC5A5 expressed in tumor samples
- 36/70
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
Associations of NIS or SLC5A5 expression with clinical/histological features, metastasis, I-131 activity, treatment response
- No associations found
- Dissociation between gene expression and protein detection
- Despite reduced tumoral NIS protein expression, most patients achieved an excellent response to radioiodide therapy
Original publication
Assessing the sodium-iodide symporter (NIS) in pediatric differentiated thyroid carcinoma. Eur Thyroid J. Published 24 April 2026. doi:10.
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