CLINICAL AND MORPHOLOGICAL FEATURES AND CYTOKINE STATUS ASSESSMENT IN THYROID CANCER

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the prevalence of thyroid cancer (TC) in the Republic of Tajikistan, analyze its clinical and morphological characteristics, and assess the cytokine status of affected patients. Methods: This retrospective study analyzed data from patients treated at the Republican Oncology Scientific Center of Tajikistan between 2014 and 2023. Descriptive statistics were employed to evaluate incidence rates, clinical features, and therapeutic outcomes. Additionally, the cytokine status, specifically serum levels of Interleukin4 (IL4), Interleukin6 (IL6), and Tumor Necrosis Factoralpha (TNFα), was assessed in a cohort of 52 patients. Results: Although the incidence of TC in Tajikistan has remained relatively stable over the last decade, a high prevalence of advanced stages (T3T4) was observed. Females accounted for 75.5% of cases, and a significant majority of patients (60.9%) presented with advancedstage disease (T3T4). Papillary and follicular carcinomas were the most frequent histological subtypes. Surgical intervention, primarily total thyroidectomy and subtotal resection, remains the cornerstone of treatment, supplemented by adjuvant hormone therapy and polychemotherapy. Immunological monitoring revealed significantly elevated levels of IL4, IL6, and TNFα, suggesting impaired immune regulation, particularly among older age groups. Conclusion: These findings underscore the critical need for improved early diagnostic strategies for TC. A comprehensive management approach that integrates radical surgical intervention with adjuvant therapies and immunological monitoring is essential for optimizing patient outcomes. Keywords: Thyroid cancer, diagnostics, treatment, cytokine status, molecular genetic studies, immune status, tumor markers, survival.