Telomerase activity in thyroid tumors

We quantified telomerase activities in thyroid tumors by a telomeric-repeat-amplification-protocol-based assay in an attempt to determine its clinical significance. Telomerase activity was detected in 10 of 18 (55.6%) malignant tumors, but in none of the four benign lesions, and the level of telomerase activity correlated significantly with the progression of the clinical stages. High activity was determined in 4 (80%) of 5 metastatic lesions in the lymph nodes. Five (45.5%) of 11 non-tumoral specimens from malignant cases showed telomerase activity, while none of the four from benign cases did. In conclusion, the determination of telomerase activity might be useful in determining the existence and progression of thyroid cancer.