Association of BRAF mutation with poor prognosis of papillary thyroid cancer

There have been numerous studies on the relationship between BRAF mutation and clinicopathological outcomes of papillary thyroid cancer(PTC),mostly showing a strong and positive association.This reflects,particularly in recent studies,in three aspects:the association of BRAF mutation with high-risk clinicopathological characteristics of PTC,the recurrence of PTC,and the progression from PTC to anaplastic thyroid cancer(ATC).Based on these findings,BRAF mutation may assist decision making on surgical management,raitioiodine treatment and the TSH level control in PTC patients. Key words: BRAF; Mutation; Papillary thyroid cancer; Clinical prognosis; Clinical decision-making