Clinical Research

Research is an essential role of the New York Thyroid Center. Major contributions of our members include the development of the T3 suppression test, classification of thyroid tumors, classification of Graves' ophthalmopathy, development of fine needle and coarse needle biopsies in the United States, and the development of the thyroglobulin assay. Our members are dedicated to being pioneers in the field of thyroid disease and continue to make progress with their ongoing clinical and basic science projects.

Current Research

DNA Mutations in Thyroid Cancer Mitochondria

DNA Amplification phase. Agarose gel showing DNA fragments (illuminated by size) for normal thyroid tissue (lanes 2-9) and thyroid cancer tissue (lanes 11-18)

Our basic science laboratory is currently investigating the role of DNA mutations on the mitochondrial level in thyroid cancer. DNA from sample pairs of thyroid cancer and normal thyroid tissue is isolated, and the mtDNA is amplified using PCR. The amplified mtDNA is then sequenced, and mutations are determined. Any mutation that is found in the cancer and not in the corresponding normal tissue will be further investigated, as it may be a link to the primary cause of the cancer.

A Novel Gene Therapy Approach to Tissue-Specific Cytotoxicity in Thyroid Cells

Portion of hTg-mTK plasmid sequence

Our laboratory is also working to develop a gene therapy as a non-invasive means to ablate thyroid cells. This novel therapy uses a thyroglobulin promoter, found only on thyroid cells, to drive an enzyme specific to a common virus. A drug used to treat the virus would then be administered to kill the thyroid tissue without harming other cells in the body. Although we hope that this therapy will benefit patients in the future, it is currently at an early experimental phase and cannot be used to treat humans at this time (see abstract below).

Neurocognitive Changes in Primary Hyperparathyroidism

Primary hyperparathyroidism is a condition in which one or more of the parathyroid glands, located in the neck, are overactive. Over activity of the parathyroid glands can lead to elevation of blood calcium levels, which can cause a number of symptoms. Previous research suggests that over activity of the parathyroid glands and high calcium levels can cause difficulty with thinking, concentration, and memory as well as changes in mood and energy level. The results of these previous studies, however, are not conclusive and this area requires further research. The purpose of this study is to determine if there are subtle changes in cognition or mood in primary hyperparathyroidism and whether these changes, if present, are reversible with surgery.

We are studying approximately 50 women with primary hyperparathyroidism. Participants must be women, age 45 years old or greater, with primary hyperparathyroidism who are at least 2 years past menopause. Additionally, participants must speak English fluently and have decided to have surgery to treat their condition. Participants are asked to come for 1 visit prior to parathyroidectomy and 1 visit about 6 months after surgery. Each visit lasts approximately 3 hours. At each visit a blood sample is drawn for calcium and parathyroid hormone levels. Participants also fill out questionnaires assessing their mood and anxiety level, perform interactive tests of memory and thinking and undergo a specialized brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study that assesses blood flow to the brain while cognitive tasks are performed. Test performance is compared before and after surgery.

If interested, please contact the study coordinator, Anna Tineo at 212.342.5231.