High Expression of the Urokinase Plasminogen Activator and Its Cognate Receptor Associates with Advanced Stages and Reduced Disease-Free Interval in Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma

Abstract

The study demonstrated that in PTC the increased gene expression of uPA and uPAR is associated with tumor invasiveness, advanced stages, and shorter DFI, suggesting their prognostic relevance. These observations warrant further investigation in larger patient populations with longer follow-up.