Expressions of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptors Atg5 and p62 in Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma Patients Complicated with Cervical Lymph Node Metastasis

The aim of this study was to analyse the expressions of epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFR) Atg5 and p62 in thyroid carcinoma patients complicated with cervical lymph node metastasis. Cancer and normal paracancerous tissue specimens were collected from 80 patients diagnosed as papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) from March 2013 to February 2015. Compared with normal tissue, the expression rates of EGFR and p62 in PTC and metastatic lymph node tissues were significantly higher, but those of Atg5 were lower (P<0.05). Atg5 and p62 expressions were negatively correlated in PTC and metastatic lymph node tissues (P<0.01). The 3-year survival rate of patients with high EGFR and p62 expressions in PTC tissues was lower than that of patients with low expressions, but higher in patients with high Atg5 expression (P<0.05). TNM stage, lymph node metastasis, EGFR and p62 were independent risk factors for PTC prognosis, while Atg5 was a protective factor.