Quality of life in multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A compared with normative and disease populations

Neuroendocrine Parathyroid Tumors: Quality of Life in Patients with Primary Hyperparathyroidism

Tumors of the parathyroid glands, when associated with PTH (parathyroid hormone) excess, display a large area of complications; in addition to the classical clinical picture of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHP), a complex panel of other symptoms/signs can be identified, including memory and cognitive impairment, chronic asthenia/fatigue, reduced muscle functionality, depressive mood, non-specific bone pain, and loss of sleep quality. The perception of quality of life (QoL) can be supplementarily enhanced by their progressive onset, which makes many patients not be fully aware of them. Their improvement was reported very early after parathyroidectomy (PTx), yet the level of statistical evidence does not qualify these non-classical elements as standalone indications for PTx. Our objective is introducing an up-to-date on QoL scores with regards to the patients diagnosed with PHP, particularly taking into consideration PHP management from baseline to post-operatory outcome, including in cases with multiple endocrine neoplasia. This is a narrative review of literature. We revised full-length papers published in English through PubMed research conducted between January 2018 and May 2023 by using the key words "quality of life" and "primary hyperparathyroidism". We particularly looked at data on self-reported QoL (through questionnaires). We excluded from the search the studies focused on non-PTH related hypercalcemia, secondary, and/or renal/tertiary hyperparathyroidism, and vitamin D supplementation. Overall, we identified 76 papers and selected for the final analysis 16 original studies on QoL and PHP (a total of 1327 subjects diagnosed with syndromic and non-syndromic PHP). The studies with the largest number of individuals were of 92, 104, 110, 134, 159, as well as 191. A few cohorts (n = 5) were of small size (between 20 and 40 patients in each of them). Concerning the study design, except for 2 papers, all the mentioned studies provided longitudinal information, particularly the timeframe from baseline (before PTx) and after surgery. The post-operatory follow-up was of 3-6 months, but mostly between 1 and 3 years (maximum a decade of surveillance). The age of the patients varies between medians of 56, 62, 64, and 68 years. Most frequent questionnaires were SF-36, PHPQoL, and PAS. Despite not being unanimously similar, an overall reduced score of QoL in patients with PHP versus controls was registered, as well as general improvement following PTx. Variations of QoL results might have a multifactorial background from different comorbidities, studied populations, technical aspects of collecting the data, etc. QoL scores in PHP represents a complex heterogeneous picture, from their correlation with clinical features and lab assays (e.g., the level of serum calcium), the associated comorbidities (such as multiple endocrine neoplasia syndromes), up to the assessment of the QoL improvement after parathyroidectomy (PTx). While current studies do not unanimously agree on each QoL domain, the assessment of QoL might represent a supplementary argument to consider when deciding for PTx, especially in asymptomatic cases and in patients who do not fit into well-known categories of surgery candidates, according to current guidelines, thus assessing QoL in PHP is part of a current research gap. QoL evaluation in PHP remains an open issue, towards which awareness should be cultivated by both endocrinologists and surgeons. The introduction of a routine evaluation of the QoL scores in patients, as well as the selection of the most appropriate questionnaire(s), represents an open chapter thus awareness in mandatory.

Psychosocial Characteristics and Experiences in Patients with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 2 (MEN2) and Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma (MTC)

Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia type 2 (MEN2) is a genetic cancer syndrome for which there are limited data pertaining to the quality of life and psychosocial experiences of persons affected. Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is a rare disease of the thyroid gland often associated with MEN2. MTC often progresses slowly and may present with a myriad of physical symptoms including hair loss, sleep disturbance, fatigue, weight changes, heart palpitations, and constipation or diarrhea. Like other cancers or rare, inheritable illnesses, patients with MEN2 and MTC may be at risk for psychosocial stressors. The current, cross-sectional study administered a structured psychosocial interview and The Distress Thermometer/Problem Checklist to 63 patients with MEN2 and MTC and their caregivers. Despite reports of overall good health, 46% of adults and 44% of youth reported that pain interferes with their daily life; 53% of adults and 59% of youth reported that pain interferes with their mood. Pediatric patients frequently reported experiencing attention challenges (50%) and difficulty concentrating (65%). Parents reported that mood shifts and becoming upset easily were the most prevalent concerns for their children. The most frequent need for services included education about MTC, treatment and research participation, and the opportunity to meet others with MTC.

A practical nutritional guideline to manage neuroendocrine neoplasms through chronotype and sleep

Chronotype is the attitude of subjects to carry out their daily activities mainly in the morning ("lark") or in the evening ("owl"). The intermediate chronotype is located between these two categories. It has been demonstrated that chronotype can influence the incidence, course and response to treatments of tumors. In particular patients diagnosed with gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (GEP-NENs) and evening chronotype are characterized by unhealthy lifestyle, obesity, metabolic syndrome, a worsen cardiometabolic profile, a poor prognosis with a progressive disease and the development of metastasis. In addition, evening chronotype has been associated with sleep disturbances, which in turn have been related to tumor development and progression of tumors. There is a strict connection between sleep disturbances and NENs because of the hyperactivation of proangiogenic factors that caused aberrant neoangiogenesis. A nutritional tailored approach could represent a tool to align subjects with evening chronotype to physiological biological rhythms based on the properties of some macro and micronutrients of being substrate for melatonin synthesis. Thus, we aimed to provide an overview on the association of chronotype categories and sleep disturbances with NENs and to provide nutritional advices to manage subjects with NENs and these disturbances of circadian rhythm.

Patients' perception on the quality of care for multiple endocrine neoplasia disorders in Europe: an online survey from a patient support group

PURPOSE

European Patient Advocacy Groups (ePAGs) within the Endo-ERN identified a lack of knowledge about quality of care (QoC) of patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN). The aim of this study was to identify inequalities in care and to encourage improvements.

METHODS

The European MEN Alliance (EMENA) developed and conducted a survey, using the European Commissions' EUSurvey platform. Patient groups and healthcare professionals (HCPs) distributed the survey.

RESULTS

A total of 288 participants completed the survey (MEN1 n = 203, MEN2 n = 67, MEN3 n = 18) from 18 European countries. The majority of respondents were recruited via patient groups (58%), aged between 41 and 60 years (53%) and were female (67%). All participants reported having been diagnosed on average 5.58 years (95%-CI: 4.45-6.60) after first symptoms occurred. This timeframe was lower in the group with MEN2 (2.97 years, 95%-CI: 1.37-4.57). Most of the participants (67%) received their diagnosis by a positive gene test after presenting with one or more MEN-related tumours. Overall QoC was rated as either "good" (43%) or "excellent" (36%).

CONCLUSION

The results of this unique Europe-wide, patient-driven survey on QoC of patients with MEN show that ratings for overall QoC were lower than ratings for different aspects of care. This may be because of the complex nature of care for genetic syndromes. Furthermore, patients who connect with patient groups may be deemed "expert patients" whose answers are not representative of the overall MEN patient community. We hope that Endo-ERN can support further education and training for HCPs based on these results.

Association between quality of life and patient-reported complications from surgery and radioiodine in early-stage thyroid cancer survivors: A matched-pair analysis

BACKGROUND

Remnant radioiodine ablation is discouraged in low-risk differentiated thyroid cancer because it confers no survival advantage. The impact of remnant radioiodine ablation on health-related quality of life in these patients is not well described. We hypothesized remnant radioiodine ablation is associated with lower health-related quality of life in early-stage differentiated thyroid cancer survivors.

METHODS

A retrospective matched-pair analysis was conducted in stage I differentiated thyroid cancer survivors recruited from a thyroid cancer support group. Respondents self-reported via online survey. Dysphonia and dysphagia were reported via Likert scale. Health-related quality of life was evaluated using Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) 29-item profile. Respondents who received remnant radioiodine ablation were matched for age, sex, race, and years since diagnosis with respondents who did not receive remnant radioiodine ablation. PROMIS t-scores were compared between remnant radioiodine ablation and nonremnant radioiodine ablation groups, and among those with or without surgical complications.

RESULTS

One hundred and twenty-two pairs were matched. There was no significant difference in incidence of self-reported hypocalcemia, infection, dysphonia, or dysphagia between remnant radioiodine ablation and no remnant radioiodine ablation groups. There was no significant difference in mean PROMIS t-scores. Of respondents reporting normal preoperative voice and swallowing, there were no significant differences in postprocedural outcomes or PROMIS scores. Regardless of remnant radioiodine ablation treatment, those with surgical complications of hypocalcemia, dysphonia, or dysphagia reported worse PROMIS scores across multiple domains. Remnant radioiodine ablation-associated xerostomia was associated with worse PROMIS scores across multiple domains.

CONCLUSION

This is the first study to use PROMIS measures to evaluate the association between remnant radioiodine ablation and health-related quality of life in early-stage differentiated thyroid cancer survivors treated surgically. Surgical and remnant radioiodine ablation-associated complications were associated with significantly worse PROMIS scores across multiple domains.

Germline RET Leu56Met Variant Is Likely Not Causative of Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 2

Activating variants in the receptor tyrosine kinase REarranged during Transfection (RET) cause multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN 2), an autosomal dominantly inherited cancer-susceptibility syndrome. The variant c.166C>A, p.Leu56Met in RET was recently reported in two patients with medullary thyroid cancer (MTC). The presence of a pheochromocytoma in one of the patients, suggested a possible pathogenic role of the variant in MEN 2A. Here, we present clinical follow up of a Danish RET Leu56Met cohort. Patients were evaluated for signs of MEN 2 according to a set of predefined criteria. None of the seven patients in our cohort exhibited evidence of MEN 2. Furthermore, we found the Leu56Met variant in our in-house diagnostic cohort with an allele frequency of 0.59%, suggesting that it is a common variant in the population. Additionally, none of the patients who harbored the allele were listed in the Danish MTC and MEN 2 registries. In conclusion, our findings do not support a pathogenic role of the Leu56Met variant in MEN 2.

5P Strategies for Management of Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 2: A Paradigm of Precision Medicine

Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2) is a neuroendocrine cancer syndrome characterized by medullary thyroid carcinoma, in combination or not with pheochromocytoma, hyperparathyroidism, and extra-endocrine features. MEN2 syndrome includes two clinically distinct forms subtyped as MEN2A and MEN2B. Nearly all MEN2 cases are caused by germline mutations of the RET proto-oncogene. In this review, we propose "5P" strategies for management of MEN2: prevention, prediction, personalization, psychological support, and participation, which could effectively improve clinical outcomes of patients. Based on RET mutations, MEN2 could be prevented through prenatal diagnosis or preimplantation genetic testing. Identification of pathogenic mutations in RET can enable early diagnosis of MEN2. Combining RET mutation testing with measurement of serum calcitonin, plasma or urinary metanephrine/normetanephrine, and serum parathyroid hormone levels could allow risk stratification and accurately prediction of MEN2 progression, thus facilitating implementation of personalized precision treatments to increase disease-free survival and overall survival. Furthermore, increased awareness of MEN2 is needed, which requires participation of physicians, patients, family members, and related organizations. Psychological support is also important for patients with MEN2 to promote comprehensive management of MEN2 symptoms. The "5P" strategies for management of MEN2 represent a typical clinical example of precision medicine. These strategies could effectively improve the health of MEN2 patient, and avoid adverse outcomes, including death and major morbidity, from MEN2.

Quality of Life and Coping in Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 2

Scarce data are available on the quality of life and psychosocial distress of patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2), a genetic cancer syndrome caused by RET germline mutations. Carriers of RET mutations can face several challenges, including fear for the future, guilt for transmission of a germline mutation to an offspring, side effects of cancer treatment, coping behaviors in the face of a chronic and frequently incurable cancer, and difficulties in access to adequate health care. We have addressed the effects of genetic testing on the quality of life of patients with MEN2 and the lifelong physical and psychosocial challenges experienced by these patients. We have also suggested strategies to minimize the burden of living with this chronic condition and the perspectives on future studies to improve the health-related quality of life of the patients.