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Eckelt F, Pfaeffle R, Kiess W, Kratzsch J. Calcitonin and complementary biomarkers in the diagnosis of hereditary medullary thyroid carcinoma in children and adolescents. J Pediatr Endocrinol Metab 2021; 34:1491-1504. [PMID: 34543539 DOI: 10.1515/jpem-2021-0163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is a rare malignancy that is effectively curable by surgery. Unlike in adults, hereditary MTC has a predominant role in children. A fast and safe diagnosis is important to assure the good prognosis for the patients. A major cornerstone is the assessment of biomarkers, but the interpretation must respect their pre-, post- and analytical features. Especially calcitonin (Ctn) is a challenging biomarker in daily laboratory diagnostics. However, Ctn is of particular relevance for the diagnostic in MTC. The American Thyroid Association recommends thyroidectomy if the upper reference range of Ctn is exceeded. Interestingly, age-dependent reference ranges for children and adolescents have become available only recently for Ctn assays. With this review, we aim to highlight the importance of a timely diagnosis of MTC in children and adolescents. CONTENT Recent developments in pediatric biochemical diagnostics of MTC were summarized. This includes guidance on interpretation of RET, Ctn, procalcitonin, carcinoembryonic antigen, carbohydrate antigen 19-9, and chromogranin A. SUMMARY Currently, Ctn is the most investigated biomarker in the diagnosis of MTC in children and adolescents. Other biomarkers as PCT suggest complementary evidence about pediatric MTC but their interpretation based largely on adult's data. A successful treatment of MTC requires, besides results of biomarkers, information about medical history, RET gene analysis and recent guideline knowledge. OUTLOOK More research is required to validate complementary biomarkers of Ctn in children. Additionally, the effect of different confounder on pediatric Ctn levels has to be further clarified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix Eckelt
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Roland Pfaeffle
- Department Woman and Child Health, Hospital for Children and Adolescents, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Wieland Kiess
- Department Woman and Child Health, Hospital for Children and Adolescents, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Juergen Kratzsch
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
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Song E, Jeon MJ, Yoo HJ, Bae SJ, Kim TY, Kim WB, Shong YK, Kim HK, Kim WG. Gender-Dependent Reference Range of Serum Calcitonin Levels in Healthy Korean Adults. Endocrinol Metab (Seoul) 2021; 36:365-373. [PMID: 33823567 PMCID: PMC8090475 DOI: 10.3803/enm.2020.939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Serum calcitonin measurement contains various clinical and methodological aspects. Its reference level is wide and unclear despite sensitive calcitonin kits are available. This study aimed to identify the specific reference range in the healthy Korean adults. METHODS Subjects were ≥20 years with available calcitonin (measured by a two-site immunoradiometric assay) data by a routine health checkup. Three groups were defined as all eligible subjects (group 1, n=10,566); subjects without self or family history of thyroid disease (group 2, n=5,152); and subjects without chronic kidney disease, autoimmune thyroid disease, medication of proton pump inhibitor/H2 blocker/steroid, or other malignancies (group 3, n=4,638). RESULTS This study included 6,341 male and 4,225 female subjects. Males had higher mean calcitonin than females (2.3 pg/mL vs. 1.9 pg/mL, P<0.001) in group 1. This gender difference remained similar in groups 2 and 3. Calcitonin according to age or body mass index was not significant in both genders. Higher calcitonin in smoking than nonsmoking men was observed but not in women. Sixty-nine subjects had calcitonin higher than the upper reference limit (10 pg/mL) and 64 of them had factors associated with hypercalcitoninemia besides medullary thyroid cancer. Our study suggests the reference intervals for men who were non, ex-, current smokers, and women (irrespective of smoking status) as <5.7, <7.1, <7.9, and <3.6 pg/mL, respectively. CONCLUSION Specific calcitonin reference range should be provided considering for sex and smoking status. Taking account for several factors known to induce hypercalcitoninemia can help interpret the gray zone of moderately elevated calcitonin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eyun Song
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine,
Korea
| | - Min Ji Jeon
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul,
Korea
| | - Hye Jin Yoo
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine,
Korea
| | - Sung Jin Bae
- Department of Health Screening and Promotion Center, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul,
Korea
| | - Tae Yong Kim
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul,
Korea
| | - Won Bae Kim
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul,
Korea
| | - Young Kee Shong
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul,
Korea
| | - Hong-Kyu Kim
- Department of Health Screening and Promotion Center, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul,
Korea
| | - Won Gu Kim
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul,
Korea
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Frank-Raue K, Raue F. Hereditary Medullary Thyroid Cancer Genotype-Phenotype Correlation. Recent Results Cancer Res 2015; 204:139-56. [PMID: 26494387 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-22542-5_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
During the last two decades, there has been a marked expansion of our knowledge of both the basic and clinical aspects of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2). There are two clinically distinct types of MEN2 syndrome, termed MEN2A and MEN2B. Within MEN2A, there are four variants: (i) classical MEN2A, represented by the uniform presence of MTC and the less frequent occurrence of pheochromocytoma, or primary hyperparathyroidism, or both; (ii) MEN2A with cutaneous lichen amyloidosis; (iii) MEN2A with Hirschsprung's disease; and (iv) familial medullary thyroid carcinoma (FMTC), i.e., families or individuals with only MTC. MEN2B is associated with MTC, pheochromocytoma, and mucosal neuromas. Hereditary MTC is caused by autosomal dominant gain of function mutations in the RET proto-oncogene. Specific RET mutations may suggest a predilection toward a particular phenotype and clinical course with a strong genotype-phenotype correlation. Based upon these genotype-phenotype correlations, RET mutations are now stratified into three risk levels, i.e., highest, high, and moderate risk, based on the penetrance and aggressiveness of the MTC. Children in the highest risk category should undergo thyroidectomy in their first year of life, and perhaps even in their first months of life. Children in the high-risk category should have ultrasound of the neck and calcitonin (CTN) measurement performed prior to thyroidectomy. Thyroidectomy should typically be performed at the age of 5 or earlier, depending on the presence of elevated serum CTN levels. However, heterogeneity in disease expression and progression within these groups varies considerably. To personalize disease management, the decision regarding the age of prophylactic thyroidectomy is no longer based upon genotype alone but is currently driven by additional clinical data, the most important being serum CTN levels; specifically, the decision to perform thyroidectomy should err on the safe side if the CTN level is elevated but below 30 pg/ml, especially in the moderate risk group. Personalized management also includes decisions about the best age to begin biochemical screening for pheochromocytoma and primary hyperparathyroidism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Frank-Raue
- Endokrinologische Gemeinschaftspraxis, Brückenstr 21, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Friedhelm Raue
- Endokrinologische Gemeinschaftspraxis, Brückenstr 21, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
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Camacho CP, Lindsey SC, Kasamatsu TS, Machado AL, Martins JRM, Biscolla RPM, Dias da Silva MR, Vieira JGH, Maciel RM. Development and application of a novel sensitive immunometric assay for calcitonin in a large cohort of patients with medullary and differentiated thyroid cancer, thyroid nodules, and autoimmune thyroid diseases. Eur Thyroid J 2014; 3:117-24. [PMID: 25114875 PMCID: PMC4109516 DOI: 10.1159/000363055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2013] [Revised: 04/18/2014] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Serum calcitonin (sCT) is a useful biomarker for medullary thyroid cancer (MTC). Consensus has not been reached concerning sCT measurements in the evaluation of nodular thyroid disease (NTD). OBJECTIVE AND METHODS We developed a new immunofluorometric assay for sCT and have validated it in samples from 794 patients [203 with MTC, 205 with autoimmune thyroid disease (ATD), 248 with NTD, 80 with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) 'free of disease', 58 with chronic renal failure (CRF)] and 178 normal individuals, including samples after pentagastrin tests and samples from the washout of 92 FNA procedures in patients with NTD or MTC. We also compared some samples from patients with low or high calcitonin levels using both this assay and the Nichols Institute Diagnostics (NID) assay. RESULTS The assay's analytical sensitivity was 1.0 pg/ml. Considering MTC patients prior to surgery, the cut-off values for the 95% reference range were 11.1 pg/ml for males and 5.5 pg/ml for females and employing the ROC curve were 18.4 pg/ml for males and 7.8 pg/ml for females. sCT in patients with MTC was strongly correlated with disease status. Patients with NTD and ATD did not present false-positive results. sCT measurements were significantly correlated with age (excluding MTC and CRF). The NID test had a strong correlation with our assay. A hook effect was observed only with concentrations >200,000 pg/ml. CONCLUSIONS We developed a novel sCT assay and validated it in healthy subjects, as well as in a large cohort of patients with MTC, NTD, ATD, DTC, and CRF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cléber P. Camacho
- Laboratory of Molecular and Translational Endocrinology, Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Susan C. Lindsey
- Laboratory of Molecular and Translational Endocrinology, Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Teresa S. Kasamatsu
- Laboratory of Molecular and Translational Endocrinology, Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Alberto L. Machado
- Laboratory of Molecular and Translational Endocrinology, Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Brazil
- Fleury Medicine and Health, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - João Roberto M. Martins
- Laboratory of Molecular and Translational Endocrinology, Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rosa Paula M. Biscolla
- Laboratory of Molecular and Translational Endocrinology, Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Brazil
- Fleury Medicine and Health, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Magnus R. Dias da Silva
- Laboratory of Molecular and Translational Endocrinology, Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Brazil
| | - José Gilberto H. Vieira
- Laboratory of Molecular and Translational Endocrinology, Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Brazil
- Fleury Medicine and Health, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rui M.B. Maciel
- Laboratory of Molecular and Translational Endocrinology, Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Brazil
- Fleury Medicine and Health, São Paulo, Brazil
- *Rui M.B. Maciel, MD, PhD, Laboratory of Molecular and Translational Endocrinology, Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de, São Paulo, Rua Pedro de Toledo 669, 11th Floor, São Paulo, SP 04039-033 (Brazil), E-Mail
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Timing and extent of thyroid surgery for gene carriers of hereditary C cell disease—a consensus statement of the European Society of Endocrine Surgeons (ESES). Langenbecks Arch Surg 2013; 399:185-97. [DOI: 10.1007/s00423-013-1139-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2013] [Accepted: 10/29/2013] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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Wells SA, Pacini F, Robinson BG, Santoro M. Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 and familial medullary thyroid carcinoma: an update. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2013; 98:3149-64. [PMID: 23744408 PMCID: PMC5399478 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2013-1204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 198] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Over the last decade, our knowledge of the multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) type 2 syndromes MEN2A and MEN2B and familial medullary thyroid carcinoma (FMTC) has expanded greatly. In this manuscript, we summarize how recent discoveries have enhanced our understanding of the molecular basis of these diseases and led to improvements in the diagnosis and management of affected patients. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION We reviewed the English literature through PubMed from 2000 to the present, using the search terms medullary thyroid carcinoma, multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2, familial medullary thyroid carcinoma, RET proto-oncogene, and calcitonin. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS Over 70 RET mutations are known to cause MEN2A, MEN2B, or FMTC, and recent findings from studies of large kindreds with these syndromes have clouded the relationship between genotype and phenotype, primarily because of the varied clinical presentation of different families with the same RET mutation. This clinical variability has also confounded decisions about the timing of prophylactic thyroidectomy for MTC, the dominant endocrinopathy associated with these syndromes. A distinct advance has been the demonstration through phase II and phase III clinical trials that molecular targeted therapeutics are effective in the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic MTC. CONCLUSIONS The effective management of patients with MEN2A, MEN2A, and FMTC depends on an understanding of the variable behavior of disease expression in patients with a specific RET mutation. Information gained from molecular testing, biochemical analysis, and clinical evaluation is important in providing effective management of patients with either early or advanced-stage MTC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel A Wells
- Cancer Genetics Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Building 37, Room 10106A, 37 Convent Drive, Bethesda, Maryland 20814, USA.
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Dralle H, Musholt TJ, Schabram J, Steinmüller T, Frilling A, Simon D, Goretzki PE, Niederle B, Scheuba C, Clerici T, Hermann M, Kußmann J, Lorenz K, Nies C, Schabram P, Trupka A, Zielke A, Karges W, Luster M, Schmid KW, Vordermark D, Schmoll HJ, Mühlenberg R, Schober O, Rimmele H, Machens A. German Association of Endocrine Surgeons practice guideline for the surgical management of malignant thyroid tumors. Langenbecks Arch Surg 2013; 398:347-75. [PMID: 23456424 DOI: 10.1007/s00423-013-1057-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 148] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2013] [Accepted: 01/30/2013] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Over the past years, the incidence of thyroid cancer has surged not only in Germany but also in other countries of the Western hemisphere. This surge was first and foremost due to an increase of prognostically favorable ("low risk") papillary thyroid microcarcinomas, for which limited surgical procedures are often sufficient without loss of oncological benefit. These developments called for an update of the previous practice guideline to detail the surgical treatment options that are available for the various disease entities and tumor stages. METHODS The present German Association of Endocrine Surgeons practice guideline was developed on the basis of clinical evidence considering current national and international treatment recommendations through a formal expert consensus process in collaboration with the German Societies of General and Visceral Surgery, Endocrinology, Nuclear Medicine, Pathology, Radiooncology, Oncological Hematology, and a German thyroid cancer patient support organization. RESULTS The practice guideline for the surgical management of malignant thyroid tumors includes recommendations regarding preoperative workup; classification of locoregional nodes and terminology of surgical procedures; frequency, clinical, and histopathological features of occult and clinically apparent papillary, follicular, poorly differentiated, undifferentiated, and sporadic and hereditary medullary thyroid cancers, thyroid lymphoma and thyroid metastases from primaries outside the thyroid gland; extent of thyroidectomy; extent of lymph node dissection; aerodigestive tract resection; postoperative follow-up and surgery for recurrence and distant metastases. CONCLUSION These evidence-based recommendations for surgical therapy reflect various "treatment corridors" that are best discussed within multidisciplinary teams and the patient considering tumor type, stage, progression, and inherent surgical risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henning Dralle
- Department of General, Visceral and Vascular Surgery, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Ernst-Grube-Straße 40, 06097, Halle, Saale, Germany.
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Fugazzola L. Stimulated calcitonin cut-offs by different tests. Eur Thyroid J 2013; 2:49-56. [PMID: 24783038 PMCID: PMC3821495 DOI: 10.1159/000346020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2012] [Revised: 11/21/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Medullary thyroid cancer can be highly aggressive, especially if the diagnosis is done in advanced stages. Early diagnosis is based on RET genetic testing, for familial forms, and on the routine measurement of calcitonin (Ct). Nevertheless, since false-positive results can be obtained with the basal measurement of Ct, a provocative test to evaluate stimulated Ct is often needed. Pentagastrin which has been widely used to stimulate basal Ct, especially in European countries, is now hardly available. Thus, the stimulation with calcium (Ca), used in the 1970s-1980s and then abandoned for around 30 years, has recently elicited more interest. In the past 3 years, studies in patients and normal controls have demonstrated that the stimulation with Ca (2.3-2.5 mg/kg of elemental Ca, corresponding to 25 mg/kg of Ca gluconate) is highly potent and accurate. Novel gender-related cut-offs have been proposed for the Ca test, though the analysis of additional large series is predicted to modify these preliminary data. Finally, Ca seems to be the test of choice to stimulate Ct for the diagnosis and follow-up of medullary thyroid cancer, also because it is widely available, has a low cost and it is associated with a low number and intensity of side effects. In the present review the different methods to stimulate Ct and the cut-offs for the identification of the hyperplastic/neoplastic transformation of the C cells will be reported and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Fugazzola
- *Laura Fugazzola, MD, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan and Endocrine Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Via F. Sforza 35, IT-20122 Milan (Italy), E-Mail
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Elisei R, Alevizaki M, Conte-Devolx B, Frank-Raue K, Leite V, Williams G. 2012 European thyroid association guidelines for genetic testing and its clinical consequences in medullary thyroid cancer. Eur Thyroid J 2013; 1:216-31. [PMID: 24783025 PMCID: PMC3821492 DOI: 10.1159/000346174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2012] [Revised: 11/30/2012] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Twenty-five percent of medullary thyroid cancers (MTC) are familial and inherited as an autosomal dominant trait. Three different phenotypes can be distinguished: multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) types 2A and 2B, in which the MTC is associated with other endocrine neoplasias, and familial MTC (FMTC), which occurs in isolation. The discovery that germline RET oncogene activating mutations are associated with 95-98% of MEN 2/FMTC syndromes and the availability of genotyping to identify mutations in affected patients and their relatives has revolutionized the diagnostic and therapeutic strategies available for the management of these patients. All patients with MTC, both those with a positive familial history and those apparently sporadic, should be submitted to RET genetic screening. Once an RET mutation has been confirmed in an index patient, first-degree relatives should be screened rapidly to identify the 50% who inherited the mutation and are therefore at risk for development of MTC. Relatives in whom no RET mutation is identified can be reassured and discharged from further follow-up, whereas RET-positive subjects (i.e. gene carriers) must be investigated and a therapeutic strategy initiated. These guideline recommendations are derived from the most recent studies identifying phenotype-genotype correlations following the discovery of causative RET gene mutations in MEN 2 eighteen years ago. Three major points will be discussed: (a) identification of patients and relatives who should have genetic screening for RET mutations, (b) management of asymptomatic gene carriers, and (c) ethics.
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Affiliation(s)
- R. Elisei
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- *Dr. Rossella Elisei, Department of Endocrinology, University of Pisa, Via Paradisa 2, IT–56124 Pisa (Italy), E-Mail
| | - M. Alevizaki
- Endocrine Unit, Department of Medical Therapeutics, Athens University School of Medicine, Athens, Greece
| | - B. Conte-Devolx
- Department of Endocrinology, La Timone Hospital, Aix Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - K. Frank-Raue
- Endocrine Practice, Molecular Laboratory, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - V. Leite
- Department of Endocrinology, Portuguese Institute of Oncology and CEDOC, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - G.R. Williams
- Molecular Endocrinology Group, Department of Medicine, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College London, London, UK
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Abstract
Incremental advances in medical technology, such as the development of sensitive hormonal assays for routine clinical care, are the drivers of medical progress. This principle is exemplified by the creation of the concept of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2, encompassing medullary thyroid cancer, pheochromocytoma, and primary hyperparathyroidism, which did not emerge before the early 1960s. This review sets out to highlight key achievements, such as joint biochemical and DNA-based screening of individuals at risk of developing multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2, before casting a spotlight on current challenges which include: (i) ill-defined upper limits of calcitonin assays for infants and young children, rendering it difficult to implement the biochemical part of the integrated DNA-based/biochemical concept; (ii) our increasingly mobile society in which different service providers are caring for one individual at various stages in the disease process. With familial relationships disintegrating as a result of geographic dispersion, information about the history of the origin family may become sketchy or just unavailable. This is when DNA-based gene tests come into play, confirming or excluding an individual's genetic predisposition to multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 even before there is any biochemical or clinical evidence of the disease. However, the unrivaled molecular genetic progress in multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 does not come without a price. Screening may uncover unknown gene sequence variants representing either harmless polymorphisms or pathogenic mutations. In this setting, functional characterization of mutant cells in vitro may generate helpful ancillary evidence with regard to the pathogenicity of gene variants in comparison with established mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Machens
- Department of General, Visceral and Vascular Surgery, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany.
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d'Herbomez M. [Calcitonin: indications and interpretation]. Presse Med 2011; 40:1141-6. [PMID: 22035862 DOI: 10.1016/j.lpm.2011.05.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2011] [Revised: 05/17/2011] [Accepted: 05/20/2011] [Indexed: 10/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Calcitonin is the sensitive and specific marker of the medullary thyroid cancers. It is a diagnostic, pronostic and follow-up marker. Medullary thyroid cancer is a rare disease representing 4% of the thyroid cancers and occurring in 0.4% of nodular thyroid pathology. The use of sex specific adults normal ranges allows a better interpretation of the moderately elevated calcitonin levels. Hypercalcitoninaemia non due to medullary thyroid cancer are attributed mainly to male sex, tobacco use, overweight, renal failure and other endocrine tumors. CT is associated to carcinoembryonic antigen and possible procalcitonin assays. Calcitonin can be assayed in the wash-out fluid of the fine needle aspiration too. Stimulation tests give poor additional diagnostic information and are about to be abandoned.
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Kloos RT, Eng C, Evans DB, Francis GL, Gagel RF, Gharib H, Moley JF, Pacini F, Ringel MD, Schlumberger M, Wells SA. Medullary thyroid cancer: management guidelines of the American Thyroid Association. Thyroid 2009; 19:565-612. [PMID: 19469690 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2008.0403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 759] [Impact Index Per Article: 50.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inherited and sporadic medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) is an uncommon and challenging malignancy. The American Thyroid association (ATA) chose to create specific MTC Clinical Guidelines that would bring together and update the diverse MTC literature and combine it with evidence-based medicine and the knowledge and experience of a panel of expert clinicians. METHODS Relevant articles were identified using a systematic PubMed search and supplemented with additional published materials. Evidence-based recommendations were created and then categorized using criteria adapted from the United States Preventive Services Task Force, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. RESULTS Clinical topics addressed in this scholarly dialog included: initial diagnosis and therapy of preclinical disease (including RET oncogene testing and the timing of prophylactic thyroidectomy), initial diagnosis and therapy of clinically apparent disease (including preoperative testing and imaging, extent of surgery, and handling of devascularized parathyroid glands), initial evaluation and treatment of postoperative patients (including the role of completion thyroidectomy), management of persistent or recurrent MTC (including the role of tumor marker doubling times, and treatment of patients with distant metastases and hormonally active metastases), long-term follow-up and management (including the frequency of follow-up and imaging), and directions for future research. CONCLUSIONS One hundred twenty-two evidence-based recommendations were created to assist in the clinical care of MTC patients and to share what we believe is current, rational, and optimal medical practice.
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Zenaty D, Aigrain Y, Peuchmaur M, Philippe-Chomette P, Baumann C, Cornelis F, Hugot JP, Chevenne D, Barbu V, Guillausseau PJ, Schlumberger M, Carel JC, Travagli JP, Léger J. Medullary thyroid carcinoma identified within the first year of life in children with hereditary multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A (codon 634) and 2B. Eur J Endocrinol 2009; 160:807-13. [PMID: 19240193 DOI: 10.1530/eje-08-0854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Early prophylactic thyroidectomy in patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) type 2 offers the best chance for a normal life expectancy. OBJECTIVE To analyze the results of thyroidectomy performed during the first year of life in six patients with MEN 2A (codon 634) or MEN 2B (codon 918) syndrome. DESIGN AND SETTING A university hospital-based prospective study from 2001 to 2008. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Six family members affected either by MEN 2A (n=3) or MEN 2B (n=3) syndrome were identified through neonatal genetic screening. RESULTS Total thyroidectomy was performed at a median age of 0.8 year in the six patients, with central lymph node dissection in five. Bilateral millimetric medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) was found in all patients, with a unilateral lymph node micrometastasis in two of the three MEN 2B patients. Before thyroidectomy, MEN 2B patients had much higher basal serum calcitonin levels than those with MEN 2A and controls. After thyroidectomy, with a median follow-up of 3.3 years, the six patients had no evidence of persistent MTC. CONCLUSION Bilateral millimetric MTC may be present during the first year of life in these patients, with lymph node metastases also occurring in MEN 2B patients. These results support a total thyroidectomy at the age of about one year in MEN 2A (codon 634) children with an abnormal serum calcitonin level, and a total thyroidectomy with central neck dissection within the first weeks of life in MEN 2B patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Zenaty
- Paediatric Endocrinology Department, Centre de Référence Maladies Endocriniennes Rares de la Croissance Paediatric Surgery Department Pathology, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Robert Debré Hospital, 75019 Paris, France
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