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Lorenz K. [Endocrine oncology : An update on surgical treatments]. INNERE MEDIZIN (HEIDELBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 65:656-663. [PMID: 38888613 DOI: 10.1007/s00108-024-01732-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the management of solid tumours, routine concepts are increasingly being transformed into individualized patient treatment. Endocrine surgery is traditionally characterized by resection strategies that are adapted to phenotype and genotype of the underlying disease. As complication rates in surgery correlate with the extent of resection, continuous efforts are made to identify selection criteria in order to limit the extent of surgery without compromising the oncological outcome. The aim is to design risk-stratified precision endocrine surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS A search was carried out in PubMed for new and modern strategies and approaches for oncological endocrine surgery. RESULTS Several developments in surgical technique and technology, molecular pathology, medical therapy, and study data identify the potential to adapt the surgical strategy in all areas of endocrine surgery. CONCLUSION According to prevalent data, limited extent of resection in thyroid cancer surgery shows a reduction in complication rates while preserving oncological outcome when adequate selection criteria are implemented. New insights and innovative technologies also influence additional areas in oncological endocrine surgery for parathyroid, adrenal, and neuroendocrine neoplasia. However, the broad practice of these new concepts needs to be evaluated with regard to long-term oncological outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerstin Lorenz
- Klinik für Viszerale, Gefäß- und Endokrine Chirurgie, Universitätsmedizin Halle, Ernst-Grube-Str. 40, 06120, Halle/Saale, Deutschland.
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Dralle H, Weber F, Lorenz K, Machens A. [30 years of prophylactic thyroidectomy for hereditary medullary thyroid cancer : A milestone in translational medicine]. CHIRURGIE (HEIDELBERG, GERMANY) 2024:10.1007/s00104-024-02105-x. [PMID: 38806713 DOI: 10.1007/s00104-024-02105-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
Medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) is the most frequent manifestation of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2) that determines the oncological outcome. Germline mutations in the rearranged during transfection (RET) protooncogene, a tumor suppressor gene on chromosome 10q11.2, were identified 30 years ago as the genetic basis of MEN2 and published in 1993 and 1994. These seminal findings gave rise to the concept of prophylactic thyroidectomy for asymptomatic gene mutation carriers based on a positive RET gene test, which has become the standard of care ever since. Clinical genetic investigations showed genotype-phenotype correlations with respect to the individual gene mutation regarding the penetrance and onset of MTC and to a lesser extent also with respect to the other components of MEN2, pheochromocytoma and primary hyperparathyroidism. From this a clinically relevant risk stratification could be derived. Initially, the optimal timing of prophylactic thyroidectomy was primarily based on the RET genotype alone, which was not sufficient for a precise age recommendation and subsequently required additional consideration of calcitonin serum levels for fine tuning. Calcitonin levels first show the risk of lymph node metastasis when they exceed the upper normal limit of the assay independent of carrier age and RET mutation. Routine calcitonin screening of patients with nodular thyroid disease, screening of families on identification of MEN2 index patients, and pre-emptive thyroidectomy in carriers of gene mutations with normal calcitonin levels have led to the fact that nowadays, 30 years after the first description of the gene mutations causing the disease, the life-threatening hereditary MTC has become curable: a shining example for the success of translational transnational medical research for the benefit of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henning Dralle
- Klinik für Allgemein‑, Viszeral-und Transplantationschirurgie, Sektion Endokrine Chirurgie, Universitätsmedizin Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, 45147, Essen, Deutschland
| | - Frank Weber
- Klinik für Allgemein‑, Viszeral-und Transplantationschirurgie, Sektion Endokrine Chirurgie, Universitätsmedizin Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, 45147, Essen, Deutschland.
| | - Kerstin Lorenz
- Klinik für Viszeral‑, Gefäss- und Endokrine Chirurgie, Universitätsmedizin Halle, Ernst Grube Str. 40, 06097, Halle (Saale), Deutschland
| | - Andreas Machens
- Klinik für Viszeral‑, Gefäss- und Endokrine Chirurgie, Universitätsmedizin Halle, Ernst Grube Str. 40, 06097, Halle (Saale), Deutschland
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Lorenz K, Machens A, Dralle H. [Individualization of treatment in sporadic and hereditary medullary thyroid cancer]. CHIRURGIE (HEIDELBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 95:186-191. [PMID: 38214736 DOI: 10.1007/s00104-023-02015-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Routine preoperative assessment of the tumor marker calcitonin for medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) and the generally improved diagnostics with high-resolution ultrasound, elastography and Doppler function as well as functional imaging, enable the earlier detection of organ-limited, non-metastasized MTC. Thereby, a new treatment option arises for surgical de-escalation in sporadic MTC, moving from routine thyroidectomy with bilateral central lymph node dissection towards unilateral thyroidectomy with ipsilateral central lymph node dissection. MATERIAL AND METHODS A search was carried out in PubMed for surgical approaches and selection of publications with results from limited resection in sporadic MTC. RESULTS In selected patient cohorts limited resection surgery can achieve adequate oncological results but requires long-term follow-up. DISCUSSION When sporadic unifocal primary tumors are identified and intraoperative frozen section pathological investigation is consistently employed for assessing the grade of desmoplasia and breach of the tumor capsule, the extent of resection can be intraoperatively adapted. Pivotal prerequisites for this personalized concept include consideration of preoperative clinical criteria and intraoperative surgical assessment in conjunction with the intraoperative frozen section examination in order to achieve an adequate oncological tumor resection and a biochemical cure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerstin Lorenz
- Klinik für Viszerale, Gefäß- und Endokrine Chirurgie, Universitätsmedizin Halle, Ernst-Grube-Str. 40, 06120, Halle/Saale, Deutschland.
| | - Andreas Machens
- Klinik für Viszerale, Gefäß- und Endokrine Chirurgie, Universitätsmedizin Halle, Ernst-Grube-Str. 40, 06120, Halle/Saale, Deutschland
| | - Henning Dralle
- Klinik für Allgemein‑, Viszeral- und Transplantationschirurgie, Sektion für Endokrine Chirurgie, Universität Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, 45147, Essen, Deutschland
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Brandenburg T, Machlah YM, Führer D. [Precision medicine in endocrinology exemplified by medullary thyroid cancer]. INNERE MEDIZIN (HEIDELBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 65:202-210. [PMID: 38231404 DOI: 10.1007/s00108-023-01635-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
Medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) is a prime example for precision medicine in endocrinology and underlines the immediate benefits of basic, translational and healthcare research for patients with a rare disease in clinical . A mutation in the rearranged during transfection (RET) proto-oncogene that codes for a transmembrane receptor protein tyrosine kinase, leads to constitutive activation of the kinase, which is the decisive pathomechanism for the disease. The MTC occurs in a sporadic (somatic RET mutation) or hereditary form (RET germline mutation, multiple endocrine neoplasia types 2 and 3). For germline mutation carriers the timing of preventive thyroidectomy depends on the RET genotype. For advanced metastasized RET-mutant MTC, selective RET kinase inhibitors are available, which are currently considered to be game changers in the treatment. Based on the specific tumor marker calcitonin, MTC can be identified at an early stage during the differential diagnosis of thyroid nodules. The preoperative calcitonin level even enables statements on the degree of dissemination of the disease and on the probability of a cure through surgery. A new development is the consideration of desmoplasia as a histopathological biomarker for the metastatic potential of a MTC, which could possibly modify the operative approach as well as the future MTC nomenclature. Furthermore, the postoperative calcitonin level and the calcitonin doubling time are highly valid prognostic markers for tumor burden and biological aggressiveness of MTC and therefore decisive for patient follow-up. Biochemical, molecular and histological markers enable a risk-adapted surgical treatment and together with new targeted systemic treatments have contributed to a paradigm shift in the diagnostics, prognosis and treatment of MTC in recent years. Endocrine precision medicine for MTC therefore enabled a change from the previous purely symptom-oriented to a modern preventive and individualized treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim Brandenburg
- Klinik für Endokrinologie, Diabetologie und Stoffwechsel, Universitätsklinikum Essen, Essen, Deutschland
- Endokrines Tumorzentrum am Westdeutschen Tumorzentrum (WTZ), Universitätsklinikum Essen, Universität Duisburg-Essen, Member of Endo-ERN und EURACAN, Essen, Deutschland
| | - Yara Maria Machlah
- Klinik für Endokrinologie, Diabetologie und Stoffwechsel, Universitätsklinikum Essen, Essen, Deutschland
- Endokrines Tumorzentrum am Westdeutschen Tumorzentrum (WTZ), Universitätsklinikum Essen, Universität Duisburg-Essen, Member of Endo-ERN und EURACAN, Essen, Deutschland
| | - Dagmar Führer
- Klinik für Endokrinologie, Diabetologie und Stoffwechsel, Universitätsklinikum Essen, Essen, Deutschland.
- Endokrines Tumorzentrum am Westdeutschen Tumorzentrum (WTZ), Universitätsklinikum Essen, Universität Duisburg-Essen, Member of Endo-ERN und EURACAN, Essen, Deutschland.
- Klinik für Endokrinologie, Diabetologie und Stoffwechsel, Zentrallabor - Bereich Forschung und Lehre, Universitätsklinikum Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, 45177, Essen, Deutschland.
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Machens A, Dralle H. Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2: towards a risk-based approach integrating molecular and biomarker results. Curr Opin Oncol 2024; 36:1-12. [PMID: 37975407 DOI: 10.1097/cco.0000000000001009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Significant advances have transformed our understanding of the molecular biology and natural history of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2). This progress enacted a paradigm shift with regard to routine neck dissection for medullary thyroid cancer and total adrenalectomy for pheochromoytoma. The purpose of this review is to summarize key molecular and clinical data underpinning the current risk-based approach to MEN2 that integrates molecular and biomarker results. RECENT FINDINGS Early identification and biochemical monitoring of rearranged during transfection ( RET ) carriers yield important lead time. Within these ' windows of opportunity ', total thyroidectomy alone, avoiding incremental morbidity from node dissection; ' tissue-sparing ' subtotal adrenalectomy, balancing risks of steroid dependency with pheochromocytoma recurrence in adrenal remnants; and parathyroidectomy of enlarged glands only, weighing risks of postoperative hypoparathyroidism against hyperactive parathyroid glands left behind, are adequate therapies. SUMMARY All that is needed to determine a RET carriers' risk of medullary thyroid cancer, pheochromocytoma and/or primary hyperparathyroidism in the molecular era is patient age, underlying RET mutation, and biomarker levels. As broader testing begins to penetrate healthcare, the needle on population genomic screening and education needs to be moved forward to complete the transition from symptom-based to preventive healthcare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Machens
- Department of Visceral, Vascular and Endocrine Surgery, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale)
| | - Henning Dralle
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, Division of Endocrine Surgery, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
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Castinetti F, Borson-Chazot F. Thirty Years of Progress Thanks to the RET Oncogene. N Engl J Med 2023; 389:1916-1918. [PMID: 37870964 DOI: 10.1056/nejme2311331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Frederic Castinetti
- From the Department of Endocrinology, Aix Marseille University, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille, INSERM, Marseille Medical Genetics, La Conception Hospital, Marseille (F.C.), and the Department of Endocrinology, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon 1 University, INSERM U1290, Hôpital Louis Pradel, Lyon (F.B.-C.) - both in France
| | - Francoise Borson-Chazot
- From the Department of Endocrinology, Aix Marseille University, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille, INSERM, Marseille Medical Genetics, La Conception Hospital, Marseille (F.C.), and the Department of Endocrinology, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon 1 University, INSERM U1290, Hôpital Louis Pradel, Lyon (F.B.-C.) - both in France
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Machens A, Dralle H. Population-Based Genomic RET Screening. JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2023; 149:852-853. [PMID: 37410478 DOI: 10.1001/jamaoto.2023.1576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Machens
- Medical Faculty, Department of Visceral, Vascular and Endocrine Surgery, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Henning Dralle
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, Division of Endocrine Surgery, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
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