[Analysis of the RET gene and medullary cancer of the thyroid. Contribution to the diagnosis and treatment].
MTC occurs sporadically or as part of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN 2) syndromes or as familial MTC (FMTC). 97% of the patients affected with MEN 2B show a germline mutation in codon 918 (exon 16) within the tyrosine kinase domain of the RET protooncogene. In 97% of MEN 2A patients, the germline mutation affects one of five cysteine codons within exons 10 and 11 in the extracellular domain. Only 65% of FMTC patients are found to have a germline mutation of RET. These mutations affect either the cysteine rich domain (as MEN 2A mutations) or codons 768 (exon 13) or 804 (exon 14) within the tyrosine kinase domain. In families affected with hereditary form of MTC, mutation analysis is now commonly used to determine genetic status. Individuals without the mutation would be considered unaffected and would not require further biochemical screening. Individuals who inherit the MEN 2 mutation would undergo biochemical screening tests and have thyroidectomy as soon as these tests are abnormal. Risk of phaeochromocytoma in affected patients depends on the position of RET mutation. This risk is high if the patient has a codon 634 mutation and low if he has a mutation within exon 10, 13 or 14. Frequency of adrenal follow-up could so be adapted with regards to the localisation of RET germline mutation. When a new MTC case is diagnosed, the distinction between a true sporadic and a de novo hereditary case is important for future clinical management of both the patient and his family. The absence of RET exons 10, 11, 13, and 14 germline mutations appears to rule out MEN 2A to a high probability. However the presence of a familial form of MTC cannot be excluded conclusively. Since codon 918 somatic mutations are found in 25% of MTC from truly sporadic cases, mutation analysis of RET in tumour DNA may help in distinguishing the sporadic cases from those that are in fact heritable.
Schuffenecker
I
I
Laboratoire de Génétique, Hôpital Edouard Herriot, Lyon.
Chambe
B
B
Lenoir
G
G
D018276:Carcinoma, Medullary / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D009154:Mutation; D020794:Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases / Q000235:genetics; D013964:Thyroid Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics* / Q000628:therapy
D020794:Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases
Analyse du gène RET et cancer médullaire de la thyroïde. Apport au diagnostic et au traitement.