title: Perspective on RET proto-oncogene and thyroid cancer.
abstract: Much is yet to be learned about cancer and its genetic basis. The discovery of the RET proto-oncogene and its role in tumorigenesis have improved our understanding of thyroid cancer. It is clear that RET is responsible for MEN 2A, MEN 2B, FMTC, and PTC. Although the physical and genetic map of the RET proto-oncogene has been elucidated, the precise mechanism of neoplastic transformation and how it affects phenotypic variability is not completely understood. From the precise mapping of RET arose a highly reliable method of DNA analysis for presymptomatic detection of disease allele carriers. The understanding of the role of the RET proto-oncogene in MEN syndromes has led to a new paradigm in surgical practice: the recommendation for surgery based solely on genetic testing.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, USA.
authors.forename: H N
authors.initials: HN
authors.lastname: Le
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Norton
mesh_terms: D015415:Biomarkers; D018276:Carcinoma, Medullary / Q000235:genetics* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D002291:Carcinoma, Papillary / Q000235:genetics* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D029721:Drosophila Proteins; D005820:Genetic Testing; D005838:Genotype; D006801:Humans; D010641:Phenotype; D000090063:Proto-Oncogene Mas; D011518:Proto-Oncogene Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D051096:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-ret; D020794:Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases / Q000235:genetics*; D013964:Thyroid Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; D029721:Drosophila Proteins; C000715470:MAS1 protein, human; D000090063:Proto-Oncogene Mas; D011518:Proto-Oncogene Proteins; D051096:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-ret; D020794:Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases; C416649:Ret protein, Drosophila