Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC): When and why should we consider germline testing?

Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC), particularly when occurring during childhood, has been a traditional component of the tumor spectrum of Li-Fraumeni syndrome. Recent research has defined a significant risk increase of ACC with other familial cancer syndromes, such as Lynch syndrome and multiple endocrine neoplasia. ACC patients can serve as index patients for a new family diagnosis of a hereditary syndrome, allowing for further family cascade genetic testing, impacting the care and surveillance for patients and at risk family members.

Pheochromocytoma and Paraganglioma in Neurofibromatosis type 1: frequent surgeries and cardiovascular crises indicate the need for screening.

Background: Pheochromocytomas and Paragangliomas (PCC/PGL) are rare endocrine tumors that are mostly benign, but often hormone producing, causing significant morbidity and mortality due to excess catecholamine secretion and cardiovascular crises. It is estimated that 30% of PCC/PGL are due to germline mutations, including Neurofibromatosis type 1 (). There is little published data describing the phenotype of NF1-associated PCC/PGL and there are no established recommendations for PCC/PGL screening in NF1.

Genetic predisposition to endocrine tumors: Diagnosis, surveillance and challenges in care.

Endocrine tumor syndromes, eg, multiple endocrine neoplasia types 1 and 2, were among the first recognized hereditary predisposition syndromes to tumor development. Over time, the number of endocrine tumor syndromes has significantly expanded, eg, with the recent inclusion of hereditary paraganglioma syndromes. Associations of non-endocrine tumors with hereditary endocrine tumor syndromes and endocrine tumors with non-classical endocrine tumor syndromes have emerged.

Perceived lifetime risk for cardiovascular disease (from the Dallas Heart Study).

Lifetime risk estimation for cardiovascular disease (CVD) has been proposed as a useful strategy to improve risk communication in the primary prevention setting. However, the perception of lifetime risk for CVD is unknown. We included 2,998 subjects from the Dallas Heart Study.

Use of packaged entrees as part of a weight-loss diet in overweight men: an 8-week randomized clinical trial.

Aim: This study assessed the efficacy of a weight-loss diet by using packaged portion-controlled entrees vs. a self-selected diet based on the United States Department of Agriculture Food Guide Pyramid (FGP).

Methods: Sixty healthy overweight men (body mass index (BMI) 26-42 kg/m2; aged 24-60 years) were randomized into two groups for an 8-week intervention.