RET genetic screening in patients with medullary thyroid cancer: the Moroccan experience.

Background: Germline RET gene mutations are well known to be the genetic causes of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2) and may be identified by genetic screening.

Aim: The purpose of the present study was to screen nine MTC patients for RET sequence changes.

Materials And Methods: In this study, our sample was composed of 30 individuals: 9 index patients with medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) corresponding either to 3 subjects with clinical evidence of MEN2, 6 with apparently sporadic MTC (sMTC), and 21 relatives have been investigated for RET mutations.

Study of the RET gene and his implication in thyroid cancer: Morocco case family.

Background: Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A (MEN 2A) is an autosomal dominant inherited cancer syndrome that affects multiple tissues derived from the neural crest. Inheritance of MTC is related to the presence of specific mutations in the RET proto-oncogene. Almost all mutations in MEN 2A involve one of the cysteines in the extracellular domain of the RET receptor.

Treatment evaluation, follow-up and familial screening of medullary thyroid carcinoma by highly specific calcitonin measurements.

Background: Calcitonin is the most sensitive and specific marker for medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC).

Aims: The aim of this study was to emphasize the role and the limits of plasma basal calcitonin (bCT) measurement in the management of Moroccan MTC patients and their relatives.

Settings And Design: This is a retrospective study on 6 MTC patients referred to our institute from January 1996 to December 2004.