Absence of BRAF mutation in pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma.

Pheochromocytomas and Paragangliomas (PHEO/PARA) are rare endocrine tumors originating from the adrenal medulla. More than 20 genes are involved in the tumorigenesis of these tumors, but a substantial part of the causative genetic events remains unexplained. A recent study has reported the presence of the activating BRAF V600E mutation in PCC, suggesting a role for BRAF activation in tumor development.

[Detection of chromosome changes by CGH, array-CGH and SNP array techniques in tumours].

New molecular biology methods have specified the evidence of chromosomal changes in the tumor tissue. These alterations can be proven to exist in the majority of malignant tumors. The fast progress of whole genome molecular biological methods has helped to improve the knowledge of tumor genetics.