Title:Molecular Diagnosis and Treatment of Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 2B in Ethnic Han Chinese
Volume: 21
Issue: 3
Author(s): Zhe-Wei Zhang, Xiao Guo*Xiao-Ping Qi*
Affiliation:
- Department of Urology, Second Hospital of Jiaxing, Jiaxing, Zhejiang Province,China
- Department of Oncologic and Urologic Surgery, the 903rd PLA Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province,China
Keywords:
Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2B, medullary thyroid carcinoma, extra-endocrine signs, RET proto-oncogene,
M918T mutation, Chinese.
Abstract:
Background: Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2B (MEN 2B) is mainly caused by
M918T RET germline mutation, and characterized by medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC),
pheochromocytoma (PHEO) and non-endocrine features. However, the diagnosis and treatment are
usually delayed.
Methods: This study reports 5 Chinese pedigrees with 5 individuals harboring germline RETM918T,
and systematically reviewed previous Chinese literature reported.
Results: All 5 patients initially presented MTC, but none had biochemically cured postoperatively.
2 also presented bilateral PHEO after adrenal-sparing surgery, 1 needed steroid replacement. Further,
a total of 32 MEN 2B patients from literature were clustered with 28 available for analysis. 26
(92.8%) were diagnosed by endocrine-related symptoms; the remaining 2 (7.2%) due to RET testing
and oral symptoms, respectively. 25 patients underwent thyroidectomy with/without neck
lymph node dissection at the mean age of (23.3 ± 10.4) years. Histopathological examination revealed
MTC (100%). Of them, 17 had definite TNM stage, with 1 in stage III and others in IV.
Other information of MEN 2B-related symptoms included penetrance of PHEO (60.7%), constipation
(32.1%), Hirschsprung disease (25%), alacrima (17.8%), mucosal ganglioneuroma (96.4%)
and marfanoid habitus (71.4%). 19 patients were verified harboring RET-M918T (c.2753T>C), of
whom 15 (78.9%) were de novo mutation. The other 9 were clinically diagnosed as MEN 2B.
Discussion & Conclusion: The initial diagnosis of MEN 2B is relatively later, and diagnosed by
non-endocrine components is extremely lower. Recognition of MEN 2B and its non-endocrine-related
components is still the utmost requirement for a Chinese physician. Combined RET screening
and serum calcitonin detection can facilitate early diagnosis.