Penetrance and clinical manifestations of non-hotspot germline RET mutation, C630R, in a family with medullary thyroid carcinoma

Thyroid. 2005 Jul;15(7):668-71. doi: 10.1089/thy.2005.15.668.

Abstract

Germline mutations in specific hot spot-codons of the RET proto-oncogene are associated with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN 2). Clinical RET gene testing has been routine for the last 10 years in some countries. In Argentina, RET testing excluding MEN 2B was always reported with a mutation at codon 634, with one exception: we described a novel mutation T > C transition at codon 630 (C630R), the family to which we extend the study in the present report. This family comprised 29 members in four generations including 6 individuals affected with medullary thyroid cancer (MTC), positive for the C630R mutation and normal adrenaline/ noradrenaline and ionized calcium/parathyroid hormone levels. Two asymptomatic mutation carriers aged 5 and 11 years underwent total thyroidectomy. The histopathologic examination showed C-cell hyperplasia and microcarcinoma foci, while preoperative basal calcitonins were normal for both. Our report emphasizes the importance of testing for non-hot spot RET mutations in apparently mutation negative MEN 2 families. Furthermore, it would appear that C630R mirrors C634R in penetrance (100% in this family) and in early age of onset of MTC, although paradoxically, no pheochromocytomas and hyperparathyroidism have developed. In addition to recommending RET testing before 5 years of age; we also can postulate that codon 630 may be the key point along the extracellular domain, important in the tissue-specific penetrance.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Age of Onset
  • Carcinoma, Medullary / genetics*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Family Health
  • Female
  • Germ-Line Mutation / genetics*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Oncogene Proteins / genetics*
  • Pedigree
  • Penetrance*
  • Proto-Oncogene Mas
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-ret
  • Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases / genetics*
  • Thyroid Neoplasms / genetics*

Substances

  • MAS1 protein, human
  • Oncogene Proteins
  • Proto-Oncogene Mas
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-ret
  • RET protein, human
  • Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases