1. Pheochromocytoma: Impact of genetic testing on clinical practice in Vietnam
- Author
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Minh Duc Do, Thang Viet Tran, Hoang Linh Le Gia, Hoang Van Lam, Hen Huu Phan, Minh Binh Ta, An Thuy Thi Nguyen, Ngoc The Phung, Diana E Benn, Bruce G Robinson, Vu Anh Hoang, and Thao Phuong Mai
- Subjects
endocrine system ,Mutation ,endocrine system diseases ,medicine.diagnostic_test ,business.industry ,Medullary thyroid cancer ,General Medicine ,Disease ,medicine.disease ,Bioinformatics ,medicine.disease_cause ,Germline ,Pheochromocytoma ,Germline mutation ,Paraganglioma ,medicine ,business ,Genetic testing - Abstract
Introduction: Germline mutations in predisposing genes have been found in 30-40% of pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma patients. Screening for inherited genetic mutations provide clinicians with mutation-positive patient management strategies in addition to identifying family members at risk of disease. However, genetic testing for pheochromocytoma has not been performed widely in Vietnam. Methods: Seven patients diagnosed with pheochromocytoma in Vietnam underwent germline genetic testing in known pheochromocytoma-associated genes by direct sequencing. When a germline mutation was identified the first-degree relatives were counseled and offered genetic testing for the inherited mutation. Results: Mutations were found in five of seven cases and all mutations were in RET proto-oncogene codon 634 indicating a high risk of developing aggressive medullary thyroid cancer and in some cases leading to prophylactic thyroidectomy as recommended. Conclusions: Genetic testing plays an essential role in the clinical management of pheochromocytoma patients. Genetic results have significantly changed the clinical approach in these patients and identified ‘at risk’ family members.
- Published
- 2021
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