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Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2a (MEN2a) is an inherited disease which results in the development of thyroid cancer, tumors of the adrenal glands (which produce adrenal hormones), and overactivity of the parathyroid glands (which regulate the levels of calcium and phosphorus in the body). MEN2a has been linked with a particular genetic abnormality on chromosome 10, which allows for identification of carriers of this mutation by using various DNA probes, or markers. The genetic material of 130 members of 11 families of European and North African origin was analyzed, and all 11 families tested positive for at least one of three markers of the genetic abnormality. These results made it possible to provide genetic counseling for eight families. The findings demonstrated that this genetic screening, called restriction-fragment-length polymorphisms (RFLP) analysis, was more effective for detecting MEN2a carrier states than endocrine tests of the thyroid and parathyroid glands, especially in younger people. The greatest accuracy was obtained when genetic screening and endocrine testing were combined. It was recommended that, after diagnosis with genetic screening, individuals at risk for MEN2a be monitored for early signs of endocrine gland abnormalities, and counseled on the possible risks for their children. Early identification and surgical removal of thyroid cancer reduces the risk of metastasis (spread of the cancer). Relatives of MEN2a thyroid cancer patients should also be screened and observed for this genetic abnormality, and its manifestations. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

A conference paper about the methods to be used in investigating the mortality of medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) patients with restricted residual disease and/or distant metastases is presented. It discusses the administration calcitonin doubling on the early distinction of the treatment of high-risk and low-risk patients. It investigates the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in finding liver metastases from endocrine tumors among patients and the distribution of MTC to bone marrow.

Presents procedure guidelines on bone scintigraphy for tumor imaging in Italy. Details of oncological indications of bone scintigraphy; Assessment of radiopharmaceutical activity during administration; Factors to consider in interpreting results.

Provides information about 67Ga scintigraphy in oncology in Italy. Use of the procedures for imaging a variety of solid tumors; Efficacy of 67Ga in detecting chronic infections; Factors to consider in evaluating 67Ga images.

Provides information about fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) in oncology in Italy. Ability of FDG-PET to detect the presence of a tumor undetected by conventional diagnostic modalities; Details on the clinical indications of the procedure; Estimation of the absorbed radiation dose to various organs in healthy subjects following administration of FDG.

Provides procedure guidelines for the use of somatostatin scintigraphy with 111In-pentetreotide in tumor imaging. Sensitivity of somatostatin to various tumor types; Assessment on the potential hazard of ionizing radiation from 111In-pentetreotide; Factors to consider in interpreting somatostatin receptor scintigraphy.

Provides information about 131I/123I-Metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG)scintigraphy in cancer patients in Italy. Combination of benzyl group of bretylium and the guanidine group of guanethidine to form MIBG ; Mechanism of interference and suggested period of withdrawal for the medications that may affect the results of MIBG scintigraphy; Factors to consider in evaluating MIBG.

Abstract. This retrospective study evaluated the toxicity and efficacy of strontium-89 chloride (Metastron, Amersham) in 94 patients with painful bone metastases of prostate cancer (117 injections of 150 MBq) and compared the efficacy of treatment in patients with moderate and extensive bone involvement. The predictive value of flare response with regard to analgesic response was also studied. High-grade leukothrombopenias were observed after only 5% of injections. An improvement in quality of life was obtained in 65% of cases, a decrease in pain in 78% (31% complete response) and a reduction of analgesics in 60%. Efficacy was significantly better for pain decrease (P=0.005) and reduction of analgesics (P=0.018), and response was significantly longer (P<0.0035) in patients with moderate than in patients with extensive bone involvement. The flare response observed in 23% of cases was not predictive of pain response (P=0.919) or reduction of analgesics (P=0.353). A second dose prolonged analgesia in three-quarters of cases without any apparent increase in toxicity. These results confirm the benefit of [sup 89]Sr chloride for the treatment of metastatic bone pain and suggest that internal radiotherapy should be started earlier. A bone scan could be proposed at the time of hormonal escape resulting in bone pain, and internal radiotherapy could be initiated when several metastatic foci exist, even if only one is painful. In this way, pain-free follow-up could be prolonged, and the transition to other therapeutic approaches, particularly opioids, delayed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]