Familial pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas

• Published in: Molecular and cellular endocrinology Vol. 386; no. 1-2; pp. 92 - 100
• Main Authors: King, Kathryn S., Pacak, Karel
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Ireland Elsevier Ireland Ltd 05-04-2014
• Subjects: Adrenal Gland Neoplasms - genetics; Adrenal Gland Neoplasms - pathology; Genetic Predisposition to Disease; Genetic Testing - economics; Humans; MEN2; Neoplasm Proteins - genetics; Neoplasm Proteins - metabolism; NF1; Paraganglioma; Paraganglioma - genetics; Paraganglioma - pathology; Pheochromocytoma; Pheochromocytoma - genetics; Pheochromocytoma - pathology; SDHA; VHL; Paraganglioma; MEN2; NF1; Pheochromocytoma; VHL; SDHA
• ISSN: 0303-7207; 1872-8057
• DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2013.07.032

•Pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas are now known to be associated with 13 susceptibility genes.•Genetic testing can be triaged based on the individual patients clinical presentation.•Knowledge of genetic mutations allows for individualized care.•Research on the molecular actions of these genes will lead to greater understanding of this disease.
Pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas are neural crest cell tumors of the adrenal medulla and parasympathetic/sympathetic ganglia, respectively, that are often associated with catecholamine production. Genetic research over the years has led to our current understanding of the association 13 susceptibility genes with the development of these tumors. Most of the susceptibility genes are now associated with specific clinical presentations, biochemical makeup, tumor location, and associated neoplasms. Recent scientific advances have highlighted the role of somatic mutations in the development of pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma as well as the usefulness of immunohistochemistry in triaging genetic testing. We can now approach genetic testing in pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma patients in a very organized scientific way allowing for the reduction of both the financial and emotional burden on the patient. The discovery of genetic predispositions to the development of pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma not only facilitates better understanding of these tumors but will also lead to improved diagnosis and treatment of this disease.