Detection of Molecular Alterations in Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma Using Next-Generation Sequencing: an Institutional

Shuanzeng Wei1,2, Virginia A LiVolsi3, Kathleen T Montone3

  • 1Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA. weishuanzeng@hotmail.com.

Endocrine Pathology
|July 6, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) genetic mutations, primarily in the RET gene, guide patient treatment. Next-generation sequencing accurately identifies these mutations for better MTC management.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Genetics
  • Molecular Diagnostics

Background:

  • Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is often associated with mutations in the rearranged during transfection (RET) gene, and less frequently, RAS gene mutations.
  • Identifying specific gene mutations in MTC is crucial for effective patient treatment and family screening.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the spectrum of gene mutations in both sporadic and hereditary Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma (MTC) using targeted next-generation sequencing.
  • To evaluate the utility of next-generation sequencing (NGS) in the clinical diagnosis and management of MTC.

Main Methods:

  • Targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) employing a 47-gene panel.
  • Analysis of 12 MTC cases, comprising 9 sporadic and 3 hereditary.

Main Results:

  • Hereditary MTC cases showed RET mutations, including RET/C634R and dual RET mutations (L790F, S649L).
  • Sporadic MTC cases predominantly exhibited the RET/M918T mutation, with one case showing a HRAS mutation.

Conclusions:

  • Next-generation sequencing (NGS) provides a comprehensive molecular analysis of MTC in a clinical setting.
  • Accurate molecular profiling of MTC facilitates personalized patient management and family member evaluation.