Standards of Care Intended for Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Families

Abstract

In the past, the medical expenditure for multiple endocrine neoplasia families was high and the course of their disease not predictable. In a couple of decades, the prospects changed completely. The genetic origin of the diseases is well known and prevention is possible, whereas in advanced stages target-directed treatment is coming within reach. The most important change is the responsibility for these families. Initially, this was completely the task of the attending physician, whereas at this moment patients and disease gene carriers themselves have the central responsibility with respect to these diseases. Unfortunately, for them information about the disease is insufficiently available.

Keywords:

• clinical guidelines
• DNA analysis
• early management
• MEN syndromes
• pedigree studies
• predisposition
• responsibility for care
• target-directed treatment
• variable expression

Financial & competing interests disclosures

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.

Notes

MEN: Multiple endocrine neoplasia.

CEA: Carcino embryonic antigen; MTC: Medullary thyroid carcinoma.

MEN: Multiple endocrine neoplasia; MTC: Medullary thyroid carcinoma.