Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia

MEN1 and MEN2 are autosomal dominant cancer syndromes with the potential for considerable morbidity and mortality. Better understanding of the molecular pathogenesis in MEN1 and MEN2 has fostered the development of specific DNA screening. Knowing the genetic status of patients is valuable for making decisions regarding surveillance and interventions, such as prophylactic thyroidectomy for medullary thyroid cancer. Identifying new RET pathways has provided molecular targets for therapies that currently are being tested in clinical trials for locally advanced, metastatic, and recurrent medullary thyroid cancer.