Know Your Genes

Friday, 17 May 2013 11:02 Written by Amanda 0 Comments

This past week, Angelina Jolie made headlines when she announced her decision to have a double mastectomy. Because her mother died from breast cancer, Jolie took preventative measures to reduce her risk of breast cancer.

But how many people are aware of their genes?

Genetic testing is great for people with a family history of medical issues, such as cancer. But Dr. Mark Lewis, assistant professor in General Oncology at MD Anderson Cancer Center and the Vice President of the Hageman Foundation board of directors, suggests that before you get tested, you should get genetic counseling.

In a recent article, he states: “I believe it’s critical that anyone who considers genetic testing first seek out genetic counseling. Counselors can help explain what genetic testing can and can’t do.”

Not only can genetic counseling help you understand your risks of certain cancers or diseases, but it can also help with choosing the best course of action for YOU.

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Free MEN Educational Opportunity

Friday, 03 May 2013 13:56 Written by Amanda 0 Comments

Are you looking to expand your knowledge of Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia (MEN)?

Do you want to learn more for FREE?

Make plans to attend the second annual American Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Support Seminar June 7, 2013, at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota!

Join individuals living with MEN Types 1, 2A and 2B, their families and other medical personnel for a day of learning and engagement. This free seminar is designed to be fun, social and informative in order for attendees to build a network of peers living with MEN. The seminar is free and open to the public, but registration is required.

Doctors with the Mayo Clinic will present topics on the types of surgeries MEN patients may face such as thyroid, parathyroid, pancreatic, pituitary and adrenal surgeries. Surgical care nurses will discuss hospital and surgical care for MEN patients. After lunch, Dr. David Farley, professor of surgery at Mayo Clinic and a Hageman Foundation board member, will lead participants on a tour of the Multidisciplinary Simulation Center at Mayo Clinic.

Other topics covered will include the basics of MEN, genetics of MEN and long-term care for MEN patients. Linda Hageman, founder of the Hageman Foundation and a Registered Nurse for over 30 years, will share stories from patients she has helped through the Foundation’s educational project – AMENSupport.org. Click here to download the complete agenda.

The seminar will close with a reception hosted by the Hageman Foundation. MEN patients will have a chance to network with each other, as well as medical personnel from Mayo Clinic and representatives of the Hageman Foundation.

The DoubleTree Hotel, which is in walking distance of the Mayo Clinic, added more hotel rooms at the AMEN Support Seminar rate. Call the hotel directly to make reservations (507.281.8000). The block of rooms will be held until May 16, 2013.

Don’t miss out on this great opportunity to learn more about MEN! Register today!

RET Oncogene in MEN2, 2B, MTC

Friday, 12 April 2013 13:59 Written by Amanda 0 Comments

Hereditary medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is caused by a specific autosomal dominant gain-of-function mutations in the RET proto-oncogene. Genotype-phenotype correlations exist that help predict the presence of other associated endocrine neoplasms as well as the timing of thyroid cancer development. MTC represents a promising model for targeted cancer therapy, as the oncogenic event responsible for initiating malignancy has been well characterized. The RET proto-oncogene has become the target for molecularly designed drug therapy. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors targeting activated RET are currently in clinical trials for the treatment of patients with MTC.

Click here to download the PDF review that provides a brief overview of MTC and the associated RET oncogenic mutations, and will summarize the therapies designed to strategically interfere with the pathologic activation of the RET oncogene.

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published by Maya Lodis and Constantine Stratakis in Expert Reviews, 8(4), 625-632 (2008).

Biochemical Screenings Urged

Wednesday, 23 January 2013 10:20 Written by Amanda 0 Comments

The American Thyroid Association currently recommends continuous biochemical screening for pheochromocytoma or primary hyperparathyroidism in multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2.

According to data from a study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, researchers suggest that biochemical screenings be age-adjusted based on greater risk for older age groups.

Researchers from the department of general, visceral and vascular surgery at Martin Luther University in Halle-Wittenberg, Germany, evaluated the age distribution of pheochromocytoma and primaryhyperparathyroidism among 474 gene carriers suspected of being at risk for developing multiple endocrine neoplasia.

Medical Dictionary

Category: MEN 2B

Know Your Genes

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Free MEN Educational Opportunity

RET Oncogene in MEN2, 2B, MTC

Biochemical Screenings Urged

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