Genetic Analysis of Medullary Thyroid Cancer in Algiers, Algeria

Abstract

Medullary thyroid cancer or MTC occurs sporadically (75% of cases) and familial form (25% of cases) which, in the latter situation, is part of Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia type 2 (MEN2). The MEN2 are subdivided into MEN2A, MEN2B and FMTC or isolated family MTC. MEN2 are rare inherited conditions, transmitted in the autosomal dominant mode, linked to mutations in the RET gene. We report the results of the genotypic study carried out at the CPMC in Algiers, in 209 index cases with medullary thyroid cancer or MEN2. 24.40 % of index cases are classified as MEN2, 47 of which carry germline mutations in the RET gene. Mutations in the seven (07) different exons of the RET gene have been found.