RET proto-oncogene in the development of human cancer

The RET proto-oncogene, located on chromosome subband 10q11.2, encodes a receptor tyrosine kinase expressed in tissues and tumors derived from neural crest. Germline (present in every cell of the body) mutations in RET cause multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN 2), an inherited cancer syndrome characterized by medullary thyroid carcinoma (MIC), pheochromocytoma (PC), and hyperparathyroidism (HPT). This knowledge has allowed molecular diagnosis and presymptomatic DNA-based testing to become possible. RET testing is considered the standard of care in MEN 2 families because clinical decisions are made based on the results of such gene testing, There appears to be a correlation between specific RET mutation type and organ-specific tumor development, Such knowledge might be useful in tailoring targeted surveillance in the near future. Somatic (in the tumor only) RET mutations have been found in a proportion of sporadic MTCs and PCs, Whether the presence of somatic RET mutation is associated with a poor prognosis is currently being investigated as another tool for molecular medicine. J Clin Oncol 17:380-393, (C) 1999 by American Society of Clinical Oncology.