Hypercalcemia and ectopic secretion of parathyroid hormone by an ovarian carcinoma with rearrangement of the gene for parathyroid hormone

Article Abstract:

Excess parathyroid hormone (hyperparathyroidism, PTH), which affects calcium levels in the body, is associated with tumors of the parathyroid glands (primary hyperparathyroidism). However, this can also occur in certain kinds of cancer. For instance, a peptide called PTH-related peptide, with effects similar to those produced by PTH, causes hyperparathyroidism and is found in most patients with squamous carcinoma, a type of malignancy. A case report is presented of a patient with ovarian cancer whose tumor synthesized PTH, leading to elevated levels of calcium in the blood (hypercalcemia). The procedures undertaken to diagnose the ovarian tumor in the 74-year-old patient are described. Tumor cells were then analyzed to characterize the hormone they produced, which was found to be PTH. Evaluation of DNA from tumor cells revealed an abnormal sequence whose function it was to regulate production of this hormone. The ways this affected the expression of the hormone by the ovarian cells are discussed. Ectopic expression of PTH (expression of PTH from an abnormal location) is rare, and has been documented only once previously. The unusual genetic aberrations in the tumor cells could constitute an oncogene, the understanding of which may shed light on the molecular mechanisms of malignancy. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Case studies, Measurement, Causes of, Complications and side effects, Physiological aspects, Parathyroid hormone, Parathyroid hormones, Ovarian cancer, Hypercalcemia

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Independent clonal origins of distinct tumor foci in multifocal papillary thyroid carcinoma

Article Abstract:

The patterns of X-chromosome inactivation of multiple distinct foci of well-differentiated multifocal papillary thyroid cancer from 17 women are analyzed using a polymerase-chain-reaction assay involving the human androgen receptor gene (HUMARA). The findings indicate that individual tumor foci in patients with multifocal papillary thyroid cancer often arise as independent tumors.

Science & research, New England States, Research, New England, X chromosome, Tumours, Thyroid cancer

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Somatic and germ-line mutations of the HRPT2 gene in sporadic parathyroid carcinoma

Article Abstract:

Some patients with parathyroid gland cancer may have a mutation in the HRPT2 gene, according to a study of 15 patients. In three of the patients, the gene mutation could be passed on to their children. The HRPT2 gene was first identified as a possible cause of parathyroid gland cancer in the 1990s.

Genetic aspects, Endocrine gland tumors, Endocrine gland tumours, Parathyroid diseases

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