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Models of pheochromocytoma: what’s on the horizon?


Pheochromocytomas (PCCs) and extra-adrenal paragangliomas (PGLs) are the most hereditarily driven of all human tumors. Germline mutations of at least 15 genes are now known to confer susceptibility to these tumors in nearly half of affected patients [1]. Somatic mutations of the same genes and others account for a sizable percentage of the tumors that are sporadic [1,2]. Genotype–phenotype correlations associated with each driver mutation determine tumor location, biochemical function, multiplicity, metastatic potential and development of syndromically associated abnormalities. Although these correlations profoundly affect clinical decisions and patients’ outcomes, development of effective treatments has unfortunately lagged behind the rapid advances in genetics of PCC/PGL. For patients in whom the tumors have metastasized, there is currently no cure.

Click here to view the full article in our partner journal the International Journal of Endocrine Oncology.