Molecular genetics in sporadic medullary thyroid cancer
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Using molecular genetics to inform clinical management in sporadic medullary thyroid cancer
IRAS ID
274487
Contact name
Joel Smith
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 3 months, 29 days
Research summary
Medullary thyroid carcinoma is a rare form of cancer affecting the thyroid gland, a hormone-producing organ in the neck. These tumours do not respond well to radiotherapy or chemotherapy and the only curative treatment is surgery. Our current understanding of what drives the growth and spread of these tumours, and what influences their differing response to treatment is limited. We hope that by analysing the mutations in the DNA of these tumours, we can identify differences between tumours that may explain the differences in outcomes that we see in clinical practice. Of particular interest are mutations in two genes, RET and RAS. It is possible that the identification of these mutations can then be used to tailor treatment to individual patients in future.
REC name
North of Scotland Research Ethics Committee 1
REC reference
20/NS/0040
Date of REC Opinion
19 Mar 2020
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion