Genetics of Pheochromocytomas and Paragangliomas Determine the Therapeutical Approach

Abstract

Pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas are the most heritable endocrine tumors. In addition to the inherited mutation other driver mutations have also been identified in tumor tissues. All these genetic alterations are clustered in distinct groups which determine the pathomechanisms. Most of these tumors are benign and their surgical removal will resolve patient management. However, 5–15% of them are malignant and therapeutical possibilities for them are limited. This review provides a brief insight about the tumorigenesis associated with pheochromocytomas/paragangliomas in order to present them as potential therapeutical targets.

Keywords

• pheochromocytoma
• paraganglioma
• hereditary tumor
• susceptibility genes
• germline
• somatic