Quality of Life and Coping in Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 2

Abstract

Scarce data are available on the quality of life and psychosocial distress of patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2), a genetic cancer syndrome caused by RET germline mutations. Carriers of RET mutations can face several challenges, including fear for the future, guilt for transmission of a germline mutation to an offspring, side effects of cancer treatment, coping behaviors in the face of a chronic and frequently incurable cancer, and difficulties in access to adequate health care. We have addressed the effects of genetic testing on the quality of life of patients with MEN2 and the lifelong physical and psychosocial challenges experienced by these patients. We have also suggested strategies to minimize the burden of living with this chronic condition and the perspectives on future studies to improve the health-related quality of life of the patients.