Long-term calcitonin after thyroidectomy for medullary thyroid cancer in MEN2A

This study followed people with MEN2A who had their thyroid removed to understand how often long-term blood tests for calcitonin are really needed. Calcitonin is a marker doctors use to check for medullary thyroid cancer (MTC). The researchers found that most patients whose first calcitonin test after surgery was “undetectable” stayed that way for many years—often more than a decade—and did not develop signs of cancer coming back. This was especially reassuring for patients who never had MTC or who had their thyroid removed early as a preventive measure. Even among patients who did have MTC, those with an undetectable first test rarely showed later problems. Overall, the findings suggest that many patients may be having far more blood tests than necessary, which can add anxiety and inconvenience. A more personalised follow-up plan could safely reduce testing for some patients, while still ensuring appropriate care for other MEN2-related conditions.

Ref: van den Berg, M. L., van Beek, D., van den Broek, M. F. M., Lodewijk, L., Verrijn Stuart, A. A., Terwisscha van Scheltinga, S. C. E. J., van Leeuwaarde, R. S., Borel Rinkes, I. H. M., & Vriens, M. R. (2026). Long-term calcitonin after thyroidectomy for medullary thyroid cancer in MEN2A. Endocrine-Related Cancer, 33(1), Article e250366, e250366. Retrieved Feb 4, 2026, from https://doi.org/10.1530/ERC-25-0366
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