Keywords
Medullary thyroid carcinoma
C cells
Tumoral marker
History of Endocrinology
How to Cite
Abstract
Context. Calcitonin, discovered in 1962 as the result of experimental observations and serendipitous findings, is a thyroid hormone secreted by C cells. Initially investigated for its hypocalcemic effect and potential therapeutic role in bone diseases, it was later established as a clinically valuable tumor marker.
Contents. This article reviews the historical and scientific milestones of calcitonin: from its identification by Douglas Harold Copp and collaborators, the characterization of its cellular origin, and its isolation from salmon tissue, to the development of immunoassays that enabled its plasma quantification. The contributions of Tashjian, Melvin, and Deftos in the 1960s demonstrated its diagnostic and follow-up value in medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). Its application in osteoporosis and pain management is also highlighted, although its major clinical relevance remains in endocrine oncology.
Conclusions. From an initially skeptical reception, calcitonin evolved into a specific and essential biomarker for the diagnosis and monitoring of MTC. Its history exemplifies how scientific curiosity and perseverance can transform clinical practice and significantly improve patient outcomes.
References
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