Anita Villani

Biochemical and imaging surveillance in germline TP53 mutation carriers with Li-Fraumeni syndrome: 11 year follow-up of a prospective observational study

BACKGROUND Carriers of a germline TP53 pathogenic variant have a substantial lifetime risk of developing cancer. In 2011, we did a prospective observational study of members of families who chose to either undergo a comprehensive surveillance protocol for individuals with Li-Fraumeni syndrome or not. We sought to update our assessment of and modify the surveillance protocol, so in this study we report both longer follow-up of these patients and additional patients who underwent surveillance, as well as update the originally presented surveillance protocol. METHODS A clinical surveillance protocol using physical examination and frequent biochemical and imaging studies (consisting of whole-body MRI, brain MRI, breast MRI, mammography, abdominal and pelvic ultrasound, and colonoscopy) was introduced at three tertiary care centres in Canada and the USA on Jan 1, 2004, for carriers of TP53 pathogenic variants. After confirmation of TP53 mutation, participants either chose to undergo surveillance or chose not to undergo surveillance. Patients could cross over between groups at any time. The primary outcome measure was detection of asymptomatic tumours by surveillance investigations. The secondary outcome measure was 5 year overall survival established from a tumour diagnosed symptomatically (in the non-surveillance group) versus one diagnosed by surveillance. We completed survival analyses using an as-treated approach. FINDINGS Between Jan 1, 2004, and July 1, 2015, we identified 89 carriers of TP53 pathogenic variants in 39 unrelated families, of whom 40 (45%) agreed to surveillance and 49 (55%) declined surveillance. 19 (21%) patients crossed over from the non-surveillance to the surveillance group, giving a total of 59 (66%) individuals undergoing surveillance for a median of 32 months (IQR 12-87). 40 asymptomatic tumours have been detected in 19 (32%) of 59 patients who underwent surveillance. Two additional cancers were diagnosed between surveillance assessments (false negatives) and two biopsied lesions were non-neoplastic entities on pathological review (false positives). Among the 49 individuals who initially declined surveillance, 61 symptomatic tumours were diagnosed in 43 (88%) patients. 21 (49%) of the 43 individuals not on surveillance who developed cancer were alive compared with 16 (84%) of the 19 individuals undergoing surveillance who developed cancer (p=0·012) after a median follow-up of 46 months (IQR 22-72) for those not on surveillance and 38 months (12-86) for those on surveillance. 5 year overall survival was 88·8% (95% CI 78·7-100) in the surveillance group and 59·6% (47·2-75·2) in the non-surveillance group (p=0·0132). INTERPRETATION Our findings show that long-term compliance with a comprehensive surveillance protocol for early tumour detection in individuals with pathogenic TP53 variants is feasible and that early tumour detection through surveillance is associated with improved long-term survival. Incorporation of this approach into clinical management of these patients should be considered. FUNDING Canadian Institutes for Heath Research, Canadian Cancer Society, Terry Fox Research Institute, SickKids Foundation, and Soccer for Hope Foundation.

Cancer screening recommendations for individuals with Li-Fraumeni syndrome

Li-Fraumeni syndrome (LFS) is an autosomal dominantly inherited condition caused by germline mutations of the TP53 tumor suppressor gene encoding p53, a transcription factor triggered as a protective cellular mechanism against different stressors. Loss of p53 function renders affected individuals highly susceptible to a broad range of solid and hematologic cancers. It has recently become evident that children and adults with LFS benefit from intensive surveillance aimed at early tumor detection. In October 2016, the American Association for Cancer Research held a meeting of international LFS experts to evaluate the current knowledge on LFS and propose consensus surveillance recommendations. Herein, we briefly summarize clinical and genetic aspects of this aggressive cancer predisposition syndrome. In addition, the expert panel concludes that there are sufficient existing data to recommend that all patients with LFS be offered cancer surveillance as soon as the clinical or molecular LFS diagnosis is established. Specifically, the panel recommends adoption of a modified version of the “Toronto protocol” that includes a combination of physical exams, blood tests, and imaging. The panel also recommends that further research be promoted to explore the feasibility and effectiveness of these risk-adapted surveillance and cancer prevention strategies while addressing the psychosocial needs of individuals and families with LFS. Clin Cancer Res; 23(11); e38–e45. ©2017 AACR. See all articles in the online-only CCR Pediatric Oncology Series.

Molecular Characterization of Choroid Plexus Tumors Reveals Novel Clinically Relevant Subgroups

Purpose: To investigate molecular alterations in choroid plexus tumors (CPT) using a genome-wide high-throughput approach to identify diagnostic and prognostic signatures that will refine tumor stratification and guide therapeutic options. Experimental Design: One hundred CPTs were obtained from a multi-institutional tissue and clinical database. Copy-number (CN), DNA methylation, and gene expression signatures were assessed for 74, 36, and 40 samples, respectively. Molecular subgroups were correlated with clinical parameters and outcomes. Results: Unique molecular signatures distinguished choroid plexus carcinomas (CPC) from choroid plexus papillomas (CPP) and atypical choroid plexus papillomas (aCPP); however, no significantly distinct molecular alterations between CPPs and aCPPs were observed. Allele-specific CN analysis of CPCs revealed two novel subgroups according to DNA content: hypodiploid and hyperdiploid CPCs. Hyperdiploid CPCs exhibited recurrent acquired uniparental disomy events. Somatic mutations in TP53 were observed in 60% of CPCs. Investigating the number of mutated copies of p53 per sample revealed a high-risk group of patients with CPC carrying two copies of mutant p53, who exhibited poor 5-year event-free (EFS) and overall survival (OS) compared with patients with CPC carrying one copy of mutant p53 (OS: 14.3%, 95% confidence interval, 0.71%–46.5% vs. 66.7%, 28.2%–87.8%, respectively, P = 0.04; EFS: 0% vs. 44.4%, 13.6%–71.9%, respectively, P = 0.03). CPPs and aCPPs exhibited favorable survival. Discussion: Our data demonstrate that differences in CN, gene expression, and DNA methylation signatures distinguish CPCs from CPPs and aCPPs; however, molecular similarities among the papillomas suggest that these two histologic subgroups are indeed a single molecular entity. A greater number of copies of mutated TP53 were significantly associated to increased tumor aggressiveness and a worse survival outcome in CPCs. Collectively, these findings will facilitate stratified approaches to the clinical management of CPTs. Clin Cancer Res; 21(1); 184–92. ©2014 AACR.

Baseline Surveillance in Li-Fraumeni Syndrome Using Whole-Body Magnetic Resonance Imaging: A Meta-analysis

Importance Guidelines for clinical management in Li-Fraumeni syndrome, a multiple-organ cancer predisposition condition, are limited. Whole-body magnetic resonance imaging (WBMRI) may play a role in surveillance of this high-risk population. Objective To assess the clinical utility of WBMRI in germline TP53 mutation carriers at baseline. Data Sources Clinical and research surveillance cohorts were identified through the Li-Fraumeni Exploration Research Consortium. Study Selection Cohorts that incorporated WBMRI for individuals with germline TP53 mutations from January 1, 2004, through October 1, 2016, were included. Data Extraction and Synthesis Data were extracted by investigators from each cohort independently and synthesized by 2 investigators. Random-effects meta-analysis methods were used to estimate proportions. Main Outcomes and Measures The proportions of participants at baseline in whom a lesion was detected that required follow-up and in whom a new primary malignant neoplasm was detected. Results A total of 578 participants (376 female [65.1%] and 202 male [34.9%]; mean [SD] age, 33.2 [17.1] years) from 13 cohorts in 6 countries were included in the analysis. Two hundred twenty-five lesions requiring clinical follow-up were detected by WBMRI in 173 participants. Sixty-one lesions were diagnosed in 54 individuals as benign or malignant neoplasms. Overall, 42 cancers were identified in 39 individuals, with 35 new localized cancers treated with curative intent. The overall estimated detection rate for new, localized primary cancers was 7% (95% CI, 5%-9%). Conclusions and Relevance These data suggest clinical utility of baseline WBMRI in TP53 germline mutation carriers and may form an integral part of baseline clinical risk management in this high-risk population.

Inherent diagnostic and treatment challenges in germinoma of the basal ganglia: a case report and review of the literature

Among intracranial germinomas, basal ganglia germinomas represent a specific clinical and anatomical entity. Based on an unusual case of a basal ganglia germinoma in a 13-year-old Caucasian male, we highlight the diagnostic challenges and discuss treatment considerations in this disease.

Von Hippel–Lindau and Hereditary Pheochromocytoma/Paraganglioma Syndromes: Clinical Features, Genetics, and Surveillance Recommendations in Childhood

Von Hippel–Lindau disease (vHL) is a hereditary tumor predisposition syndrome that places affected individuals at risk for multiple tumors, which are predominantly benign and generally occur in the central nervous system or abdomen. Although the majority of tumors occur in adults, children and adolescents with the condition develop a significant proportion of vHL manifestations and are vulnerable to delayed tumor detection and their sequelae. Although multiple tumor screening paradigms are currently being utilized for patients with vHL, surveillance should be reassessed as the available relevant clinical information continues to expand. We propose a new vHL screening paradigm similar to existing approaches, with important modifications for some tumor types, placing an emphasis on risks in childhood. This includes advancement in the timing of surveillance initiation and increased frequency of screening evaluations. Another neuroendocrine-related familial condition is the rapidly expanding hereditary paraganglioma and pheochromocytoma syndrome (HPP). The tumor spectrum for patients with HPP syndrome includes paragangliomas, pheochromocytomas, renal cancer, and gastrointestinal stromal tumors. The majority of patients with HPP syndrome harbor an underlying variant in one of the SHDx genes (SDHA, SDHB, SDHC, SDHD, SDHA, and SDHAF2), although other genes also have been described (MAX and TMEM127). Annual screening for elevated plasma or urine markers along with complete blood count and biennial whole-body MRI accompanied by focal neck MRI is recommended for older children and adults with HPP syndrome to detect tumors early and to decrease morbidity and mortality from HPP-related tumors. Clin Cancer Res; 23(12); e68–e75. ©2017 AACR. See all articles in the online-only CCR Pediatric Oncology Series.

Recommendations for Cancer Surveillance in Individuals with RASopathies and Other Rare Genetic Conditions with Increased Cancer Risk

In October 2016, the American Association for Cancer Research held a meeting of international childhood cancer predisposition syndrome experts to evaluate the current knowledge of these syndromes and to propose consensus surveillance recommendations. Herein, we summarize clinical and genetic aspects of RASopathies and Sotos, Weaver, Rubinstein-Taybi, Schinzel-Giedion, and NKX2-1 syndromes as well as specific metabolic disorders known to be associated with increased childhood cancer risk. In addition, the expert panel reviewed whether sufficient data exist to make a recommendation that all patients with these disorders be offered cancer surveillance. For all syndromes, the panel recommends increased awareness and prompt assessment of clinical symptoms. Patients with Costello syndrome have the highest cancer risk, and cancer surveillance should be considered. Regular physical examinations and complete blood counts can be performed in infants with Noonan syndrome if specific PTPN11 or KRAS mutations are present, and in patients with CBL syndrome. Also, the high brain tumor risk in patients with L-2 hydroxyglutaric aciduria may warrant regular screening with brain MRIs. For most syndromes, surveillance may be needed for nonmalignant health problems. Clin Cancer Res; 23(12); e83–e90. ©2017 AACR. See all articles in the online-only CCR Pediatric Oncology Series.

Syndromes Predisposing to Pediatric Central Nervous System Tumors: Lessons Learned and New Promises

Central nervous system (CNS) neoplasms are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among children with cancer. In contrast to adults, a genetic basis for brain tumors is relatively common in children. A child harboring a germline mutation in a cancer-related gene will be predisposed to develop CNS tumors. These cancer predisposition syndromes are rare but pose overwhelming clinical and psychosocial challenges to families and the treating team. Recent significant advances in our understanding of the biological processes that govern these genetic conditions combined with international efforts to define and treat clinical aspects of these tumors are transforming the lives of these individuals. In this article, we summarize recent progress made for each of the major CNS tumor syndromes. We discuss the biological and clinical relevance of such advances, and suggest a comprehensive approach to a child affected by a predisposition to brain tumors.

DICER1 syndrome: Approach to testing and management at a large pediatric tertiary care center

To expand the current knowledge of DICER1 syndrome and to propose criteria for genetic testing based on experience at a pediatric tertiary care center.

Multiple endocrine neoplasia and hyperparathyroid-jaw tumor syndromes: Clinical features, genetics, and surveillance recommendations in childhood

Children and adolescents who present with neuroendocrine tumors are at extremely high likelihood of having an underlying germline predisposition for the multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) syndromes, including MEN1, MEN2A and MEN2B, MEN4, and hyperparathyroid-jaw tumor (HPT-JT) syndromes. Each of these autosomal dominant syndromes results from a specific germline mutation in unique genes: MEN1 is due to pathogenic MEN1 variants (11q13), MEN2A and MEN2B are due to pathogenic RET variants (10q11.21), MEN4 is due to pathogenic CDKN1B variants (12p13.1), and the HPT-JT syndrome is due to pathogenic CDC73 variants (1q25). Although each of these genetic syndromes share the presence of neuroendocrine tumors, each syndrome has a slightly different tumor spectrum with specific surveillance recommendations based upon tumor penetrance, including the age and location for which specific tumor types most commonly present. Although the recommended surveillance strategies for each syndrome contain similar approaches, important differences do exist among them. Therefore, it is important for caregivers of children and adolescents with these syndromes to become familiar with the unique diagnostic criteria for each syndrome, and also to be aware of the specific tumor screening and prophylactic surgery recommendations for each syndrome. Clin Cancer Res; 23(13); e123–e32. ©2017 AACR. See all articles in the online-only CCR Pediatric Oncology Series.