Very high risk of cancer in familial Peutz-Jeghers syndrome

Metachronous triple cancer associated with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome treated with curative surgery: a case report

Background

Peutz–Jeghers syndrome (PJS) is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by mucocutaneous pigmentation and hamartomatous gastrointestinal polyposis. It is well known that individuals with PJS are at an increased risk of cancer in a variety of organs.

Case presentation

Here, we present a patient with PJS who achieved long-term survival by undergoing repeat curative surgery for metachronous triple cancer. Her medical history included hilar cholangiocarcinoma and cervical carcinoma; curative surgery was performed for both conditions. On annual follow-up, the level of carcinoembryonic antigen was elevated at 6.9 ng/ml. Enhanced computed tomography revealed a cystic tumor consisting of mural nodules at the pancreatic head; the maximal diameter was 15 mm. Magnetic resonance imaging clearly demonstrated the tumor with low intensity on T1-weighted images and high intensity on T2-weighted images. Endoscopic ultrasound sonography showed a high echoic tumor at the pancreatic head, which was confirmed as adenocarcinoma by fine-needle aspiration biopsy. The preoperative diagnosis was intraductal papillary mucinous carcinoma (IPMC; T1N0M0, stage IA). Subtotal stomach-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy was performed and the final diagnosis was IPMC, stage 0 (TisN0M0).

Conclusions

Aggressive surgery for metachronous triple cancer resulted in good long-term prognosis. Continuous and systematic follow-up would allow the detection of malignancy at an early stage and make treatment with curative surgery possible.

Intestinal microbiota enhances pancreatic carcinogenesis in preclinical models

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the third leading cause of cancer death in the United States yet data are scant regarding host factors influencing pancreatic carcinogenesis. Increasing evidence support the role of the host microbiota in carcinogenesis but its role in PDAC is not well established. Herein, we report that antibiotic-mediated microbial depletion of KrasG12D/PTENlox/+ mice showed a decreased proportion of poorly differentiated tumors compared to microbiota-intact KrasG12D/PTENlox/+ mice. Subsequent 16S rRNA PCR showed that ~50% of KrasG12D/PTENlox/+ mice with PDAC harbored intrapancreatic bacteria. To determine if a similar observation in humans correlates with presence of PDAC, benign and malignant human pancreatic surgical specimens demonstrated a microbiota by 16S bacterial sequencing and culture confirmation. However, the microbial composition did not differentiate PDAC from non-PDAC tissue. Furthermore, murine pancreas did not naturally acquire a pancreatic microbiota, as germ-free mice transferred to specific pathogen-free housing failed to acquire intrapancreatic bacteria over time, which was not augmented by a murine model of colitis. Finally, antibiotic-mediated microbial depletion of Nod-SCID mice, compared to microbiota-intact, showed increased time to PDAC xenograft formation, smaller tumors, and attenuated growth. Interestingly, both xenograft cohorts were devoid of intratumoral bacteria by 16S rRNA PCR, suggesting that intrapancreatic/intratumoral microbiota is not the sole driver of PDAC acceleration. Xenografts from microbiota-intact mice demonstrated innate immune suppression by immunohistochemistry and differential regulation of oncogenic pathways as determined by RNA sequencing. Our work supports a long-distance role of the intestinal microbiota on PDAC progression and opens new research avenues regarding pancreatic carcinogenesis.

Multigene Hereditary Cancer Panels Reveal High-Risk Pancreatic Cancer Susceptibility Genes

PURPOSE

The relevance of inherited pathogenic mutations in cancer predisposition genes in pancreatic cancer is not well understood. We aimed to assess the characteristics of patients with pancreatic cancer referred for hereditary cancer genetic testing and to estimate the risk of pancreatic cancer associated with mutations in panel-based cancer predisposition genes in this high-risk population.

METHODS

Patients with pancreatic cancer (N = 1,652) were identified from a 140,000-patient cohort undergoing multigene panel testing of predisposition genes between March 2012 and June 2016. Gene-level mutation frequencies relative to Exome Aggregation Consortium and Genome Aggregation Database reference controls were assessed.

RESULTS

The frequency of germline cancer predisposition gene mutations among patients with pancreatic cancer was 20.73%. Mutations in ATM, BRCA2, CDKN2A, MSH2, MSH6, PALB2, and TP53 were associated with high pancreatic cancer risk (odds ratio, > 5), and mutations in BRCA1 were associated with moderate risk (odds ratio, > 2). In a logistic regression model adjusted for age at diagnosis and family history of cancer, ATM and BRCA2 mutations were associated with personal history of breast or pancreatic cancer, whereas PALB2 mutations were associated with family history of breast or pancreatic cancer.

CONCLUSION

These findings provide insight into the spectrum of mutations expected in patients with pancreatic cancer referred for cancer predisposition testing. Mutations in eight genes confer high or moderate risk of pancreatic cancer and may prove useful for risk assessment for pancreatic and other cancers. Family and personal histories of breast cancer are strong predictors of germline mutations.

A Peutz-Jeghers syndrome family associated with sinonasal adenocarcinoma: 28 years follow up report

Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS) is a rare hereditary disorder characterized by hamartomatous polyps in both of the gastrointestinal tract and mucosal pigmentation. It could increase in risk of intestinal and extra-intestinal neoplasms. We here described three cases of sinonasal polyposis in a PJS family and two developed sinonasal type adenocarcinoma. Genetic study revealed a germline STK11/LKB1 mutation on codon 179 (c.C536G, p.P179R) of exon 4. LOH analysis of the LKB1 locus confirms this to be a deleterious mutation. Sinonasal polyposis with malignant transformation could be encountered in PJS patients. Regular follow-up was recommended for the risk of malignant changes in nasal polyps.

Neddylation, a novel paradigm in liver cancer

Liver cancer is the sixth most prevailing cancer worldwide. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common form of primary liver cancer, has a rather heterogeneous pathogenesis making it highly refractive to current therapeutic approaches. Hence, HCC patients have a poor and gloomy prognosis making liver cancer the second leading cause of global cancer-related deaths. On this basis, a more global mechanism, such as post-translational modifications (PTMs) of proteins, may provide a valuable therapeutic approach for HCC clinical management by simultaneously regulating multiple disrupted signaling pathways. In the last years, the ubiquitin-like molecule NEDD8 (Neural precursor cell-expressed developmentally downregulated-8) conjugation pathway, neddylation, was shown to be aberrant in HCC patients with a significant positive correlation found among global levels of neddylation and poorer prognosis. Even though the best-established role for NEDD8 is the activation of ubiquitin E3 ligase family of cullin-RING ligases, the putative role for other NEDD8 substrates has been explored in recent years leading to the identification of novel neddylation targets in HCC. Importantly, treatment with the small pharmacological inhibitor Pevonedistat (MLN4924) (Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Takeda Pharmaceutical), currently in clinical trials for the treatment of some types of leukemias and other advanced solid tumors, was shown to suppress the outgrowth of hepatoma cells and liver cancer in pre-clinical mouse models. Overall, considering that the neddylation inhibitor Pevonedistat was well-tolerated and displayed a significant antitumor effect in pre-clinical models, combinatory pharmacological treatment based on Pevonedistat are highly recommended to enter clinical trials targeting advanced HCC.

Emerging Concepts in Gastric Neoplasia: Heritable Gastric Cancers and Polyposis Disorders

Hereditary gastric cancer is a relatively rare disease with specific clinical and histopathologic characteristics. Hereditary gastric cancer of the diffuse type is predominantly caused by germline mutations in CDH1. The inherited cause of familial intestinal gastric cancer is unknown. Gastric adenocarcinoma and proximal polyposis of the stomach is a hereditary cancer syndrome caused by germline mutations in promoter 1B of APC. Other well-defined cancer syndromes, such as Lynch, Li-Fraumeni, and hereditary breast or ovarian cancer syndromes, are associated with increased risk of gastric cancer. This article reviews important histopathologic features and emerging concepts regarding gastric carcinogenesis in these syndromes.

Gastrointestinal cancer risk in patients with a family history of gastrointestinal cancer

Background/Aims

This study was performed to evaluate the relationship between family history of gastrointestinal (GI) cancers and incidence of any GI cancer in the Korean population.

Methods

Between January 2015 and July 2016, 711 GI cancer patients and 849 controls in 16 hospitals in Korea were enrolled. Personal medical histories, life styles, and family history of GI cancers were collected via questionnaire.

Results

There was a significant difference in the incidence of family history of GI cancer between GI cancer patients and controls (p=0.002). Patients with family history of GI cancer tended to be diagnosed as GI cancer at younger age than those without family history (p=0.016). The family members of GI cancer patients who were diagnosed before 50 years of age were more frequently diagnosed as GI cancer before the age of 50 years (p=0.017). After adjusting for major confounding factors, age (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 1.065, 95% confidence interval [CI]; 1.053-1.076), male gender (AOR 2.270, 95% CI; 1.618-3.184), smoking (AOR 1.570, 95% CI; 1.130-2.182), and sibling's history of GI cancer (AOR 1.973, 95% CI; 1.246-3.126) remained independently associated with GI cancers.

Conclusions

GI cancer patients tended to have a first relative with a history of concordant GI cancer. Personal factors (old age and male) and lifestyle (smoking) contribute to the development of GI cancer, independently. Individuals with high risk for GI cancers may be advised to undergo screening at an earlier age.

Familial Pancreatic Cancer and the Future of Directed Screening

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is the third most common cause of cancer-related death in the United States and the 12th most common worldwide. Mortality is high, largely due to late stage of presentation and suboptimal treatment regimens. Approximately 10% of PC cases have a familial basis. The major genetic defect has yet to be identified but may be inherited by an autosomal dominant pattern with reduced penetrance. Several known hereditary syndromes or genes are associated with an increased risk of developing PC and account for approximately 2% of PCs. These syndromes include the hereditary breast-ovarian cancer syndrome, Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, familial atypical multiple mole melanoma, Lynch syndrome, familial polyposis, ataxia-telangiectasia, and hereditary pancreatitis. Appropriate screening using methods such as biomarkers or imaging, with endoscopic ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging, may assist in the early detection of neoplastic lesions in the high-risk population. If these lesions are detected and treated before the development of invasive carcinoma, PC disease morbidity and mortality may be improved. This review will focus on familial PC and other hereditary syndromes implicated in the increased risk of PC; it will also highlight current screening methods and the future of new screening modalities.

Pancreatic cancer screening in high-risk individuals with germline genetic mutations

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a deadly disease that is most commonly diagnosed at an incurable stage. Different high-risk genetic variants and cancer syndromes increase the lifetime risk of developing PC. This study aims to assess the yield of initial PC screening in patients with high-risk germline mutations.

METHODS

Asymptomatic adults underwent PC screening by EUS, magnetic resonance imaging, or CT during a 10-year period and were retrospectively identified. High-risk individuals were defined as carrying germline mutations in BRCA1, BRCA2, p53 (Li-Fraumeni), STK11 (Peutz-Jeghers), MSH2 (Lynch), ATM (ataxia-telangiectasia), or APC (familial adenomatous polyposis). Patients without germline mutations were excluded.

RESULTS

In total, 86 patients met the study criteria. The median age was 48.5 years (interquartile range, 40-58), 79.1% (68) were women, and 43.0% (37) had a family history of PC. The genetic mutations were BRCA2 (50, 58.1%), BRCA1 (14, 16.3%), p53 (12, 14.0%), STK11 (5, 5.8%), MSH2 (3, 3.5%), ATM (1, 1.2%), and APC (1, 1.2%). Screening detected a pancreatic abnormality (PA) in 26.7% (23/86), including cysts (11, 47.8%), hyperechoic strands and foci (10, 43.5%), and mild pancreatic duct dilation (2, 8.7%). Patients older than 60 years were more likely to have a PA detected (P = .043). EUS detected more PAs than magnetic resonance imaging or CT. No cases of PC were diagnosed by screening or during follow-up (median, 29.8 months; interquartile range, 21.7-43.5).

CONCLUSIONS

Unless indicated otherwise by family or personal history, PC screening under the age of 50 is low yield. Linear EUS may be the preferred modality for initial PC screening.

Prenatal diagnosis in a hereditary Peutz-Jeghers syndrome family with high cancer risk

BACKGROUND

Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome (PJS) is a hereditary cancer predisposing syndrome caused by autosomal dominant mutations in the serine/threonine kinase 11 (STK11) gene and is associated with decreased life expectancy. Many families experience a poorer quality of life due to the psychological burden associated with the carrier status of their child. Therefore early genetic testing and confirmation of the diagnosis is important for patients' psychological status, as well as for clinical management, genetic counseling and possible prenatal family planning.

METHODS

In this study, peripheral blood genomic DNA samples from a Chinese PJS family with a high cancer risk were examined for STK11 mutations using Sanger sequencing and MLPA analysis. Furthermore, prenatal PJS testing from transabdominal chorionic villi sample was performed in one female member of the family. This family was followed up for three years.

RESULTS

In this family, the STK11 exon 1 deletion (c.-1114-?_290 +?del) was predicted to affect the kinase domain of the protein and co-segregated with the disease phenotype. The same mutation was detected in the fetus and genetic sequencing and MLPA of the infant's DNA and the pigmentation on his lips confirmed the result of prenatal testing. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on PJS prenatal diagnosis of a PJS family in China.

CONCLUSIONS

An accurate and convenient PJS prenatal testing provides an opportunity for affected families to focus on polyp-related symptoms and cancer prevention and may be helpful for couples in family planning decision-making.

Endoscopic Ultrasound-Based Pancreatic Cancer Screening of High-Risk Individuals: A Prospective Observational Trial

OBJECTIVES

Pancreatic cancer (PC), a common cause of cancer death, is rarely diagnosed at an early stage. Early detection of PC may improve outcomes in affected patients. This study evaluated the utility of screening of high-risk individuals (HRIs) using an endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-only approach to detect early malignant changes.

METHODS

A prospective PC screening program for HRIs was opened in 2007. Fifty-eight patients have enrolled to date. Patients with normal EUS examinations underwent repeat EUS annually for 5 years. Patients with abnormal EUS underwent fine-needle aspiration (FNA) if a mass/cyst 1 cm or longer was found. Those with cysts/mass shorter than 1 cm or benign FNA underwent repeat EUS in 3 months. If unchanged, patients were followed with magnetic resonance imaging.

RESULTS

Thirty-nine patients (67%) had initial normal EUS examinations, and 16 patients completed the 5-year trial. Five patients who initially had a normal EUS developed cysts on subsequent examinations. Of the 24 subjects (41%) with abnormal findings, 3 underwent FNA: 2 consistent with intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm, 1 with benign cytology. The 21 remaining patients had 1 subcentimeter cyst or more followed by magnetic resonance imaging. No PCs have been detected.

CONCLUSIONS

Precancerous cysts are frequently detected with EUS in HRI. Whether screening impacts survival in HRIs remains unclear and requires further evaluation in larger multicenter trials.

Genetic susceptibility markers for a breast-colorectal cancer phenotype: Exploratory results from genome-wide association studies

BACKGROUND

Clustering of breast and colorectal cancer has been observed within some families and cannot be explained by chance or known high-risk mutations in major susceptibility genes. Potential shared genetic susceptibility between breast and colorectal cancer, not explained by high-penetrance genes, has been postulated. We hypothesized that yet undiscovered genetic variants predispose to a breast-colorectal cancer phenotype.

METHODS

To identify variants associated with a breast-colorectal cancer phenotype, we analyzed genome-wide association study (GWAS) data from cases and controls that met the following criteria: cases (n = 985) were women with breast cancer who had one or more first- or second-degree relatives with colorectal cancer, men/women with colorectal cancer who had one or more first- or second-degree relatives with breast cancer, and women diagnosed with both breast and colorectal cancer. Controls (n = 1769), were unrelated, breast and colorectal cancer-free, and age- and sex- frequency-matched to cases. After imputation, 6,220,060 variants were analyzed using the discovery set and variants associated with the breast-colorectal cancer phenotype at P<5.0E-04 (n = 549, at 60 loci) were analyzed for replication (n = 293 cases and 2,103 controls).

RESULTS

Multiple correlated SNPs in intron 1 of the ROBO1 gene were suggestively associated with the breast-colorectal cancer phenotype in the discovery and replication data (most significant; rs7430339, Pdiscovery = 1.2E-04; rs7429100, Preplication = 2.8E-03). In meta-analysis of the discovery and replication data, the most significant association remained at rs7429100 (P = 1.84E-06).

CONCLUSION

The results of this exploratory analysis did not find clear evidence for a susceptibility locus with a pleiotropic effect on hereditary breast and colorectal cancer risk, although the suggestive association of genetic variation in the region of ROBO1, a potential tumor suppressor gene, merits further investigation.

Close and regular surveillance is key to prevent severe complications for Peutz-Jeghers syndrome patients without gastrointestinal polyps: case report of a novel STK11 mutation (c.471_472delCT) in a Chinese girl

Background

Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS) is a Mendelian disease characterized by gastrointestinal hamartomas, mucocutaneous pigmentation (MP), and increased cancer risk. Serine/threonine kinase 11 (STK11) is the only validated causative gene in PJS. Clinical observation reveals MP and intussusception in childhood are more frequent and severe than in adults.

Case presentation

We report here a girl without a positive family history, who grew oral and fingertip MP at her age of 2 and got abdomen dull pain from 7 years old. Endoscopy revealed no obvious polyps in the stomach or the colon until 10 years old, when she received enteroscopy. Tens of polyps were resected during enteroscopy, and pathological examination confirmed them hamartomas. A heterozygous deletion in STK11, c.471_472delCT, was detected in the proband but not in her parents, which is not recorded in databases.

Conclusion

The mutation we reported here is a novel one and a de-novo one, so our results enlarge the spectrum of STK11. We speculate close and regular endoscopy especially enteroscopy is necessary for complication prevention when the former endoscopy discovers no polyps temporarily in a child of suspect PJS.

Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome Presenting as Colonic Intussusception: A Rare Entity

Peutz-Jeghers syndrome is an autosomal dominant inherited medical condition characterized by hyperpigmented mucocutaneous macules, hamartomatous polyps in the digestive tract, and with a greater risk of gastrointestinal and non-gastrointestinal cancers. In fact, without appropriate medical surveillance, the lifetime risk for all cancers combined may be as high as 93%. The syndrome is rare, with estimates of incidence varying between 1 in 8,300 and 1 in 280,000 live births. Infrequently, individuals present for the first time with bowel obstruction secondary to intussusception. Here, we present an interesting case of a young Burmese man who, early on, showed traits of Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, including the characteristic hyperpigmented areas on the fingers and lips. Unfortunately, the diagnosis was not made until he later developed bowel obstruction caused by an intussusception, requiring exploratory laparoscopic bowel resection. A high index of suspicion is needed to diagnose accurately. However, early identification and close surveillance can lead to excellent prognosis in these individuals.

Inherited Cancer in the Age of Next-Generation Sequencing

Next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology has led to the ability to test for multiple cancer susceptibility genes simultaneously without significantly increasing cost or turnaround time. With growing usage of multigene testing for inherited cancer, ongoing education for nurses and other health-care providers about hereditary cancer screening is imperative to ensure appropriate testing candidate identification, test selection, and posttest management. The purpose of this review article is to (1) provide an overview of how NGS works to detect germline mutations, (2) summarize the benefits and limitations of multigene panel testing, (3) describe risk categories of cancer susceptibility genes, and (4) highlight the counseling considerations for patients pursuing multigene testing.

The transfer of multigene panel testing for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer to healthcare: What are the implications for the management of patients and families?

Until recently, the molecular diagnosis of hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) was mostly based on BRCA1/2 testing. Next generation sequencing and the recent discovery of new genes involved in HBOC now permit the transfer of genomic capture targeting multiple candidate genes from research to clinical use. However, the implications for the management of patients and their families have not been extensively studied, in particular since some of these genes are not well-established cancer predisposing genes. We studied 583 consecutive patients from Burgundy (France) fulfilling the criteria for BRCA testing using a next generation sequencing 25-genes panel including 20 well-established high-risk cancer genes as well as more recently identified predisposing HBOC cancer. A pathogenic BRCA1/2 mutation was found in 51 patients (9%). Besides, we found 37 pathogenic or likely pathogenic mutations in 10 different high to low-risk genes in 34 patients (6%). The most frequently mutated genes were CHEK2 (n = 12; 2%), ATM (n = 9; 1.5%), and PALB2 (n = 4; 0.6%). Three patients had a mutation in two different predisposing genes. The analysis of clinical actionability conducted in mutation-positive individuals revealed that additional disease-specific screening and/or prevention measures beyond those based on personal and family history alone had been recommended in 69% of cases. In conclusion, multigene panel testing is a powerful tool to identifying high to low-risk HBOC susceptibility genes. The penetrance and spectrum of cancers with these other genes are sometimes undefined, and further collaborative work is crucial to address this question.

Chronic pancreatitis and lipomatosis are associated with defective function of ciliary genes in pancreatic ductal cells

Genetic diseases associated with defects in primary cilia are classified as ciliopathies. Pancreatic lesions and ductal cysts are found in patients with ciliopathic polycystic kidney diseases suggesting a close connection between pancreatic defects and primary cilia. Here we investigate the role of two genes whose deletion is known to cause primary cilium defects, namely Hnf6 and Lkb1, in pancreatic ductal homeostasis. We find that mice with postnatal duct-specific deletion of Hnf6 or Lkb1 show duct dilations. Cells lining dilated ducts present shorter cilia with swollen tips, suggesting defective intraciliary transport. This is associated with signs of chronic pancreatitis, namely acinar-to-ductal metaplasia, acinar proliferation and apoptosis, presence of inflammatory infiltrates, fibrosis and lipomatosis. Our data reveal a tight association between ductal ciliary defects and pancreatitis with perturbed acinar homeostasis and differentiation. Such injuries can account for the increased risk to develop pancreatic cancer in Peutz-Jeghers patients who carry LKB1 loss-of-function mutations.

Pancreatic cancer screening

PURPOSE

This article reviews the current evidence surrounding pancreatic cancer screening. The current targets of screening include identification of early pancreatic cancer, as well as the two most important precursor lesions; intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm and high grade pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia. Given the relatively low incidence of pancreatic adenocarcinoma in the general population, patients with elevated risk based on family history or an underlying genetic syndrome are felt to be the most appropriate patients to undergo screening.

METHODS

An extensive review of the literature was performed and the major findings of the available literature regarding pancreatic screening are reviewed in detail.

RESULTS

Several prospective trials have evaluated pancreatic cancer screening in high-risk groups. The results of those trials are summarized in this article. Current consensus guidelines and recommendations from the International Cancer of the Pancreas Screening Consortium Summit are also discussed.

CONCLUSIONS

The exact benefit of pancreatic cancer screening remains unclear at this time, but emerging evidence suggests that there is a window of opportunity to detect precursor lesions and early pancreatic adenocarcinomas in high-risk patient populations. Better understanding of the pathway of carcinogenesis will hopefully improve our ability to detect early, resectable pancreatic carcinomas, and provide a mortality benefit to patients at significantly elevated risk of pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

Genetics of pancreatic cancer and implications for therapy

Pancreatic cancer is a highly lethal disease with a dismal 5-year prognosis. Knowledge of its genetics may help in identifying new methods for patient screening, and cancer treatment. In this review, we will describe the most common mutations responsible for the genesis of pancreatic cancer and their impact on screening, patterns of disease progression, and therapy.

Uncommon hereditary gynaecological tumour syndromes: pathological features in tumours that may predict risk for a germline mutation

The most common hereditary gynaecological tumour syndromes are hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome and Lynch syndrome. However, pathologists also may encounter gynaecological tumours in women with rare hereditary syndromes. Many of these tumours exhibit distinctive gross and microscopic features that are associated with a risk for an inherited gene mutation. The sensitivity and specificity of these tumour pathology features for predicting an inherited mutation vary depending on the syndrome. By recognising these tumour features, pathologists may potentially contribute to the diagnosis of an unsuspected syndrome by recommending referral of the patient for formal risk assessment by genetic counselling. Patients additionally benefit from diagnosis of an inherited syndrome because many also carry a lifetime risk for developing primary malignancies outside of the gynaecological tract. Early diagnosis of an inherited syndrome permits early screening, detection, and management of additional malignancies associated with the syndrome. This review highlights these rare syndromes and their tumour pathology, including Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (gastric type mucinous carcinoma of the cervix; ovarian sex cord tumour with annular tubules); hereditary leiomyoma renal cell carcinoma syndrome (uterine leiomyoma); tuberous sclerosis complex (uterine PEComa; uterine lymphangioleiomyomatosis); DICER1 syndrome (ovarian Sertoli-Leydig cell tumour; cervical embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma); rhabdoid tumour predisposition syndrome 2 (small cell carcinoma of the ovary, hypercalcaemic type); Cowden syndrome (endometrial endometrioid adenocarcinoma); naevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome (ovarian fibroma); and Von Hippel-Lindau syndrome (clear cell papillary cystadenoma of the broad ligament).

Update on Hereditary Colorectal Cancer: Improving the Clinical Utility of Multigene Panel Testing

Colorectal cancer (CRC), one of the most common cancers, is a major public health issue globally, especially in Westernized countries. Up to 35% of CRCs are thought to be due to heritable factors, but currently only 5% to 10% of CRCs are attributable to high-risk mutations in known CRC susceptibility genes, predominantly the mismatch repair genes (Lynch syndrome) and adenomatous polyposis coli gene (APC; familial adenomatous polyposis). In this era of precision medicine, high-risk mutation carriers, when identified, can be offered various risk management options that prevent cancers and improve survival, including risk-reducing medication, screening for early detection, and surgery. The practice of clinical genetics is currently transitioning from phenotype-directed single gene testing to multigene panels, now offered by numerous providers. For CRC, the genes included across these panels vary, ranging from well established, clinically actionable susceptibility genes with quantified magnitude of risk, to genes that lack extensive validation or have less evidence of association with CRC and, therefore, have minimal clinical utility. The current lack of consensus regarding inclusion of genes in CRC panels presents challenges in patient counseling and management, particularly when a variant in a less validated gene is identified. Furthermore, there remain considerable challenges regarding variant interpretation even for the well established CRC susceptibility genes. Ironically though, only through more widespread testing and the accumulation of large international data sets will sufficient information be generated to (i) enable well powered studies to determine if a gene is associated with CRC susceptibility, (ii) to develop better models for variant interpretation and (iii) to facilitate clinical translation.

The patients with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome have a high risk of developing cancer

Peutz-Jeghers syndrome is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by mucocutaneous hyperpigmentation, and intestinal and extraintestinal multiple hamartomatous polyps. Development of gastrointestinal and extragastrointestinal cancer risk is markedly increased in patients with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome. We analyzed five patients from two families diagnosed with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome between 1999 and 2012. This study confirms the actual malignancy potency of PJS. Therefore, we suggest a close follow-up of patients with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome for the risk of malignancy.

Small bowel adenocarcinoma: French intergroup clinical practice guidelines for diagnosis, treatments and follow-up (SNFGE, FFCD, GERCOR, UNICANCER, SFCD, SFED, SFRO)

BACKGROUND

This document is a summary of the French intergroup guidelines regarding the management of small bowel adenocarcinoma published in October 2016.

METHOD

This collaborative work, co-directed by most French Medical Societies, summarizes clinical practice recommendations (guidelines) on the management of small bowel adenocarcinoma. Given the lack of specific data in the literature, all references are given by analogy with colon cancer. The classification used is the AJCC (American Joint Committee on Cancer) pTNM classification (7th edition 2009).

RESULTS

Small bowel adenocarcinoma has a poor prognosis; less than 30% of patients survive for 5 years after the (first) diagnosis (5-year survival of less than 30%). Due to the rarity of the disease and the retrospective data, most recommendations are based on expert agreement. The initial evaluation is based on chest-abdomen-pelvis CT scan, CEA assay, GI endoscopy and colonoscopy in order detect lesions associated with a predisposing disease. Surgical treatment is currently the only curative option for stage I and II. Adjuvant chemotherapy can be discussed for Stage III and Stage II with T4 (expert agreement). With regard to metastatic tumors, treatment with fluoropyrimidine combined with platinum salts should be considered (expert agreement).

CONCLUSION

Few specific data exist in the literature on this type of tumor; most of the recommendations come from expert agreements or by analogy with colon cancer. Thus, each case must be discussed within a multidisciplinary team.

Inherited pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancers arise through a series of genetic events both inherited and acquired. Inherited genetic changes, both high penetrance and low penetrance, are an important component of pancreatic cancer risk, and may be used to characterize populations who will benefit from early detection. Furthermore, pancreatic cancer patients with inherited mutations may be particularly sensitive to certain targeted agents, providing an opportunity to personalized treatment. Family history of pancreatic cancer is one of the strongest risk factors for the disease, and is associated with an increased risk of caners at other sites, including but not limited to breast, ovarian and colorectal cancer. The goal of this chapter is to discuss the importance of family history of pancreatic cancer, and the known genes that account for a portion of the familial clustering of pancreatic cancer.

A novel germline mutation (c.A527G) in STK11 gene causes Peutz-Jeghers syndrome in a Chinese girl: A case report

RATIONALE

Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS) is a Mendelian autosomal dominant disease caused by mutations in the tumor suppressor gene, serine/threonine kinase 11 (STK11). The features of this syndrome include gastrointestinal (GI) hamartomas, melanin spots on the lips and the extremities, and an increased risk of developing cancer. Early onset of disease is often characterized by mucocutaneous pigmentation and intussusception due to GI polyps in childhood.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A girl with a positive family history grew oral pigmentation at 1 and got intussusception by small bowel hamartomas at 5.

DIAGNOSES

She was diagnosed with PJS based on oral pigmentation and a positive family history of PJS.

INTERVENTIONS

Enteroscopy was employed to treat the GI polyps. Sanger sequencing was used to investigate STK11 mutation in this family.

OUTCOMES

A large jejunal polyp together with other smaller ones was resected, and the girl recovered uneventfully. We discovered a heterozygous substitution in STK11, c.A527G in exon 4, in the girl and her father who was also a PJS patient, and the amine acid change was an aspartic acid-glycine substitution in codon 176. This mutation was not found in other healthy family members and 50 unrelated non-PJS controls, and it is not recorded in databases, which prove it a novel mutation. Evolutionary conservation analysis of amino acid residues showed this aspartic acid is a conserved one between species, and protein structure prediction by SWISS-MODEL indicated an obvious change in local structure. In addition, PolyPhen-2 score for this mutation is 1, which indicates it probably damaging.

LESSONS

PJS can cause severe complication like intussusception in young children, and early screening for small bowel may be beneficial for these patients. The mutation of STK11 found in this girl is a novel one, which enlarges the spectrum of STK11. Our analysis supported it a causative one in PJS.

Paediatric ovarian tumours and their associated cancer susceptibility syndromes

Non-epithelial ovarian tumours are rare neoplasms that occasionally arise in childhood and adolescence. They can be associated with various cancer susceptibility syndromes. The morphological overlap seen across these tumours and their rarity can make the diagnosis challenging. In the case of an incorrect diagnosis, the underlying genetic susceptibility may be missed. In this review, we outline the genetic background of ovarian non-epithelial tumours arising in children, emphasizing the genes harbouring pathogenic germline variants associated with each tumour type. Specifically, juvenile granulosa cell tumours, Sertoli-Leydig cell tumours, sex cord tumours with annular tubules, Sertoli cell tumours, germ cell tumours and small cell carcinoma of the ovary of hypercalcaemic type are discussed in this review. For each tumour type, we detail the personal and family history features and the presenting characteristics of the ovarian tumour as well as the pathological features and molecular markers that point towards a cancer predisposition syndrome. Throughout, we stress the need for specialised pathological review in difficult cases.

Genetic analysis and clinical description of Greek patients with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome: Creation of a National Registry

Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS) is a rare autosomal dominant disorder caused by germline mutations in the STK11 tumor suppressor gene. PJS patients face a cumulative cancer risk as high as 93% for all sites combined. The present study reports the spectrum of STK11 mutations in eight families with clinical diagnosis of PJS, summarizes the clinical characteristics of sixteen mutation carriers and launches a National Registry for PJS in Greece. STK11 loss-of-function (LoF) mutations were detected in 87.5% of index patients. Carriers presented with their first manifestation at a median age of 24.9 years, while early-onset breast cancer was the most frequent malignancy observed, highlighting the need for breast surveillance. Out of the deleterious STK11 mutations identified, two were novel: c.375_376delGT and c.676_679dupAACG, with 57.2% of these potentially occurring de novo. Using all available clinical and genetic data, the National Registry for Greek PJS was established in an attempt to better characterize the syndrome and raise awareness among patients and clinicians (available at https://www.peutzjeghersgreece.org). This is the first comprehensive genetic analysis and clinical characterization of Greek PJS patients, where a high incidence of breast cancer was observed and the first attempt to centralize all data in a National Registry.

Sanger sequencing in exonic regions of STK11 gene uncovers a novel de-novo germline mutation (c.962_963delCC) associated with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome and elevated cancer risk: case report of a Chinese patient

Background

Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS) is caused by mutations in the tumor suppressor gene, STK11, and is characterized by gastrointestinal hamartomas, melanin spots on the lips and the extremities, and an increased risk of developing cancer.

Case presentation

We reported an isolated PJS patient who died of colon cancer, whose blood sample was collected together with all the available family members’. The entire coding region of the STK11 gene was amplified by PCR and analyzed by Sanger sequencing, through which, a novel mutation, c.962_963delCC in exon 8 was identified in this patient. This mutation causes a frameshift mutation and a premature termination at codon 358. Protein structure prediction by Swiss-Model indicated a dramatic change and partial loss of the C-terminal domain. We did not observe this mutation in both parents of the proband. Therefore, it is considered a novel de-novo mutation. Furthermore, the mutation was not found in 50 unrelated healthy people.

Conclusions

The novel mutation we reported here had not been recorded in databases or literature, and the patient who possessed it suffered from PJS and colon cancer. So our results enlarge the spectrum of STK11 variants in PJS patients. This mutation is most likely responsible for development of the PJS phenotype, especially the cancer occurrence.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12881-017-0471-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Imaging and Screening of Pancreatic Cancer

Given the low disease prevalence of both exocrine and endocrine cancers in the general population, screening is not recommended. However, in as many as 25% of cases there is a precursor lesion or an identifiable genetic predisposition. For these patients at increased risk, screening with imaging is recommended. Multidetector computed tomography, MR imaging or magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography, and endoscopic ultrasound examination can be used as screening modalities. Recent advances in dual energy CT and total body MR imaging have increased the suitability of these noninvasive modalities as first-line imaging screening options.

A 23-Nucleotide Deletion in STK11 Gene Causes Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome and Malignancy in a Chinese Patient Without a Positive Family History

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS) is an autosomal-dominant genetic disease caused by mutations in the tumor suppressor gene, STK11, which is characterized by gastrointestinal hamartomas, melanin spots on the lips and the extremities, and an increased risk of developing both gastrointestinal and extraintestinal malignancies.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We treated a PJS patient without a positive family history, who possessed typical clinical manifestations including polyp canceration. In order to explore the genotype of this patient, blood samples were collected from all the available family members. The whole coding region and the flanking regions of the STK11 gene were amplified by polymerase chain reaction and analyzed by Sanger sequencing. Molecular analysis of the STK11 gene here revealed a 23-nucleotide deletion (c.426-448delCGTGCCGGAGAAGCGTTTCCCAG) in exon 3, resulting in a change of 13 codons and a truncating protein (p.S142SfsX13). This mutation was not found in normal individuals in this family including her parents or in 100 control individuals. Protein structure prediction indicated a dramatic loss of the kinase domain and complete loss of the C-terminal regulatory domain.

CONCLUSIONS

The results presented here enlarge the spectrum of STK11 mutation both disease-causing and malignancy-causing.

CTRC gene polymorphism may increase pancreatic cancer risk – preliminary study

Pancreatic cancer is often fatal due to delayed diagnosis and treatment difficulties. Objective: To analyze selected SPINK1, CTRC, CFTR, and PRSS1 gene mutations in cancer tissue and blood samples of patients with pancreatic tumors. Materials and method: We enrolled 16 consecutive patients diagnosed with pancreatic tumors. We collected cancer tissue, normal pancreatic tissue, and blood samples for genetic tests. The control group consisted of 419 healthy individuals. Peripheral blood samples were collected from all study participants in EDTA-coated tubes. Results: Out of 16 patients with pancreatic tumors, 12 had pancreatic cancer on microscopic examination (mean age, 60.2 years). The CTRC polymorphism Hetero p.G60=(c.180C>T) was found in 5 patients with pancreatic cancer (41.7% vs. 18.6% in the control group). One patient with pancreatic cancer and a positive family history had the SPINK1 (p.N34S) mutation [8.3% vs. 2.9% (12/419) in the control group]. One patient with pancreatic cancer had the CTRC (p.R254W) mutation [8.3% vs. 1% (4/419) in the control group]. Conclusions: Our preliminary results show that the CTRC polymorphism p.G60= (c.180C>T) is frequent in patients with pancreatic cancer. However, further research is needed to verify our findings.

The expanding role of metformin in cancer: an update on antitumor mechanisms and clinical development

Metformin has been used for nearly a century to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus. Epidemiologic studies first identified the association between metformin and reduced risk of several cancers. The anticancer mechanisms of metformin involve both indirect or insulin-dependent pathways and direct or insulin-independent pathways. Preclinical studies have demonstrated metformin's broad anticancer activity across a spectrum of malignancies. Prospective clinical trials involving metformin in the chemoprevention and treatment of cancer now number in the hundreds. We provide an update on the anticancer mechanisms of metformin and review the results thus far available from prospective clinical trials investigating metformin's efficacy in cancer.

The characteristics and outcomes of small bowel adenocarcinoma: a multicentre retrospective observational study

Background:

Small bowel adenocarcinoma (SBA) is a rare malignancy that accounts for 1–2% of gastrointestinal tumours. We investigated the clinical characteristics, outcomes, and prognostic factors of primary SBA.

Methods:

We retrospectively analysed the characteristics and clinical courses of 205 SBA patients from 11 institutions in Japan between June 2002 and August 2013.

Results:

The primary tumour was in the duodenum and jejunum/ileum in 149 (72.7%) and 56 (27.3%) patients, respectively. Sixty-four patients (43.0%) with duodenal adenocarcinoma were asymptomatic and most cases were detected by oesophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), which was not specifically performed for the detection or surveillance of duodenal tumours. In contrast, 47 patients (83.9%) with jejunoileal carcinoma were symptomatic. The 3-year survival rate for stage 0/I, II, III, and IV cancers was 93.4%, 73.1%, 50.9%, and 15.1%, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed performance status 3–4, high carcinoembryonic antigen, high lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), low albumin, symptomatic at diagnosis, and stage III/IV disease were independent factors for overall survival (OS). Ten patients (18.5%) with stage IV disease were treated with a combination of resection of primary tumour, local treatment of metastasis, and chemotherapy; this group had a median OS of 36.9 months.

Conclusions:

Although most SBA patients were diagnosed with symptomatic, advanced stage disease, some patients with duodenal carcinoma were detected in early stage by EGD. High LDH and symptomatic at diagnosis were identified as novel independent prognostic factors for OS. The prognosis of advanced SBA was poor, but combined modality therapy with local treatment of metastasis might prolong patient survival.

Hereditary Colorectal Polyposis and Cancer Syndromes: A Primer on Diagnosis and Management

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the fourth most common cancer amongst men and women. Between 3 and 6% of all CRCs are attributed to well-defined inherited syndromes, including Lynch syndrome, familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), MUTYH-associated polyposis (MAP), and several hamartomatous polyposis conditions. Identification of these patients through family history and appropriate genetic testing can provide estimates of cancer risk that inform appropriate cancer screening, surveillance and/or preventative interventions. This narrative review examines the hereditary colorectal cancer and polyposis syndromes, their genetic basis, clinical management, and evidence supporting cancer screening.

Double germline mutations in APC and BRCA2 in an individual with a pancreatic tumor

We report on three brothers affected by pancreatic tumors, all due to different causes, including mutations associated with two different cancer predisposition syndromes in the same individual. In the index patient a germline mutation both in the APC and BRCA2 gene was identified while one affected brother showed the BRCA2 mutation only and another brother is supposed to have developed pancreatic cancer due to multiple non-genetic risk factors. We outline the impact of a double germline mutation in two tumor predisposition genes in one individual and proven heterogeneity of multiple cases of pancreatic tumors in one family. With the growing implementation of next generation sequence based panel testing for multiple genes involved in tumor predisposition syndromes, relevant variants in two (or more) genes will be found more frequently. This family illustrates the importance of family studies, especially when using gene panel tests.

Germline mutations in pancreatic cancer and potential new therapeutic options

Due to short-lived treatment responses in unresectable disease, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) continues to be one of the deadliest cancers. There is availability of new information about germline and sporadic mutations in the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage repair pathway in PDAC in recent decades and the expectation is that novel targeted therapies will thus be developed. A variety of germline mutations (BRCA2, BRCA1, PALB2, CDKN2A, ATM, TP53 and mismatch repair genes MLH1, MSH2, MSH6) have been reported in these patients with the highest prevalence being BRCA1/2. Positive results have been reported with the use of targeted therapies, particularly poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors in BRCA-mutated ovarian and breast cancers, and their use is currently being investigated in germline-mutated pancreatic cancer. The aim of this review is to provide an outline of germline DNA damage repair mutations in pancreatic cancer and their effect on the incidence, outcomes and responses to different therapeutic options.

LKB1 as a Tumor Suppressor in Uterine Cancer: Mouse Models and Translational Studies

The LKB1 tumor suppressor was identified in 1998 as the gene mutated in the Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome (PJS), a hereditary cancer predisposition characterized by gastrointestinal polyposis and a high incidence of cancers, particularly carcinomas, at a variety of anatomic sites including the gastrointestinal tract, lung, and female reproductive tract. Women with PJS have a high incidence of carcinomas of the uterine corpus (endometrium) and cervix. The LKB1 gene is also somatically mutated in human cancers arising at these sites. Work in mouse models has highlighted the potency of LKB1 as an endometrial tumor suppressor and its distinctive roles in driving invasive and metastatic growth. These in vivo models represent tractable experimental systems for the discovery of underlying biological principles and molecular processes regulated by LKB1 in the context of tumorigenesis and also serve as useful preclinical model systems for experimental therapeutics. Here we review LKB1's known roles in mTOR signaling, metabolism, and cell polarity, with an emphasis on human pathology and mouse models relevant to uterine carcinogenesis, including cancers of the uterine corpus and cervix.

Pancreatic Cancer Screening

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review describes the rationale for pancreatic cancer screening, outlines groups that are at elevated risk for pancreatic cancer, and summarizes the relative risk in each setting. We also review the methods available for performing pancreatic cancer screening and the recommended screening intervals.

RECENT FINDINGS

Several genetic mutations have been identified that increase the risk for pancreatic cancer. Most are rare, however, and at-risk individuals are most often those with a strong family history of pancreatic cancer (with multiple family members affected) but no identifiable genetic mutation. Known genetic syndromes that increase the risk for pancreatic cancer include hereditary pancreatitis, familial atypical mole and multiple melanoma, Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, Lynch syndrome, BRCA mutations, and Li-Fraumeni syndrome. Genetic testing should be performed in conjunction with genetic counseling, and testing of an affected family member is preferred if possible.The goal of pancreatic cancer screening is to identify pancreatic cancer at an early, curable stage or, ideally, to identify precancerous lesions that can be resected to prevent the development of cancer. Imaging can be performed with either endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) or magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP). These techniques are generally considered to be complementary, although an advantage of EUS is that cysts or solid lesions can be sampled at the time of the procedure. Published results of small cohorts of high-risk patients in pancreatic cancer screening programs have demonstrated a high prevalence of small cystic lesions identified on EUS or MRCP, which often represent side-branch intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMN). Knowledge of conditions and syndromes that increase pancreatic cancer risk allows one to identify those patients that may benefit from pancreatic cancer screening. As we gather evidence from large, international, multicenter cohorts of patients at high-risk for pancreatic cancer who are undergoing screening and as our understanding of the genetic underpinnings of pancreatic cancer improve, recommendations on screening will continue to be refined.

Self-Reported Questionnaire Detects Family History of Cancer in a Pancreatic Cancer Screening Program

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a leading cause of cancer death; approximately 5-10% of PDAC is hereditary. Self-administered health history questionnaires (HHQs) may provide a low-cost method to detail family history (FH) of malignancy. Pancreas Center patients were asked to enroll in a registry; 149 with PDAC completed a HHQ which included FH data. Patients with FH of PDAC, or concern for inherited PDAC syndrome, were separately evaluated in a Prevention Program and additionally met with a genetic counselor (GC) to assess PDAC risk (n = 61). FH obtained through GC and HHQ were compared using Wilcoxon signed-rank sum and generalized linear mixed models with Poisson distribution. Agreement between GC and HHQ risk-assessment was assessed using kappa (κ) statistic. In the Prevention Program, HHQ was as precise in detecting FH of cancer as the GC (all p > 0.05). GC and HHQ demonstrated substantial agreement in risk-stratification of the Prevention Program cohort (κ = 0.73, 95% CI 0.59-0.87.) The sensitivity of the HHQ to detect a patient at elevated risk (i.e., moderate- or high-risk) of PDAC, compared to GC, was 82.9% (95% CI 67.3-92.3%) with a specificity of 95% (95% CI 73.1-99.7%). However, seven patients who were classified as average-risk by the HHQ were found to be at an elevated-risk of PDAC by the GC. In the PDAC cohort, 30/149 (20.1%) reported at least one first-degree relative (FDR) with PDAC. The limited sensitivity of the HHQ to detect patients at elevated risk of PDAC in the Prevention Program cohort suggests that a GC adds value in risk-assessment in this population. The HHQ may offer an opportunity to identify high-risk patients in a PDAC population.

Management of small bowel polyps: A literature review

Despite the small bowel comprising 90% of the mucosal surface area of the gastrointestinal tract, it is a rare site for neoplasia and only accounts for a little over 3% of the tumors that arise in the digestive tract. Benign small bowel lesions include lipomas, lymphangiomas, leiomyomas, neurofibromas, nodular lymphoid hyperplasia and adenomas, many of which are precursors to malignant lesions. Several polyposis syndromes are associated with small bowel polyps as well, including familial adenomatous polyposis syndrome, lynch syndrome, Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, Cowden syndrome and juvenile polyposis syndrome. Our aim was to review non-malignant small bowel polyps and discuss the prevalence, typical location, clinical presentation, diagnosis, endoscopic and histologic description and lastly management of each of these lesions.

Endometrial cancer gene panels: clinical diagnostic vs research germline DNA testing

Endometrial cancer is the most common gynecological cancer, but is nevertheless uncommon enough to have value as a signature cancer for some hereditary cancer syndromes. Commercial multigene testing panels include up to 13 different genes annotated for germline DNA testing of patients with endometrial cancer. Many other genes have been reported as relevant to familial endometrial cancer from directed genome-wide sequencing studies or multigene panel testing, or research. This review assesses the evidence supporting association with endometrial cancer risk for 32 genes implicated in hereditary endometrial cancer, and presents a summary of rare germline variants in these 32 genes detected by analysis of quasi-population-based endometrial cancer patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas project. This comprehensive investigation has led to the conclusion that convincing evidence currently exists to support clinical testing of only six of these genes for diagnosis of hereditary endometrial cancer. Testing of endometrial cancer patients for the remaining genes should be considered in the context of research studies, as a means to better establish the level of endometrial cancer risk, if any, associated with genetic variants that are deleterious to gene or protein function. It is acknowledged that clinical testing of endometrial cancer patients for several genes included on commercial panels may provide actionable findings in relation to risk of other cancers, but these should be considered secondary or incidental findings and not conclusive evidence for diagnosis of inherited endometrial cancer. In summary, this review and analysis provides a comprehensive report of current evidence to guide the selection of genes for clinical and research gene testing of germline DNA from endometrial cancer patients.

Pancreatic cancer screening: Still a delusion?

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma represents the fourth most common cause of cancer mortality and death due to pancreatic cancer (PC) have increased since 2003. Its incidence has also raised about 30% in the past decade and it is expected to become the second cause of cancer mortality by 2020 in the USA. Most PC present with metastatic disease and improvements in treatment outcomes for this group have been disappointing. These observations support the idea that screening to identify patients at an earlier stage might be an important strategy in improving overall PC outcomes. Many protocols have been tested, nevertheless, by now there is no effective screening program. Given the overall low incidence of disease and the current lack of accurate, inexpensive and noninvasive screening tests, the consensus is that widespread population-based screening for PC in the general population or in patients with only one affected first-degree relative is neither practicable nor indicated in most countries. However, a different scenario is screening patients with higher risk for PC, most of them with hereditary conditions predisposing the development of this neoplasia. In fact, some guidelines are now available helping to select these individuals at risk and to screen them, in order to achieve early detection of PC.

Cancer risk in patients with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome: A retrospective cohort study of 336 cases

Peutz-Jeghers syndrome is a rare autosomal dominant inherited disorder characterized by mucocutaneous pigmentation and hamartomatous gastrointestinal polyposis. A growing body of evidence has shown that Peutz-Jeghers syndrome could cause an increased risk of various cancers, yet the range of cancer risk estimates was wide among different studies. In this retrospective cohort study, 336 patients with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome in China were enrolled. The clinical characteristics, cancer spectrum, relative cancer risks, and cumulative cancer risks were analyzed. In total, 52 patients were diagnosed of cancer in the follow-up period, at a median age of 41 years (range: 21-67). The relative risk for cancer in Peutz-Jeghers syndrome patients was 63.858 (confidence interval: 47.514-85.823), and the cumulative cancer risk at the age of 60 years was 55%. Colorectal cancer was the most common cancer for Peutz-Jeghers syndrome patients (relative risk: 237.918, confidence interval: 154.417-366.572) and the cumulative cancer risk at the age of 60 years was 28%. There was a statistically significant difference in the cumulative cancer risk between patients with family history and those without family history, as well as between patients living in rural area and those living in urban areas ( p < 0.05), while no significant effects of gender and intussusception history on the cumulative cancer risk was found ( p > 0.05). Hopefully, our study may contribute to the management of this rare disorder and establishment of related surveillance projects, especially in China.

Early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer: Current trends and concerns

Early detection of pancreatic cancer (PC) is essential for a better prognosis. Some recent studies have demonstrated that a slight dilatation of the main pancreatic duct (MPD) and small cystic lesions were detected initially in most cases diagnosed at an early stage. Detecting these abnormal findings in cases with high risk factors through an effective screening system including image diagnosis, some biological markers, or familial cancer registrations should contribute to early diagnosis of PC. It has been reported that endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) is essential for detecting tumors <10 mm with a favorable prognosis. Additionally, EUS‐guided fine‐needle aspiration biopsy is useful for confirming final histological diagnosis. For the diagnosis of stage 0 PC, local irregular stenosis of MPD should be an important initial abnormal sign detected by EUS or magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography. Cytodiagnosis multiple times using pancreatic juice obtained by endoscopic nasopancreatic drainage should be essential for the final diagnosis. Recently, activities of regional networks between specialist doctors in medical centers and general practitioners for early diagnosis of PC have been reported in Japan. In the future, these activities may play an important role in the early diagnosis of PC.

Managing hereditary breast cancer risk in women with and without ovarian cancer

Current guidelines recommend that all women with ovarian cancer undergo germline genetic testing for BRCA1/2. Increasingly, genetic testing is being performed via panels that include other genes that confer a high or moderate risk of breast cancer. In addition, many women with a family history of breast or ovarian cancer are not found to have a mutation, but may have increased risk of breast cancer for which surveillance and risk reduction strategies are indicated. This review discusses how to assess and manage an increased risk of breast cancer through surveillance, preventive medications, and risk-reducing surgery. Assessing and managing the increased risk of breast cancer in BRCA1/2 mutation carriers after a diagnosis of ovarian cancer can be challenging. For the first few years after an ovarian cancer diagnosis, BRCA1/2 mutation carriers have a relatively low risk of breast cancer, and their prognosis is largely determined by the ovarian cancer. However, if these women remain in remission after two years, the risk of breast cancer becomes comparable with, and in some cases exceeds, their risk of ovarian cancer recurrence. For these women, breast cancer surveillance and risk reduction becomes important to their overall health. Specifically, for BRCA1/2 carriers who are diagnosed with early-stage ovarian cancer, we recommend regular breast cancer surveillance and consideration of risk reduction with medication and/or prophylactic mastectomy. For women with advanced ovarian cancer who do not achieve remission, breast cancer surveillance or prophylaxis is not of value. However, among carriers with more favorable advanced disease, it is reasonable to initiate breast cancer surveillance. Patients with less favorable advanced stage disease who achieve sustained remission (>2-5years) should also consider more aggressive strategies for breast cancer screening and prevention. For mutation carriers who remain in remission after five years, prophylactic mastectomy can be considered.

Small-bowel Surveillance in Patients With Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome: Comparing Magnetic Resonance Enteroclysis and Double Balloon Enteroscopy

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

Small-bowel surveillance with polypectomy of polyps ≥15 mm prevents complications in patients with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS). We aimed to compare magnetic resonance enteroclysis (MRE) and double balloon enteroscopy (DBE) for diagnostic yield of these polyps and for patient preference.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

PJS patients prospectively underwent MRE followed by proximal DBE within 20 weeks. Endoscopists were blinded to the MRE results. We compared number of polyps ≥15 mm detected by MRE and DBE. Patients' perceptions of both procedures were assessed using questionnaires.

RESULTS

Fifteen PJS patients (67% males, median age 47 y) underwent both MRE and DBE. Polyps ≥15 mm were identified by MRE and/or DBE in 12/15 (80%) patients. There was no significant difference in the detection of polyps ≥15 mm (38 by MRE vs. 50 by DBE, P=0.37). Sensitivity for these polyps was 62% (38/61) for MRE and 82% (50/61) for DBE. Patients' perceived shame and burden did not differ significantly between MRE and DBE. Patients reported significantly more pain during preparation for MRE than for DBE (moderate vs. no pain, P=0.02), although perceived pain during the procedures was comparable (both mild, P=0.89). For future small-bowel surveillance 10/13 (77%) patients preferred DBE over MRE (P=0.09).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that MRE and DBE have a comparable diagnostic yield of polyps ≥15 mm. However, DBE allows for direct intervention and was preferred over MRE by most patients in this series. Larger cohorts of PJS patients are needed to fully evaluate the diagnostic yield of DBE compared with other modalities.