Familial adenomatous polyposis in pediatrics: natural history, emerging surveillance and management protocols, chemopreventive strategies, and areas of ongoing debate

Mechanisms of Action of Phytoestrogens and Their Role in Familial Adenomatous Polyposis

Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is a rare disease characterized by the development of adenomatous polyps in the colon and rectum already in adolescence. If left untreated, patients develop colorectal cancer (CRC) with a 100% probability. To date, the gold standard of FAP management is surgery, which is associated with morbidity and mortality. A chemopreventive agent capable of delaying, preventing and reversing the development of CRC has been sought. Several classes of drugs have been used but to date no chemopreventive drug has been found for the management of this disease. In recent years, the importance of estrogen receptors in FAP and CRC, particularly the β subtype, has emerged. Indeed, the expression of the latter is strongly reduced in adenomatous polyps and CRC and is inversely correlated with the aggressiveness of the disease. Since phytoestrogens have a high affinity for this receptor, they have been suggested for use as chemopreventive agents in FAP and CRC. A combination of phytoestrogens and insoluble fibres has proved particularly effective. In this review, the various mechanisms of action of phytoestrogens were analyzed and the effectiveness of using phytoestrogens as an effective chemopreventive strategy was discussed.

Metformin combined with endoscopic therapy in patients with familial polyposis associated with carcinoma: A case report

RATIONALE

Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is an autosomal dominant genetic disease, with a very high cancer rate. At present, endoscopic resection of polyps ≥ 1 cm is often chosen for patients with non-cancerous polyps who are unwilling to undergo surgery, and regular review is conducted. Once the polyps are pathologically confirmed to be cancerous, surgical resection of the diseased large intestine is generally recommended, but surgery often leads to a series of complications. So what do you do with cancer patients who don't want surgery?

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 19-year-old woman presented with intermittent hematochezia with abdominal pain. A colonoscopy revealed hundreds of intestinal polyps.

DIAGNOSES

The patient had a family history of FAP, and there were hundreds of polyps in the intestine. The pathology was adenomatous, and some polyps became cancerous, which met the diagnostic criteria of FAP.

INTERVENTIONS

Endoscopic examination was arranged for the patient, the resection of intestinal polyps ≥ 1 cm was given priority, and other polyps were removed as far as possible. After that, metformin 500 mg orally was given twice a day, and endoscopic follow-up was conducted every 6 months. During each endoscopic follow-up, intestinal polyps ≥ 1 cm were preferred to be removed, and other polyps were removed as far as possible.

OUTCOMES

The patient's abdominal pain and blood in the stool disappeared after endoscopic treatment. Cancerous polyps were found at the second and third follow-up visits, but the patient always refused surgical treatment. After 4 years of follow-up, polyp load was significantly reduced, abdominal pain and bloody stool symptoms did not appear again, and imaging examination showed no tumor recurrence and metastasis.

LESSONS

Endoscopic polyp resection is an important method to treat the clinical symptoms of FAP. Metformin combined with endoscopic therapy is a good alternative for patients with familial polyposis who do not want surgery. When the polyp is cancerous and the polyp is radically resected by the endoscope, if the patient refuses additional surgery, oral metformin combined with endoscopic follow-up can be considered.

Intensive endoscopic resection for downstaging of polyp burden in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (J-FAPP Study III): a multicenter prospective interventional study

BACKGROUND

Total colectomy is the standard treatment for familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). Recently, an increasing number of young patients with FAP have requested the postponement of surgery or have refused to undergo surgery. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of intensive endoscopic removal for downstaging of polyp burden (IDP) in FAP.

METHOD

A single-arm intervention study was conducted at 22 facilities. Participants were patients with FAP, aged ≥ 16 years, who had not undergone colectomy or who had undergone colectomy but had ≥ 10 cm of large intestine remaining. For IDP, colorectal polyps of ≥ 10 mm were removed, followed by polyps of ≥ 5 mm. The primary end point was the presence/absence of colectomy during a 5-year intervention period.

RESULTS

222 patients were eligible, of whom 166 had not undergone colectomy, 46 had undergone subtotal colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis, and 10 had undergone partial resection of the large intestine. During the intervention period, five patients (2.3 %, 95 % confidence interval [CI] 0.74 %-5.18 %) underwent colectomy, and three patients died. Completion of the 5-year intervention period without colectomy was confirmed in 150 /166 patients who had not undergone colectomy (90.4 %, 95 %CI 84.8 %-94.4 %) and in 47 /56 patients who had previously undergone colectomy (83.9 %, 95 %CI 71.7 %-92.4 %).

CONCLUSION

IDP in patients with mild-to-moderate FAP could have the potential to be a useful means of preventing colorectal cancer without implementing colectomy. However, if the IDP protocol was proposed during a much longer term, it may not preclude the possibility that a large proportion of colectomies may still need to be performed.

The Role of Pharmacotherapeutic Agents in Children with Desmoid Tumors

Desmoid tumors (DT) are rare fibroblastic, soft-tissue tumors that do not metastasize but can aggressively infiltrate tissues causing significant chronic discomfort and/or functional impairment. In the pediatric population, the incidence of DT is greatest during infancy and adolescence but can occur at any age. Dysregulated β-catenin, most commonly resulting from mutations in either CTNNB1 or germline APC (adenomatous polyposis coli) drives DT. Most cases are sporadic but some are associated with predisposition syndromes such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). Historically, treatment has been surgery. However, the recurrence rate after surgery can be high. Various systemic cytotoxic chemotherapy regimens used in other soft-tissue sarcomas have been applied to DT with differing results. Given the chronic and rarely life-threatening nature of this disease and the potential short- and long-term toxicity of these regimens, especially in children, alternative non-cytotoxic interventions have been investigated. Molecularly targeted agents such as tyrosine kinase and gamma secretase inhibitors have shown activity against DT. Innovative local control therapies are being employed as alternatives to surgery and radiation. Periods of prolonged stability and spontaneous regression in the absence of therapy in some patients has prompted wider adoption of an upfront active surveillance approach in the appropriate setting. This review will briefly summarize the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and clinical presentation of DT in children, then focus on historical, current, and future pharmacotherapeutic management and finally, propose areas for future study.

Characterizing Pediatric Familial Adenomatous Polyposis in Patients Undergoing Colectomy in the United States

OBJECTIVE

To characterize a multi-institutional cohort of pediatric patients who underwent colectomy for familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP).

STUDY DESIGN

In this retrospective cohort study, diagnosis and procedure codes were used to identify patients who underwent colectomy for FAP within the Pediatric Health Information System (PHIS). The inclusion criteria were validated at 3 children's hospitals and applied to PHIS to generate a cohort of patients with FAP between 2 and 21 years who had undergone colectomy between 2009 and 2019. Demographics, clinical and surgical characteristics, and endoscopic procedure trends as identified through PHIS are described. Descriptive and comparative statistics were used to analyze data.

RESULTS

Within the PHIS, 428 pediatric patients with FAP who underwent colectomy were identified. Median age at colectomy was 14 years (range 2-21 years); 264 patients (62%) received an ileal pouch anal anastomosis and 13 (3%) underwent ileorectal anastomosis. Specific anastomotic surgical procedure codes were not reported for 151 patients (35%). Endoscopic assessment at the surgical institution occurred in 40% of the cohort before colectomy and in 22% of the cohort following colectomy.

CONCLUSIONS

In this cohort, colectomy took place at an earlier age than suggested in published guidelines. Ileal pouch anal anastomosis is the predominant procedure for pediatric patients with FAP who underwent colectomy in US pediatric centers. Endoscopic assessment trends before and after surgery suggest that the surgical institution plays a limited role in the care of this population.

Prevalence of Gastroduodenal Polyps in Children With Familial Adenomatous Polyposis

Objective

To assess the prevalence of upper gastrointestinal adenomatous polyps in a cohort of pediatric familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) patients to determine if early screening is warranted.

Study Design

All 11 pediatric FAP patients diagnosed in Manitoba between January 2012 and December 2019 were recruited. Patient records were examined and data on age of diagnosis, gene mutation, age of first screening endoscopy, number of endoscopies, number of gastric and colonic polyps, associated pathology, medications, symptoms and FAP-related surgeries were extracted and descriptive statistics reported.

Results

A total of 11 children were diagnosed with FAP over the study period with a mean age at diagnosis of 6.3 ± 3.2 years with 72.3% males and median follow-up of 4.8 years. The mean age at first gastroscopy was 10.9 ± 2.9 years and 10.8 ± 3.0 years at colonoscopy. Eight patients (72%) had upper gastrointestinal polyps, with adenomatous changes seen in seven of them on pathology. No patients had invasive carcinoma or high-grade dysplasia. All patients developed tubular adenomas on colorectal polyp pathology. Four (36%) patients underwent surgical colectomy.

Conclusions

Early-onset upper gastrointestinal adenomatous polyps in a pediatric FAP are common. Our study provides further data to support consideration of further, large-scale research into the benefit of early endoscopic screening for upper gastrointestinal malignancy in FAP patients.

Paediatric polyposis syndromes: burden of disease and current concepts

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Polyposis syndromes are rare but significant entities that often present during childhood and adolescence. Polyposis syndromes should remain high on the differential diagnoses for any child presenting with rectal bleeding, protein-losing enteropathy or intussusception in the setting of multiple polyps in the gastrointestinal tract. There are three primary paediatric polyposis syndromes: Juvenile polyposis syndrome (JPS), Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) and Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS). This review will cover recent guidelines for these conditions and advances in genetic testing.

RECENT FINDINGS

The first set of paediatric guidelines were released in 2019 by the European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) for FAP, JPS and PJS. Even with advances in genetic testing, a significant proportion of patients with polyposis syndromes have no identifiable genetic mutations. Recent research has shown that polyps behave differently in patients with and without disease-causing variants, emphasizing the role of genetic testing in the diagnosis and management of polyposis syndromes.

SUMMARY

Polyposis syndromes in the paediatric population are growing due to increased recognition and advances in genetic testing. A timely diagnosis and surveillance of a paediatric polyposis syndrome are pivotal for the management of disease burden and early identification of cancers within the gastrointestinal tract and beyond. Paediatricians, paediatric gastroenterologists, paediatric oncologists and paediatric surgeons should be familiar with the presentation and comorbidities of polyposis syndromes in children and adolescents. Further research into genotype-phenotype correlations is needed to tailor the care for paediatric patients with polyposis syndromes.

Japanese Society for Cancer of the Colon and Rectum (JSCCR) guidelines 2020 for the Clinical Practice of Hereditary Colorectal Cancer

Hereditary colorectal cancer (HCRC) accounts for < 5% of all colorectal cancer cases. Some of the unique characteristics commonly encountered in HCRC cases include early age of onset, synchronous/metachronous cancer occurrence, and multiple cancers in other organs. These characteristics necessitate different management approaches, including diagnosis, treatment or surveillance, from sporadic colorectal cancer management. There are two representative HCRC, named familial adenomatous polyposis and Lynch syndrome. Other than these two HCRC syndromes, related disorders have also been reported. Several guidelines for hereditary disorders have already been published worldwide. In Japan, the first guideline for HCRC was prepared by the Japanese Society for Cancer of the Colon and Rectum (JSCCR), published in 2012 and revised in 2016. This revised version of the guideline was immediately translated into English and published in 2017. Since then, several new findings and novel disease concepts related to HCRC have been discovered. The currently diagnosed HCRC rate in daily clinical practice is relatively low; however, this is predicted to increase in the era of cancer genomic medicine, with the advancement of cancer multi-gene panel testing or whole genome testing, among others. Under these circumstances, the JSCCR guidelines 2020 for HCRC were prepared by consensus among members of the JSCCR HCRC Guideline Committee, based on a careful review of the evidence retrieved from literature searches, and considering the medical health insurance system and actual clinical practice settings in Japan. Herein, we present the English version of the JSCCR guidelines 2020 for HCRC.

Pediatric Neuro-Oncology

Central nervous system (CNS) tumors are the most common solid tumor in pediatrics and represent the largest cause of childhood cancer-related mortality. With advances in molecular characterization of tumors, considerable developments have occurred impacting diagnosis and management, and refined prognostication. Advances in management have led to better survival, but mortality remains high and significant morbidity persists. Novel therapeutic approaches targeting the biology of these tumors are being investigated to improve overall survival and decrease treatment-related morbidity. Further molecular understanding of pediatric CNS tumors will lead to continued refinement of tumor classification, management, and prognostication.

Inherited Follicular Epithelial-Derived Thyroid Carcinomas: From Molecular Biology to Histological Correlates

Cancer derived from thyroid follicular epithelial cells is common; it represents the most common endocrine malignancy. The molecular features of sporadic tumors have been clarified in the past decade. However the incidence of familial disease has not been emphasized and is often overlooked in routine practice. A careful clinical documentation of family history or familial syndromes that can be associated with thyroid disease can help identify germline susceptibility-driven thyroid neoplasia. In this review, we summarize a large body of information about both syndromic and non-syndromic familial thyroid carcinomas. A significant number of patients with inherited non-medullary thyroid carcinomas manifest disease that appears to be sporadic disease even in some syndromic cases. The cytomorphology of the tumor(s), molecular immunohistochemistry, the findings in the non-tumorous thyroid parenchyma and other associated lesions may provide insight into the underlying syndromic disorder. However, the increasing evidence of familial predisposition to non-syndromic thyroid cancers is raising questions about the importance of genetics and epigenetics. What appears to be "sporadic" is becoming less often truly so and more often an opportunity to identify and understand novel genetic variants that underlie tumorigenesis. Pathologists must be aware of the unusual morphologic features that should prompt germline screening. Therefore, recognition of harbingers of specific germline susceptibility syndromes can assist in providing information to facilitate early detection to prevent aggressive disease.

Medulloblastomas associated with an APC germline pathogenic variant share the good prognosis of CTNNB1-mutated medulloblastomas

BACKGROUND

Medulloblastomas may occur in a predisposition context, including familial adenomatosis polyposis. Medulloblastomas related to a germline pathogenic variant of adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) remain rare and poorly described. Their similarities with sporadic WNT medulloblastomas still require description.

METHODS

We performed a multicentric retrospective review of 12 patients treated between 1988 and 2018 for medulloblastoma with an identified or highly suspected (personal or familial history) APC germline pathogenic variant. We report personal and familial history APC gene pathogenic variants whenever available: clinical and histologic characteristics of the medulloblastoma, treatments, and long-term outcome, including second tumor and late sequelae.

RESULTS

Medulloblastomas associated with APC pathogenic variants are mainly classic (11/11 patients, 1 not available), nonmetastatic (10/12 patients) medulloblastomas, with nuclear immunoreactivity for ß-catenin (9/9 tested cases). Ten of 11 assessable patients are disease free with a median follow-up of 10.7 years (range, 1-28 y). Secondary tumors included desmoid tumors in 7 patients (9 tumors), 1 thyroid carcinoma, 2 pilomatricomas, 1 osteoma, 1 vertebral hemangioma, and 1 malignant triton in the radiation field, which caused the only cancer-related death in our series.

CONCLUSIONS

Medulloblastomas associated with an APC pathogenic variant have an overall favorable outcome, even for metastatic tumors. Yet, long-term survival is clouded by second tumor occurrence; treatment may play some role in some of these second malignancies. Our findings raise the question of applying a de-escalation therapeutic protocol to treat patients with APC germline pathogenic variants given the excellent outcome, and reduced intensity of craniospinal irradiation may be further evaluated.

Polyp Progression in Paediatric Patients With Familial Adenomatous Polyposis: A Single-centre Experience

OBJECTIVES

Prophylactic colectomy at a premalignant stage is the cornerstone of management of familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). Before surgery, colonoscopy surveillance is recommended in children with FAP. This study aimed to examine the natural history of FAP in children by evaluating adenoma progression and factors influencing timing of colectomy.

METHOD

Patients with FAP younger than 18 years at first surveillance colonoscopy and who had undergone more than 1 colonoscopy were identified. Demographic, endoscopic, genetic, and surgical data were retrieved. Cumulative adenoma (polyp) counts were obtained while accounting for any polypectomies during the study period. The rate of polyp progression and factors influencing the timing of colectomy were evaluated.

RESULTS

Eighty-four patients (50% boys; mean age at first colonoscopy 13 years [standard deviation 1.97]) were identified, of which 83 had a family history of FAP. At first colonoscopy, 67 (79%) had <100 adenomas and 29 (35%) had colonic polyps identified despite rectal sparing. The median rate of polyp progression per patient was 12.5 polyps/year (range 0-145). Of the 45 (54%) patients who had undergone surgery, 41 (91%) underwent colectomy with ileorectal or ileodistal sigmoid anastomosis. Polyp progression did not alter the choice of surgical intervention in any patient.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that adenoma number remains relatively stable in the majority of children under surveillance. Tailored surveillance intervals according to phenotype are a more appropriate strategy as recommended by recently published guidelines.

Eflornithine plus Sulindac for Prevention of Progression in Familial Adenomatous Polyposis

BACKGROUND

The efficacy and safety of combination therapy with eflornithine and sulindac, as compared with either drug alone, in delaying disease progression in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis are unknown.

METHODS

We evaluated the efficacy and safety of the combination of eflornithine and sulindac, as compared with either drug alone, in adults with familial adenomatous polyposis. The patients were stratified on the basis of anatomical site with the highest polyp burden and surgical status; the strata were precolectomy (shortest projected time to disease progression), rectal or ileal pouch polyposis after colectomy (longest projected time), and duodenal polyposis (intermediate projected time). The patients were then randomly assigned in a 1:1:1 ratio to receive 750 mg of eflornithine, 150 mg of sulindac, or both once daily for up to 48 months. The primary end point, assessed in a time-to-event analysis, was disease progression, defined as a composite of major surgery, endoscopic excision of advanced adenomas, diagnosis of high-grade dysplasia in the rectum or pouch, or progression of duodenal disease.

RESULTS

A total of 171 patients underwent randomization. Disease progression occurred in 18 of 56 patients (32%) in the eflornithine-sulindac group, 22 of 58 (38%) in the sulindac group, and 23 of 57 (40%) in the eflornithine group, with a hazard ratio of 0.71 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.39 to 1.32) for eflornithine-sulindac as compared with sulindac (P = 0.29) and 0.66 (95% CI, 0.36 to 1.24) for eflornithine-sulindac as compared with eflornithine. Among 37 precolectomy patients, the corresponding values in the treatment groups were 2 of 12 patients (17%), 6 of 13 (46%), and 5 of 12 (42%) (hazard ratios, 0.30 [95% CI, 0.07 to 1.32] and 0.20 [95% CI, 0.03 to 1.32]); among 34 patients with rectal or ileal pouch polyposis, the values were 4 of 11 patients (36%), 2 of 11 (18%), and 5 of 12 (42%) (hazard ratios, 2.03 [95% CI, 0.43 to 9.62] and 0.84 [95% CI, 0.24 to 2.90]); and among 100 patients with duodenal polyposis, the values were 12 of 33 patients (36%), 14 of 34 (41%), and 13 of 33 (39%) (hazard ratios, 0.73 [95% CI, 0.34 to 1.52] and 0.76 [95% CI, 0.35 to 1.64]). Adverse and serious adverse events were similar across the treatment groups.

CONCLUSIONS

In this trial involving patients with familial adenomatous polyposis, the incidence of disease progression was not significantly lower with the combination of eflornithine and sulindac than with either drug alone. (Funded by Cancer Prevention Pharmaceuticals; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01483144; EudraCT number, 2012-000427-41.).

Sporadic pediatric severe familial adenomatous polyposis: A case report

Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is an autosomal dominant hereditary precancerous condition caused by germline pathogenetic variants in the tumor suppressor adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene. Patients with FAP develop multiple gastrointestinal adenomatous polyps usually at the age of ~20 years, which, if untreated, become cancerous in 100% of cases. Genotype-phenotype associations have been extensively described; however, inter- and intra-familial variability exists. It is crucial to characterize the causative pathogenetic variant in each pedigree in order to develop a cancer prevention program and follow-up strategy for at-risk families. The present report describes a severe case of sporadic FAP that was diagnosed when the patient was ~2 years old. The patient was a carrier of the de novo pathogenic c.4132 C>T (p.Gln1378X) variant. Additionally, the patient was a carrier of the homozygous c.5465 T>A (p.Asp1822Val) polymorphism, inherited from both parents. However, it remains unclear whether or not this polymorphism is involved in the phenotypic manifestation. This case highlights the need to extend molecular screening to very young children when they show iron-deficiency, anaemia and/or rectal bleeding, even in the absence of a familial history of disease.

Genetics of Common Pediatric Brain Tumors

Central nervous system tumors are the most common solid tumors in pediatrics and represent the largest cause of childhood cancer-related mortality. Improvements have occurred in the management of these patients leading to better survival, but significant morbidity persists. With the era of next generation sequencing, considerable advances have occurred in the understanding of these tumors both biologically and clinically. This information has impacted diagnosis and management. Subgroups have been identified, improving risk stratification. Novel therapeutic approaches, specifically targeting the biology of these tumors, are being investigated to improve overall survival and decrease treatment-related morbidity. The intent of this review is to discuss the genetics of common pediatric brain tumors and the clinical implications. This review will include known genetic disorders associated with central nervous system tumors, neurofibromatosis, tuberous sclerosis, Li-Fraumeni syndrome, Gorlin syndrome, and Turcot syndrome, as well as somatic mutations of glioma, medulloblastoma, and ependymoma.

Predictive Testing for Tumor Predisposition Syndromes in Pediatric Relatives: An Asian Experience

Approximately 10% of pediatric cancer patients possess germline pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants (PV/LPV) in known tumor predisposition genes. Predictive testing is the optimal approach to identify asymptomatic at-risk relatives to guide gene-directed surveillance for early cancer detection and/or risk-reducing strategies. However, the uptake rate for predictive testing remains low in Asian countries. We aim to evaluate the uptake rate of predictive testing in a pediatric population (aged under 21-years-old) in a multi-ethnic Asian cancer center. Our retrospective analysis included families with PV/LPVs identified in genes associated with pediatric tumor predisposition. Of the 83 pediatric first-degree relatives (FDRs) from 49 unrelated families, 20 FDRs (24.1%) originating from 13 families (26.6%) underwent predictive testing. Genes tested in pediatric FDRs were APC, RB1, SBDS, SDHA, SDHB, SDHD, and TP53. All pediatric FDRs of probands with PV/LPVs in RB1 and biallelic PVs in SBDS underwent predictive testing, while <45% of pediatric FDRs had predictive testing for familial PV/LPVs identified in the APC, SDHA, SDHB, SDHD, and TP53 genes. Amongst the 13 families who underwent pre-test counseling, 80% of pediatric FDRs in these families proceeded with predictive testing. Malay pediatric FDRs and siblings of probands were more likely to undergo predictive testing. We conclude that the predictive testing rate in pediatric FDRs is higher than that of adult FDRs in Asia, but still below the global average. We postulate factors that may influence predictive testing uptake in pediatric FDRs includes a lack of genetics awareness, concerns regarding insurance, and genetic discrimination.

ETHE1 overexpression promotes SIRT1 and PGC1α mediated aerobic glycolysis, oxidative phosphorylation, mitochondrial biogenesis and colorectal cancer

Ethylmalonic Encephalopathy Protein 1 (ETHE1) is a sulfur dioxygenase that regulates cellular H2S levels. We previously demonstrated a significant increase of ETHE1 expression in "single-hit" colon epithelial cells from crypts of patients with Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP). Here, we report elevated levels of ETHE1 expression and increased mitochondrial density occurring in-situ in phenotypically normal FAP colorectal mucosa. We also found that constitutive expression of ETHE1 increased aerobic glycolysis ("Warburg effect"), oxidative phosphorylation, and mitochondrial biogenesis in colorectal cancer (CRC) cell lines, thereby depleting H2S which relieved the inhibition of phosphodiesterase (PDE), and increased adenosine monophosphate (AMP) levels. This led to activation of the energy sensing AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPKp), Sirtuin1 (SIRT1) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1α (PGC1α), a master regulator of mitochondrial biogenesis. By contrast, shRNA silencing of ETHE1 reduced PDE activity, AMPKp/SIRT1/PGC1α levels and mitochondrial biogenesis. Constitutive expression of ETHE1 accelerated both CRC cell xenograft and orthotopic patient derived xenograft CRC cell growth in vivo. Overall, our data nominate elevated ETHE1 expression levels as a novel biomarker and potential therapeutic target for the prevention of CRC tumorigenesis.

Identification of aggressive Gardner syndrome phenotype associated with a de novo APC variant, c.4666dup

Gardner syndrome describes a variant phenotype of familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), primarily characterized by extracolonic lesions including osteomas, dental abnormalities, epidermal cysts, and soft tissue tumors. We describe a 2-yr-old boy presenting with a 2-cm soft tissue mass of the forehead. Pathologic evaluation revealed a nuchal-type/Gardner-associated fibroma. Sequencing of the APC gene revealed a pathologic variant c.4666dupA. Parental sequencing of both blood and buccal tissue supported the de novo occurrence of this pathologic variant. Further imaging revealed a number of additional lesions including a large lumbar paraspinal desmoid, a 1-cm palpable lesion posterior to the left knee, firm lesions on bilateral heels, and multiple subdermal lesions. Colonoscopy was negative. This case illustrates a genetic variant of Gardner syndrome resulting in an aggressive early childhood phenotype and highlights the need for an individualized approach to treatment.

Management of Familial Adenomatous Polyposis in Children and Adolescents: Position Paper From the ESPGHAN Polyposis Working Group

Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is a well-described inherited syndrome, characterized by the development of hundreds to thousands of adenomas in the colorectum, with implications in children and adolescents. Almost all adult patients will develop colorectal cancer if they are not identified and treated early enough. Identifying and screening for FAP commences in adolescence. The syndrome is inherited as an autosomal dominant trait and caused by mutations in the adenomatous polyposis (APC) gene. This European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) position paper provides a guide for diagnosis, assessment, and management of FAP in children and adolescents.This is the first position paper regarding FAP published by ESPGHAN. Literature from PubMed, Medline, and Embase was reviewed and in the absence of evidence, recommendations reflect the opinion of paediatric and adult experts involved in the care of polyposis syndromes. Because many of the studies that form the basis for the recommendations were descriptive and/or retrospective in nature, these of the recommendations are supported on expert opinion. This position paper will instruct on the appropriate management and timing of procedures in children and adolescents with FAP.

Clinically Relevant Anti-Inflammatory Agents for Chemoprevention of Colorectal Cancer: New Perspectives

Substantial efforts are underway for prevention of early stages or recurrence of colorectal cancers (CRC) or new polyp formation by chemoprevention strategies. Several epidemiological, clinical and preclinical studies to date have supported the chemopreventive potentials of several targeted drug classes including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (aspirin, naproxen, sulindac, celecoxib, and licofelone), statins and other natural agents—both individually, and in combinations. Most preclinical trials although were efficacious, only few agents entered clinical trials and have been proven to be potential chemopreventive agents for colon cancer. However, there are limitations for these agents that hinder their approval by the food and drug administration for chemoprevention use in high-risk individuals and in patients with early stages of CRC. In this review, we update the recent advancement in pre-clinical and clinical development of selected anti-inflammatory agents (aspirin, naproxen, sulindac, celecoxib, and licofelone) and their combinations for further development as novel colon cancer chemopreventive drugs. We provide further new perspectives from this old research, and insights into precision medicine strategies to overcome unwanted side-effects and overcoming strategies for colon cancer chemoprevention.

Hepatoblastoma in patients with molecularly proven familial adenomatous polyposis: Clinical characteristics and rationale for surveillance screening

Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) due to APC mutation is associated with an increased risk of hepatoblastoma. All cases of hepatoblastoma in patients with FAP reported in the literature were reviewed. One hundred and nine patients were identified. Thirty-five patients (of 49 with data) were diagnosed with hepatoblastoma prior to a later diagnosis of FAP (often in association with advanced colorectal carcinoma), emphasizing a need to identify patients earlier with germline APC mutations for early colorectal carcinoma screening. Hepatoblastoma may present at birth, and screening for hepatoblastoma in infancy in families with FAP prior to APC mutation testing results may be warranted.

Clinical analysis of 47 cases of familial adenomatous polyposis

AIM

To investigate the clinical manifestations, pathological features, potential risk factors for cancerization, and therapeutics of familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP).

METHODS

Forty-seven cases of FAP treated at Jiangsu Provincial Hospital were collected. The clinical data including clinical symptoms, pathological features and therapies of the 47 patients were retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTS

Of the 47 patients, 29 complained of melena or bloody stools and 22 had changes of character of stool; 16 had abdominal pain, 11 had abdominal bloating, 9 had gastric polyps, and 4 had duodenal polyps; 2 suffered from desmoid tumors after proctocolectomy. Main pathological features included tubular adenoma and tubulovillous adenoma, and a few manifested as hyperplastic polyps or juvenile polyps. Sixteen patients were diagnosed with colorectal cancer and there was a significantly higher canceration rate in patients who were older than 40 years or whose polyps were larger than 2 cm in diameter (P < 0.05). Age (OR = 1.084, 95%CI: 1.016-1.157) and the size of adenoma (OR = 10.264, 95%CI: 1.526-69.035) were potential risk factors for FAP. All patients underwent colorectal resection or endoscopic treatment, and four patients with colorectal cancer received adjuvant chemotherapy after surgical operation.

CONCLUSION

FAP is characterized by the formation of hundreds of colorectal polyps, which is accompanied by a series of extra-intestinal manifestations. Tubular adenoma and tubulovillous adenoma are the main pathological types. Age and the size of adenoma are potential risk factors for adenoma canceration. Prophylactic colorectal resection and endoscopic surveillance remain the main therapies for FAP at present.

Short-term outcomes in children undergoing restorative proctocolectomy with ileal-pouch anal anastomosis

INTRODUCTION

Patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) and ulcerative colitis (UC) commonly undergo restorative proctocolectomy with ileal-pouch anal anastomosis (RP-IPAA). We sought to describe patient characteristics and postoperative outcomes in this patient population.

METHODS

Using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program-Pediatric Participant Use Files from 2012 to 2015, children who were 6-18years old who underwent RP-IPAA for FAP or UC were identified. Postoperative morbidity, including reoperation and readmission were quantified. Associations between preoperative characteristics and postoperative outcomes were analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 260 children met the inclusion criteria, of which 56.2% had UC. Most cases were performed laparoscopically (58.1%), and the operative time was longer with a laparoscopic versus open approach (326 [257-408] versus 281 [216-391] minutes, p=0.02). The overall morbidity was 11.5%, and there were high reoperation and readmission rates (12.7% and 21.5%, respectively). On bivariate analysis, preoperative steroid use was associated with reoperation (22.5% versus 10.9%, p=0.04). On multivariable regression analysis, obesity was independently associated with reoperation (odds ratio: 3.34 [95% confidence intervals: 1.08-10.38], p=0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

Children who undergo RP-IPAA have high rates of overall morbidity, reoperation, and readmission. Obesity was independently associated with reoperation. This data can be used by practitioners in the preoperative setting to better counsel families and establish expectations for the postoperative setting.

TYPE OF STUDY

Retrospective Comparative Study.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III.

Cancer Screening Recommendations and Clinical Management of Inherited Gastrointestinal Cancer Syndromes in Childhood

Hereditary gastrointestinal cancer predisposition syndromes have been well characterized, but management strategies and surveillance remain a major challenge, especially in childhood. In October 2016, the American Association for Cancer Research organized the AACR Childhood Cancer Predisposition Workshop in which international experts in care of children with a hereditary risk of cancer met to define surveillance strategies and management of children with cancer predisposition syndromes. In this article, we review the current literature in polyposis syndromes that can be diagnosed in childhood and may be associated with an increased incidence of gastrointestinal neoplasms and other cancer types. These disorders include adenomatous polyposis syndromes (APC and MUTYH), juvenile polyposis coli (BMPR1A and SMAD4), Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome (STK11/LKB1), and PTEN hamartoma tumor syndrome (PHTS; PTEN), which can present with a more limited juvenile polyposis phenotype. Herein, the panel of experts provides recommendations for clinical diagnosis, approach to genetic testing, and focus on cancer surveillance recommendations when appropriate during the pediatric period. We also review current controversies on genetic evaluation of patients with hepatoblastoma and indications for surveillance for this tumor. Childhood cancer risks and surveillance associated with disorders involving the mismatch repair genes, including Lynch syndrome and constitutional mismatch repair deficiency (CMMRD), are discussed elsewhere in this series. Clin Cancer Res; 23(13); e107-e14. ©2017 AACRSee all articles in the online-only CCR Pediatric Oncology Series.

Multiple pilomatrixomas in a survivor of WNT-activated medulloblastoma leading to the discovery of a germline APC mutation and the diagnosis of familial adenomatous polyposis

Because children diagnosed with WNT-activated medulloblastoma have a 10-year overall survival rate of 95%, active long-term follow-up is critically important in reducing mortality from other causes. Here, we describe an 11-year-old adopted female who developed multiple pilomatrixomas 3 years after diagnosis of WNT-activated medulloblastoma, an unusual finding that prompted deeper clinical investigation. A heterozygous germline APC gene mutation was discovered, consistent with familial adenomatous polyposis. Screening endoscopy revealed numerous precancerous polyps that were excised. This case highlights the importance of long-term follow-up of pediatric cancer survivors, including attention to unexpected symptoms, which might unveil an underlying cancer predisposition syndrome.