Uptake of hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy in carriers of pathogenic mismatch repair variants: a Prospective Lynch Syndrome Database report

The impact of hysterectomy on subsequent colonoscopy in women with Lynch Syndrome

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Women with Lynch Syndrome (LS) have a high risk of colorectal and endometrial cancer. They are recommended regular colonoscopies, and some choose prophylactic hysterectomy. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of hysterectomy on subsequent colonoscopy in these women.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 219 LS women >30 years of age registered in the clinical registry at Section for Hereditary Cancer, Oslo University Hospital, were included. Data included hysterectomy status, other abdominal surgeries, and time of surgery. For colonoscopies, data were collected on cecal intubation rate, challenges, and level of pain. Observations in women with and without hysterectomy, and pre- and post-hysterectomy were compared.

RESULTS

Cecal intubation rate was lower in women with hysterectomy than in those without (119/126 = 94.4% vs 88/88 = 100%, p = 0.025). Multivariate regression analysis showed an increased risk of challenging colonoscopies (OR,3.58; CI: 1.52-8.43; p = 0.003), and indicated a higher risk of painful colonoscopy (OR, 3.00; 95%CI: 0.99-17.44, p = 0.052), in women with hysterectomy compared with no hysterectomy. Comparing colonoscopy before and after hysterectomy, we also found higher rates of reported challenging colonoscopies post-hysterectomy (6/69 = 8.7% vs 23/69 = 33.3%, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Women with hysterectomy had a lower cecal intubation rate and a higher number of reported challenging colonoscopy than women with no hysterectomy. However, completion rate in the hysterectomy group was still as high as 94.4%. Thus, LS women who consider hysterectomy should not be advised against it.

Human Leukocyte Antigen-Allelic Variations May Influence the Age at Cancer Diagnosis in Lynch Syndrome

Lynch syndrome (LS) is an inherited cancer predisposition disorder associated with an elevated risk of developing various solid cancers, but mostly colorectal cancer (CRC). Despite having the same germline pathogenic variant (PV) in one of the mis-match repair genes or the EPCAM gene, Lynch syndrome variant heterozygotes (LSVH) exhibit a remarkable phenotypic variability in the risk of developing cancer. The role of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) in modifying cancer development risk prompted our hypothesis into whether HLA variations act as potential genetic modifiers influencing the age at cancer diagnosis in LSVH. To investigate this, we studied a unique cohort of 426 LSVH carrying the same germline PV in the hMLH1 gene (MLH1:c.1528C > T) in South Africa. We intuitively selected 100 LSVH with the greatest diversity in age at cancer diagnosis (N = 80) and the oldest cancer unaffected LSVH (N = 20) for a high-throughput HLA genotyping of 11 HLA class I and class II loci using the shotgun next-generation sequencing (NGS) technique on the Illumina MiSeq platform. Statistical analyses employed Kaplan-Meier survival analyses with log-rank tests, and Cox proportional hazards using binned HLA data to minimize type I error. Significant associations were observed between young age at cancer diagnosis and HLA-DPB1*04:02 (mean age: 37 y (25-50); hazard ratio (HR) = 3.37; corrected p-value (q) = 0.043) as well as HLA-DPB1 binned alleles (including HLA-DPB1*09:01, HLA-DPB1*10:01, HLA-DPB1*106:01, HLA-DPB1*18:01, HLA-DPB1*20:01, HLA-DPB1*26:01, HLA-DPB1*28:01, HLA-DPB1*296:01, and HLA-DPB1*55:01) (mean age: 37 y (17-63); HR = 2.30, q = 0.045). The involvement of HLA-DPB1 alleles in the age at cancer diagnosis may highlight the potential role of HLA class II in the immune response against cancer development in LSVH. When validated in a larger cohort, these high-risk HLA-DPB1 alleles could be factored into cancer risk prediction models for personalized cancer screening in LSVH.

Mortality by age, gene and gender in carriers of pathogenic mismatch repair gene variants receiving surveillance for early cancer diagnosis and treatment: a report from the prospective Lynch syndrome database

Background

The Prospective Lynch Syndrome Database (PLSD) collates information on carriers of pathogenic or likely pathogenic MMR variants (path_MMR) who are receiving medical follow-up, including colonoscopy surveillance, which aims to the achieve early diagnosis and treatment of cancers. Here we use the most recent PLSD cohort that is larger and has wider geographical representation than previous versions, allowing us to present mortality as an outcome, and median ages at cancer diagnoses for the first time.

Methods

The PLSD is a prospective observational study without a control group that was designed in 2012 and updated up to October 2022. Data for 8500 carriers of path_MMR variants from 25 countries were included, providing 71,713 years of follow up. Cumulative cancer incidences at 65 years of age were combined with 10-year crude survival following cancer, to derive estimates of mortality up to 75 years of age by organ, gene, and gender.

Findings

Gynaecological cancers were more frequent than colorectal cancers in path_MSH2, path_MSH6 and path_PMS2 carriers [cumulative incidence: 53.3%, 49.6% and 23.3% at 75 years, respectively]. Endometrial, colon and ovarian cancer had low mortality [8%, 13% and 15%, respectively] and prostate cancers were frequent in male path_MSH2 carriers [cumulative incidence: 39.7% at 75 years]. Pancreatic, brain, biliary tract and ureter and kidney and urinary bladder cancers were associated with high mortality [83%, 66%, 58%, 27%, and 29%, respectively]. Among path_MMR carriers undergoing colonoscopy surveillance, particularly path_MSH2 carriers, more deaths followed non-colorectal Lynch syndrome cancers than colorectal cancers.

Interpretation

In path_MMR carriers undergoing colonoscopy surveillance, non-colorectal Lynch syndrome cancers were associated with more deaths than were colorectal cancers. Reducing deaths from non-colorectal cancers presents a key challenge in contemporary medical care in Lynch syndrome.

Funding

We acknowledge funding from the Norwegian Cancer Society, contract 194751-2017.

Delphi Initiative for Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer (DIRECt) International Management Guidelines

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Patients with early-onset colorectal cancer (eoCRC) are managed according to guidelines that are not age-specific. A multidisciplinary international group (DIRECt), composed of 69 experts, was convened to develop the first evidence-based consensus recommendations for eoCRC.

METHODS

After reviewing the published literature, a Delphi methodology was used to draft and respond to clinically relevant questions. Each statement underwent 3 rounds of voting and reached a consensus level of agreement of ≥80%.

RESULTS

The DIRECt group produced 31 statements in 7 areas of interest: diagnosis, risk factors, genetics, pathology-oncology, endoscopy, therapy, and supportive care. There was strong consensus that all individuals younger than 50 should undergo CRC risk stratification and prompt symptom assessment. All newly diagnosed eoCRC patients should receive germline genetic testing, ideally before surgery. On the basis of current evidence, endoscopic, surgical, and oncologic treatment of eoCRC should not differ from later-onset CRC, except for individuals with pathogenic or likely pathogenic germline variants. The evidence on chemotherapy is not sufficient to recommend changes to established therapeutic protocols. Fertility preservation and sexual health are important to address in eoCRC survivors. The DIRECt group highlighted areas with knowledge gaps that should be prioritized in future research efforts, including age at first screening for the general population, use of fecal immunochemical tests, chemotherapy, endoscopic therapy, and post-treatment surveillance for eoCRC patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The DIRECt group produced the first consensus recommendations on eoCRC. All statements should be considered together with the accompanying comments and literature reviews. We highlighted areas where research should be prioritized. These guidelines represent a useful tool for clinicians caring for patients with eoCRC.

Endometrial Cancer Diagnosed at an Early Stage during Lynch Syndrome Surveillance: A Case Report

Lynch syndrome is an autosomal dominant inherited disorder caused by a germline pathogenic variant in DNA mismatch repair genes, resulting in multi-organ cancer. Annual transvaginal ultrasonography and endometrial biopsy are recommended for endometrial cancer surveillance in patients with Lynch syndrome in several guidelines; however, evidence is limited. Here, we present the case of a 51-year-old woman with endometrial cancer who underwent robot-assisted laparoscopic simple hysterectomy at an early stage detected by Lynch syndrome surveillance. The patient was a 51-year-old gravida zero woman without any medical history or symptoms. Her sister suffered from bladder, breast, rectal, and endometrial cancer and was diagnosed with Lynch syndrome using a hereditary cancer panel test (VistaSeq®). During gynecologic surveillance, the patient's endometrial cytology was classified as Papanicolaou class III. Therefore, she underwent endometrial curettage with hysteroscopy and was diagnosed with atypical endometrial hyperplasia. Robot-assisted hysterectomy was performed with a final pathological diagnosis of endometrial cancer (endometrioid carcinoma, Grade 1), stage 1A. She has remained disease-free for more than 12 months. Owing to advances in genetic medicine, prophylactic and therapeutic surgeries for hereditary cancers are increasing. To achieve an early diagnosis and treatment of Lynch syndrome-associated cancers, the importance of Lynch syndrome surveillance should be more widely recognized.

Risk-reducing surgery in unaffected individuals receiving cancer genetic testing in an integrated health care system

BACKGROUND

Germline genetic testing enables primary cancer prevention, including through prophylactic surgery. We examined risk-reducing surgeries in unaffected individuals tested for hereditary cancer susceptibly between 2010 and 2018 in the Kaiser Permanente Northwest health system.

METHODS

We used an internal genetic testing database to create a cohort of individuals who received tests including one or more high-penetrance hereditary cancer susceptibility gene. We then identified, after testing, bilateral mastectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (BSO), and total hysterectomy procedures in electronic health record and claims data through 2019. We describe surgery utilization by genetic test results and National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines.

RESULTS

The cohort included 1020 individuals, 16% with pathogenic/likely pathogenic (P/LP) variants in one or more of the following genes: BRCA1, BRCA2, CHEK2, APC, MUTYH, ATM, MSH2, PALB2, BRIP1, MLH1, MSH6, EPCAM, FLCN, RAD51C, RAD51D, or TP53. Among individuals with P/LP variants making them candidates for mastectomy, BSO, or hysterectomy per NCCN guidelines, 34% (33/97), 24% (23/94), and 8% (1/12), respectively, underwent surgery during follow-up. Fifty-three percent (18/37) of hysterectomies were among APC, BRCA1, and BRCA2 P/LP variant heterozygotes, typically concurrent with BSO. Three individuals with variants of uncertain significance (only) and 22 with negative results had prophylactic surgery after genetic testing.

CONCLUSIONS

Uptake of risk-reducing surgery following usual care genetic testing appears to be lower than in studies that actively recruit high-risk patients and provide testing and follow-up care in specialized settings. Factors in addition to genetic test results and NCCN guidelines motivate prophylactic surgery use and deserve further study.

Health equity in the implementation of genomics and precision medicine: A public health imperative

Recent reviews have emphasized the need for a health equity agenda in genomics research. To ensure that genomic discoveries can lead to improved health outcomes for all segments of the population, a health equity agenda needs to go beyond research studies. Advances in genomics and precision medicine have led to an increasing number of evidence-based applications that can reduce morbidity and mortality for millions of people (tier 1). Studies have shown lower implementation rates for selected diseases with tier 1 applications (familial hypercholesterolemia, Lynch syndrome, hereditary breast and ovarian cancer) among racial and ethnic minority groups, rural communities, uninsured or underinsured people, and those with lower education and income. We make the case that a public health agenda is needed to address disparities in implementation of genomics and precision medicine. Public health actions can be centered on population-specific needs and outcomes assessment, policy and evidence development, and assurance of delivery of effective and ethical interventions. Crucial public health activities also include engaging communities, building coalitions, improving genetic health literacy, and building a diverse workforce. Without concerted public health action, further advances in genomics with potentially broad applications could lead to further widening of health disparities in the next decade.

Risk of Metachronous Colorectal Cancer in Lynch Syndrome: Who Needs an Extended Resection?

Lynch syndrome (LS) is the most common genetic condition associated with early-onset colorectal cancer. It is inherited in an autosomal dominant fashion. The increased cancer risk is due to a germline mutation in one of the mismatch repair (MMR) genes (MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, and PMS2) or the EPCAM gene. This leads to a deficient DNA mismatch repair mechanism, resulting in the accumulation of nucleotide changes and microsatellite instability, providing phenotypical evidence that MMR is not functioning normally. LS is associated with a high risk of early-onset colorectal cancer and recurrence. Thus, when undergoing surgery for primary colorectal cancer, extended resection should be discussed with the patient. This review provides an overview of current surgical risk-reducing strategies in LS-associated colorectal cancer. Surgical treatment for LS carriers with colorectal cancer needs to be highly individualized, based on patient and disease characteristics. Strategies are presented to guide decision making in pathologic MMR gene mutation carriers undergoing surgery for colorectal cancer.

Screening and risk reducing surgery for endometrial or ovarian cancers in Lynch syndrome: a systematic review

Objective

Lynch syndrome is a hereditary cancer syndrome caused by mismatch repair gene mutations, and female carriers are at an increased risk of endometrial and ovarian cancer. The best approach to screening is not yet clear and practice varies across countries and centers. We aimed to provide evidence to inform the best approach to screening and risk reduction.

Methods

A systematic search of the literature was conducted (Medline, Embase, PubMed). Studies evaluating the following were included: women with Lynch syndrome (by mismatch repair mutation or Amsterdam II criteria), screening methods for endometrial and/or ovarian cancer, intervention included endometrial biopsy, transvaginal ultrasound, or serum cancer antigen 125 (CA-125), outcomes evaluated were number of cancers and/or endometrial hyperplasia.

Results

A total of 18 studies of Lynch syndrome carriers which screened for endometrial cancer using transvaginal ultrasound and/or hysteroscopy/endometrial biopsy revealed an incidence of 3.9% at the time of screening. Most (64.1%) endometrial cancers detected were from screening, with the balance detected in symptomatic women at the first screening visits, regular review, or between screening intervals. In mismatch repair carriers, the overall sensitivity of endometrial screening was 66.7%, and the number needed to screen ranged between 4 and 38 (median 7). The sensitivity of endometrial biopsy was 57.1% and the number needed to screen was 23–380 (median 78). The sensitivity of transvaginal ultrasound was 34.4% and the number needed to screen was 35–973 (median 170). Fourteen studies which screened for ovarian cancer using transvaginal ultrasound and/or CA-125 revealed an incidence of 1.3% at the time of screening and 42.9% of ovarian cancers were detected at asymptomatic screening. The sensitivity of ovarian screening was 54.6%, and the number needed to screen was 9–191 (median 23) in mismatch repair carriers. Thirteen studies reported 5.8% incident endometrial cancers and 0.5% ovarian cancers at time of risk reducing surgery.

Conclusions

There is limited evidence to support screening for endometrial and ovarian cancer in Lynch syndrome and data on mortality reduction are not available. Further prospective, randomized trials comparing targeted screening methods are needed. Risk reducing surgery remains the most reliable way to reduce endometrial and ovarian cancer risk in Lynch syndrome.

Hereditary Gynecologic Cancer Syndromes - A Narrative Review

Hereditary cancer syndromes are defined as syndromes, where the genetics of cancer are the result of low penetrant polymorphisms or of a single gene disorder inherited in a mendelian fashion. During the last decade, compelling evidence has accumulated that approximately 5-10% of all cancers could be attributed to hereditary cancer syndromes. A tremendous progress has been made over the last decade in the evaluation and management of these syndromes. However, hereditary syndromes associated with gynecologic malignancies still present significant challenge for oncogynecologists. Oncogynecologists tend to pay more attention to staging, histological type and treatment options of gynecological cancers than thinking of inherited cancers and taking a detailed family history. Moreover, physicians should also be familiar with screening strategies in patients with inherited gynecological cancers. Lynch syndrome and hereditary breast-ovarian cancer syndrome are the most common and widely discussed syndromes in medical literature. The aim of the present review article is to delineate and emphasize the majority of hereditary gynecological cancer syndromes, even these, which are rarely reported in oncogynecology. The following inherited cancers are briefly discussed: Lynch syndrome; "site-specific" ovarian cancer and hereditary breast-ovarian cancer syndrome; Cowden syndrome; Li-Fraumeni syndrome; Peutz-Jeghers syndrome; ataxia-telangiectasia; DICER1- syndrome; gonadal dysgenesis; tuberous sclerosis; multiple endocrine neoplasia type I, II; hereditary small cell carcinoma of the ovary, hypercalcemic type and hereditary undifferentiated uterine sarcoma; hereditary diffuse gastric cancer and MUTYH-associated polyposis. Epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, pathology and screening of these syndromes are discussed. General treatment recommendations are beyond the scope of this review.

Endometrial cancer in Lynch syndrome

Lynch syndrome (LS) is an autosomal dominant inherited disease caused by germline pathogenic variants (PVs) in mismatch repair (MMR) genes. LS-associated endometrial cancer (LS-EC) is the most common extraintestinal sentinel cancer caused by germline PVs in MMR genes, including MLH1, MSH2, MSH6 and PMS2. The clinicopathologic features of LS-EC include early age of onset, lower body mass index (BMI), endometrioid carcinoma and lower uterine segment involvement. There has been significant progress in screening, diagnosis, surveillance, prevention and treatment of LS-EC. Many studies support universal screening for LS among patients with EC. Screening mainly involves a combination of traditional clinical criteria and molecular techniques, including MMR-immunohistochemistry (MMR-IHC), microsatellite instability (MSI) testing, MLH1 promoter methylation testing and gene sequencing. The effectiveness of endometrial biopsy and transvaginal ultrasound (TVS) for clinical monitoring of asymptomatic women with LS are uncertain yet. Preventive strategies include hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (BSO) as well as chemoprophylaxis using exogenous progestin or aspirin. Recent research has revealed the benefits of immunotherapy for LS-EC. The NCCN guidelines recommend pembrolizumab and nivolumab for treating patients with advanced or recurrent microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H)/mismatch repair-deficient (dMMR) EC.