Survival and causes of death in patients with von Hippel-Lindau disease

Characterization of spinal hemangioblastomas in patients with and without von Hippel-Lindau, and YAP expression

INTRODUCTION

Hemangioblastoma (HB) is a benign tumor of the central nervous system, associated with von Hippel-Lindau disease (VHL), or sporadic. The aim of this study was to compare and examine the clinical-pathological profile of patients with spinal hemangioblastoma and YAP expression.

METHODS

A retrospective, descriptive, comparative study. All patients who underwent surgery for spinal HB between 2016 and 2023 were included. Clinical and radiological data were collected and analyzed. An immunohistochemistry panel including NeuN, neurofilaments (NF), and YAP-1, was performed.

RESULTS

Nine patients were studied, six women and three men. Four patients had previously diagnosed VHL. The tumor location included: four cervical (44.44%), two thoracic (22.22%), two pontine with cervical extension (22.22%) and one patient with two lesions, one cervical and one thoracic (11.11%). Non-significant clinical differences were identified between VHL and sporadic patients. Imaging evidenced seven extramedullary and three intramedullary tumors. Histologically, intra-tumoral and perivascular axonal tracts were observed in all cases. One third of the tumors (two with VHL and one sporadic) presented extramedullary hematopoiesis. Seven cases (77.8%) expressed nuclear YAP (three with VHL and four sporadic HBs). The surgical outcome was good and only one patient with VHL undergoing subtotal resection had recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

Spinal HBs can be associated with VHL or be sporadic. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to describe YAP expression in HB. It is important to investigate the involvement of the Hippo pathway in HBs as a possible therapeutic target.

Consensus Guidelines for Ocular Surveillance of von Hippel-Lindau Disease

PURPOSE

To develop guidelines for ocular surveillance and early intervention for individuals with von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease.

DESIGN

Systematic review of the literature.

PARTICIPANTS

Expert panel of retina specialists and ocular oncologists.

METHODS

A consortium of experts on clinical management of all-organ aspects of VHL disease was convened. Working groups with expertise in organ-specific features of VHL disease were tasked with development of evidence-based guidelines for each organ system. The ophthalmology subcommittee formulated questions for consideration and performed a systematic literature review. Evidence was graded for topic quality and relevance and the strength of each recommendation, and guideline recommendations were developed.

RESULTS

The quality of evidence was limited, and no controlled clinical trial data were available. Consensus guidelines included: (1) individuals with known or suspected VHL disease should undergo periodic ocular screening (evidence type, III; evidence strength, C; degree of consensus, 2A); (2) patients at risk of VHL disease, including first-degree relatives of patients with known VHL disease, or any patient with single or multifocal retinal hemangioblastomas (RHs), should undergo genetic testing for pathologic VHL disease gene variants as part of an appropriate medical evaluation (III/C/2A); (3) ocular screening should begin within 12 months after birth and continue throughout life (III/C/2A); (4) ocular screening should occur approximately every 6 to 12 months until 30 years of age and then at least yearly thereafter (III/C-D/2A); (5) ocular screening should be performed before a planned pregnancy and every 6 to 12 months during pregnancy (IV/D/2A); (6) ultra-widefield color fundus photography may be helpful in certain circumstances to monitor RHs, and ultra-widefield fluorescein angiography may be helpful in certain circumstances to detect small RHs (IV/D/2A); (7) patients should be managed, whenever possible, by those with subspecialty training, with experience with VHL disease or RHs, or with both and ideally within the context of a multidisciplinary center capable of providing multiorgan surveillance and access to genetic testing (IV/D/2A); (8) extramacular or extrapapillary RHs should be treated promptly (III/C/2A).

CONCLUSIONS

Based on available evidence from observational studies, broad agreement was reached for a strategy of lifelong surveillance and early treatment for ocular VHL disease. These guidelines were endorsed by the VHL Alliance and the International Society of Ocular Oncology and were approved by the American Academy of Ophthalmology Board of Trustees.

FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S)

Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.

Belzutifan: a novel therapeutic for the management of von Hippel-Lindau disease and beyond

The identification of the VHL gene and its role in regulating the hypoxia-inducible factor signaling pathway has helped to revolutionize the treatment of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Belzutifan is a novel small-molecule inhibitor of hypoxia-inducible factor 2α which has demonstrated efficacy in treating von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease, earning regulatory approvals for this indication. There is also early evidence for efficacy in sporadic RCC. Belzutifan has a favorable safety profile. Several clinical trials are currently ongoing, which should help in identifying this promising drug's role in RCC and beyond. This review summarizes the history, pharmacology and clinical evidence for belzutifan use to date, and also explores unanswered questions as they relate to this novel therapeutic agent.

Referral patterns and genetic testing outcomes in a contemporary hereditary renal cancer clinic

OBJECTIVES

Multidisciplinary hereditary tumor clinics are a collaborative format to identify and treat patients with genetic cancer predispositions. The hereditary renal cancer clinic at Indiana University is comprised of a urologic oncologist, medical oncologist, clinical geneticist, and genetic counselor. The clinic holds regular tumor board meetings, where patient histories, pedigrees, imaging, pathology, and management plans are collectively reviewed and discussed. Here we report the contemporary experience for our hereditary renal cancer clinic, with description and analysis of referral patterns, patient profiles, and genetic testing outcomes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective review of an IRB-approved, prospectively maintained database of patients seen in the hereditary renal cancer clinic was performed. Patient characteristics, genetic testing results, and disease characteristics were reported and analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 142 patients seen in clinics from January 2018 to June 2023 were included. Patient's median age was between 40 and 49 years old, and 88.7% were Caucasian. The most common reasons for referral were early-onset renal tumors (40%), known hereditary renal cancer syndrome (29%), and hereditary renal cancer syndrome screening (13%). Of those with a tissue diagnosis of renal cell carcinoma, 46.2% were clear cell subtype. The presence of nonrenal syndromic features concerning for hereditary renal tumor syndrome was predictive of pathogenic mutation identification (OR 13.45, P < 0.0001). Patient race and presence of multifocal tumors were not predictive of pathogenic mutation identification. When restricting analysis to patients with an established renal malignancy, high-grade tumor histology was predictive of a pathogenic mutation (OR 8.17, P = 0.012), though higher pathologic stage and nonclear cell histology were not. Referral for early-onset renal tumor (age < 45 years) predicted lower likelihood of pathogenic mutations (OR 0.10, P = 0.0002). FH gene mutations were the most commonly identified pathogenic mutations. Genetic testing of family members (cascade testing) was recommended to 9 patients seen in clinic; a pathogenic mutation was subsequently identified in all but one of these families.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings are useful for referring physicians and patients in determining patient referral to hereditary cancer clinics, and for counseling patients undergoing genetic testing. Data from non-Caucasian patients and evolving implications of variants of unclear significance (VUS) may represent future research directions for hereditary renal cancer clinics.

The evolutionary impact of childhood cancer on the human gene pool

Germline pathogenic variants associated with increased childhood mortality must be subject to natural selection. Here, we analyze publicly available germline genetic metadata from 4,574 children with cancer [11 studies; 1,083 whole exome sequences (WES), 1,950 whole genome sequences (WGS), and 1,541 gene panel] and 141,456 adults [125,748 WES and 15,708 WGS]. We find that pediatric cancer predisposition syndrome (pCPS) genes [n = 85] are highly constrained, harboring only a quarter of the loss-of-function variants that would be expected. This strong indication of selective pressure on pCPS genes is found across multiple lines of germline genomics data from both pediatric and adult cohorts. For six genes [ELP1, GPR161, VHL and SDHA/B/C], a clear lack of mutational constraint calls the pediatric penetrance and/or severity of associated cancers into question. Conversely, out of 23 known pCPS genes associated with biallelic risk, two [9%, DIS3L2 and MSH2] show significant constraint, indicating that they may monoallelically increase childhood cancer risk. In summary, we show that population genetic data provide empirical evidence that heritable childhood cancer leads to natural selection powerful enough to have significantly impacted the present-day gene pool.

Mutation in Chek2 triggers von Hippel-Lindau hemangioblastoma growth

PURPOSE

Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) is a rare inherited disease mainly characterized by the growth of tumours, predominantly hemangioblastomas (Hbs) in the CNS and retina, and renal carcinomas. The natural history of VHL disease is variable, differing in the age of onset and its penetrance, even among relatives. Unfortunately, sometimes VHL shows more severe than average: the onset starts in adolescence, and surgeries are required almost every year. In these cases, the factor that triggers the appearance and growth of Hbs usually remains unknown, although additional mutations are suspected.

METHODS

We present the case of a VHL patient whose first surgery was at 13 years of age. Then, along his next 8 years, he has undergone 5 surgeries for resection of 10 CNS Hbs. To clarify this severe VHL condition, DNA from a CNS Hb and white blood cells (WBC) was sequenced using next-generation sequencing technology.

RESULTS

Massive DNA sequencing of the WBC (germ line) revealed a pathogenic mutation in CHEK2 and the complete loss of a VHL allele (both tumour suppressors). Moreover, in the tumour sample, several mutations, in BRAF1 and PTPN11 were found. Familiar segregation studies showed that CHEK2 mutation was in the maternal lineage, while VHL was inherited by paternal lineage.

CONCLUSIONS

Finally, clinical history correlated to the different genotypes in the family, concluding that the severity of these VHL manifestations are due to both, VHL-and-CHEK2 mutations. This case report aims to notice the importance of deeper genetic analyses, in inherited rare diseases, to uncover non-expected mutations.

Anesthetic Challenge in a Parturient With Von Hippel-Lindau Disease

Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) syndrome is a rare autosomal dominant disease with incomplete penetrance and variable expression. The features of cerebellar and spinal tumors, pheochromocytomas, and increased intracranial pressure complicate the anesthetic management of such patients. This report describes the anesthetic management of a parturient with VHL disease and highlights the importance of proper surveillance, vigilant management, and individualized treatment plans from a multidisciplinary team.

Guidelines for surveillance of patients with von Hippel-Lindau disease: Consensus statement of the International VHL Surveillance Guidelines Consortium and VHL Alliance

Von Hippel‐Lindau disease is a rare inherited cancer‐predisposition syndrome. The authors report the updated recommendations for the multiorgan surveillance protocols.

Neurological applications of belzutifan in von Hippel-Lindau disease

Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease is a tumor predisposition syndrome caused by mutations in the VHL gene that presents with visceral neoplasms and growths, including clear cell renal cell carcinoma, and central nervous system manifestations, such as hemangioblastomas of the brain and spine. The pathophysiology involves dysregulation of oxygen sensing caused by the inability to degrade HIFα, leading to the overactivation of hypoxic pathways. Hemangioblastomas are the most common tumors in patients with VHL and cause significant morbidity. Until recently, there were no systemic therapies available for patients that could effectively reduce the size of these lesions. Belzutifan, the first approved HIF-2α inhibitor, has demonstrated benefit in VHL-associated tumors, with a 30% response rate in hemangioblastomas and ~30%-50% reduction in their sizes over the course of treatment. Anemia is the most prominent adverse effect, affecting 76%-90% of participants and sometimes requiring dose reduction or transfusion. Other significant adverse events include hypoxia and fatigue. Overall, belzutifan is well tolerated; however, long-term data on dosing regimens, safety, and fertility are not yet available. Belzutifan holds promise for the treatment of neurological manifestations of VHL and its utility may influence the clinical management paradigms for this patient population.

Non-Interventional Management of Advanced Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Neoplasms in Patients with von Hippel-Lindau Disease

Von Hippel–Lindau (VHL) is a rare autosomal dominant hereditary cancer predisposition syndrome. Patients with VHL have a high risk for developing retinal and central nervous system hemangioblastoma, pheochromocytoma, renal cell carcinoma, and pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (PNEN). About a fifth of patients with VHL will develop PNEN, and only a tenth of them will develop metastatic or unresectable (advanced) PNEN requiring medical intervention. In this review, we performed a literature search for studies, written in English, on the medical interventions for VHL-related localized and advanced PNENs and their clinical outcomes. We detail the various medical interventions for this rare group of patients, including their mode of action and potential efficacy and toxicity. Finally, based on the current literature, we delineate a possible management algorithm for patients with VHL and advanced PNEN. We can conclude that data on the efficacy of various vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor inhibitors, and on the efficacy of belzutifan, a novel hypoxia-inducible factor 2 inhibitor, for the management of advanced PNEN in VHL, are scarce. Hence, deduction from the management of sporadic PNEN is required, and is implemented in the proposed management algorithm provided within this review.

Unique Characteristics of Patients with Von Hippel-Lindau Disease Defined by Various Diagnostic Criteria

Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease diagnosis is based on two criteria sets: International criteria (IC, two hemangioblastomas, one hemangioblastoma plus one visceral lesion, or VHL family history/pathogenic variant plus hemangioblastoma/visceral lesion); or Danish criteria (DC, two clinical manifestations, or VHL family history/pathogenic variant plus hemangioblastoma/visceral lesion). We aimed to compare the characteristics of patients with VHL-related pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor (vPNET) meeting either the clinical Danish criteria only (DOC) or IC to those with sporadic PNET (sPNET). The cohort included 33 patients with VHL (20 vPNETs) and 65 with sPNET. In terms of genetic testing and family history of VHL, 90.0% of the patients with vPNET in the IC group had a germline VHL pathogenic variant, and 70.0% had a family history of VHL vs. 20% and 10% in the DOC group, respectively (p < 0.05 for both). Patients with vPNET were younger at diagnosis compared with sPNET (51.6 ± 4.1 vs. 62.8 ± 1.5 years, p < 0.05). Patients in the IC group were younger at diagnosis with VHL, vPNET, pheochromocytoma, or paraganglioma (PPGL) and renal-cell carcinoma (RCC) than those in the DOC group (p < 0.05 for all comparisons). The most prevalent presenting manifestations were hemangioblastoma (42.8%) and PPGL (33.3%) vs. RCC (58.3%) and PNET (41.7%) in the IC vs. DOC groups. In conclusion, patients with vPNET meeting DOC criteria show greater similarity to sPNET. We suggest performing genetic testing, rather than solely using clinical criteria, for establishing the diagnosis of VHL.

Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 2 Alpha (HIF2α) Inhibitors: Targeting Genetically Driven Tumor Hypoxia

Tumors driven by deficiency of the VHL gene product, which is involved in degradation of the hypoxia-inducible factor subunit 2 alpha (HIF2α), are natural candidates for targeted inhibition of this pathway. Belzutifan, a highly specific and well-tolerated HIF2α inhibitor, recently received FDA approval for the treatment of nonmetastatic renal cell carcinomas, pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, and central nervous system hemangioblastomas from patients with von Hippel-Lindau disease, who carry VHL germline mutations. Such approval is a milestone in oncology; however, the full potential, and limitations, of HIF2α inhibition in the clinic are just starting to be explored. Here we briefly recapitulate the molecular rationale for HIF2α blockade in tumors and review available preclinical and clinical data, elaborating on mutations that might be particularly sensitive to this approach. We also outline some emerging mechanisms of intrinsic and acquired resistance to HIF2α inhibitors, including acquired mutations of the gatekeeper pocket of HIF2α and its interacting partner ARNT. Lastly, we propose that the high efficacy of belzutifan observed in tumors with genetically driven hypoxia caused by VHL mutations suggests that a focus on other mutations that similarly lead to HIF2α stabilization, such as those occurring in neuroendocrine tumors with disruptions in the tricarboxylic acid cycle (SDHA/B/C/D, FH, MDH2, IDH2), HIF hydroxylases (EGLN/PHDs), and the HIF2α-encoding gene, EPAS1, are warranted.

The road to systemic therapy in von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease: Are we there yet?

Pathogenic germline mutations in VHL gene cause von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease, an autosomal dominant hereditary cancer syndrome associated with high penetrance of benign and malignant neoplasms, including clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), central nervous system haemangioblastomas (CNS-HB), retinal angiomas, phaeochromocytomas and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (pNET). Management of VHL disease involves lifelong radiological and biochemical surveillance, often leading to repeat surgical intervention causing significant morbidity and mortality. Systemic therapy that prevents or reduces the need for surgical intervention could improve clinical outcomes and quality of life for affected individuals. Belzutifan is a second-generation small molecule hypoxia-inducible factor 2α (HIF-2α) inhibitor recently approved by US and UK regulators for the treatment of VHL (disease)-associated ccRCC, CNS-HB and pNET. While this is a welcome step forward, it is vital that we consider in what circumstances these drugs are recommended and how they fit into the overall management of VHL disease. In this personal view article, we reflect on the history of the use of systemic therapy in localised VHL disease and consider open questions relating to the use of HIF-2α inhibitors, including the need to involve medical oncologists in the multidisciplinary team moving forward. Indeed, VHL disease is the perfect paradigm for similar settings in the future.

Síndrome de von Hippel-Lindau em um Serviço Privado de Câncer em São Paulo: Relato de Caso

Introdução: A síndrome de von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) é uma patologia hereditária autossômica dominante que envolve o crescimento de tumores em diversas regiões do corpo humano em razão da mutação no gene VHL. Relato do caso: Paciente, sexo masculino, 38 anos, há três anos queixava-se de cefaleia recorrente, com piora progressiva. Foi diagnosticado com uma lesão em cerebelo cuja ressonância magnética cerebral encontrou uma formação expansiva na porção posteroinferior do hemisfério cerebelar esquerdo. Foi realizada tomografia multislice de abdome, que evidenciou formação nodular esplênica com realce marginal. A imagem da coluna cervical demonstrou pequeno nódulo localizado na medula cervical (intramedular) adjacente à vértebra cervical 3 (C3). Diante dos achados, o paciente foi submetido à ressecção macroscópica total da lesão do cerebelo, com laudo anatomopatológico de hemangioblastoma cerebelar grau 1, de acordo com a classificação da Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS), que é um tumor benigno com baixa agressividade e recorrência. O teste imuno-histoquímico mostrou cluster of differentiation 34 (CD 34) positivo, índice de proliferação celular (Ki67) positivo (<5%), alfa inibina positiva e epithelial membrane antigen (EMA) negativo. Como o paciente não tinha história familiar de câncer, em função dos achados radiológicos, foi realizado sequenciamento de nova geração identificando a variante patogênica VHL c.292T>C, constatado em linhagem germinativa que, apesar do desconhecimento de história familiar positiva para a síndrome, confirmou o diagnóstico do paciente. Conclusão: O conjunto de achados clínicos e a variante no gene VHL confirmam o diagnóstico da síndrome.

Hereditary Endocrine Tumor Registries

Context

Endocrine neoplasia syndromes are phenotypically complex, and there is a misconception that they are universally rare. Genetic alterations are increasingly recognized; however, true prevalence is unknown. The purpose of a clinical registry is to monitor the quality of health care delivered to a specified group of patients through the collection, analysis, and reporting of relevant health-related information. This leads to improved clinical practice, decision-making, patient satisfaction, and outcome.

Objective

This review aims to identify, compare, and contrast active registries worldwide that capture data relevant to hereditary endocrine tumors (HETs).

Methods

Clinical registries were identified using a systematic approach from publications (Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE) peer consultation, clinical trials, and web searches. Inclusion criteria were hereditary endocrine tumors, clinical registries, and English language. Exclusion criteria were institutional audits, absence of clinical data, or inactivity. Details surrounding general characteristics, funding, data fields, collection periods, and entry methods were collated.

Results

Fifteen registries specific for HET were shortlisted with 136 affiliated peer-reviewed manuscripts.

Conclusion

There are few clinical registries specific to HET. Most of these are European, and the data collected are highly variable. Further research into their effectiveness is warranted. We note the absence of an Australian registry for all HET, which would provide potential health and economic gains. This review presents a unique opportunity to harmonize registry data for HET locally and further afield.

The Clinical and Molecular Features in the VHL Renal Cancers; Close or Distant Relatives with Sporadic Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma?

Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease is an autosomal dominant inherited cancer syndrome caused by germline mutations in the VHL tumor suppressor gene, characterized by the susceptibility to a wide array of benign and malign neoplasms, including clear-cell renal cell carcinoma. Moreover, VHL somatic inactivation is a crucial molecular event also in sporadic ccRCCs tumorigenesis. While systemic biomarkers in the VHL syndrome do not currently play a role in clinical practice, a new promising class of predictive biomarkers, microRNAs, has been increasingly studied. Lots of pan-genomic studies have deeply investigated the possible biological role of microRNAs in the development and progression of sporadic ccRCC; however, few studies have investigated the miRNA profile in VHL patients. Our review summarize all the new insights related to clinical and molecular features in VHL renal cancers, with a particular focus on the overlap with sporadic ccRCC.

Retroperitoneal paraganglioma with loss of heterozygosity of the von Hippel-Lindau gene: a case report and review of the literature

Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease is an autosomal dominant disease related to germline mutations in VHL. In VHL disease, pheochromocytoma develops in 10%-20% of patients because of germline mutations and loss of heterozygosity of VHL. However, the rate of paraganglioma associated with VHL is low compared with that of pheochromocytoma, and the reason is unknown. In this study, we performed germline and somatic mutation analyses of retroperitoneal paraganglioma that developed in a patient with clinically diagnosed VHL disease and investigated the tumorigenic mechanism of paraganglioma. The patient was a 25-year-old woman who was considered to have VHL disease on the basis of her family history. She was referred to our clinic to investigate a tumor at the bifurcation of the common iliac artery. The tumor was diagnosed as retroperitoneal paraganglioma by clinical evaluations. A left renal cell carcinoma was also suspected. Polymerase chain reaction direct sequencing analysis and polymorphic microsatellite analysis within the VHL locus suggested that loss of heterozygosity of VHL was associated with paraganglioma and renal cell carcinoma. Multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification analysis showed a loss of the copy number of VHL exons in paraganglioma. These results suggest that VHL disease contributes to the development of paraganglioma. A literature review showed no reported common missense variants involved in the progression of paraganglioma. The loss of heterozygosity of VHL can be a tumorigenic mechanism of retroperitoneal paraganglioma in VHL disease. However, the low rate of paraganglioma compared with pheochromocytoma is not explained by their genetic background alone.

Genotype–phenotype correlations and clinical outcomes of patients with von Hippel-Lindau disease with large deletions

Background

Approximately 20%–40% of patients with von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease, an autosomal dominant hereditary disease, exhibit large deletions (LDs). Few studies have focused on this population. Hence, we aimed to elucidate the genotype–phenotype correlations and clinical outcomes in VHL patients with LDs.

Methods

In this retrospective study, we included 119 patients with VHL disease from 50 unrelated families in whom LDs were detected using traditional and next-generation sequencing methods. Other germline mutations were confirmed by Sanger sequencing. Genotype–phenotype correlations and survival were analysed in different groups using Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression. We also evaluated therapeutic response to tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy.

Results

The overall penetrance of patients aged <60 was 95.2%. Two VHL patients with LDs also carried CHEK2 and FLCN germline mutations. An earlier age of onset of retinal haemangioblastoma was observed in the next generation. Patients with exon 2 deletion of VHL had an earlier onset age of renal cell carcinoma and pancreatic lesions. The risk of renal cell carcinoma was lower in VHL patients with LDs and a BRK1 deletion. The group with earlier age of onset received poorer prognosis. Four of eight (50%) patients showed partial response to TKI therapy.

Conclusion

The number of generations and the status of exon 2 could affect age of onset of VHL-related manifestations. Onset age was an independent risk factor for overall survival. TKI therapy was effective in VHL patients with LDs. Our findings would further support clinical surveillance and decision-making processes.

Large scale genotype- and phenotype-driven machine learning in Von Hippel-Lindau disease

Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease is a hereditary cancer syndrome where individuals are predisposed to tumor development in the brain, adrenal gland, kidney, and other organs. It is caused by pathogenic variants in the VHL tumor suppressor gene. Standardized disease information has been difficult to collect due to the rarity and diversity of VHL patients. Over 4100 unique articles published until October 2019 were screened for germline genotype-phenotype data. Patient data were translated into standardized descriptions using Human Genome Variation Society gene variant nomenclature and Human Phenotype Ontology terms and has been manually curated into an open-access knowledgebase called Clinical Interpretation of Variants in Cancer. In total, 634 unique VHL variants, 2882 patients, and 1991 families from 427 papers were captured. We identified relationship trends between phenotype and genotype data using classic statistical methods and spectral clustering unsupervised learning. Our analyses reveal earlier onset of pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma and retinal angiomas, phenotype co-occurrences and genotype-phenotype correlations including hotspots. It confirms existing VHL associations and can be used to identify new patterns and associations in VHL disease. Our database serves as an aggregate knowledge translation tool to facilitate sharing information about the pathogenicity of VHL variants.

Multidisciplinary integrated care pathway for von Hippel-Lindau disease

BACKGROUND

Clinical pathways are care plans established to describe essential steps in the care of patients with a specific clinical problem. They translate (inter)national guidelines into local applicable protocols and clinical practice. The purpose of this article is to establish a multidisciplinary integrated care pathway for specialists and allied health care professionals in caring for individuals with von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease.

METHODS

Using a modified Delphi consensus-making process, a multidisciplinary panel from 5 Dutch University Medical Centers produced an integrated care pathway relating to the provision of care for patients with VHL by medical specialists, specialized nurses, and associated health care professionals. Patient representatives cocreated the pathway and contributed quality criteria from the patients' perspective.

RESULTS

The panel agreed on recommendations for the optimal quality of care for individuals with a VHL gene mutation. These items were the starting point for the development of a patient care pathway. With international medical guidelines addressing the different VHL-related disorders, this article presents a patient care pathway as a flowchart that can be incorporated into VHL expertise clinics or nonacademic treatment clinics.

CONCLUSIONS

Medical specialists (internists, urologists, neurosurgeons, ophthalmologists, geneticists, medical oncologists, neurologists, gastroenterologists, pediatricians, and ear-nose-throat specialists) together with specialized nurses play a vital role alongside health care professionals in providing care to people affected by VHL and their families. This article presents a set of consensus recommendations, supported by organ-specific guidelines, for the roles of these practitioners in order to provide optimal VHL care. This care pathway can form the basis for the development of comprehensive, integrated pathways for multiple neoplasia syndromes.

von Hippel-Lindau disease: Updated guideline for diagnosis and surveillance

von Hippel Lindau disease (vHL) is caused by a hereditary predisposition to multiple neoplasms, especially hemangioblastomas in the retina and CNS, renal cell carcinomas (RCC), pheochromocytomas, neuroendocrine pancreatic tumours (PNET) and endolymphatic sac tumours. Evidence based approaches are needed to ensure an optimal clinical care, while minimizing the burden for the patients and their families. This guideline is based on evidence from the international vHL literature and extensive research of geno- and phenotypic characteristics, disease progression and surveillance effect in the national Danish vHL cohort. We included the views and preferences of the Danish vHL patients, ensured consensus among Danish experts and compared with international recommendations. RECOMMENDATIONS: vHL can be diagnosed on clinical criteria, only; however, in most cases the diagnosis can be supported by identification of a pathogenic or likely pathogenic variant in VHL. Surveillance should be initiated in childhood in persons with, or at risk of, vHL, and include regular examination of the retina, CNS, inner ear, kidneys, neuroendocrine glands, and pancreas. Treatment of vHL manifestations should be planned to optimize the chance of cure, without unnecessary sequelae. Most manifestations are currently treated by surgery. However, belzutifan, that targets HIF-2α was recently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for adult patients with vHL-associated RCC, CNS hemangioblastomas, or PNETs, not requiring immediate surgery. Diagnostics, surveillance, and treatment of vHL can be undertaken successfully by experts collaborating in multidisciplinary teams. Systematic registration, collaboration with patient organisations, and research are fundamental for the continuous improvement of clinical care and optimization of outcome with minimal patient inconvenience.

Neuropathologic features of central nervous system hemangioblastoma

Hemangioblastoma is a benign, highly vascularized neoplasm of the central nervous system (CNS). This tumor is associated with loss of function of the VHL gene and demonstrates frequent occurrence in von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease. While this entity is designated CNS World Health Organization grade 1, due to its predilection for the cerebellum, brainstem, and spinal cord, it is still an important cause of morbidity and mortality in affected patients. Recognition and accurate diagnosis of hemangioblastoma is essential for the practice of surgical neuropathology. Other CNS neoplasms, including several tumors associated with VHL disease, may present as histologic mimics, making diagnosis challenging. We outline key clinical and radiologic features, pathophysiology, treatment modalities, and prognostic information for hemangioblastoma, and provide a thorough review of the gross, microscopic, immunophenotypic, and molecular features used to guide diagnosis.

Challenges in Von Hippel-Lindau's disease: PRRT in patients on hemodialysis

Summary

Von Hippel-Lindau's disease (VHL) is a hereditary tumor syndrome characterized by its prototype lesions, hemangioblastomas, and renal cell carcinomas. Treatment for renal cell carcinomas can ultimately result in long-term dialysis. Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNET) can also occur in the course of the disease. Currently, peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) is the standard treatment for progressive neuroendocrine tumors. However, little is known about treatment with PRRT in patients on dialysis, an infrequent presentation in patients with VHL. We present a 72-year-old man with VHL on hemodialysis and a progressive pNET. He received four cycles of PRRT with a reduced dose. Only mild thrombopenia was seen during treatments. The patient died 9 months after the last PRRT because of acute bleeding in a hemangioblastoma. Hemodialysis is not a limiting factor for PRRT treatment and it should be considered as it seems a safe short-term treatment option for this specific group.

Learning points

Von Hippel-Lindau disease (VHL) is a complex disease in which former interventions can limit optimal treatment for following VHL-related tumors later in life. Metastasized pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors occur as part of VHL disease. Peptide receptor radionuclide therapy seems a safe short-term treatment option in patients on hemodialysis.

Renal Neoplasms in Young Adults

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is usually diagnosed in older adults (the median age of diagnosis is 64 years). Although less common in patients younger than 45 years, RCCs in young adults differ in clinical manifestation, pathologic diagnosis, and prognosis. RCCs in young adults are typically smaller, are more organ confined, and manifest at lower stages of disease. The proportion of clear cell RCC is lower in young adults, while the prevalence of familial renal neoplastic syndromes is much higher, and genetic testing is routinely recommended. In such syndromic manifestations, benign-appearing renal cysts can harbor malignancy. Radiologists need to be familiar with the differences of RCCs in young adults and apply an altered approach to diagnosis, treatment, and surveillance. For sporadic renal neoplasms, biopsy and active surveillance are less often used in young adults than in older adults. RCCs in young adults are overall associated with better disease-specific survival after surgical treatment, and minimally invasive nephron-sparing treatment options are preferred. However, surveillance schedules, need for biopsy, decision for an initial period of active surveillance, type of surgery (enucleation or wide-margin partial nephrectomy), and utilization of ablative therapy depend on the presence and type of underlying familial renal neoplastic syndrome. In this pictorial review, syndromic, nonsyndromic, and newer RCC entities that are common in young adults are presented. Their associated unique epidemiology, characteristic imaging and pathologic traits, and key aspects of surveillance and management of renal neoplasms in young adults are discussed. The vital role of the informed radiologist in the multidisciplinary management of RCCs in young adults is highlighted. Online supplemental material is available for this article. ^©RSNA, 2022.

Evaluation of tumour surveillance protocols and outcomes in von Hippel-Lindau disease in a national health service

Background

Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease is an inherited tumour predisposition syndrome and a paradigm for the importance of early diagnosis and surveillance. However, there is limited information on the “real world” management of VHL disease.

Methods

A national audit of VHL disease in the United Kingdom.

Results

VHL disease was managed mostly via specialist clinics coordinated through regional clinical genetics services (but frequently involving additional specialties). Over the study period, 19 genetic centres saw 842 individuals (393 males, 449 females) with a clinical and/or molecular diagnosis of VHL disease and 74 individuals (35 male, 39 female) with a prior risk of 50% (affected parent). All centres offered retinal, central nervous system and abdominal surveillance to affected individuals and at-risk relatives though surveillance details differed between centres (but complied with international recommendations). Renal lesions detected on the first surveillance scan were, on average, larger than those detected during subsequent scans and the larger the diameter at detection the greater the likelihood of early intervention.

Conclusions

In a state-funded health care system individuals with a rare inherited cancer predisposition syndrome are generally able to access appropriate surveillance and patient management is improved compared to historical data. The “real world” data from this study will inform the future development of VHL management protocols.

Identification of a VHL gene mutation in atypical Von Hippel-Lindau syndrome: genotype-phenotype correlation and gene therapy perspective

Background

Classical von Hippel Lindau (VHL) disease/syndrome includes CNS hemangioblastoma, renal or pancreatic cysts, pheochromocytoma, renal carcinoma and exodermic cystadenoma. The syndrome is caused by mutation of VHL tumor suppressor gene. The most prevalent mutations are present in VHL syndrome. To date, > 500 mutations of gene related to the progression of VHL syndrome have been reported. VHL gene mutation presented in single lung or pancreatic tumor has been reported occasionally, but there is no report of both.

Methods

In this paper, we used CT scan, pathological and genetic examination methods to diagnose a rare atypical VHL syndrome.

Results

We reported a rare case of atypical VHL syndrome with authenticated VHL mutation at p.Arg167Gln, that was associated with not only bilateral pheochromocytoma but also lung carcinoid and neuroendocrine tumor of pancreas. Based on literature reviews, the patient was recommended to be further subjected to octreotide-based radionuclide therapy.

Conclusions

Combined with gene detection and clinical diagnosis, we found the inherent relationship between VHL genotype and phenotype, and constructed the standard diagnosis and treatment process of disease with rare VHL mutation from the perspective of gene therapy.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12935-021-02386-w.

Clinical characteristics and risk factors for survival in affected offspring of von Hippel-Lindau disease patients

Background

Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease is an autosomal dominant genetic tumour syndrome with poor prognosis. The clinical manifestation was found to be more serious in affected offspring of patients with VHL disease, but the risk factors and survival for them have never been reported before. We aimed to explore how these patients were influenced by genetic and clinical factors.

Methods

In this retrospective study, we collected 372 affected offspring of VHL patients from 118 unrelated VHL families. Patients were stratified into different groups based on sets of variables. The age-related risk, overall survival and central nervous systemhaemangioblastoma (CHB)-specific survival were analysed between different groups using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox regression analysis.

Results

The estimated median life expectancy and median age of onset for affected offspring of VHL patients were 66 years and 28 years, respectively. The later generation and patients with mutations in exon 3 had an earlier onset age. The first presenting symptom was the only independent risk factor influencing overall survival and CHB-specific survival. Patients that the first presenting symptom is central nervous system (CNS) significantly had a lower life expectancy both in overall survival and CHB-specific survival analysis than abdominal lesions group.

Conclusion

This study indicated that affected offspring of VHL patients with CNS as the first presenting symptom was an independent risk factor for overall survival and CHB-specific survival. Generation and mutation region only had an effect on the onset age, which is helpful to clinical decision-making and generate a more precise surveillance protocol.

Belzutifan for Renal Cell Carcinoma in von Hippel-Lindau Disease

BACKGROUND

Patients with von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease have a high incidence of renal cell carcinoma owing to VHL gene inactivation and constitutive activation of the transcription factor hypoxia-inducible factor 2α (HIF-2α).

METHODS

In this phase 2, open-label, single-group trial, we investigated the efficacy and safety of the HIF-2α inhibitor belzutifan (MK-6482, previously called PT2977), administered orally at a dose of 120 mg daily, in patients with renal cell carcinoma associated with VHL disease. The primary end point was objective response (complete or partial response) as measured according to the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors, version 1.1, by an independent central radiology review committee. We also assessed responses to belzutifan in patients with non-renal cell carcinoma neoplasms and the safety of belzutifan.

RESULTS

After a median follow-up of 21.8 months (range, 20.2 to 30.1), the percentage of patients with renal cell carcinoma who had an objective response was 49% (95% confidence interval, 36 to 62). Responses were also observed in patients with pancreatic lesions (47 of 61 patients [77%]) and central nervous system hemangioblastomas (15 of 50 patients [30%]). Among the 16 eyes that could be evaluated in 12 patients with retinal hemangioblastomas at baseline, all (100%) were graded as showing improvement. The most common adverse events were anemia (in 90% of the patients) and fatigue (in 66%). Seven patients discontinued treatment: four patients voluntarily discontinued, one discontinued owing to a treatment-related adverse event (grade 1 dizziness), one discontinued because of disease progression as assessed by the investigator, and one patient died (of acute toxic effects of fentanyl).

CONCLUSIONS

Belzutifan was associated with predominantly grade 1 and 2 adverse events and showed activity in patients with renal cell carcinomas and non-renal cell carcinoma neoplasms associated with VHL disease. (Funded by Merck Sharp and Dohme and others; MK-6482-004 ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT03401788.).

The importance of genetic study and long-term management in patients with bilateral pheochromocytomas

Tumors secreting catecholamines, such as pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas, are rare and life-threatening, due to their complications. They can be sporadic or occur in genetic syndromes, such as von Hippel-Lindau in which pheochromocytomas are observed in 10 to 20%. We report a case of a 42 years old male, who was sent in 2016 to our department for neurological symptoms related to cerebellar and central vestibular syndromes. His medical history revealed that at 8 years old he was operated for a symptomatic bilateral pheochromocytoma discovered by adrenergic symptoms and high blood pressure. Cerebral MRI showed intra- and extra-axial, supra- and infratentorial lesions causing supratentorial hydrocephalus associated with leptomeningeal dissemination deemed to be hemangioblastomas. One year later the patient started complaining of chronic diarrhea. The abdominal CT revealed three pancreatic tumors with radiological signs of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) and a 12 mm mesenteric nodule presenting as a homogenously and typical for NET. The largest PNET had intensive fixation on octreotide scintigraphy. The association of pheochromocytomas, hemangioblastoma and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors highlighted the diagnosis of VHL syndrome. The family history proved positive in a sibling with bilateral pheochromocytoma in infancy, retinal hemangioblastomas and cerebral hemangioblastoma. Genetic testing would have been useful, but in our case, it was lacking due to poor socio-economic conditions of the patient and absence of genetic testing in public hospitals.

Deep Membrane Proteome Profiling Reveals Overexpression of Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen (PSMA) in High-Risk Human Paraganglioma and Pheochromocytoma, Suggesting New Theranostic Opportunity

Pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGLs) are rare neuroendocrine tumors arising from chromaffin cells of adrenal medulla or sympathetic or parasympathetic paraganglia, respectively. To identify new therapeutic targets, we performed a detailed membrane-focused proteomic analysis of five human paraganglioma (PGL) samples. Using the Pitchfork strategy, which combines specific enrichments of glycopeptides, hydrophobic transmembrane segments, and non-glycosylated extra-membrane peptides, we identified over 1800 integral membrane proteins (IMPs). We found 45 “tumor enriched” proteins, i.e., proteins identified in all five PGLs but not found in control chromaffin tissue. Among them, 18 IMPs were predicted to be localized on the cell surface, a preferred drug targeting site, including prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA), a well-established target for nuclear imaging and therapy of advanced prostate cancer. Using specific antibodies, we verified PSMA expression in 22 well-characterized human PPGL samples. Compared to control chromaffin tissue, PSMA was markedly overexpressed in high-risk PPGLs belonging to the established Cluster 1, which is characterized by worse clinical outcomes, pseudohypoxia, multiplicity, recurrence, and metastasis, specifically including SDHB, VHL, and EPAS1 mutations. Using immunohistochemistry, we localized PSMA expression to tumor vasculature. Our study provides the first direct evidence of PSMA overexpression in PPGLs which could translate to therapeutic and diagnostic applications of anti-PSMA radio-conjugates in high-risk PPGLs.

Central Nervous System Hemangioblastoma in a Pediatric Patient Associated With Von Hippel-Lindau Disease: A Case Report and Literature Review

Background

Hemangioblastoma is a benign tumor of the central nervous system and may appear as a component of von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease. At present, approximately 40 cases of optic nerve HGBs have been reported in the literature. VHL disease is a rare autosomal-dominant inherited cancer syndrome with different phenotypes caused by variants in the VHL gene. Herein, the authors describe a case of a pediatric patient with VHL disease and with optic nerve HGB, a rare phenotypic expression. The purpose of this study was to explore the genotype-phenotype, clinical features, treatment and follow-up of VHL-associated hemangioblastomas in pediatric patients.

Case Description

A 12-year-old boy presented with vision loss, headache and dizziness at our hospital. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a large (19.8 mm*18.5 mm*23.5 mm) irregular mass located in the suprasellar region. The mass was successfully removed after craniotomy and microsurgical treatment. The pathological diagnosis was left optic nerve HGB. Genetic analyses showed p.Pro86Leu (c. 257C>T) heterozygous missense mutations in the VHL gene.

Conclusion

This is the first reported pediatric case of VHL-associated optic nerve HGB. The genotype-phenotype correlation of VHL disease may provide new evidences for predicting tumor penetrance and survival. Gross tumor resection combined with stereotactic radiosurgery might be the most beneficial treatment.

Imaging evaluation of hereditary renal tumors: a pictorial review

More than 10 hereditary renal tumor syndromes (HRTSs) and related germline mutations have been reported with HRTS-associated renal and extrarenal manifestations with benign and malignant tumors. Radiologists play an important role in detecting solitary or multiple renal masses with or without extrarenal findings on imaging and may raise the possibility of an inherited predisposition to renal cell carcinoma, providing direction for further screening, intervention and surveillance of the patients and their close family members before the development of potentially lethal renal and extrarenal tumors. Renal cell carcinomas (RCCs) associated with von Hippel-Lindau disease are typically slow growing while RCCs associated with HRTSs, such as hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell carcinoma syndrome, are highly aggressive. Therefore, radiologists need to be familiar with clinical and imaging findings of renal and extrarenal manifestations of HRTSs. This article reviews clinical and imaging findings for the evaluation of patients with well-established HRTSs from a radiologist's perspective to facilitate the clinical decision-making process for patient management.

Hypoxia-inducible factors and diabetes

Hypoxia can be defined as a relative deficiency in the amount of oxygen reaching the tissues. Hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) are critical regulators of the mammalian response to hypoxia. In normal circumstances, HIF-1α protein turnover is rapid, and hyperglycemia further destabilizes the protein. In addition to their role in diabetes pathogenesis, HIFs are implicated in development of the microvascular and macrovascular complications of diabetes. Improving glucose control in people with diabetes increases HIF-1α protein and has wide-ranging benefits, some of which are at least partially mediated by HIF-1α. Nevertheless, most strategies to improve diabetes or its complications via regulation of HIF-1α have not currently proven to be clinically useful. The intersection of HIF biology with diabetes is a complex area in which many further questions remain, especially regarding the well-conducted studies clearly describing discrepant effects of different methods of increasing HIF-1α, even within the same tissues. This Review presents a brief overview of HIFs; discusses the range of evidence implicating HIFs in β cell dysfunction, diabetes pathogenesis, and diabetes complications; and examines the differing outcomes of HIF-targeting approaches in these conditions.

The Genotype-Phenotype Association of Von Hipple Lindau Disease Based on Mutation Locations: A Retrospective Study of 577 Cases in a Chinese Population

Purpose

Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease is a hereditary kidney cancer syndrome, with which patients are more likely to get affected by renal cell carcinoma (RCC), pancreatic cyst or tumor (PCT), central nervous system hemangioblastoma (CHB), retinal angiomas (RA), and pheochromocytoma (PHEO). Mutations of VHL gene located in 3p25 may impair the function of the VHL protein and lead to the disease. It's unclear why obvious phenotype varieties exist among VHL patients. Here we aimed to ascertain whether the mutation types and locations affect the phenotype.

Methods

We enrolled 577 Chinese VHL patients from 211 families and divided them into three groups and six subgroups according to their mutation types and locations. Cox survival analysis and Kaplan-Meier analysis were used to compare intergroup age-related tumor risks.

Results

Patients with nonsense or frameshift mutations that were located before residues 117 of VHL protein (NoF1 subgroup) hold lower age-related risks of VHL associated tumors (HR = 0.638, 95%CI 0.461-0.883, p = 0.007), CHB (HR = 0.596, 95%CI 0.409-0.868, p = 0.007) or PCT (HR = 0.595, 95%CI 0.368-0.961, p = 0.034) than patients whose mutations were located after residues 117 (NoF2 subgroup). Patients in NoF1 subgroup still had lower age-related risks of CHB (HR = 0.652, 95%CI 0.476-0.893, p = 0.008) and PCT (HR = 0.605, 95%CI 0.398-0.918, p = 0.018) compared with those in combined NoF2 subgroup and other truncating mutation patients. NoF1 subgroup correspondingly had a longer estimated median lifespan (64 vs. 55 year, p = 0.037) than NoF2 subgroup. Among patients with missense mutations of VHL, only a small minority (23 of 286 missense mutations carriers) carried mutations involving neither HIF-α binding region nor elongin C binding region, who were grouped in MO subgroup. MO subgroup seemed to have a higher age-related risk of PHEO. In the whole cohort (n = 577), PHEO was an independent protective factor for CHB (p = 0.001) and survival (p = 0.005). RA and CHB failed to predict the age-related risk of each other.

Conclusion

The mutation types and locations of VHL gene are associated with phenotypes. Genetic counselors could predict phenotypes more accurately based on more detailed genotype-phenotype correlations. Further genotype-phenotype studies should focus on the prediction of tumor recurrence, progression, and metastasis. The deep molecular mechanism of genotype-phenotype correlation is worth further exploring.

Algorithmic assessment of missense mutation severity in the Von-Hippel Lindau protein

Von Hippel-Lindau disease (VHL) is an autosomal dominant rare disease that causes the formation of angiogenic tumors. When functional, pVHL acts as an E3 ubiquitin ligase that negatively regulates hypoxia inducible factor (HIF). Genetic mutations that perturb the structure of pVHL result in dysregulation of HIF, causing a wide array of tumor pathologies including retinal angioma, pheochromocytoma, central nervous system hemangioblastoma, and clear cell renal carcinoma. These VHL-related cancers occur throughout the lifetime of the patient, requiring frequent intervention procedures, such as surgery, to remove the tumors. Although VHL is classified as a rare disease (1 in 39,000 to 1 in 91,000 affected) there is a large heterogeneity in genetic mutations listed for observed pathologies. Understanding how these specific mutations correlate with the myriad of observed pathologies for VHL could provide clinicians insight into the potential severity and onset of disease. Using a select set of 285 ClinVar mutations in VHL, we developed a multiparametric scoring algorithm to evaluate the overall clinical severity of missense mutations in pVHL. The mutations were assessed according to eight weighted parameters as a comprehensive evaluation of protein misfolding and malfunction. Higher mutation scores were strongly associated with pathogenicity. Our approach establishes a novel in silico method by which VHL-specific mutations can be assessed for their severity and effect on the biophysical functions of the VHL protein.

Evaluation, diagnosis and surveillance of renal masses in the setting of VHL disease

This brief report focuses on the evaluation and diagnosis of clinically localized renal masses in children and adults with Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease. Counseling considerations pertinent to the urologists, medical oncologists, and multidisciplinary teams involved in the care of these patients are addressed. As practice patterns regarding the evaluation and management of VHL tumors can vary considerably, this report aims to provide guidance on some of the controversies associated with the diagnostic evaluation and initial management of localized renal masses in VHL patients.

Update on Hereditary Renal Cancer and Imaging Implications

Up to 8% of renal cancers are thought to have a hereditary component. Several hereditary renal cancer syndromes have been identified over the last few decades. It is important for the radiologist to be aware of findings associated with hereditary renal cancer syndromes to detect tumors early, enroll patients in appropriate surveillance programs, and improve outcomes for the patient and affected family members. This review discusses from a radiologist's perspective well-known hereditary renal cancer syndromes and emerging genetic mutations associated with renal cancer that are less well characterized, focusing on imaging features and known associations.

Von Hippel-Lindau Disease and the Eye

Retinal hemangioblastoma (also referred to as retinal capillary hemangioma) is a benign lesion originating from the endothelial and glial components of the neurosensory retina and optic nerve head. Historically known as a manifestation of the von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease, it can be seen as an isolated finding or in association with some rare ocular conditions. In addition to characteristic ophthalmoscopic features, results of numerous ancillary tests including angiography, ultrasound, optical coherence tomography, and genetic tests may support the diagnosis and differentiate it from similar conditions. Because of serious life-threatening complications of VHL disease, every ocular approach to retinal hemangioblastomas should be in relationship with additional multidisciplinary diagnostic and therapeutic efforts. In addition, any patient with actual or probable diagnosis of VHL disease should be screened for ocular involvement. Unfavorable visual loss can occur early, and ocular complications of VHL range from exudative retinopathy to tractional retinal detachment, neovascular glaucoma, and phthisis bulbi. Accordingly, various treatment methods have been tested with overall acceptable responses, including photocoagulation, cryotherapy, photodynamic therapy, plaque radiotherapy, vitrectomy, and more novel intravitreal injections of anti-vascular endothelial growth factors and propranolol.

Hemangioblastoma and von Hippel-Lindau disease: genetic background, spectrum of disease, and neurosurgical treatment

INTRODUCTION

Hemangioblastomas are rare, histologically benign, highly vascularized tumors of the brain, the spinal cord, and the retina, occurring sporadically or associated with the autosomal dominant inherited von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease. Children or adults with VHL disease have one of > 300 known germline mutations of the VHL gene located on chromosome 3. They are prone to develop hemangioblastomas, extremely rarely starting at age 6, rarely at age 12-18, and, typically and almost all, as adults. There is a plethora of VHL-associated tumors and cysts, mainly in the kidney, pancreas, adrenals, reproductive organs, and central nervous system. Due to a lack of causal treatment, alleviation of symptoms and prevention of permanent neurological deficits as well as malignant transformation are the main task. Paucity of data and the nonlinear course of tumor progression make management of pediatric VHL patients with hemangioblastomas challenging.

METHODS

The Freiburg surveillance protocol was developed by combining data from the literature and our experience of examinations of > 300 VHL patients per year at our university VHL center.

RESULTS

Key recommendations are to start screening of patients at risk by funduscopy with dilated pupils for retinal tumors with admission to school and with MRI of the brain and spinal cord at age 14, then continue biannually until age 18, with emergency MRI in case of neurological symptoms. Indication for surgery remains personalized and should be approved by an experienced VHL board, but we regard neurological symptoms, rapid tumor growth, or critically large tumor/cyst sizes as the key indications to remove hemangioblastomas. Since repeated surgery on hemangioblastomas in VHL patients is not rare, modern neurosurgical techniques should encompass microsurgery, neuronavigation, intraoperative neuromonitoring, fluorescein dye-based intraoperative angiography, intraoperative ultrasound, and minimally invasive approaches, preceded in selected cases by endovascular embolization. Highly specialized neurosurgeons are able to achieve a very low risk of permanent morbidity for the removal of hemangioblastomas from the cerebellum and spinal cord. Small retinal tumors of the peripheral retina can be treated by laser coagulation, larger tumors by cryocoagulation or brachytherapy.

CONCLUSION

We consider management at experienced VHL centers mandatory and careful surveillance and monitoring of asymptomatic lesions are required to prevent unnecessary operations and minimize morbidity.

Hemangioblastoma Instead of Renal Cell Carcinoma Plays a Major Role in the Unfavorable Overall Survival of Von Hippel-Lindau Disease Patients

Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease is a hereditary cancer syndrome characterized by poor survival. The effect of the involvement of each organ on survival remains unclear. Our study aimed to study the effect of the involvement of each organ on survival in VHL disease patients. We retrospectively analyzed 336 patients from 125 families. The onset age was compared between different groups using Mann-Whitney U test and Kruskal-Wallis test. Univariate and multivariate time-dependent Cox regression analyses were conducted to evaluate how survival was influenced by the involvement of each organ. The median survival time for VHL disease patients was 66 years. The onset age was earlier in the central nervous system (CNS) group than in the abdominal group. The involvement of central nervous system hemangioblastoma (CHB) and retinal hemangioblastoma (RA) were independent risk factors for overall survival. The involvement of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) was not a significant risk factor for overall survival. Only RA was a risk factor for CHB-specific survival. This study analyzed the relationship between organ involvement and survival of VHL patients. This may help guide future genetic counseling and clinical decision-making.

Germline Genetics and Childhood Cancer: Emerging Cancer Predisposition Syndromes and Psychosocial Impacts

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Germline genetic variants contribute to a substantial proportion of cases of cancer in childhood. The purpose of this review is to describe two emerging pediatric cancer predisposition syndromes, including published surveillance protocols, as well as the psychological impacts related to childhood cancer predisposition.

RECENT FINDINGS

DICER1 syndrome is pleotropic, predisposing to a variety of tumors and likely phenotypically broader than currently realized. Rhabdoid tumor predisposition syndrome carries a risk for development of aggressive malignancies occurring in nearly any tissue. New pediatric hereditary cancer syndromes are likely to be identified as genetic evaluation evolves. Advantages and disadvantages of genetic testing and surveillance protocols need to be discussed with patients and families in a team-based approach, with the input of a genetic counselor holding expertise in pediatric cancer predisposition. Finally, literature on psychosocial impacts of hereditary cancer syndromes in pediatric patients is sparse, necessitating further research.

Distinctive clinicopathological features of Von Hippel-Lindau-associated hereditary renal cell carcinoma: A single-institution study

Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease is a genetic syndrome that involves the development of tumors in numerous organs. The kidney is one of the most frequently affected organs, and patients with VHL and renal tumors require repeated nephrectomy. The present study aimed to further determine the clinicopathological characteristics of patients with VHL-associated renal cell carcinoma (RCC), which may allow more rational clinical treatment decisions. This study included 27 patients with VHL who underwent radical or partial nephrectomy at the Peking University First Hospital between January 2010 and April 2018. The clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of the patients were retrospectively reviewed. The expression of RCC-associated molecular markers was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. The mean size of the renal tumors was 4.3±2.0 cm (range 1.3–9.5 cm). The pathological type in 26 cases (96.3%) was clear cell RCC (CCRCC), whereas only one patient was diagnosed with CCRCC and clear cell papillary RCC. Renal cysts with a clear cell lining were observed, and RCC cell clusters were scattered in renal cyst cavities. Among the 27 patients, 21 (77.8%) were diagnosed with stage IA/T1N0M0, according to Tumor-Node-Metastasis staging, and 16 (59.3%) had grade 1 tumors. The mean postoperative follow-up duration was 39.0±24.0 months (range, 1.7–96.5 months). No metastasis or VHL-associated mortality was observed. VHL-associated RCC is a relatively low-risk disease, and a tumor size of 4 cm was determined as a threshold for nephron-sparing surgery. In addition, to prevent tumor cell dispersion, renal cysts should be carefully treated. A comprehensive understanding of the clinicopathological characteristics and underlying mechanisms of RCC associated with VHL syndrome may improve patient prognosis.

Natural history of renal tumours in von Hippel-Lindau disease: a large retrospective study of Chinese patients

Background

Historically, renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is one of the main causes of death in von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease. However, the natural history of VHL-related RCC has not been thoroughly elucidated to date. This report described the natural history of VHL-related RCC in a large Chinese VHL cohort and might be helpful in the surveillance and treatment of VHL disease.

Methods

In this retrospective study, we included 196 renal tumours from 150 patients with VHL disease. Statistical analysis was used to evaluate the influence of age of onset, sex, family history, unilateral or bilateral tumour, VHL disease type, mutation type, mutation location, and tumour size on tumour growth, metastasis and survival in patients with VHL disease.

Results

The mean age of onset was 38.8 years, and the mean initial tumour size was 3.1 cm. The mean linear growth rate was 0.49 cm/year. Patients experienced faster tumour growth when they had later age of onset, larger initial tumour size, missense mutation, mutations locating in exon 3, and when they were not affected by cerebral or retinal haemangioblastomas. Tumours larger than 4 cm grew faster than those smaller than 4 cm. Bilateral tumours, large initial tumours, fast tumour growth and metastasis were risk factors for poor prognosis in VHL-related RCC.

Conclusion

This large study demonstrated that age of onset, initial tumour size, concomitant tumours, mutation type and mutation location had an effect on growth rate in VHL-related RCC. Active surveillance may be safe for patients with tumour size less than 4 cm, which is helpful in clinical decision-making.

Cumulative Radiation Exposures from CT Screening and Surveillance Strategies for von Hippel-Lindau-associated Solid Pancreatic Tumors

Purpose To assess the potential ionizing radiation exposure from CT scans for both screening and surveillance of patients with von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) syndrome. Materials and Methods For this retrospective study, abdomen-pelvic (AP) and chest-abdomen-pelvic (CAP) CT scans were performed with either a three-phase (n = 1242) or a dual-energy virtual noncontrast protocol (VNC; n = 149) in 747 patients with VHL syndrome in the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center between 2009 and 2015 (mean age, 47.6 years ± 14.6 [standard deviation]; age range, 12-83 years; 320 women [42.8%]). CT scanning parameters for patients with pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs; 124 patients and 381 scans) were compared between a tumor diameter-based surveillance protocol and a VHL genotype and tumor diameter-based algorithm (a tailored algorithm) developed by three VHL clinicians. Organ and lifetime radiation doses were estimated by two radiologists and five radiation scientists. Cumulative radiation doses were compared between the PNET surveillance algorithms by analyses of variance, and a two-tailed P value less than .05 indicated statistical significance. Results Median cumulative colon doses for annual CAP and AP CT scans from age 15 to 40 years ranged from 0.34 Gy (5th-95th percentiles, 0.18-0.75; dual-energy VNC CT) to 0.89 Gy (5th-95th percentiles, 0.42-1.0; three-phase CT). For the current PNET surveillance protocol, the cumulative effective radiation dose from age 40 to 65 years was 682 mSv (tumors < 1.2 cm) and 2125 mSv (tumors > 3 cm). The tailored algorithm could halve these doses for patients with initial tumor diameter less than 1.2 cm (P < .001). Conclusion CT screening of patients with von Hippel-Lindau syndrome can lead to substantial radiation exposures, even with dual-energy virtual noncontrast CT. A genome and tumor diameter-based algorithm for pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor surveillance may potentially reduce lifetime radiation exposure. © RSNA, 2018 Online supplemental material is available for this article.

Germline VHL gene variant in patients with von Hippel-Lindau disease does not predict renal tumor growth

PURPOSE

To determine whether the type of VHL gene pathogenic variant influences the growth rate or CT enhancement values of renal lesions in VHL patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty-two VHL patients (19 male) were selected from a prospectively maintained imaging database for patients that underwent surgical tumor resection between 2014 and 2016. One hundred and eleven VHL lesions were marked for resection and pathology analysis. Whole lesion volumetric segmentation was performed on nephrographic phase of the two most recent contrast-enhanced CT scans before surgery. Intensity distribution curves were obtained from segmentations. A linear mixed model, accounting for within-patient correlations, was used to compare the growth and enhancement differences between different germline pathogenic variant types.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference for the lesions' total growth between different germline pathogenic variants (P value = 0.78). The median growth rate for all lesions was 1.7 cc/year (IQR 0.5, 3.9) with a baseline median size of 4.1 cm³ (IQR 1.7, 11.7). In complex lesions, the solid portion of the tumor demonstrated a higher growth rate (1.6 cc/year) than cystic portions (0.02 cc/year) which stayed relatively unchanged. Only one pathogenic variant (Splice donor) showed some levels of difference in its relative enhancement from other subtypes.

CONCLUSION

The type of germline pathogenic variant on the VHL gene does not affect the growth rate or CT enhancement values of renal lesions in patients with VHL. The absolute growth rate of these tumors may be used in the scheduling of follow-up studies.

Bilateral Pheochromocytomas in a Patient with Y175C Von Hippel-Lindau Mutation

Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease, caused by germline mutations in the VHL gene, is characterized by metachronously occurring tumors including pheochromocytoma, renal cell carcinoma (RCC), and hemangioblastoma. Although VHL disease leads to reduced life expectancy, its diagnosis is often missed and tumor screening guidelines are sparse. VHL protein acts as a tumor suppressor by targeting hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) for degradation through an oxygen-dependent mechanism. VHL mutants with more severely reduced HIF degrading function carry a high risk of RCC, while mutants with preserved HIF degrading capacity do not cause RCC but still lead to other tumors. VHL disease is classified into clinical types (1 and 2A-2C) based on this genotype-phenotype relationship. We report a case of bilateral pheochromocytomas and no other VHL-related tumors in a patient with Y175C VHL and show that this mutant preserves the ability to degrade HIF in normal oxygen conditions but, similar to the wild-type VHL protein, loses its ability to degrade HIF under hypoxic conditions. This study adds to the current understanding of the structure-function relationship of VHL mutations, which is important for risk stratification of future tumor development in the patients.

65 YEARS OF THE DOUBLE HELIX: Genetics informs precision practice in the diagnosis and management of pheochromocytoma

Although the authors of the present review have contributed to genetic discoveries in the field of pheochromocytoma research, we can legitimately ask whether these advances have led to improvements in the diagnosis and management of patients with pheochromocytoma. The answer to this question is an emphatic Yes! In the field of molecular genetics, the well-established axiom that familial (genetic) pheochromocytoma represents 10% of all cases has been overturned, with >35% of cases now attributable to germline disease-causing mutations. Furthermore, genetic pheochromocytoma can now be grouped into five different clinical presentation types in the context of the ten known susceptibility genes for pheochromocytoma-associated syndromes. We now have the tools to diagnose patients with genetic pheochromocytoma, identify germline mutation carriers and to offer gene-informed medical management including enhanced surveillance and prevention. Clinically, we now treat an entire family of tumors of the paraganglia, with the exact phenotype varying by specific gene. In terms of detection and classification, simultaneous advances in biochemical detection and imaging localization have taken place, and the histopathology of the paraganglioma tumor family has been revised by immunohistochemical-genetic classification by gene-specific antibody immunohistochemistry. Treatment options have also been substantially enriched by the application of minimally invasive and adrenal-sparing surgery. Finally and most importantly, it is now widely recognized that patients with genetic pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma syndromes should be treated in specialized centers dedicated to the diagnosis, treatment and surveillance of this rare neoplasm.

Genotype and phenotype correlation in von Hippel-Lindau disease based on alteration of the HIF-α binding site in VHL protein

PURPOSE

Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease is a rare hereditary cancer syndrome that reduces life expectancy. We aimed to construct a more valuable genotype-phenotype correlation based on alterations in VHL protein (pVHL).

METHODS

VHL patients (n = 339) were recruited and grouped based on mutation types: HIF-α binding site missense (HM) mutations, non-HIF-α binding site missense (nHM) mutations, and truncating (TR) mutations. Age-related risks of VHL-associated tumors and patient survival were compared.

RESULTS

Missense mutations conferred an increased risk of pheochromocytoma (HR = 1.854, p = 0.047) compared with truncating mutations. The risk of pheochromocytoma was lower in the HM group than in the nHM group (HR = 0.298, p = 0.003) but was similar between HM and TR groups (HR = 0.901, p = 0.810). Patients in the nHM group had a higher risk of pheochromocytoma (HR = 3.447, p < 0.001) and lower risks of central nervous system hemangioblastoma (CHB) (HR = 0.700, p = 0.045), renal cell carcinoma (HR = 0.610, p = 0.024), and pancreatic tumor (HR = 0.382, p < 0.001) than those in the combined HM and TR (HMTR) group. Moreover, nHM mutations were independently associated with better overall survival (HR = 0.345, p = 0.005) and CHB-specific survival (HR = 0.129, p = 0.005) than HMTR mutations.

CONCLUSION

The modified genotype-phenotype correlation links VHL gene mutation, substrate binding site, and phenotypic diversity (penetrance and survival), and provides more accurate information for genetic counseling and pathogenesis studies.