Desmoid tumors complicating Familial Adenomatous Polyposis: a meta-analysis mutation spectrum of affected individuals

The Progress of Colorectal Polyposis Syndrome in Chinese Population

The pathogenesis, clinical phenotype, treatment strategy, and family management of hereditary tumor syndromes are different from those of sporadic tumors. Nearly a quarter of patients with colorectal cancer show significant familial aggregation and genetic predisposition, and 5 to 10% are associated with definite genetic factors. According to the clinical phenotype, it can be divided into nonpolyposis syndrome and polyposis syndrome. Among the polyposis syndrome patients with definite clinical symptoms, there are still some patients with unknown etiology (especially attenuated familial adenomatous polyposis), which is a difficult problem in clinical diagnosis and treatment. Therefore, for this rare disease, it is urgent to carry out multicenter studies, complete the gene variation spectrum, explore new pathogenic factors, and accumulate clinical experience. This article mainly introduces the research progress and related work of colorectal polyposis syndrome in China.

Cytopathology of rare gastric mesenchymal neoplasms: A series of 25 cases and review of literature

BACKGROUND

Gastrointestinal stromal tumour (GIST) is the most common mesenchymal neoplasm arising in the stomach. However, a number of other rare mesenchymal neoplasms do occur at this anatomic site, which often presents a diagnostic challenge for cytopathologists on endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA). Our study aims to selectively present the clinico-radiological and cytopathological characteristics of these rare "non-GIST" neoplasms, as well as their differential diagnoses.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We performed a 20 year retrospective search in the cytopathology database of our two large medical institutions for non-GIST mesenchymal neoplasms arising in the stomach and diagnosed on EUS-FNA. Data regarding the patients' demographics and radiological findings were analysed. All available cytopathology specimens were reviewed. The cytomorphological characteristics and the accompanying immunohistochemical stains, when available, were subsequently analysed.

RESULTS

Twenty-five cases of gastric mesenchymal tumours were selectively included in the study after excluding all cases of GIST (n = 113) diagnosed on FNA. These cases included 10 leiomyomas (40%), eight schwannomas (32%), five glomus tumours (20%), one perivascular epithelioid cell neoplasm, and one desmoid tumour. The specimen cellularity was variable and ranged from hypocellular to highly cellular. Most smears were composed of spindle cells with a few showing epithelioid morphology. Cell blocks were available in 20 cases and a range of immunohistochemical ancillary studies were performed. DOG-1, c-KIT, smooth muscle actin (SMA), and S100-protein were the most common immunomarkers done.

CONCLUSION

Our study highlights important cytomorphological characteristics of rare mesenchymal neoplasms arising in the stomach. In the appropriate clinical setting and with the help of immunohistochemistry, an accurate diagnosis of these neoplasms can be achieved.

Intra-abdominal desmoid tumors in familial adenomatous polyposis: How much do clinical and surgical variables interfere with their development?

OBJECTIVE

Familial Adenomatous Polyposis is a complex hereditary disease that exposes the carrier to a great risk of Colorectal Cancer (CRC). After prophylactic surgery, intra-abdominal desmoid tumors are known to be one the most important cause of death. Therefore, recognition of increased-risk patients and modification of operative strategy may be crucial.

AIM

The objective of this study was to estimate the desmoid tumor risk in relation to various surgical and clinical variables.

METHODS

Patients who had undergone polyposis since 1958 were included in the study. After exclusion criteria were met, those who had developed desmoid tumors were selected to undergo further evaluation.

RESULTS

The study revealed that the risk of developing desmoid tumors was associated with various factors such as sex ratio, colectomy, and reoperations. On the other hand, the type of surgery, family history, and surgical approach did not affect the risk of developing desmoid tumors. The data collected from 146 polyposis patients revealed that 16% had desmoid polyps. The sex ratio was 7:1, and the median age at colectomy was 28.6 years. Family history, multiple abdominal operations, and reoperations were some of the characteristics that were common in desmoid patients.

CONCLUSION

Recognition of clinical (female sex) and surgical (timing of surgery and previous reoperations) data as unfavorable variables associated with greater risk may be useful during the decision-making process.

Constipation Misperception: Could It Be Familial Adenomatosis Polyposis?

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. Familial adenomatosis polyposis (FAP) is a rare cause of colorectal cancer. The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends screening for colorectal cancer in average-risk, asymptomatic adults aged 50 to 75 years. While age is the most important risk factor, we need to consider the family history of colorectal cancer. FAP is a rare cause of colorectal cancer, leading to high morbidity and mortality if undetected and undiagnosed. It is easy to overlook the family history in a busy primary care clinic with limited patient encounter times. Clinicians mustn't forget this important piece of information as it can give leads for further patient evaluation. We present a case report of a 21-year-old male who presented to our clinic to establish primary care and with vague abdominal complaints. Still, the concerning family history of early onset colon cancer in his half-sister raised red flags and directed us to further evaluate. Further evaluation revealed our patient, in fact, had FAP.

Familial adenomatosis polyposis-related desmoid tumours treated with low-dose chemotherapy: results from an international, multi-institutional, retrospective analysis

Introduction

Desmoid tumour (DT) is a locally aggressive fibroblastic proliferative disease representing the most common extraintestinal manifestation of familial adenomatosis polyposis (FAP). As data on the activity of chemotherapy in these patients are limited, we examined the outcomes of patients treated with low-dose methotrexate (MTX)+vinca alkaloids (vinorelbine or vinblastine).

Patients and methods

We retrospectively reviewed clinical and outcome data from all patients with confirmed FAP-associated DTs treated with weekly MTX+vinca alkaloids in seven European sarcoma reference centres between January 2000 and December 2018. Radiological responses were assessed using RECIST V.1.0 and V.1.1. The Kaplan-Meier method associated to the log-rank test was used to estimate and compare survival curves.

Results

We identified 37 patients (median age 29 years, range 7–44). According to RECIST, 20/37 (54.1%) patients achieved partial response (PR), 15/37 (40.5%) patients had stable disease and 2/37 (5.4%) had progressive disease as best response. Overall, the median progression-free survival (PFS) was 6.5 years (range, 0.3–12.1 years). In the subset of patients achieving PR as best response, the median PFS was not reached. In a subset of 11 patients with progressive disease offered MTX+vinca alkaloids rechallenge (after chemotherapy withdrawal following prolonged disease control), the disease control rate was 100%, resulting in a median PFS after rechallenge of 5.8 years.

Conclusions

This is the largest series on the activity of low-dose chemotherapy in patients with FAP-related DT. In this population, MTX+vinca alkaloids is an active combination, as already reported in patients with sporadic DT.

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

BACKGROUND

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

METHODS

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

RESULTS

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

CONCLUSIONS

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

Upfront surgery is not advantageous compared to more conservative treatments such as observation or medical treatment for patients with desmoid tumors

Background

This study compared the clinical and functional outcomes of patients initially treated with observation or medical treatment with those of patients treated with local treatment (surgery alone or surgery with adjuvant radiotherapy) to confirm whether observation or medical treatment is an appropriate first-line management approach for patients with desmoid tumors.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 99 patients with histologically confirmed primary desmoid tumors treated between 1978 and 2018. The median follow-up period was 57 months. We evaluated event-free survival, defined as the time interval from the date of initial diagnosis to the date of specific change in treatment strategy or recurrence or the last follow-up.

Results

An event (specific change in treatment strategy or recurrence) occurred in 28 patients (28.3%). No significant difference in event-free survival was found between the first-line observation/medical treatment and local treatment groups (p = 0.509). The median Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score of the patients treated with first-line local treatment was 29 (interquartile range [IQR], 23–30), whereas that of the patients managed with first-line observation or medical treatment was 21 (IQR, 19–29.5). First-line observation or medical treatment was more frequently chosen for larger tumors (p = 0.045). In the patients treated with local treatment, local recurrence was not related to the surgical margin (p = 0.976).

Conclusion

Upfront surgery is not advantageous compared to more conservative treatments such as observation or medical treatment for patients with desmoid tumors.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12891-020-03897-9.

Desmoid Tumors Characteristics, Clinical Management, Active Surveillance, and Description of Our FAP Case Series

(1) Background: desmoid tumors (DTs) are common in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). An active surveillance approach has been recently proposed as a valuable alternative to immediate treatment in some patients. However, no clear indication exists on which patients are suitable for active surveillance, how to establish the cut-off for an active treatment, and which imaging technique or predictive factors should be used during the surveillance period. (2) Results: we retrospectively analyzed 13 FAP patients with DTs. A surveillance protocol consisting of scheduled follow-up evaluations depending on tumor location and tissue thickening, abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan/Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) allowed prompt intervention in 3/11 aggressive intra-abdominal DTs, while sparing further interventions in the remaining cases, despite worrisome features detected in three patients. Moreover, we identified a possible predictive marker of tumor aggressiveness, i.e., the "average monthly growth rate" (AMGR), which could distinguish patients with very aggressive/life-threatening tumor behavior (AMGR > 0.5) who need immediate active treatment, from those with stable DTs (AMGR < 0.1) in whom follow-up assessments could be delayed. (3) Conclusion: surveillance protocols may be a useful approach for DTs. Further studies on larger series are needed to confirm the usefulness of periodic CT scan/MRI and the value of AMGR as a prognostic tool to guide treatment strategies.

Does ileoanal pouch surgery increase the risk of desmoid in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis?

PURPOSE

Patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) may undergo either ileorectal anastomosis (IRA) or ileal pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA) depending on the degree of rectal involvement. Desmoid tumors (DTs) may arise postoperatively. Whether IPAA is associated with a higher risk of DTs as compared with IRA remains controversial. The purpose of this study was to determine whether IPAA increased the risk of DTs by analyzing the published data that compared IRA and IPAA as the primary treatment for FAP.

METHODS

A metaanalysis was performed to analyze the published data between 1989 and 2019. IRA and IPAA were compared with respect to the incidence of DTs.

RESULTS

Eight retrospective studies with a total of 1072 patients were identified: 491 underwent IPAA and 581 IRA. There was no significant difference in the incidence of DTs between IPAA and IRA (11.81% vs. 9.47%, OR 0.95, P = 0.85). Meanwhile, the overall complication (42.97% vs. 36.76%, OR 1.32, P = 0.11), incidence of cancer (4.88% vs. 8.37%, OR 0.28, P = 0.26), and overall mortality (0.33% vs. 5.20%, OR 0.49, P = 0.53) were comparable too.

CONCLUSION

Ileoanal pouch surgery is associated with similar risk of desmoid in patients with FAP after surgery.

Gardner syndrome with a giant mass in the thoracic cavity: a case report and analysis of the related complications

Gardner syndrome (GS) is a form of familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) and is characterized by colonic polyposis, osteomas, and soft-tissue tumors. Desmoid tumors (DT) are lesions of mesenchymal origin and are an extra-colonic manifestation of GS. Gardner-associated fibroma (GAF) is considered to be a benign soft-tissue lesion related to DT and FAP. Here we present a case of an 18-year-old female patient with a huge lump in her right thoracic cavity and another lump located in her left lumbar muscles who was diagnosed with GS through a colonoscopy and through adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene mutation detection. The patient underwent a surgical resection of the right thoracic tumor. Three months later, the left waist lump underwent medical treatment with tamoxifen and celecoxib and was monitored using computed tomography (CT). Subsequently, colonoscopy screening was performed annually to prevent colorectal cancer. GAF is frequent in GS, and such a huge GAP in the thorax is very rare, with few cases reported in the literature. Patients with GS must be closely monitored, and clinical and imaging examinations must be performed to detect any signs of tumors.

Familial Adenomatous Polyposis Complicated by Acute Myelogenous Leukemia

Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by the appearance of multiple colorectal adenomatous polyps and propensity for evolving into adenocarcinoma, typically in early adulthood. We present a case of a 38-year-old man with a one-year history of bloody stool, found to have innumerable polyps throughout the colon and therefore diagnosed with FAP. Completed blood count with differential revealed blasts, a finding confirmed via a peripheral blood smear; a follow-up bone marrow biopsy also showed blasts and he was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). To our knowledge, FAP and AML occurring in the same patient were reported only once in the literature. In our patient and the previously reported case, it is assumed that FAP occurred first and AML developed later; no family history of FAP was noted in either patient. This case raises the question of whether a sporadic FAP is more likely to lead to AML compared to the classic FAP.

Gastrointestinal Polyposis in Pediatric Patients

Gastrointestinal polyps are mucosal overgrowths that, if unchecked, can undergo malignant transformation. Although relatively uncommon in the pediatric age group, they can be the harbingers of multiorgan cancer risk and require close management and follow-up. Additionally, as many polyposis syndromes are inherited, appropriate genetic testing and management of relatives is vital for the health of the entire family. In this review, we discuss both common and uncommon childhood gastrointestinal polyposis syndromes in terms of clinical presentation, management, and surveillance. We also detail any additional malignancy risk and surveillance required in the pediatric age group (<21 years old). Through this review, we provide a framework for gastroenterologists to manage the multifaceted nature of pediatric polyposis syndromes.

Hereditary Cancer Syndromes-A Primer on Diagnosis and Management, Part 2: Gastrointestinal Cancer Syndromes

Hereditary causes due to mutations and defects in certain genes account for roughly 5% to 10% of all colorectal cancers. These inherited syndromes have been associated with a 60% to 100% lifetime risk for development of colorectal cancer, depending on the genetic syndrome, and many also carry an increased risk for multiple extracolonic malignancies. In this second part of a review series on hereditary cancer syndromes, the focus will be to provide guidance on the features and management of the most commonly encountered hereditary colorectal cancers and polyposis conditions including Lynch syndrome, familial adenomatous polyposis, MUTYH-associated polyposis, and hamartomatous polyposis.

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

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

Genetic predisposition to colorectal cancer: syndromes, genes, classification of genetic variants and implications for precision medicine

This article reviews genes and syndromes associated with predisposition to colorectal cancer (CRC), with an overview of gene variant classification. We include updates on the application of preventive and therapeutic measures, focusing on the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and immunotherapy. Germline pathogenic variants in genes conferring high or moderate risk to cancer are detected in 6-10% of all CRCs and 20% of those diagnosed before age 50. CRC syndromes can be subdivided into nonpolyposis and polyposis entities, the most common of which are Lynch syndrome and familial adenomatous polyposis, respectively. In addition to known and novel genes associated with highly penetrant CRC risk, identification of pathogenic germline variants in genes associated with moderate-penetrance cancer risk and/or hereditary cancer syndromes not traditionally linked to CRC may have an impact on genetic testing, counseling, and surveillance. The use of multigene panels in genetic testing has exposed challenges in the classification of variants of uncertain significance. We provide an overview of the main classification systems and strategies for improving these. Finally, we highlight approaches for integrating chemoprevention in the care of individuals with genetic predisposition to CRC and use of targeted agents and immunotherapy for treatment of mismatch repair-deficient and hypermutant tumors. Copyright © 2018 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

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

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

From Gardner fibroma diagnosis to constitutional APC mutation detection: a one-way street

We report a young child without a family history of FAP, who promptly underwent APC testing after the histological confirmation of a paraspinal GAF that was not isolated. Our case report reinforces the suggestion advanced by previous authors for an APC analysis in all patients with GAF.

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

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

Dispelling misconceptions in the management of familial adenomatous polyposis

Patients with familial adenomatous polyposis require surgical intervention at some point in their lives. The diagnosis is often apparent from their phenotype and family history, however, this is not always the case. Many factors can influence the surgical strategy although the polyposis burden and distribution remain the main consideration. While prophylactic removal of the rectum and colon is often required, sparing the rectum at the index surgery is safe in select patients. This article aims to dispel misconceptions in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with familial adenomatous polyposis.

The treatment of desmoid tumors associated with familial adenomatous polyposis: the results of a Japanese multicenter observational study

PURPOSE

Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)-associated desmoid tumor (DT) is sometimes life threatening. However, the optimal treatment for DTs has not been established. The aim of this study was to analyze the outcomes of surgical and pharmacological treatments for DT in Japanese FAP patients.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the data of 303 patients who underwent colectomy for FAP between 2000 and 2012. We analyzed 41 patients with DTs in which the location was apparent. The selection of treatment for intra-abdominal DTs was also evaluated according to Church's classification.

RESULTS

Surgery was frequently used to treat extra-abdominal DTs. Multimodal treatments, including surgery, and the administration of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, hormonal therapy, and chemotherapy were widely used for intra-abdominal DTs. The most effective pharmacological treatment was cytotoxic chemotherapy, which was associated with a response rate of 45.5% and a disease control rate of 72.7%. After a median follow-up period of 53.0 months, the 5-year DT-specific survival rate in patients with stage IV disease was 71.4%; in contrast, the rate in patients with other stages was 100%. Four-stage IV patients died of DT due to uncontrollable rapid progression. No cytotoxic chemotherapy was administered; however, incomplete resection was performed in three cases.

CONCLUSION

Our findings will provide clues that may help physicians in selecting the optimal strategy for this rare disease.

Desmoid Fibromatosis Presenting as Deep Venous Thrombosis: A Case Report and Discussion

Patient: Male, 40

Final Diagnosis: Desmoid fibromatosis

Symptoms: Discomfort

Medication: —

Clinical Procedure: Surgery and radiotherapy

Specialty: Surgery

Interaction between APC and Fen1 during breast carcinogenesis

Aberrant DNA base excision repair (BER) contributes to malignant transformation. However, inter-individual variations in DNA repair capacity plays a key role in modifying breast cancer risk. We review here emerging evidence that two proteins involved in BER - adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) and flap endonuclease 1 (Fen1) - promote the development of breast cancer through novel mechanisms. APC and Fen1 expression and interaction is increased in breast tumors versus normal cells, APC interacts with and blocks Fen1 activity in Pol-β-directed LP-BER, and abrogation of LP-BER is linked with cigarette smoke condensate-induced transformation of normal breast epithelial cells. Carcinogens increase expression of APC and Fen1 in spontaneously immortalized human breast epithelial cells, human colon cancer cells, and mouse embryonic fibroblasts. Since APC and Fen1 are tumor suppressors, an increase in their levels could protect against carcinogenesis; however, this does not seem to be the case. Elevated Fen1 levels in breast and lung cancer cells may reflect the enhanced proliferation of cancer cells or increased DNA damage in cancer cells compared to normal cells. Inactivation of the tumor suppressor functions of APC and Fen1 is due to their interaction, which may act as a susceptibility factor for breast cancer. The increased interaction of APC and Fen1 may occur due to polypmorphic and/or mutational variation in these genes. Screening of APC and Fen1 polymorphic and/or mutational variations and APC/Fen1 interaction may permit assessment of individual DNA repair capability and the risk for breast cancer development. Such individuals might lower their breast cancer risk by reducing exposure to carcinogens. Stratifying individuals according to susceptibility would greatly assist epidemiologic studies of the impact of suspected environmental carcinogens. Additionally, a mechanistic understanding of the interaction of APC and Fen1 may provide the basis for developing new and effective targeted chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic agents.