Genetic characteristics of a patient with multiple primary cancers: A case report

Is there value in the routine inclusion of chest computed tomography for patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumor?

PURPOSE

National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines suggest chest CT when gastrointestinal stromal tumors are larger than 2 cm. We evaluate the value of screening the chest region during initial and follow-up CT.

METHOD

Single institution retrospective analysis of GIST cancer registry for patients diagnosed between May 2010 and November 2019 with tumor > 2 cm. We collected the patient demographics and clinical data; reviewed all CT scans of the chest region and recorded the lung nodules. Patients were grouped into lung nodule group and non-nodule group. Categorical variables were compared with the Chi square test and continuous variables with the Mann-Whitney U test. The survival probability was determined from Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and log-rank test for comparing differences.

RESULTS

The final cohort included 382 patients (median age 61 years-old [interquartile range: 52-71]) and grouped into non-nodule group (n = 284) and lung nodule group (n = 98). The frequency of the CT scan was more in lung nodule group (8 [5-12]) than in non-nodule group (4 [2-9], p < 0.001). The lung nodule group had more CT including the chest region (6 [3-10] vs 3 [1-7], p < 0.001). In progressive lung nodules (8/98 [8 %]), only one patient had confirmed lung metastasis from GIST (1/382 [3 %]). There was no difference in overall survival between nodule groups (p = 0.12).

CONCLUSIONS

GIST patients with tumors larger than 2 cm have extremely low risk for lung metastasis. Routine inclusion of chest CT scan in staging and follow up is unnecessary.

A Mouse Systems Genetics Approach Reveals Common and Uncommon Genetic Modifiers of Hepatic Lysosomal Enzyme Activities and Glycosphingolipids

Identification of genetic modulators of lysosomal enzyme activities and glycosphingolipids (GSLs) may facilitate the development of therapeutics for diseases in which they participate, including Lysosomal Storage Disorders (LSDs). To this end, we used a systems genetics approach: we measured 11 hepatic lysosomal enzymes and many of their natural substrates (GSLs), followed by modifier gene mapping by GWAS and transcriptomics associations in a panel of inbred strains. Unexpectedly, most GSLs showed no association between their levels and the enzyme activity that catabolizes them. Genomic mapping identified 30 shared predicted modifier genes between the enzymes and GSLs, which are clustered in three pathways and are associated with other diseases. Surprisingly, they are regulated by ten common transcription factors, and their majority by miRNA-340p. In conclusion, we have identified novel regulators of GSL metabolism, which may serve as therapeutic targets for LSDs and may suggest the involvement of GSL metabolism in other pathologies.

Case report: Quadruple primary malignant neoplasms including esophageal, ureteral, and lung in an elderly male

Multiple primary malignant neoplasms (MPMNs) are defined as multiple tumors with different pathogenic origins. MPMNs are rare, but the morbidity rate is on the rise. With the development of anti-tumor treatments, such as targeted therapy and immunotherapy, the overall survival of cancer patients has been significantly prolonged, leading to an increased number of patients with MPMNs. A crucial aspect of MPMNs management is deciding how to schedule further treatments according to individual tumor risk. This process involves a multidisciplinary physician team to ensure favorable outcomes. Herein we report a 60-year-old male who developed four different malignancies, including esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma, mediastinal small cell lung cancer, and left lung squamous cell carcinoma over 20 years and received appropriate treatment of each cancer with long survival.