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Linga BG, Mohammed SGAA, Farrell T, Rifai HA, Al-Dewik N, Qoronfleh MW. Genomic Newborn Screening for Pediatric Cancer Predisposition Syndromes: A Holistic Approach. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:2017. [PMID: 38893137 PMCID: PMC11171256 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16112017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
As next-generation sequencing (NGS) has become more widely used, germline and rare genetic variations responsible for inherited illnesses, including cancer predisposition syndromes (CPSs) that account for up to 10% of childhood malignancies, have been found. The CPSs are a group of germline genetic disorders that have been identified as risk factors for pediatric cancer development. Excluding a few "classic" CPSs, there is no agreement regarding when and how to conduct germline genetic diagnostic studies in children with cancer due to the constant evolution of knowledge in NGS technologies. Various clinical screening tools have been suggested to aid in the identification of individuals who are at greater risk, using diverse strategies and with varied outcomes. We present here an overview of the primary clinical and molecular characteristics of various CPSs and summarize the existing clinical genomics data on the prevalence of CPSs in pediatric cancer patients. Additionally, we discuss several ethical issues, challenges, limitations, cost-effectiveness, and integration of genomic newborn screening for CPSs into a healthcare system. Furthermore, we assess the effectiveness of commonly utilized decision-support tools in identifying patients who may benefit from genetic counseling and/or direct genetic testing. This investigation highlights a tailored and systematic approach utilizing medical newborn screening tools such as the genome sequencing of high-risk newborns for CPSs, which could be a practical and cost-effective strategy in pediatric cancer care.
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Affiliation(s)
- BalaSubramani Gattu Linga
- Department of Research, Women’s Wellness and Research Center, Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), P.O. Box 3050, Doha 0974, Qatar
- Translational and Precision Medicine Research, Women’s Wellness and Research Center (WWRC), Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), Doha 0974, Qatar
| | | | - Thomas Farrell
- Department of Research, Women’s Wellness and Research Center, Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), P.O. Box 3050, Doha 0974, Qatar
| | - Hilal Al Rifai
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), Newborn Screening Unit, Department of Pediatrics and Neonatology, Women’s Wellness and Research Center (WWRC), Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), Doha 0974, Qatar
| | - Nader Al-Dewik
- Department of Research, Women’s Wellness and Research Center, Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), P.O. Box 3050, Doha 0974, Qatar
- Translational and Precision Medicine Research, Women’s Wellness and Research Center (WWRC), Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), Doha 0974, Qatar
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), Newborn Screening Unit, Department of Pediatrics and Neonatology, Women’s Wellness and Research Center (WWRC), Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), Doha 0974, Qatar
- Genomics and Precision Medicine (GPM), College of Health & Life Science (CHLS), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Doha 0974, Qatar
- Faculty of Health and Social Care Sciences, Kingston University and St George’s University of London, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey, London KT1 2EE, UK
| | - M. Walid Qoronfleh
- Healthcare Research & Policy Division, Q3 Research Institute (QRI), Ann Arbor, MI 48197, USA
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Jovanović A, Tošić N, Marjanović I, Komazec J, Zukić B, Nikitović M, Ilić R, Grujičić D, Janić D, Pavlović S. Germline Variants in Cancer Predisposition Genes in Pediatric Patients with Central Nervous System Tumors. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17387. [PMID: 38139220 PMCID: PMC10744041 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Central nervous system (CNS) tumors comprise around 20% of childhood malignancies. Germline variants in cancer predisposition genes (CPGs) are found in approximately 10% of pediatric patients with CNS tumors. This study aimed to characterize variants in CPGs in pediatric patients with CNS tumors and correlate these findings with clinically relevant data. Genomic DNA was isolated from the peripheral blood of 51 pediatric patients and further analyzed by the next-generation sequencing approach. Bioinformatic analysis was done using an "in-house" gene list panel, which included 144 genes related to pediatric brain tumors, and the gene list panel Neoplasm (HP:0002664). Our study found that 27% of pediatric patients with CNS tumors have a germline variant in some of the known CPGs, like ALK, APC, CHEK2, ELP1, MLH1, MSH2, NF1, NF2 and TP53. This study represents the first comprehensive evaluation of germline variants in pediatric patients with CNS tumors in the Western Balkans region. Our results indicate the necessity of genomic research to reveal the genetic basis of pediatric CNS tumors, as well as to define targets for the application and development of innovative therapeutics that form the basis of the upcoming era of personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksa Jovanović
- Pediatric Oncology Department, National Cancer Research Center, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (A.J.); (D.J.)
| | - Nataša Tošić
- Laboratory for Molecular Biomedicine, Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, 11042 Belgrade, Serbia; (N.T.); (I.M.); (J.K.); (B.Z.)
| | - Irena Marjanović
- Laboratory for Molecular Biomedicine, Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, 11042 Belgrade, Serbia; (N.T.); (I.M.); (J.K.); (B.Z.)
| | - Jovana Komazec
- Laboratory for Molecular Biomedicine, Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, 11042 Belgrade, Serbia; (N.T.); (I.M.); (J.K.); (B.Z.)
| | - Branka Zukić
- Laboratory for Molecular Biomedicine, Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, 11042 Belgrade, Serbia; (N.T.); (I.M.); (J.K.); (B.Z.)
| | - Marina Nikitović
- Pediatric Radiation Oncology Department, National Cancer Research Center, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia;
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (R.I.); (D.G.)
| | - Rosanda Ilić
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (R.I.); (D.G.)
- Neurooncology Department, Neurosurgery Clinic, University Clinical Centre of Serbia, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Danica Grujičić
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (R.I.); (D.G.)
- Neurooncology Department, Neurosurgery Clinic, University Clinical Centre of Serbia, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Dragana Janić
- Pediatric Oncology Department, National Cancer Research Center, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (A.J.); (D.J.)
| | - Sonja Pavlović
- Laboratory for Molecular Biomedicine, Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, 11042 Belgrade, Serbia; (N.T.); (I.M.); (J.K.); (B.Z.)
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Telman G, Strauss E, Sosnowska-Sienkiewicz P, Halasz M, Januszkiewicz-Lewandowska D. Simultaneous Occurrence of Multiple Neoplasms in Children with Cancer Predisposition Syndromes: Collaborating with Abnormal Genes. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1670. [PMID: 37761810 PMCID: PMC10530991 DOI: 10.3390/genes14091670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The identification of cancer predisposition syndromes (CPSs) plays a crucial role in understanding the etiology of pediatric cancers. CPSs are genetic mutations that increase the risk of developing cancer at an earlier age compared to the risk for the general population. This article aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of three unique cases involving pediatric patients with CPS who were diagnosed with multiple simultaneous or metachronous cancers. The first case involves a child with embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma, nephroblastoma, glioma, and subsequent medulloblastoma. Genetic analysis identified two pathogenic variants in the BRCA2 gene. The second case involves a child with alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma, juvenile xanthogranuloma, gliomas, and subsequent JMML/MDS/MPS. A pathogenic variant in the NF1 gene was identified. The third case involves a child with pleuropulmonary blastoma and pediatric cystic nephroma/nephroblastoma, in whom a pathogenic variant in the DICER1 gene was identified. Multiple simultaneous and metachronous cancers in pediatric patients with CPSs are a rare but significant phenomenon. Comprehensive analysis and genetic testing play significant roles in understanding the underlying mechanisms and guiding treatment strategies for these unique cases. Early detection and targeted interventions are important for improving outcomes in these individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Telman
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Transplantology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Szpitalna 27/33, 60-572 Poznan, Poland; (G.T.)
| | - Ewa Strauss
- Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Strzeszynska 32, 60-479 Poznan, Poland;
| | - Patrycja Sosnowska-Sienkiewicz
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Traumatology and Urology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Szpitalna 27/33, 60-572 Poznan, Poland;
| | - Magdalena Halasz
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Transplantology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Szpitalna 27/33, 60-572 Poznan, Poland; (G.T.)
| | - Danuta Januszkiewicz-Lewandowska
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Transplantology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Szpitalna 27/33, 60-572 Poznan, Poland; (G.T.)
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Childhood cancer is rare, but it remains the leading cause of disease-related mortality among children 1-14 years of age. As exposure to environmental factors is lower in children, inherited genetic factors become an important player in the cause of childhood cancer. This review highlights the current knowledge and approach for cancer predisposition syndromes in children. RECENT FINDINGS Current literature suggests that 10-18% of paediatric cancer patients have an underlying genetic susceptibility to their disease. With better knowledge and technology, more genes and syndromes are being discovered, allowing tailored treatment and surveillance for the probands and their families.Studies have demonstrated that focused surveillance can detect early malignancies and increase overall survival in several cancer predisposition syndromes. Various approaches have been proposed to refine early tumour detection strategies while minimizing the burden on patients and families. Newer therapeutic strategies are being investigated to treat, or even prevent, tumours in children with cancer predisposition. SUMMARY This review summarizes the current knowledge about different cancer predisposition syndromes, focusing on the diagnosis, genetic counselling, surveillance and future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshiko Nakano
- Division of Haematology/Oncology, The Hospital for Sick Children
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ron Rabinowicz
- Division of Haematology/Oncology, The Hospital for Sick Children
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - David Malkin
- Division of Haematology/Oncology, The Hospital for Sick Children
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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