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Malignancies in Down syndrome.
P Kusumakumary1, T S Vats, R Ankathil
1Regional Cancer Centre, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
Indian Journal of Pediatrics
|April 20, 2000
Summary
Children with Down Syndrome (DS) have a higher risk of developing cancers, particularly leukaemias. This study examined eight DS children with malignancies, highlighting the need for careful treatment considerations due to increased risks.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Genetics
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Down Syndrome (DS) is linked to a higher occurrence of malignancies, especially leukaemias.
- Trisomy 21 is the sole cytogenetic abnormality identified in these affected children.
- Existing research presents conflicting data on the distribution of myeloid versus lymphoid malignancies in DS and their therapeutic responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report on a cohort of 8 children with Down Syndrome and malignancies.
- To analyze the types of malignancies observed in these children.
- To discuss the implications for treatment strategies in DS patients with cancer.
Main Methods:
- Case series review of 8 pediatric patients with Down Syndrome and malignancies.
- Cytogenetic analysis confirming trisomy 21 as the sole abnormality.
- Clinical data collection on malignancy types and patient outcomes.
Main Results:
- Four cases of acute lymphocytic leukaemia, two of acute myeloid leukaemia.
- One case each of Hodgkin's disease and Wilms' tumour were identified.
- The study observed a specific distribution of malignancies within this DS cohort.
Conclusions:
- The extra chromosome 21 in Down Syndrome is presumed to alter genetic balance, increasing susceptibility to malignancies.
- Increased methotrexate toxicity in DS patients necessitates tailored treatment protocols.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the exact mechanisms and optimize therapy for malignancies in Down Syndrome.