Update on pediatric cancer predisposition syndromes

Joshua D Schiffman1, James I Geller, Erin Mundt

  • 1Center for Children's Cancer Research and Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, USA. joshua.schiffman@hci.utah.edu

Insights

Pediatric cancer predisposition syndromes are increasingly recognized. This review covers new syndromes, genetic testing, and ethical considerations for families with hereditary cancer risk.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Hematology/Oncology
  • Genetics
  • Cancer Predisposition Syndromes

Background:

  • Hereditary cancer syndromes in pediatric patients are gaining recognition.
  • Understanding these syndromes is crucial for pediatric hematologists/oncologists.
  • Familial cancer risk impacts entire families, necessitating comprehensive care.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review key topics from the American Society of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology (ASPHO) 2012 workshop.
  • To provide an overview of newly described pediatric cancer predisposition syndromes.
  • To discuss genetic testing, screening, and ethical issues related to inherited cancer risk in children.

Main Methods:

  • Review of presentations from the ASPHO 2012 Annual Meeting.
  • Summary of newly identified cancer predisposition syndromes.
  • Discussion of genetic testing, screening protocols, and ethical dilemmas.

Main Results:

  • Highlights newly described syndromes: Rhabdoid Tumor Predisposition Syndrome, Hereditary Paragangliomas and Pheochromocytoma Syndrome, and DICER1 Syndrome.
  • Covers genetic testing and screening strategies for pediatric cancer predisposition.
  • Addresses ethical issues like PGD/PGT and incidental findings from whole genome sequencing.

Conclusions:

  • Increased awareness and understanding of hereditary cancer syndromes are vital in pediatric oncology.
  • Genetic testing and ethical considerations are integral to managing families with inherited cancer risk.
  • The review emphasizes the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to pediatric cancer predisposition.

Related Concept Videos

The Retinoblastoma Gene01:20

The Retinoblastoma Gene

Tumor suppressor genes are normal genes that can slow down cell division, repair DNA mistakes, or program the cells for apoptosis in case of irreparable damage. Hence, they play an essential role in preventing the proliferation of damaged cells.
The first-ever tumor suppressor gene called Rb was identified in retinoblastoma - a rare eye tumor in children. In inherited forms of the disease, a child inherits one defective copy of the Rb gene, which predisposes them to retinoblastoma. However,...
The Retinoblastoma Gene01:20

The Retinoblastoma Gene

Tumor suppressor genes are normal genes that can slow down cell division, repair DNA mistakes, or program the cells for apoptosis in case of irreparable damage. Hence, they play an essential role in preventing the proliferation of damaged cells.
The first-ever tumor suppressor gene called Rb was identified in retinoblastoma - a rare eye tumor in children. In inherited forms of the disease, a child inherits one defective copy of the Rb gene, which predisposes them to retinoblastoma. However,...
Cancer Prevention02:59

Cancer Prevention

Several factors can increase the risk of cancer in an individual. About 50% of cancer cases can be prevented by adopting a healthy lifestyle, regular exercise, eating healthy, and following a modest cancer prevention diet. Epidemiological studies have consistently shown that populations with vegetable and fruit-rich diets have reduced the incidence of cancer. On the other hand, populations who have a diet rich in animal fat, red meat, junk food, or high calories are predisposed to cancer.
Some...
Cancer Prevention02:59

Cancer Prevention

Several factors can increase the risk of cancer in an individual. About 50% of cancer cases can be prevented by adopting a healthy lifestyle, regular exercise, eating healthy, and following a modest cancer prevention diet. Epidemiological studies have consistently shown that populations with vegetable and fruit-rich diets have reduced the incidence of cancer. On the other hand, populations who have a diet rich in animal fat, red meat, junk food, or high calories are predisposed to cancer.
Some...
Cancer-Critical Genes II: Tumor Suppressor Genes01:05

Cancer-Critical Genes II: Tumor Suppressor Genes

Genes usually encode proteins necessary for the proper functioning of a healthy cell. Mutations can often cause changes to the gene expression pattern, thereby altering the phenotype.
When the function of certain critical genes, especially those involved in cell cycle regulation and cell growth signaling cascades, gets disrupted, it upsets the cell cycle progression. Such cells with unchecked cell cycles start proliferating uncontrollably and eventually develop into tumors.
Such genes that act...
Cancer-Critical Genes II: Tumor Suppressor Genes01:05

Cancer-Critical Genes II: Tumor Suppressor Genes

Genes usually encode proteins necessary for the proper functioning of a healthy cell. Mutations can often cause changes to the gene expression pattern, thereby altering the phenotype.
When the function of certain critical genes, especially those involved in cell cycle regulation and cell growth signaling cascades, gets disrupted, it upsets the cell cycle progression. Such cells with unchecked cell cycles start proliferating uncontrollably and eventually develop into tumors.
Such genes that act...