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Genetic Predisposition to Neonatal Tumors
Emily Quinn, Rose McGee, Regina Nuccio
1Division of Cancer Predisposition, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Drive, Memphis, TN 38105, USA. Kim.nichols@stjude.org.
Insights
Neonatal solid tumors are rare and suggest genetic cancer predisposition syndromes. This review covers genetic links to eye, kidney, liver, adrenal, and lung tumors in newborns, emphasizing a multidisciplinary approach to diagnosis and management.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Clinical Genetics
- Neonatology
Background:
- Neonatal solid tumors are exceptionally rare, with early onset often indicating an underlying genetic cancer predisposition syndrome.
- This chapter focuses on genetic factors contributing to solid tumors in neonates, specifically affecting the eyes, kidneys, liver, adrenal glands, and lungs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review genetic predisposition syndromes associated with neonatal solid tumors.
- To outline diagnostic and management strategies for neonatal eye and lung tumors linked to genetic syndromes.
- To highlight the complexity and multidisciplinary care requirements for neonates with cancer predisposition syndromes.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of genetic predisposition syndromes and neonatal solid tumors.
- Discussion of common genetic syndromes associated with specific neonatal tumor types.
- Overview of diagnostic and management approaches for neonatal eye and lung tumors.
Main Results:
- Identifies key genetic syndromes linked to neonatal cancers of the eyes, kidneys, liver, adrenal glands, and lungs.
- Provides specific diagnostic and management guidance for eye and lung tumors in this population.
- Emphasizes the multisystemic nature of these conditions and the need for specialized care.
Conclusions:
- Genetic predisposition plays a critical role in rare neonatal solid tumors.
- A coordinated, multidisciplinary team approach is essential for optimal management of neonates with cancer predisposition syndromes.
- Genetic evaluation and family counseling are integral components of care.
Abstract:
The development of tumors within the first month of life is extremely rare and this very young age at presentation should raise concern for an underlying cancer predisposition syndrome. This chapter discusses genetic predisposition to neonatal solid tumors, specifically those involving the eyes, kidneys, liver, adrenal glands and lungs. For each tumor type, we discuss the most common associated predisposition syndromes and for eye and lung tumors, we also review the approach to diagnosis and management. The reader is referred to the other chapters of this volume for an overview of management details for the other tumor types. The management of neonates with cancer predisposing syndromes is challenging, with many patients demonstrating multisystem involvement. Accordingly, it is critical to use a team approach, where providers with expertise in neonatology, oncology, genetics, surgery and other pediatric subspecialties can appropriately tailor management of the patient and coordinate genetic evaluation of the family.
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