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Published on: November 10, 2023
Underlying undiagnosed inherited marrow failure syndromes among children with cancer
Fahad Alabbas1,2, Sheila Weitzman2, Ronald Grant2
1Marrow Failure and Myelodysplasia Program, Division of Haematology and Oncology, Department of Paediatrics, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Insights
A small percentage of pediatric cancer patients may have inherited bone marrow failure syndromes (IBMFS). Further research is needed to confirm the prevalence of IBMFS in children with cancer.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Hematology
- Genetics
Background:
- Inherited bone marrow failure syndromes (IBMFS) are rare genetic disorders.
- Early diagnosis of IBMFS is crucial for appropriate management and genetic counseling.
- The co-occurrence of pediatric cancer and IBMFS requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of underlying inherited bone marrow failure syndromes (IBMFS) in pediatric cancer patients.
- To identify clinical and laboratory findings suggestive of IBMFS in this population.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of medical records of newly diagnosed pediatric cancer patients.
- Analysis of clinical, laboratory, and treatment-related findings.
- Inclusion criteria: patients diagnosed between June 2009 and May 2010.
Main Results:
- Five out of 276 (1.8%) pediatric cancer patients exhibited two or more findings suggestive of IBMFS.
- The study identified specific indicators within the reviewed data.
Conclusions:
- A subset of pediatric cancer patients presents with features warranting investigation for underlying IBMFS.
- Prospective studies are recommended to accurately establish the prevalence of IBMFS in pediatric cancer patients.
Abstract:
To study the prevalence of pediatric cancer patients who have underlying inherited bone marrow failure syndrome (IBMFS), we retrospectively reviewed the medical records of newly diagnosed pediatric cancer patients at The Hospital for Sick Children from June 2009 to May 2010, focusing on clinical, laboratory, and treatment-related findings which may indicate underlying IBMFS. We found five (1.8%) patients out of 276 who had two or more findings suggestive of IBMFS. We conclude that a small fraction of patients with cancer have clinical features that indicate investigations to rule out underlying IBMFSs. A prospective study is needed to determine their prevalence.
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