A novel multiple FISH array for the detection of genetic aberrations in cancer

Interphase multicolor fluorescence in situ hybridization (IM-FISH) has great promise for improving cancer diagnosis because it can directly visualize multiple changes in chromosomes and gene copy number on a cell-to-cell basis. However, no more than four targets can be detected simultaneously by current commercially available IM-FISH protocols, and the DNA probes used are too large to detect the single-gene aberrations that characterize tumorigenesis. As a result, multiple FISH has a low sensitivity in detecting cancer cells. To overcome such limitations, we first developed specific genomic probes for the genes relevant to primary lung cancer. We next designed a multiple FISH array by arranging four different compositions of cocktails of four probes for each gene on a coverslip, which allowed four four-color FISH experiments to be performed in parallel on a single slide. We then tested the multiple FISH array on bronchial brushing samples from lung cancer patients to determine its ability to detect genetic abnormalities. A comparison of the data with the results of cytology and commercial four-color FISH suggested that the multiple FISH array had the highest sensitivity for cancer detection. The technique may thus be a powerful laboratory strategy for cancer prevention and early detection and for improved patient management.     

Genetic testing and familial implications in breast-ovarian cancer families

DNA-testing for BRCA1 and BRCA2 has become incorporated in the diagnostic procedure of patients with breast and/or ovarian cancer. Since 1994 an immense amount of information has been gathered on mutation spectra, mutation risk assessment, cancer risks for mutation carriers, factors that modify these risks, unclassified DNA variants, surveillance strategies and preventive options. For the patient and family the main determinator still is whether a mutation is found or not. When a pathogenic mutation is detected in an index case, relatives can opt for pre-symptomatic DNA testing. However in the vast majority no mutation, or only unclear mutations are detectable yet. This means that a hereditary cause cannot be excluded, but pre-symptomatic DNA-testing is still unavailable for relatives. Surveillance for both index cases and relatives is based of the family history of cancer. Next generation genetic testing may help to elucidate genetic causes in these families.     

Genetics of Immune Dysregulation and Cancer Predisposition: Two Sides of the Same Coin

Approximately 10% of cancers have a hereditary predisposition. However, no genetic diagnosis is available in 60%-80% of familial cancers. In some of these families, immune dysregulation-mediated disease is frequent. The immune system plays a critical role in identifying and eliminating tumors; thus, dysregulation of the immune system can increase the risk of developing cancer. This review focuses on some of the genes involved in immune dysregulation the promote the risk for cancer. Genetic counseling for patients with cancer currently focuses on known genes that raise the risk of cancer. In missing hereditary familial cases, the history family of immune dysregulation should be recorded, and genes related to the immune system should be analyzed in relevant families. On the other hand, patients with immune disorders diagnosed with a pathogenic mutation in an immune regulatory gene may have an increased risk of cancer. Therefore, those patients need to be under surveillance for cancer. Gene panel and exome sequencing are currently standard methods for genetic diagnosis, providing an excellent opportunity to jointly test cancer and immune genes.     

Hereditary colorectal cancer: risk assessment and management

There are at least nine major cancer susceptibility syndromes that infer an increased risk for colorectal cancer and/or colorectal polyposis; hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer syndrome, Muir-Torre syndrome, Turcot syndrome, the I1307K polymorphism of the APC gene, familial adenomatous polyposis, attenuated familial adenomatous polyposis, Peutz Jeghers syndrome, juvenile polyposis, and the PTEN hamartoma tumor syndrome. As a result, the differential diagnosis of hereditary colorectal cancer can be complex. In addition, there has been a dramatic increase in the knowledge available regarding risk assessment and management of hereditary colorectal cancer syndromes. The literature was reviewed to develop this concise review of the hereditary colorectal cancer syndromes to facilitate the accurate diagnosis of each syndrome and the appropriate medical care for individuals with these diagnoses. Referral to a qualified Clinical Cancer Genetics program is appropriate if any of these syndromes is suspected and they will ensure the most up-to-date information is available to the patient, their family, and their health care professionals.     

Exploiting the tumor microenvironment for theranostic imaging

The integration of chemistry and molecular biology with imaging is providing some of the most exciting opportunities in the treatment of cancer. The field of theranostic imaging, where diagnosis is combined with therapy, is particularly suitable for a disease as complex as cancer, especially now that genomic and proteomic profiling can provide an extensive 'fingerprint' of each tumor. Using this information, theranostic agents can be shaped for personalized treatment to target specific compartments, such as the tumor microenvironment (TME), whilst minimizing damage to normal tissue. These theranostic agents can also be used to target multiple pathways or networks by incorporating multiple small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) within a single agent. A decade ago genetic alterations were the primary focus in cancer research. Now it is apparent that the tumor physiological microenvironment, interactions between cancer cells and stromal cells, such as endothelial cells, fibroblasts and macrophages, the extracellular matrix (ECM), and a host of secreted factors and cytokines, influence progression to metastatic disease, aggressiveness and the response of the disease to treatment. In this review, we outline some of the characteristics of the TME, describe the theranostic agents currently available to target the TME and discuss the unique opportunities the TME provides for the design of novel theranostic agents for cancer therapy.     

The role of hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer in the management of familial ovarian cancer.

PURPOSE: Familial ovarian cancer is most often associated with hereditary breast and ovarian cancer, implicating mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. Hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer, another common syndrome, is also associated with ovarian cancer and is caused by DNA mismatch repair genes. We sought to identify the role of hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer in women with family histories of ovarian cancer. METHODS: The likelihood of a genetic syndrome in 226 oophorectomized women in the Gilda Radner Familial Ovarian Cancer Registry was determined by pedigree analysis using clinical criteria and by calculating the probability of a mutation in genes responsible for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer and hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer using available risk models. RESULTS: Some 86% had a BRCA gene mutation likelihood of 7.8% or higher, warranting consideration of hereditary breast and ovarian cancer. Of the 32 women below this threshold, 4 (12.5%) had family histories that met criteria for clinical diagnosis of hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer. In addition, 16 women (7%) with a BRCA mutation likelihood greater than 7.8% met clinical criteria for hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer or warranted its inclusion in the differential diagnosis. Among all study respondents, 9% had family histories warranting consideration of hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer. CONCLUSION: Hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer should be considered in the differential diagnosis of women with family histories of ovarian cancer.     

Diagnostic application of hMLH1 methylation in hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) due to mismatch repair (MMR) defect has distinct characteristics among unselected CRCs. These CRCs are biologically less aggressive and, thus, showing better prognosis but less sensitive to the 5FU-based chemotherapy. CRCs with MMR defect derive from both hereditary and sporadic reasons. Germline inactivation of MMR genes (hMLH1, hMSH2, hMSH6, and hPMS2) underlies the hereditary CRC with MMR defect (Lynch syndrome) and epigenetic silencing of hMLH1 gene causes the sporadic CRC with MMR defect. Hereditary and sporadic CRC with MMR defect can be detectable by microsatellite instability (MSI) test or immunohistochemical analysis among general CRCs. Lynch syndrome can be diagnosed by the clinical criteria or by genetic test to detect pathogenic germline mutations in MMR genes. However, both clinical criteria and genetic test are inadequate for the diagnosis of Lynch syndrome. Since genetic test for the diagnosis of the Lynch syndrome is expensive and not always identify pathogenic germline mutations, effective and inexpensive screening program is desirable. Here we propose a possible application of methylation test combined with MSI or pathological analysis as an effective and a cost-saving new strategy for screening of Lynch syndrome.     

Concurrent pathogenic variations in patients with hereditary cancer syndromes

Cancer is a multifactorial disorder; however, 5–10% of all cancers show hereditary background. In recent years many targeted next generation sequencing panels comprising cancer predisposition genes have been developed and used for diagnostic purposes in patients with increased cancer risk. Screening multiple genes at a time allows multiple variants in different genes to be detected as well. This study aims to determine the cases with concurrent mutations in different hereditary cancer predisposition genes and how they are clinically affected. Here, we screened 1090 index cases by next generation sequencing based hereditary cancer panels and evaluated the reflection of multiple variations on the phenotype. We detected 11 (1%) cases with pathogenic variants in more than one gene. These concurrent variations occurred mostly in BRCA1/2 (7/11) accompanied with MUTYH, ATM, CHECK2, NBN, and RAD50. In addition, MUTYH&ATM, NBN&MSH6, MUTYH&CHEK2 double heterozygous cases were detected. Moreover, we identified a case with three heterozygous variations in CDH1, MUTYH, and CHEK2. These patients presented malignancies that were mostly related to pathogenic variations they carried. Although they are rare, defining double heterozygous cases is important for managing appropriate therapy and accurate genetic consulting for the patients and family members.     

Genetic diagnosis of periodic diseases (familial mediterranean fever or FMF)

Periodic disease is the prototype of a group of hereditary disorders characterised by recurrent inflammatory attacks. Since the discovery of the causing gene (MEFV) in 1997, three hospital laboratories in France, and around 20 throughout the world, propose a specific genetic test, based on the search of the common MEFV mutations on DNA extracted from a simple blood sample. This strategy allows definitive confirmation of periodic disease if one mutation is detected on each of the two chromosomes (around 30 mutations are reported today), but do not exclude the diagnosis in the other cases (one or no mutation detected). A non-contributive test shows the existence of rare MEFV mutations, or the involvement of another gene responsible for inflammatory hereditary syndrome; important differential diagnosis to be done, because their mode of management may be different from that of periodic disease.     

Factors associated with preimplantation genetic diagnosis acceptance among women concerned about hereditary breast and ovarian cancer

PurposeTo assess sociodemographic, clinical, awareness, and attitudinal factors associated with acceptance of preimplantation genetic diagnosis among women concerned about hereditary breast and ovarian cancer.MethodsParticipants (n = 962) were members of a national advocacy organization dedicated to empowering women at high risk for developing breast or ovarian cancer. Participants completed a web-based survey assessing factors associated with preimplantation genetic diagnosis acceptance. Factors significantly associated with acceptance in the bivariate analyses were used to build a logistic regression model.ResultsAmong the 962 respondents, 318 (33.1%) selected the option that they would consider preimplantation genetic diagnosis, 367 (38.2%) would not consider preimplantation genetic diagnosis, and 277 (28.8%) selected “don't know.” Significant predictors of preimplantation genetic diagnosis acceptance were the desire to have more children, having had a prenatal genetic test, preimplantation genetic diagnosis awareness, belief that preimplantation genetic diagnosis is acceptable for individuals at risk for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer, belief that preimplantation genetic diagnosis information should be given to individuals at risk for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer, concerns about preimplantation genetic diagnosis, perceived benefits of preimplantation genetic diagnosis, and how preimplantation genetic diagnosis is considered.ConclusionWomen at increased risk for hereditary cancer may consider preimplantation genetic diagnosis as part of their reproductive decision making. Therefore, it is important to understand existing levels of awareness and attitudes toward this technology to provide optimal counseling and support.     

Mutation prevalence tables for hereditary cancer derived from multigene panel testing

Multigene panel testing for cancer predisposition mutations is becoming routine in clinical care. However, the gene content of panels offered by testing laboratories vary significantly, and data on mutation detection rates by gene and by the panel is limited, causing confusion among clinicians on which test to order. Using results from 147,994 multigene panel tests conducted at Ambry Genetics, we built an interactive prevalence tool to explore how differences in ethnicity, age of onset, and personal and family history of different cancers affect the prevalence of pathogenic mutations in 31 cancer predisposition genes, across various clinically available hereditary cancer gene panels. Over 13,000 mutation carriers were identified in this high‐risk population. Most were non‐Hispanic white (74%, n = 109,537), but also Black (n = 10,875), Ashkenazi Jewish (n = 10,464), Hispanic (n = 10,028), and Asian (n = 7,090). The most prevalent cancer types were breast (50%), ovarian (6.6%), and colorectal (4.7%), which is expected based on genetic testing guidelines and clinician referral for testing. The Hereditary Cancer Multi‐Gene Panel Prevalence Tool presented here can be used to provide insight into the prevalence of mutations on a per‐gene and per‐multigene panel basis, while conditioning on multiple custom phenotypic variables to include race and cancer type.     

Challenging colonic polyposis pedigrees: differential diagnosis, surveillance, and management concerns

Hereditary polyposis syndromes show extensive phenotypic and genotypic heterogeneity within and among families, a situation that may hinder diagnosis. In these settings, germline mutation testing may be the sine qua non for diagnosis if such a mutation is identified in a patient or family. We provide examples of phenotypically differing polyposis pedigrees depicting various challenges in hereditary polyposis syndrome diagnosis. Our purpose is to augment physician understanding of phenotypic variation and thus help identify high-risk presymptomatic family members who could benefit from highly targeted surveillance and management strategies. We describe nine familial polyposis pedigrees displaying anecdotal clinical problems that can confound the differential diagnosis. Emphasis was given to a multidisciplinary approach focusing on pathological confirmation with respect to number, histology, and location of polyps in the gastrointestinal tract; a detailed family history of cancer at all anatomic sites; noncancer phenotypic features of hereditary polyposis syndromes; and appropriate molecular genetic testing in concert with genetic counseling. Improved physician understanding of the clinical natural history features, genetic transmission patterns, and appropriate gene testing will help in diagnosis and, ultimately, surveillance and management for the various hereditary polyposis syndromes.     

Review of stem cell deregulation and breast cancer: an emerging hypothesis

Cancer is fundamentally a cellular genetic disease capable of transferring the "disease" to the next generation of mutated cells. Similar proliferative and information transferring capacity exists in the stem cells of various organ systems in the human body. Understanding the bio-mechanism of stem cell metabolism and its regulation by signaling molecules and extracellular micro-environment is an important step toward successful prevention and treatment of cancer. According to the cancer stem cell hypothesis, both hereditary and sporadic cancers can arise from deregulation of these cancer stem cells (CSCs), triggered by genetic and environmental factors. It is shown that deregulation of normal self-renewal pathways in undifferentiated breast stem cells or progenitor cells had altered mammary system or progenitor cells, resulting in abnormally differentiated cells in human and rodent breast cancer cell lines. Breakthroughs in molecular pathways have important therapeutic implications. Hence, significant stress is laid on targeting signaling molecules and their micromilieu in breast cancer therapy.     

Fas (CD95, Apo-1) Ligand Gene Transfer

Gene therapy represents a new form of medical intervention that relies on direct transfer of genetic materials into patients. Although initially envisioned as a treatment for genetic diseases, gene therapy is currently being explored for a wide range of acquired disorders including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, arthritis, and neurodegenerative disorders. Since most acquired diseases are not caused by single gene mutations, the choice of therapeutic genes is crucial for the success of the gene therapy. In this review, we discuss the progresses that have been made and problems that remain to be resolved in using Fas (CD95, Apo-1) ligand gene for the treatment of acquired disorders. Fas ligand is a member of the tumor necrosis factor family that can induce both apoptosis and activation of various cells. While Fas ligand gene transfer indeed eliminates cancer cells and inflammatory cells through apoptosis, it also kills normal cells and initiates inflammation in certain tissues. Thus, new strategies that can modify the apoptotic or proinflammatory activities of the FasL will help to fully realize the potential of the FasL gene therapy.     

家族性腺瘤性息肉病一家系调查及APC基因胚系突变分析

目的 探讨家族性腺瘤性息肉病(familial adenomatous polyposis,FAP)家系调查及高危亲属基因筛查的意义,报道云南省一FAP家系发病相关基因APC基因的胚系突变结果.方法 查阅对2001年昆明医学院第一附属医院1例FAP患者病例,电话联系及登门随访进行其家系调查,绘制家系图谱.抽取该家系成员外周静脉血提取DNA,利用PCR方法扩增APC基因,应用DNA自动测序仪进行测序.结果 该家系三代共计9人,成员Ⅰ1、Ⅱ1、Ⅱ2、Ⅱ3、Ⅱ4、Ⅲ2、Ⅲ3、Ⅲ48人检出APC基因胚系突变c.3587C>A(S1196X),其中Ⅱ2、Ⅱ2、Ⅱ4、Ⅲ2、Ⅲ3经肠镜检查证实有结直肠多发息肉,Ⅲ4未检出息肉,为基因突变携带者.结论 通过家系调查对高危亲属进行基因筛查可以发现早期患者,尤其是无临床表现的FAP基因突变携带者,以早期进行医学干预及预防性手术治疗,降低FAP的癌变率、病死率;APC基因c.3587C>A(S1196X)胚系突变是引起该家系FAP患者发病的原因.     

Hereditary aspects of gastric cancer

Although the etiology of gastric cancer and the mechanisms involved in its carcinogenesis are still poorly understood, dietary habits and life style as well as bacterial infections have been suggested to be important in the tumorigenic process. However, there is also an increasing evidence that a genetic predisposition in at least a subset of patients, plays an important role. Germline mutations in the E-cadherin gene have been described to be the molecular genetic cause of an hereditary diffuse type gastric cancer syndrome. In addition, gastric cancer is observed more frequently in association with some hereditary tumor syndromes which are mainly characterized by tumors in other organs. This article will summarize recent findings about the hereditary diffuse type gastric cancer syndrome and about gastric cancer in association with hereditary tumor syndromes with a known molecular genetic basis.     

一个遗传性非息肉性结直肠癌大家系调查及种系突变研究

目的探讨一个中国人遗传性非息肉性结直肠癌（heraditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer，HNPCC）大家系的临床特点，报告基因突变筛查结果。方法调查一个HNPCC大家系，记录的数据包括患者性别，结直肠癌发生的部位，诊断年龄，是否具有同时和（或）异时结直肠癌及结肠外癌，肿瘤的组织病理特点等。抽取家族成员外周血，采用聚合酶链反应和扩增产物直接测序进行基因检测。结果该家系符合阿姆斯特丹Ⅰ标准，4代31人中17例患者共诊断21例次恶性肿瘤。12例（70．6％）患者患有直肠癌，且发病年龄早（平均42．9岁），右半结肠癌多见。基因检测发现一种国内外尚未见报道的MSH2基因的新突变。该突变位于MSH2基因的第7外显子中，由于4个核苷酸（CCGA）的重复导致移码突变，形成截短蛋白。结论HNPCC患者是恶性肿瘤（尤其是结直肠癌）的高发人群。新的MSH2基因突变（MSH2：C．1215-1218dupCCGA）导致该家系遗传性非息肉性结直肠癌的发生。