Prevalence of lung cysts in adolescents and adults with a germline DICER1 pathogenic/likely pathogenic variant: a report from the National Institutes of Health and International Pleuropulmonary Blastoma/DICER1 Registry.

BACKGROUND: Pleuropulmonary blastoma (PPB), the hallmark tumour associated with DICER1-related tumour predisposition, is characterised by an age-related progression from a cystic lesion (type I) to a high-grade sarcoma with mixed cystic and solid features (type II) or purely solid lesion (type III). Not all cystic PPBs progress; type Ir (regressed), hypothesised to represent regressed or non-progressed type I PPB, is an air-filled, cystic lesion lacking a primitive sarcomatous component. This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of non-progressed lung cysts detected by CT scan in adolescents and adults with germline DICER1 pathogenic/likely pathogenic (P/LP) variants. METHODS: Individuals were enrolled in the National Cancer Institute Natural History of DICER1 Syndrome study, the International PPB/DICER1 Registry and/or the International Ovarian and Testicular Stromal Tumor Registry. Individuals with a germline DICER1 P/LP variant with first chest CT at 12 years of age or older were selected for this analysis. RESULTS: In the combined databases, 110 individuals with a germline DICER1 P/LP variant who underwent first chest CT at or after the age of 12 were identified. Cystic lung lesions were identified in 38% (42/110) with a total of 72 cystic lesions detected. No demographic differences were noted between those with lung cysts and those without lung cysts. Five cysts were resected with four centrally reviewed as type Ir PPB. CONCLUSION: Lung cysts are common in adolescents and adults with germline DICER1 variation. Further study is needed to understand the mechanism of non-progression or regression of lung cysts in childhood to guide judicious intervention.

Type I and Ir pleuropulmonary blastoma (PPB): A report from the International PPB/DICER1 Registry.

BACKGROUND: Pleuropulmonary blastoma (PPB) is the most common lung cancer of infancy and early childhood. Type I PPB is a purely cystic lesion that has a microscopic population of primitive small cells with or without rhabdomyoblastic features and may progress to type II or III PPB, whereas type Ir lacks primitive small cells. METHODS: Children with suspected PPB were enrolled in the International PPB/DICER1 Registry. Pathology was centrally reviewed, and follow-up was ascertained annually. RESULTS: Between 2006 and 2022, 205 children had centrally reviewed type I or Ir PPB; 39% of children with type I and 5% of children with type Ir PPB received chemotherapy. Outcomes were favorable, although 11 children (nine with type I and two with type Ir PPB) experienced progression to type II/III (n = 8) or regrowth of type I PPB at the surgical site (n = 3), none of whom received chemotherapy before progression. Age and cyst size in combination were more suitable than either factor alone in predicting whether a particular lesion was type I or Ir PPB. CONCLUSIONS: For young children with type I PPB, outcomes are favorable, but complete resection is indicated because of the risk for progression. Chemotherapy may be useful in a subset of children at increased risk for recurrence/progression. Efforts to risk stratify children with type I PPB to optimize outcomes while reducing treatment-related side effects are underway.

Health-related quality of life in children and adolescents with pleuropulmonary blastoma: A report from the International PPB/DICER1 Registry.

PURPOSE: Pleuropulmonary blastoma (PPB) is the most common lung cancer of infancy and early childhood and is associated with germline DICER1 variants. Type I and Ir PPB are cystic lesions treated surgically, with a subset of children with type I receiving chemotherapy. Type II and III are more aggressive lesions, treated with surgery, intensive chemotherapy and potentially radiation. We sought to assess health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in children with PPB and known germline DICER1 variants. METHODS: Children with a diagnosis of PPB or germline DICER1 pathogenic variant without history of PPB or other DICER1-related neoplasm (DICER1+ only) were enrolled in the International PPB/DICER1 Registry. Parent reports for participants aged 2-17 years for the PedsQL v.4 and PedsQL Multidimensional Fatigue Scale v.3 were collected. Fatigue, physical, and psychosocial function scores were compared. RESULTS: Analysis included 84 participants (PPB type Ir = 20, type I = 15, type II/III = 27, DICER1+ only = 22). Total fatigue scores of participants with type I and II/III PPB were lower compared to DICER1+ only, with effect size larger in type II/III (-0.82 vs. -0.40). Total psychosocial and physical functioning scores were lower in participants with type I and type II/III PPB compared to DICER1+ only, with larger effects noted in type II/III. Female sex was suggestive of worse HRQoL for both type I/Ir and type II/III cohorts. CONCLUSIONS: These data demonstrate the importance of regular HRQoL assessment in patients with a history of PPB as well as the importance and feasibility of studying HRQoL in children with rare tumors.

Testicular Sertoli cell tumour and potentially testicular Leydig cell tumour are features of DICER1 syndrome.

DICER1 syndrome is a rare paediatric autosomal dominant inherited disorder predisposing to various benign and malignant tumours. It is caused by a germline pathogenic variant in DICER1, and the second hit for tumour development is usually a missense hotspot pathogenic variant in the DICER1 ribonuclease IIIb domain. While DICER1 predisposing variants account for about 60% of ovarian Sertoli-Leydig cell tumours, no DICER1-related testicular stromal tumours have been described. Here we report the first two cases of testicular stromal tumours in children carrying a DICER1 germline pathogenic variant: a case of Sertoli cell tumour and a case of Leydig cell tumour diagnosed at 2 and 12 years of age, respectively. A somatic DICER1 hotspot pathogenic variant was detected in the Sertoli cell tumour. This report extends the spectrum of DICER1-related tumours to include testicular Sertoli cell tumour and potentially testicular Leydig cell tumour. Diagnosis of a testicular Sertoli cell tumour should prompt DICER1 genetic testing so that patients with a DICER1 germline pathogenic variant can benefit from established surveillance guidelines. DICER1 genetic evaluation may be considered for testicular Leydig cell tumour. Our findings suggest that miRNA dysregulation underlies the aetiology of some testicular stromal tumours.

Gynecologic and reproductive health in patients with pathogenic germline variants in DICER1.

OBJECTIVE: Germline pathogenic variation in DICER1 underlies a tumor-predisposition disorder with increased risk for cervical embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma and ovarian sex-cord stromal tumors, particularly Sertoli-Leydig cell tumors. The gynecologic and reproductive health of these females has not yet been described. METHODS: All female subjects recruited from November 2011 to July 2018 participating in an epidemiologic study of families with pathogenic DICER1 germline variation were included in this cross-sectional analysis. Participant evaluation included obstetric-gynecologic history, physical examination, hormone testing, pelvic ultrasound and record review. RESULTS: Of 64 females aged 2-72 years, fifteen underwent treatment for pleuropulmonary blastoma as children and three were treated for cervical embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma. Of nine patients reporting a history of ovarian tumors, all presented with virilization or amenorrhea; eight occurred in adolescence. Post-pubertal females with no history of ovarian tumors experienced normal pubertal development, reported regular menstrual cycles, were fertile and underwent natural menopause at median age of 52 years. Thirty-two of 33 women who tried to conceive successfully delivered liveborn children. Of these 32, 10 experienced pregnancy-related thyroid enlargement resulting in thyroidectomy within one year of pregnancy; nine others had undergone pre-pregnancy thyroidectomy. CONCLUSION: In these DICER1-carrier females, DICER1-related gynecological tumors occurred during childhood or adolescence in some after which women generally experienced healthy reproductive lives. Individual education and screening for these tumors is warranted. The high rate of DICER1-related multinodular goiter resulting in pre- and post-pregnancy thyroidectomy underscores the importance of thyroid monitoring during pregnancy to ensure maternal and fetal wellbeing.

DICER1 Syndrome: Characterization of the Ocular Phenotype in a Family-Based Cohort Study.

PURPOSE: To characterize the ocular phenotype of DICER1 syndrome. DESIGN: Prospective, single-center, case-control study. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred three patients with an identified germline pathogenic DICER1 variant (DICER1 carriers) and 69 family control participants underwent clinical and ophthalmic examination at the National Institutes of Health between 2011 and 2016. METHODS: All participants were evaluated with a comprehensive ophthalmic examination, including best-corrected visual acuity, slit-lamp biomicroscopy, and a dilated fundus examination. A subset of patients returned for a more detailed evaluation including spectral-domain OCT, color fundus photography, fundus autofluorescence imaging, visual field testing, full-field electroretinography, and genetic testing for inherited retinal degenerative diseases. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Visual acuity and examination findings. RESULTS: Most DICER1 carriers (97%) maintained a visual acuity of 20/40 or better in both eyes. Twenty-three DICER1 carriers (22%) showed ocular abnormalities compared with 4 family controls (6%; P = 0.005). These abnormalities included retinal pigment abnormalities (n = 6 [5.8%]), increased cup-to-disc ratio (n = 5 [4.9%]), optic nerve abnormalities (n = 2 [1.9%]), epiretinal membrane (n = 2 [1.9%]), and drusen (n = 2 [1.9%]). Overall, we observed a significant difference (P = 0.03) in the rate of retinal abnormalities in DICER1 carriers (n = 11 [11%]) versus controls (n = 1 [1.5%]). One patient demonstrated an unexpected diagnosis of retinitis pigmentosa with a novel variant of unknown significance in PRPF31, and 1 showed optic nerve elevation in the setting of increased intracranial pressure (ICP) of unclear cause. Three patients (3%) demonstrated DICER1-related ciliary body medulloepithelioma (CBME), 2 of which were identified during routine examination, a higher rate than that reported previously. CONCLUSIONS: Ophthalmologists should be aware of the ophthalmic manifestations of DICER1 syndrome, and individuals and families should be counseled on the potential signs and symptoms. We recommend that children with a germline pathogenic variant in DICER1, especially those younger than 10 years, undergo annual dilated ophthalmic examination, looking for evidence of CBME, signs of increased ICP, and perhaps changes in the retinal pigment epithelium.

Dental abnormalities in individuals with pathogenic germline variation in DICER1.

Pathogenic germline variation in the microRNA processing gene DICER1 gives rise to an autosomal dominant, tumor-predisposition disorder. Conditional deletion of Dicer1 in murine dental epithelium shows that it controls tooth patterning, size, number, and shape. The human dental phenotype of people with germline pathogenic variation in DICER1 is unknown. DICER1-carriers (n = 57) and family controls (n = 55) were evaluated at the NIH Clinical Center dental clinic as part of a comprehensive medical evaluation. Digital panoramic radiographs, bite-wing radiographs, and oral photographs were collected. A single observer, blind to DICER1 status, reviewed the dental records and determined the presence or absence of 11 dental characteristics as described in the clinic notes, radiographs, or oral photographs. Subjective phenotypes were reviewed on radiographs by two examiners (blind to DICER1 status) for the presence or absence of the dental characteristics to reduce inconsistencies. By simple association, bulbous crown, periodontitis, and taurodontism were all significant (p < .05). Logistic regression with chi-square maximum likelihood estimates showed that bulbous crown and periodontitis remained significant. Recognition of these phenotypes may aid identification of individuals and families at risk for DICER1-associated neoplasms. These findings may also guide dental care for individuals with germline DICER1 pathogenic variation.

Structural renal abnormalities in the DICER1 syndrome: a family-based cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The DICER1 syndrome is a tumor-predisposition disorder caused by germline pathogenic variation in DICER1 and is associated with cystic nephroma and other renal neoplasms. Dicer1 mouse and rare human DICER1 syndrome case reports describe structural kidney and collecting system anomalies. We investigated renal function and the frequency of structural abnormalities of the kidney and collecting system in individuals with germline loss-of-function variants in DICER1. METHODS: In this family-based cohort study, prospectively ascertained germline DICER1-mutation carriers (DICER1-carriers) and unaffected family controls were evaluated at the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center with renal ultrasound and comprehensive laboratory testing. Two radiologists reviewed the imaging studies from all participants for structural abnormalities, cysts, and tumors. RESULTS: Eighty-nine DICER1-carriers and 61 family controls were studied. Renal cysts were detected in 1/33 DICER1-carrier children without history of cystic nephroma. Similar proportions of adult DICER1-carriers (8/48; 17%) and controls (11/50; 22%) had ultrasound-detected renal cysts (P = 0.504). 8/89 (9%) DICER1-carriers harbored ultrasound-detected structural abnormalities of varying severity within the collecting system or kidney, nephrolithiasis, or nephrocalcinosis. None of the family controls (0/61) had similar findings on ultrasound (P = 0.02). No meaningful differences in renal laboratory values between DICER1-carriers and unaffected family controls were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Our report is the first to systematically characterize renal function and anatomy in a large prospective cohort of DICER1-carriers and DICER1-negative family controls. DICER1-carriers may be at increased risk of structural anomalies of the kidney or collecting system. The role for DICER1 in renal morphogenesis merits additional investigation.

Macrocephaly associated with the DICER1 syndrome.

PURPOSE: Germ-line mutations in DICER1 increase the risk of various tumors, including pleuropulmonary blastoma. Macrocephaly and symmetric overgrowth have been reported in some, but not all, patients with mosaic DICER1 RNase IIIb mutations. The prevalence of these features in individuals with constitutional germ-line DICER1 mutations is unknown. METHODS: We analyzed prospectively collected auxology data from 67 DICER1 mutation carriers and 43 family controls. We assessed differences between groups using an exact test for proportions and generalized estimating equations for continuous dependent variables. RESULTS: Twenty-eight DICER1 mutation carriers (42%) were macrocephalic, and none had an occipitofrontal circumference (OFC) below the third centile, which significantly differed from family controls, of whom five were macrocephalic (12%) and two had OFC below the third centile (5%) (P < 0.001). DICER1 mutation carriers were taller than familial controls after controlling for gender (P = 0.048), but similar proportions of both groups were above the 97th centile of population norms. Head circumference remained increased after adjusting for differences in height. CONCLUSION: For the first time, we establish macrocephaly as a common finding in the DICER1 syndrome. Like some other tumor-predisposition disorders, macrocephaly may be a useful, albeit a subtle, clinical clue to the DICER1 syndrome diagnosis.Genet Med 19 2, 244-248.

Nasal chondromesenchymal hamartomas arise secondary to germline and somatic mutations of DICER1 in the pleuropulmonary blastoma tumor predisposition disorder.

Nasal chondromesenchymal hamartoma (NCMH) is a rare nasal tumor that typically presents in young children. We previously reported on NCMH occurrence in children with pleuropulmonary blastoma (PPB), a rare pulmonary dysembryonic sarcoma that is the hallmark neoplasm in the PPB-associated DICER1 tumor predisposition disorder. Original pathologic materials from individuals with a PPB, PPB-associated tumor and/or a DICER1 mutation were centrally reviewed by the International PPB Registry. Paraffin-embedded NCMH tumor tissue was available in three cases. Laser-capture microdissection was used to isolate mesenchymal spindle cells and cartilage in one case for Sanger sequencing of DICER1. Nine patients (5F/4M) had PPB and NCMH. NCMH was diagnosed at a median age of 10 years (range 6-21 years). NCMH developed 4.5-13 years after PPB. Presenting NCMH symptoms included chronic sinusitis and nasal congestion. Five patients had bilateral tumors. Local NCMH recurrences required several surgical resections in two patients, but all nine patients were alive at 0-16 years of follow-up. Pathogenic germline DICER1 mutations were found in 6/8 NCMH patients tested. In 2 of the patients with germline DICER1 mutations, somatic DICER1 missense mutations were also identified in their NCMH (E1813D; n = 2). Three additional PPB patients developed other nasal lesions seen in the general population (a Schneiderian papilloma, chronic sinusitis with cysts, and allergic nasal polyps with eosinophils). Two of these patients had germline DICER1 mutations. Pathogenic germline and somatic mutations of DICER1 in NCMH establishes that the genetic etiology of NCMH is similar to PPB, despite the disparate biological potential of these neoplasms.

Outcomes for Children With Type II and Type III Pleuropulmonary Blastoma Following Chemotherapy: A Report From the International PPB/DICER1 Registry.

PURPOSE: Pleuropulmonary blastoma (PPB) is the most common primary lung neoplasm of infancy and early childhood. Type II and type III PPB have historically been associated with a poor prognosis. METHODS: Patients with known or suspected PPB were enrolled in the International PPB/DICER1 Registry. Medical records were abstracted with follow-up ascertained annually. All PPB diagnoses were confirmed by central pathology review. Beginning in 2007, the IVADo regimen (ifosfamide, vincristine, actinomycin-D, and doxorubicin) was recommended as a potential treatment regimen for children with type II and type III PPB. This regimen was compared with a historical control cohort. RESULTS: From 1987 to 2021, 314 children with centrally confirmed type II and type III PPB who received upfront chemotherapy were enrolled; 132 children (75 with type II and 57 with type III) received IVADo chemotherapy. Adjusted analyses suggest improved overall survival for children treated with IVADo in comparison with historical controls with an estimated hazard ratio of 0.65 (95% CI, 0.39 to 1.08). Compared with localized disease, distant metastasis at diagnosis was associated with worse PPB event-free survival and overall survival with hazard ratio of 4.23 (95% CI, 2.42 to 7.38) and 4.69 (95% CI, 2.50 to 8.80), respectively. CONCLUSION: The use of IVADo in children with type II and type III PPB resulted in similar-to-improved outcomes compared with historical controls. Inferior outcomes with metastatic disease suggest the need for novel therapies. This large cohort of uniformly treated children with advanced PPB serves as a benchmark for future multicenter therapeutic studies for this rare pediatric tumor.

Hematologic indices in individuals with pathogenic germline DICER1 variants.

Pathogenic germline variants in DICER1 underlie an autosomal dominant, pleiotropic tumor-predisposition disorder. Murine models with the loss of DICER1 in hematopoietic stem cell progenitors demonstrate hematologic aberrations that include reductions in red and white blood cell counts, hemoglobin volume, and impaired maturation resulting in dysplasia. We investigated whether hematologic abnormalities such as those observed in DICER1-deficient mice were observed in humans with a pathogenic germline variant in DICER1. A natural history study of individuals with germline pathogenic DICER1 variants and family controls conducted through the National Cancer Institute (NCI) evaluated enrollees at the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center during a comprehensive clinical outpatient visit that included collecting routine clinical laboratory studies. These were compared against normative laboratory values and compared between the DICER1 carriers and controls. There were no statistical differences in routine clinical hematology laboratory studies observed in DICER1 carriers and family controls. A review of the medical history of DICER1 carriers showed that none of the individuals in the NCI cohort developed myelodysplastic syndrome or leukemia. Query of the International Pleuropulmonary Blastoma/DICER1 Registry revealed 1 DICER1 carrier who developed a secondary leukemia after treatment of pleuropulmonary blastoma. We found limited evidence that the hematologic abnormalities observed in murine DICER1 models developed in our cohort of DICER1 carriers. In addition, no cases of myelodysplastic syndrome were observed in either the NCI cohort or the International Pleuropulmonary Blastoma/DICER1 Registry; 1 case of presumed secondary leukemia was reported. Abnormalities in hematologic indices should not be solely attributed to DICER1. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT01247597.

A Genome-First Approach to Characterize DICER1 Pathogenic Variant Prevalence, Penetrance, and Phenotype.

Importance: Genetic disorders are historically defined through phenotype-first approaches. However, risk estimates derived from phenotype-linked ascertainment may overestimate severity and penetrance. Pathogenic variants in DICER1 are associated with increased risks of rare and common neoplasms and thyroid disease in adults and children. This study explored how effectively a genome-first approach could characterize the clinical traits associated with germline DICER1 putative loss-of-function (pLOF) variants in an unselected clinical cohort. Objective: To examine the prevalence, penetrance, and phenotypic characteristics of carriers of germline DICER1 pLOF variants via genome-first ascertainment. Design, Setting, and Participants: This cohort study classifies DICER1 variants in germline exome sequence data from 92 296 participants of the Geisinger MyCode Community Health Initiative. Data for each MyCode participant were used from the start of the Geisinger electronic health record to February 1, 2018. Main Outcomes and Measures: Prevalence of germline DICER1 variation; penetrance of malignant tumors and thyroid disease in carriers of germline DICER1 variation; structured, manual review of electronic health records; and DICER1 sequencing of available tumors from an associated cancer registry. Results: A total of 92 296 adults (mean [SD] age, 59 [18] years; 98% white; 60% female) participated in the study. Germline DICER1 pLOF variants were observed in 1 in 3700 to 1 in 4600 participants, more than double the expected prevalence. Malignant tumors (primarily thyroid carcinoma) were observed in 4 of 25 participants (16%) with DICER1 pLOF variants, which is comparable (by 50 years of age) to the frequency of neoplasms in the largest registry- and clinic-based (phenotype-first) DICER1 studies published to date. DICER1 pLOF variants were significantly associated with risks of thyroidectomy (odds ratio [OR], 6.0; 95% CI, 2.2-16.3; P = .007) and thyroid cancer (OR, 9.2; 95% CI, 2.1-34.7; P = .02) compared with controls, but there was not a significant increase in the risk of goiter (OR, 1.8; 95% CI, 0.7-4.9). A female patient in her 80s who was a carrier of a germline DICER1 hotspot variant was apparently healthy on electronic health record review. The term DICER1 did not appear in any of the medical records of the 25 participants with a pLOF DICER1 variant, even in those affected with a known DICER1-associated tumor or thyroid phenotype. Conclusions and Relevance: This cohort study was able to ascertain individuals with germline DICER1 variants based on a genome-first approach rather than through a previously established DICER1-related phenotype. Use of the genome-first approach may complement more traditional approaches to syndrome delineation and may be an efficient approach for risk estimation.

Nasal chondromesenchymal hamartomas in a cohort with pathogenic germline variation in DICER1.

BACKGROUND: Nasal chondromesenchymal hamartomas are benign, rare nasal tumors associated with DICER1 pathogenic germline variation. They can be locally destructive and recurrent if not completely resected. METHODOLOGY: In this single-center, case-control study, otorhinolaryngology evaluations and review of systems questionnaires of DICER1-carriers and controls enrolled in the DICER1 Natural History Study at the National Cancer Institute were collected. Review of these medical records were analyzed to determine if DICER1-carriers experienced different sinonasal clinical manifestations compared to controls. Additionally, the number of diagnoses of nasal chondromesenchymal hamartoma cases in the NCI DICER1 study was compared against the total person years of observation of DICER1-carriers in the study to determine the total number of cases per person-years of observation. Lastly, both the NCI DICER1 study and the International Pleuropulmonary Blastoma/DICER1 Registry were queried for unpublished cases of nasal chondromesenchymal hamartomas. RESULTS: There were no clinical differences in sinonasal symptomatology between DICER1-carriers and control patients seen in the ENT clinic. We observed of two cases of nasal chondromesenchymal hamartoma in a total of 555 person-years of monitoring DICER1-carriers. We include six unpublished nasal chondromesenchymal hamartoma cases. When combined with a comprehensive literature review, 38% of nasal chondromesenchymal hamartoma cases had at least one additional DICER1-associated tumor and 24% of the NCMH were found in the ethmoid sinus, the most commonly involved paranasal sinus. CONCLUSIONS: We quantify the risk of developing nasal chondromesenchymal hamartomas in our cohort of 236 DICER1-carriers, report six unpublished cases, and provide an updated review of the literature.

Lack of pathogenic germline DICER1 variants in males with testicular germ-cell tumors.

BACKGROUND: Several studies have reported conflicting evidence on the inclusion of testicular germ cell tumors (TGCT) in the DICER1 tumor-predisposition phenotype. We evaluated the relationship between DICER1 and TGCT by reviewing scrotal ultrasounds of males with pathogenic germline variants in DICER1 and queried exome data from TGCT-affected men for DICER1 variants. METHODOLOGY: Fifty-four male DICER1-carriers and family controls (n=41) enrolled in the National Cancer Institute (NCI) DICER1 Natural History Study were offered scrotal ultrasounds. These studies were examined by a single radiologist for abnormalities. In parallel, DICER1 variants from two large exome-sequenced TGCT cohorts were extracted. We used previously published AMG-AMP criteria to characterize rare DICER1 variants. RESULTS: There was no observed difference in frequency of testicular cystic structures in DICER1-carriers versus controls. DICER1 variation was not associated with TGCT in the NCI DICER1-carriers. In 1,264 exome-sequenced men with TGCT, none harbored ClinVar- or InterVar-determined pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants in DICER1. Three DICER1 variants of uncertain significance (one case and two controls) were predicted "damaging" based on a priori criteria. CONCLUSION: Using two complementary approaches, we found no evidence of an association between pathogenic DICER1 variants and TGCT.

Neoplasm Risk Among Individuals With a Pathogenic Germline Variant in DICER1.

PURPOSE: DICER1 syndrome is an autosomal-dominant, pleiotropic tumor-predisposition disorder caused by pathogenic germline variants in DICER1. We sought to quantify risk, hazard rates, and the probability of neoplasm incidence accounting for competing risks ("cumulative incidence") of neoplasms (benign and malignant) and standardized incidence ratios for malignant tumors in individuals with DICER1 pathogenic variation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We combined data from three large cohorts of patients who carry germline pathogenic variation in DICER1. To reduce ascertainment bias, we distinguished probands from nonprobands. Neoplasm diagnoses were confirmed by review of pathology reports and/or central review of surgical pathology materials. Standardized cancer incidence ratios were determined relative to the SEER program, which does not capture all DICER1-associated neoplasms. For all malignancies and benign tumors ("neoplasms," excluding type Ir pleuropulmonary blastoma and thyroid nodules), we used the Kaplan-Meier method and nonparametric cumulative incidence curves to estimate neoplasm-free survival. RESULTS: We calculated the age at first neoplasm diagnosis (systematically ascertained cancers plus DICER1-associated neoplasms pleuropulmonary blastoma, cystic nephroma, and nasal chondromesenchymal hamartoma) in 102 female and male nonproband DICER1 carriers. By age 10 years, 5.3% (95% CI, 0.6% to 9.7%) of nonproband DICER1 carriers had developed a neoplasm (females, 4.0%; males, 6.6%). By age 50 years, 19.3% (95% CI, 8.4% to 29.0%) of nonprobands had developed a neoplasm (females, 26.5%; males, 10.2%). After age 10 years, female risk was elevated compared with male risk. Standardized cancer incidence ratio analysis of 102 nonproband DICER1 carriers, which represented 3,344 person-years of observation, showed significant cancer excesses overall, particularly of gynecologic and thyroid cancers. CONCLUSION: This work provides the first quantitative analysis of site-specific neoplasm risk and excess malignancy risk in 102 systematically characterized nonproband DICER1 carriers. Our findings inform DICER1 syndrome phenotype, natural history, and genetic counseling.

DICER1 and Associated Conditions: Identification of At-risk Individuals and Recommended Surveillance Strategies.

Pathogenic germline DICER1 variants cause a hereditary cancer predisposition syndrome with a variety of manifestations. In addition to conferring increased cancer risks for pleuropulmonary blastoma (PPB) and ovarian sex cord-stromal tumors, particularly Sertoli-Leydig cell tumor, individuals with pathogenic germline DICER1 variants may also develop lung cysts, cystic nephroma, renal sarcoma and Wilms tumor, nodular hyperplasia of the thyroid, nasal chondromesenchymal hamartoma, ciliary body medulloepithelioma, genitourinary embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma, and brain tumors including pineoblastoma and pituitary blastoma. In May 2016, the International PPB Registry convened the inaugural International DICER1 Symposium to develop consensus testing and surveillance and treatment recommendations. Attendees from North America, Europe, and Russia provided expert representation from the disciplines of pediatric oncology, endocrinology, genetics, genetic counseling, radiology, pediatric surgery, pathology, and clinical research. Recommendations are provided for genetic testing; prenatal management; and surveillance for DICER1-associated pulmonary, renal, gynecologic, thyroid, ophthalmologic, otolaryngologic, and central nervous system tumors and gastrointestinal polyps. Risk for most DICER1-associated neoplasms is highest in early childhood and decreases in adulthood. Individual and caregiver education and judicious imaging-based surveillance are the primary recommended approaches. These testing and surveillance recommendations reflect a consensus of expert opinion and current literature. As DICER1 research expands, guidelines for screening and treatment will continue to be updated. Clin Cancer Res; 24(10); 2251-61. ©2018 AACR.

Quantification of Thyroid Cancer and Multinodular Goiter Risk in the DICER1 Syndrome: A Family-Based Cohort Study.

Context: The risk of thyroid cancer and multinodular goiter (MNG) in DICER1 syndrome, a rare tumor-predisposition disorder, is unknown. Objective: To quantify the risk of thyroid cancer and MNG in individuals with DICER1 syndrome. Design: Family-based cohort study. Setting: National Institutes of Health (NIH) Clinical Center (CC). Participants: The National Cancer Institute DICER1 syndrome cohort included 145 individuals with a DICER1 germline mutation and 135 family controls from 48 families. Interventions: Each individual completed a detailed medical history questionnaire. A subset underwent a 3-day evaluation at the NIH CC. Main Outcome Measures: The cumulative incidence of MNG (or thyroidectomy) was quantified using the complement of the Kaplan-Meier product limit estimator. We compared the observed number of thyroid cancers in the NCI DICER1 cohort with matched data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program. We performed germline and somatic (thyroid cancer, MNG) DICER1 sequencing. Results: By the age of 40 years, the cumulative incidence of MNG or thyroidectomy was 75% in women and 17% in men with DICER1 syndrome compared with 8% of control women (P < 0.001) and 0% of control men (P = 0.0096). During 3937 person-years of observation, individuals with DICER1 syndrome had a 16-fold increased risk of thyroid cancer (95% confidence interval, 4.3 to 41; P < 0.05) compared with the SEER rates. Of 19 MNG nodules and 3 thyroid cancers, 16 (84%) and 3 (100%), respectively, harbored germline and somatic pathogenic DICER1 mutations. Conclusions: We propose a model of thyroid carcinogenesis in DICER1 syndrome. Early-onset, familial, or male MNG should prompt consideration of the presence of DICER1 syndrome.