Concurrent Hepatoblastoma and Wilms Tumor Leading to Diagnosis of Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome.

Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS) is an epigenetic overgrowth disorder and cancer predisposition syndrome caused by imprinting defects of chromosome 11p15.5-11p15.4. BWS should be considered in children with atypical presentations of embryonal tumors regardless of clinical phenotype. Risk of malignancy correlates with specific molecular subgroups of BWS making molecular subclassification important for appropriate cancer screening. We report the first case of concurrent embryonal tumors in a phenotypically normal child, leading to the diagnosis of BWS with paternal uniparental disomy and describe the molecular classification of BWS as it relates to malignancy risk, along with approach to management.

PIM kinases mediate resistance to cisplatin chemotherapy in hepatoblastoma.

Despite increasing incidence, treatment for hepatoblastoma has not changed significantly over the past 20 years. Chemotherapeutic strategies continue to rely on cisplatin, as it remains the most active single agent against hepatoblastoma. However, chemoresistance remains a significant challenge with 54-80% of patients developing resistance to chemotherapy after 4-5 cycles of treatment. Stem cell-like cancer cells (SCLCCs) are a subset of cells thought to play a role in chemoresistance and disease recurrence. We have previously demonstrated that Proviral Integration site for Moloney murine leukemia virus (PIM) kinases, specifically PIM3, play a role in hepatoblastoma cell proliferation and tumor growth and maintain the SCLCC phenotype. Here, we describe the development of a cisplatin-resistant hepatoblastoma xenograft model of the human HuH6 cell line and a patient-derived xenograft, COA67. We provide evidence that these cisplatin-resistant cells are enriched for SCLCCs and express PIM3 at higher levels than cisplatin-naïve cells. We demonstrate that PIM inhibition with AZD1208 sensitizes cisplatin-resistant hepatoblastoma cells to cisplatin, enhances cisplatin-mediated apoptosis, and decreases the SCLCC phenotype seen with cisplatin resistance. Together, these findings indicate that PIM inhibition may be a promising adjunct in the treatment of hepatoblastoma to effectively target SCLCCs and potentially decrease chemoresistance and subsequent disease relapse.

DNA methylation in Hepatoblastoma-a literature review.

Hepatoblastoma (HB) is the most common malignant liver tumor in children. Abnormal activation of the Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway plays an important role in the formation and development of HB. Genes in HB show a global hypomethylation change, accompanied by hypermethylation of specific tumor suppressor genes (TSGs). This article reviews the hypermethylation changes in several TSGs, such as RASSF1A, SOCS1, APC, HHIP, and P16, and analyzes the pathways and mechanisms of TSGs regulating gene expression. The role of the methylation-regulating enzymes DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) and ten-eleven translocation (TET) family members enzymes in the methylation changes of HB was analyzed, and it was speculated that the occurrence of HB is partly due to the obstruction of liver differentiation in the early stage of differentiation. The origin cells may be incompletely differentiated hepatocytes remaining in the liver of children after birth. Therefore, further studying the role of methylation regulating enzymes in methylation changes in HB is a promising future research direction.

YTHDC1 gene polymorphisms and hepatoblastoma susceptibility in Chinese children: A seven-center case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Hepatoblastoma is a commonly occurring embryonal tumors in children. N6-methyladenosine (m6 A) plays a critical role in gene expression, thus contributing to the occurrence and progression of cancer. RNA splicing is regulated by the nuclear m6 A reader YTHDC1, yet the roles of YTHDC1 polymorphisms in hepatoblastoma remain unclear. METHODS: We conducted a seven-center case-control study to determine the association between YTHDC1 gene polymorphisms (rs2293596 T>C, rs2293595 T>C and rs3813832 T>C) and hepatoblastoma susceptibility. We recruited 313 hepatoblastoma patients and 1446 healthy controls. RESULTS: There was no significant association between all of these polymorphisms and hepatoblastoma susceptibility in single locus or combined analysis. Stratification analysis revealed that rs2293596 TC/CC genotype carriers had a higher risk of developing hepatoblastoma in the subgroup of clinical stages III + IV [adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 1.80, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.18-2.76, p = 0.007]. In addition, 3 risk genotype carriers are more likely to develop hepatoblastoma in the subgroup of clinical stages III + IV (adjusted OR = 1.80, 95% CI = 1.18-2.76, p = 0.007). Furthermore, false-positive probability analysis was used to notarize our findings. Haplotype analysis indicated that there was no significant association between inferred haplotypes of YTHDC1 gene based on observed genotypes and hepatoblastoma risk. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, our findings suggest that the rs2293596 T>C polymorphism may contribute to hepatoblastoma susceptibly and YTHDC1 gene polymorphisms may have a cumulative effect on hepatoblastoma risk.

The association of hepatoblastoma, prematurity and cerebral palsy: Case reports.

PURPOSE: Hepatoblastoma is the most common primary liver tumor in children and has a greater incidence in children with a history of prematurity and very low birth weight. To increase awareness of the association between prematurity and hepatoblastoma for health care providers who treat children with Cerebral Palsy (CP), we present two case reports. METHODS: Two case reports of premature, very low birth weight infants with hepatoblastoma are described and a literature review of hepatoblastoma in the setting of prematurity and cerebral palsy is performed. RESULTS: Each patient had a history of 26-28 week prematurity, very low birth weight, and CP. Both presented with worsening constipation and abdominal distension that did not respond to oral medications. Appropriate referrals to the ER were made which lead to a diagnosis of hepatoblastoma. Pediatric rehabilitation was a source of referral for diagnosis in one patient and aided in the rehabilitation course following treatment for both patients. CONCLUSIONS: Hepatoblastoma is the most common primary liver tumor in children and has an increased incidence in children with a history of prematurity and very low birth weight. Providers who frequently care for the very low birth weight and premature children with CP should be aware of this correlation and include hepatoblastoma in the differential when managing patients with suddenly worsening constipation or abdominal distension. Pediatric physiatrists and other providers for these patients could be a source of referrals and diagnosis leading to timely treatment.

Phenotype evolution and health issues of adults with Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS) phenotype usually mitigates with age and data on adulthood are limited. Our study aims at reporting phenotype evolution and health issues in adulthood. METHODS: 34 patients (16 males), aged 18-58 years (mean 28.5) with BWS were enrolled. RESULTS: 26 patients were molecularly confirmed, 5 tested negative, and 3 were not tested. Final tall stature was present in 44%. Four patients developed Wilms' Tumor (2, 3, 5, and 10 years, respectively); one hepatoblastoma (22 years); one acute lymphoblastic leukemia (21 years); one adrenal adenoma and testicular Sertoli cell tumor (22 and 24 years, respectively); and three benign tumors (hepatic haemangioma, uterine myoma, and mammary fibroepithelioma). Surgery for BWS-related features was required in 85%. Despite surgical correction several patients presented morbidity and sequelae of BWS pediatric issues: pronunciation/swallow difficulties (n = 9) due to macroglossia, painful scoliosis (n = 4) consistent with lateralized overgrowth, recurrent urolithiasis (n = 4), azoospermia (n = 4) likely consequent to cryptorchidism, severe intellectual disability (n = 2) likely related to neonatal asphyxia and diabetes mellitus (n = 1) due to subtotal pancreatectomy for intractable hyperinsulinism. Four patients (two males) had healthy children (three physiologically conceived and one through assisted reproductive technology). CONCLUSIONS: Adult health conditions in BWS are mostly consequent to pediatric issues, underlying the preventive role of follow-up strategies in childhood. Malignancy rate observed in early adulthood in this small cohort matches that observed in the first decade of life, cumulatively raising tumor rate in BWS to 20% during the observation period. Further studies are warranted in this direction.

Development of the Serum α-Fetoprotein Reference Range in Patients with Beckwith-Wiedemann Spectrum.

OBJECTIVE: To establish reference ranges for serum α-fetoprotein (AFP) at various ages in patients with Beckwith-Wiedemann spectrum (BWSp), to better predict the risk for hepatoblastoma in this population. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective analysis of AFP measurements collected from patients with BWSp was performed. Factors including sex, prematurity, molecular diagnosis of patients, and performing laboratory were evaluated for significant differences. In total, 1372 AFP values were collected from 147 patients and the predictive AFP values at various ages were calculated to establish reference ranges. Mixed-effects polynomial regression models were used to study various potential factors affecting log(AFP) values. RESULTS: Overall, predicted AFP values declined to normal range for age (<10 ng/mL) by 14 months old. Patient sex and performing laboratory were found not to influence values. A significant difference was demonstrated between premature and nonpremature patients, and separate reference values were established. Significant differences in the predicted AFP value were not broadly apparent between molecular subtypes; however, interpretation was limited due to the small sample size of some of these subtypes. CONCLUSIONS: Predictive AFP values were created for premature and nonpremature patients with BWSp to aid with interpretation and monitoring of the risk for hepatoblastoma. Further analysis is needed to determine whether AFP values differ within the less common molecular subtypes of patients with BWSsp.

Cancer risk in children and young adults born preterm: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Risk of developing a malignancy when born premature is unknown. We hypothesised that risk of certain cancers might be increased in youth born preterm versus term. We therefore performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the incidence of malignancy in the context of preterm birth, according to various cancer types. METHODS: The study was designed per MOOSE and PRISMA guidelines. Articles were identified through November 2015. Observational studies exploring the association between childhood malignancy and birth characteristics were included. Of the 1658 records identified, 109 full text articles were evaluated for eligibility. Random effects meta-analyses were conducted on 10/26 studies retained; 95% confidence intervals were computed and adjusted following sensitivity analysis. Publication bias was evaluated using funnel plots, Begg's and Egger's tests. RESULTS: No differences in risk of primary central nervous system tumor [OR 1.05; 95% CI 0.93-1.17, 5 studies, 580 cases] and neuroblastoma [OR 1.09; 95% CI 0.90-1.32, 5 studies, 211 cases] were observed in individuals born <37 versus ≥37 weeks' gestation. Preterm birth was consistently associated with hepatoblastoma [ORs 3.12 (95% CI 2.32-4.20), 1.52 (95% CI 1.1-2.1), 1.82 (95% CI 1.01-3.26), and 2.65 (95% CI 1.98-3.55)], but not leukemia, astrocytoma, ependymoma, medulloblastoma, lymphoma, nephroblastoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, retinoblastoma or thyroid cancer. CONCLUSIONS: Children born premature may be at increased risk for hepatoblastoma but there is no strong evidence of an increased risk of primary central nervous system tumours or neuroblastoma. There is insufficient evidence to conclude whether prematurity modulates the risk of other childhood cancers.

Cancer risk in children born after donor ART.

STUDY QUESTION: Do children born after donor ART have an increased risk of developing childhood cancer in comparison to the general population? SUMMARY ANSWER: This study showed no overall increased risk of childhood cancer in individuals born after donor ART. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: Most large population-based studies have shown no increase in overall childhood cancer incidence after non-donor ART; however, other studies have suggested small increased risks in specific cancer types, including haematological cancers. Cancer risk specifically in children born after donor ART has not been investigated to date. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: This retrospective cohort study utilized record linkage to determine the outcome status of all children born in Great Britain (1992-2008) after donor ART. The cohort included 12 137 members who contributed 95 389 person-years of follow-up (average follow-up 7.86 years). PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: Records of all children born in Great Britain (England, Wales, Scotland) after all forms of donor ART (1992-2008) were linked to the UK National Registry of Childhood Tumours (NRCT) to determine the number who subsequently developed cancer by 15 years of age, by the end of 2008. Rates of overall and type specific cancer (selected a priori) were compared with age, sex and calendar year standardized population-based rates, stratifying for potential mediating/moderating factors including sex, age at diagnosis, birth weight, multiple births, maternal previous live births, assisted conception type and fresh/ cryopreserved cycles. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: In our cohort of 12 137 children born after donor ART (52% male, 55% singleton births), no overall increased risk of cancer was identified. There were 12 cancers detected compared to 14.4 expected (standardized incidence ratio (SIR) 0.83; 95% CI 0.43-1.45; P = 0.50). A small, significant increased risk of hepatoblastoma was found, but the numbers and absolute risks were small (<5 cases observed; SIR 10.28; 95% CI 1.25-37.14; P < 0.05). This increased hepatoblastoma risk was associated with low birthweight. LIMITATIONS REASONS FOR CAUTION: Although this study includes a large number of children born after donor ART, the rarity of specific diagnostic subgroups of childhood cancer results in few cases and therefore wide CIs for such outcomes. As this is an observational study, it is not possible to adjust for all potential confounders; we have instead used stratification to explore potential moderating and mediating factors, where data were available. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: This is the first study to investigate cancer risk in children born after donor ART. Although based on small numbers, results are reassuring for families and clinicians. The small but significant increased risk of hepatoblastoma detected was associated with low birthweight, a known risk factor for this tumour type. It should be emphasized that the absolute risks are very small. However, on-going investigation with a longer follow-up is needed. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S): This work was funded by Cancer Research UK (C36038/A12535) and the National Institute for Health Research (405526) and supported by the National Institute for Health Research Biomedical Research Centre at Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust and University College London. The work of the Childhood Cancer Research Group (CCRG) was supported by the charity CHILDREN with CANCER UK, the National Cancer Intelligence Network, the Scottish Government and the Department of Health for England and Wales. There are no competing interests. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: N/A.

The utility of alpha-fetoprotein screening in Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome.

Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS) is one of the most common cancer predisposition disorders. As a result, BWS patients receive tumor screening as part of their clinical management. Until recently, this screening has been employed uniformly across all genetic and epigenetic causes of BWS, including the utilization of ultrasonography to detect abdominal tumors and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) to detect hepatoblastoma. The advancements in our understanding of the genetics and epigenetics leading to BWS has evolved over time, and has led to the development of genotype/phenotype correlations. As tumor risk appears to correlate with genetic and epigenetic causes of BWS, several groups have proposed alterations to tumor screening protocols based on the etiology of BWS, with the elimination of AFP as a screening measure and the elimination of all screening measures in BWS patients with loss of methylation at the KCNQ1OT1:TSS-DMR 2 (IC2). There are many challenges to this suggestion, as IC2 patients may have additional factors that contribute to risk of hepatoblastoma including fetal growth patterns, relationship with assisted reproductive technologies, and the regulation of the IC2 locus. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Hepatoblastoma and Abernethy Malformation Type I: Case Report.

A 2-year-old boy presented with pneumonia and an abdominal mass was noted incidentally. A right lobe hepatic mass classified as PRETEXT III and congenital absence of the portal vein with drainage of the superior mesenteric vein to the inferior vena cava (Abernethy malformation type I) were confirmed by computed tomography and angiography. After a clinical diagnosis of hepatoblastoma had been made, he was treated with 4 cycles of doxorubicin and cisplatin and hepatic arterial chemoembolization with doxorubicin, after which the tumor was classified as POSTEXT III. He underwent a right extended hepatic lobectomy with resection of the caudate lobe but died on postoperative day 4 due to hepatic failure. The Abernethy malformation type I is associated with the development of hepatic tumors, and the abnormal blood flow might predispose to hepatic failure after liver resection. Extensive study of the hepatic vasculature is warranted in patients with suspected malformations. Liver transplant could be considered in patients with congenital portosystemic shunt and malignant liver tumors.

Phenotype, cancer risk, and surveillance in Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome depending on molecular genetic subgroups.

Patients with Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS) have an increased risk to develop cancer in childhood, especially Wilms tumor and hepatoblastoma. The risk varies depending on the cause of BWS. We obtained clinical and molecular data in our cohort of children with BWS, including tumor occurrences, and correlated phenotype and genotype. We obtained similar data from larger cohorts reported in the literature. Phenotype, genotype and tumor occurrence were available in 229 of our own patients. Minor differences in phenotype existed depending on genotype/epigenotype, similar to earlier studies. By adding patients from the literature, we obtained data on genotype and tumor occurrence of in total 1,971 BWS patients. Tumor risks were highest in the IC1 (H19/IGF2:IG-DMR) hypermethylation subgroup (28%) and pUPD subgroup (16%) and were lower in the KCNQ1OT1:TSS-DMR (IC2) subgroup (2.6%), CDKN1C (6.9%) subgroup, and the group in whom no molecular defect was detectable (6.7%). Wilms tumors (median age 24 months) were frequent in the IC1 (24%) and pUPD (7.9%) subgroups. Hepatoblastoma occurred mostly in the pUPD (3.5%) and IC2 (0.7%) subgroups, never in the IC1 and CDKN1C subgroups, and always before 30 months of age. In the CDKN1C subgroup 2.8% of patients developed neuroblastoma. We conclude tumor risks in BWS differ markedly depending on molecular background. We propose a differentiated surveillance protocol, based on tumor risks in the various molecular subgroups causing BWS. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Hepatoblastoma in Explanted Livers of Patients With Biliary Atresia.

OBJECTIVES: Surveillance of hepatic nodules for malignant transformation to hepatocellular carcinoma is important in the monitoring of patients with biliary atresia (BA). To date, only 2 published case reports describe the finding of hepatoblastoma (HB) in this setting. The present study aimed to investigate this association of HB and BA, and to assess the utility of alpha-fetoprotein (aFP) as a marker in the diagnosis. METHODS: A retrospective study of all patients who underwent isolated liver transplantation (LTx) for the primary diagnosis of BA at a single center, between January 1999 and June 2014, was conducted. Patient demographics, pre-LTx aFP levels, and histologic examination of native liver explants were reviewed. RESULTS: One hundred two (44% men, median age 11 months) patients underwent LTx for BA. Two (2%) explants examinations were confirmatory for concomitant HB; both patients had abnormally elevated aFP. Overall, 56 (55%) patients had available pre-LTx aFP levels. Recipients with persistently abnormal aFP levels (n = 20, 36%) were older at hepatoportoenterostomy (107 vs 68 days, P = 0.02) and younger at LTx surgery (359 vs 1713 days, P < 0.01), compared to patients with constantly normal levels (n = 24, 43%). CONCLUSIONS: In our cohort, HB was found to coexist in approximately 2% of patients with BA undergoing LTx, far exceeding the hypothetical anticipated incidence of 1:10 billion for the concomitant diagnoses. Elevated serum aFP levels may be sensitive but not specific for HB in this context. Further research is required to identify specific mechanisms and risk factors.

[Hepatoblastoma, Etiology, Case Reports]. / Hepatoblastom, etiologie, kazuistiky.

Hepatoblastoma is an uncommon malignant neoplasm in general, yet, it is the most common liver malignancy in children with the incidence about one per milion children. This type of liver tumor usually occurs before the age of three years. The etiology of hepatoblastoma remains unknown. However, there are some genetic conditions known to be associated with an increased risk of developing hepatoblastoma such as Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome, hemihypertrophy, APC-associated polyposis, α-1-antitrypsin defficiency and some metabolic disorders including tyrosinemia, galactosemia and glycogen storage disease type 1. There is a higher risk of hepatoblastoma in children with very low birthweight, children who acquire hepatitis B at an early age and children with congenital biliary atresia.

Neonatal medical exposures and characteristics of low birth weight hepatoblastoma cases: a report from the Children's Oncology Group.

BACKGROUND: Hepatoblastoma is a malignancy of young children. Low birth weight is associated with significantly increased risk of hepatoblastoma and neonatal medical exposures are hypothesized as contributors. This study represents the largest case-control study of hepatoblastoma to date and aimed to define the role of neonatal exposures in hepatoblastoma risk among low birth weight children. PROCEDURE: Incident hepatoblastoma cases who were born <2,500 g (N = 60), diagnosed between 2000 and 2008, were identified through the Children's Oncology Group. Controls were recruited through state birth registries (N = 51). Neonatal medical exposures were abstracted from medical records. Subjects from the Vermont Oxford Network were used for further comparisons, as were existing reports on neonatal medical exposures. RESULTS: Case-control comparisons were hindered by poor matching within birth weight strata. Cases were smaller and received more aggressive neonatal treatment compared to controls, and reflected high correlation levels between birth weight and treatments. Similar difficulty was encountered when comparing cases to Vermont Oxford Network subjects; cases were smaller and required more aggressive neonatal therapy. Furthermore, it appears hepatoblastoma cases were exposed to a greater number of diagnostic X-rays than in case series previously reported in the neonatal literature. CONCLUSIONS: This study presents the largest case series of hepatoblastoma in <2,500 g birth weight infants with accompanying neonatal medical exposure data. Findings confirm that birth weight is highly correlated with exposure intensity, and neonatal exposures are themselves highly correlated, which hampers the identification of a causal exposure among hepatoblastoma cases. Experimental models or genetic susceptibility testing may be more revealing of etiology.

Hepatoblastoma in children with Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome: does it warrant different treatment?

Patients with Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome (BWS) are predisposed to developing hepatoblastoma. Clinical data were reviewed in all cases of hepatoblastoma in patients with BWS reported in the literature and from personal cases. Patients were identified by literature review using PubMed and by a search of the authors' local tumor registries. Fifty-six patients were identified. The median age of presentation with hepatoblastoma was 6 months (range birth-30 mo). Thirteen of 26 patients were born prematurely. Of 31 evaluable patients, 19 exhibited hemihypertrophy. Thirty-two of 33 patients with α-fetoprotein data reported had elevated levels at diagnosis. Overall survival was 75% (27 of 36 patients). Of 25 patients with data who survived, 24 were treated with chemotherapy and surgery (vs. only 2 of 8 who did not survive). All 9 patients with hepatoblastoma detected by routine screening with outcomes reported were surviving at the time of the reports. Overall survival was high in patients with BWS and hepatoblastoma, especially given lower stage at presentation and when treated with surgery and chemotherapy. Future prospective trials should evaluate if BWS is independently associated with outcome and if the outcome is improved by routine screening.