Cancer gene-panel testing identifies two loss-of-function alleles in PALB2 and PTEN.

Synchronous loss-of-function mutations in the cancer predisposing genes, PTEN and PALB2 identified by multigene panel.

Haplotype analysis reveals that the recurrent BRCA1 deletion of exons 23 and 24 is a Greek founder mutation.

A recurrent large genomic rearrangement (LGR) encompassing exons 23 and 24 of the BRCA1 gene has been identified in breast-ovarian cancer families of Greek origin. Its breakpoints have been determined as c.5406 + 664_*8273del11052 (RefSeq: NM_007294.3) and a diagnostic polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has been set up for rapid screening. In a series of 2,092 high-risk families completely screened for BRCA1 and BRCA2 germline mutations, we have found the deletion in 35 families (1.68%), representing 7.83% of the mutations identified in both genes and 10.3% of the total BRCA1 mutations. In order to characterize this deletion as a founder mutation, haplotype analysis was conducted in 60 carriers from 35 families, using three BRCA1 intragenic microsatellite markers and four markers surrounding the BRCA1 locus. Our results demonstrate a common shared core disease-associated haplotype of 2.89Mb. Our calculations estimate that the deletion has originated from a common ancestor 1450 years ago, which most probably inhabited the Asia Minor area. The particular (LGR) is the third mutation of such type that is proven to have a Greek founder effect in the Greek population, illustrating the necessity for LGRs testing in individuals of Greek descent.

Genetic evaluation based on family history and Her2 status correctly identifies TP53 mutations in very early onset breast cancer cases.

Currently, hereditary breast cancer is being attributed to more than 20 genes of differing penetrance. Although BRCA1 and BRCA2 are still the genes of reference for breast cancer susceptibility, extreme breast cancer phenotypes may be the result of deleterious alleles of other genes. Here, we report three families with early-onset breast cancer that were initially referred for BRCA1/BRCA2 genetic testing. They were diagnosed with breast cancer at an extraordinarily early age. On the basis of their extensive family history, which included multiple cancer types, and their Her2 status, they were suspected for Li-Fraumeni syndrome. Indeed, all three probands were found to harbor TP53 tumor suppressor gene mutations. These included p.C275X, described here for the first time, as well as p.R213X and p.Y220C, which have been described in the past. Our conclusion is that decisions on genetic analysis for inherited early onset breast cancer should always be based on detailed pedigree information, combined with Her2 status.

High prevalence of BRCA1 founder mutations in Greek breast/ovarian families.

We have screened 473 breast/ovarian cancer patients with family history, aiming to define the prevalence and enrich the spectrum of BRCA1/2 pathogenic mutations occurring in the Greek population. An overall mutation prevalence of 32% was observed. Six BRCA1 recurrent/founder mutations dominate the observed spectrum (58.5% of all mutations found). These include three mutations in exon 20 and three large genomic deletions. Of the 44 different deleterious mutations found in both genes, 16 are novel and reported here for the first time. Correlation with available histopathology data showed that 80% of BRCA1 carriers presented a triple-negative breast cancer phenotype while 82% of BRCA2 carriers had oestrogen receptor positive tumours. This study provides a comprehensive view of the frequency, type and distribution of BRCA1/2 mutations in the Greek population as well as an insight of the screening strategy of choice for patients of Greek origin. We conclude that the Greek population has a diverse mutation spectrum influenced by strong founder effects.

Vascular endothelial growth factor polymorphisms and clinical outcome in colorectal cancer patients treated with irinotecan-based chemotherapy and bevacizumab.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the association of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) genotypes with treatment efficacy in a randomized trial. This study compared two chemotherapy regimens (FOLFIRI versus XELIRI) combined with bevacizumab, as first-line treatment for metastatic colorectal cancer. DNA was extracted from blood samples of 173 patients participating in the trial. Genotyping was performed for selected SNPs (VEGF-1154, +936, -634, -2578 and -1498). All candidate genotypes were evaluated for associations with overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS) and response rate (RR). There were no significant differences with respect to the distribution of genotypes in the treatment groups. The VEGF-1154 GG genotype was more frequent in patients not responding to treatment compared with responders (65.5 versus 39.8%, P = 0.032). Furthermore, the VEGF-1154 GG genotype was associated with inferior median OS compared with GA (hazards ratio = 1.68; 95% confidence interval: 1.10-2.57; P = 0.016) or with the alternative genotypes (GA and AA) combined (hazards ratio = 1.62; 95% confidence interval: 1.09-2.40; P = 0.017). In multivariate analysis, the VEGF-1154 GG genotype remained a significant adverse factor for OS. Our results support the potential predictive ability of VEGF genotypes in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer receiving irinotecan-based chemotherapy plus bevacizumab, in terms of RR and OS. However, current results should be validated prospectively, in larger cohorts.

Contribution of BRCA1 germ-line mutations to breast cancer in Greece: a hospital-based study of 987 unselected breast cancer cases.

BACKGROUND: In most Western populations, 5-10% of all breast cancer cases can be attributed to major genetic factors such as predisposing mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2, with early-onset cases generally considered as an indicator of genetic susceptibility. Specific BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations or different mutation frequencies have been identified in specific populations and ethnic groups. Previous studies in Greek breast and/or ovarian cancer patients with family history have shown that four specific BRCA1 mutations, c.5266dupC, G1738R, and two large genomic rearrangements involving deletions of exons 20 and 24, have a prominent function in the population's BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation spectrum. METHODS: To estimate the frequency of the above mutations in unselected Greek breast cancer women, we screened 987 unselected cases independently of their family history, collected from major Greek hospitals. RESULTS: Of the 987 patients, 26 (2.6%) were found to carry one of the above mutations in the BRCA1 gene: 13 carried the c.5266dupC mutation (1.3%), 6 carried the exon 24 deletion (0.6%), 3 carried the exon 20 deletion (0.3%), and 4 carried the G1738R mutation (0.4%). Among 140 patients with early-onset breast cancer (<40 years), 14 carried one of the four mutations (10.0%). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that a low-cost genetic screening for only the four prominent BRCA1 mutations may be advisable to all early-onset breast cancer patients of Greek origin.

Hereditary cancer predisposition syndromes and preimplantation genetic diagnosis: where are we now?

Hereditary cancer predisposition syndromes have been model diseases in order to understand carcinogenesis in many different organs such as colon, breast, ovaries, stomach and others. Better understanding and follow up of these diseases have led to the increasing acceptance of cancer genetic testing and the improving survival of young patients with cancer. Once the mutation is identified in the gene, patients and their relatives have the option of preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) in order to select embryos without familial cancer-predisposing mutations. This procedure has already been performed in several syndromes, including the common syndromes of genetic predisposition to colon and breast cancer. Despite the numerous ethical objections and legal arguments, PGD for adult-onset cancers is today a reality and couples with an inherited predisposing mutation deserve the same respect, support and right to choose if their child will be born having an extremely high risk for cancer development as in the case of other life-threatening diseases for which prenatal screening has become a standard.