Clinical and psychological implications of secondary and incidental findings in cancer susceptibility genes after exome sequencing in patients with rare disorders.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Exome sequencing may identify pathogenic variants unrelated with the purpose of the analysis. We investigated the frequency of secondary and incidental findings (SF/IF) in cancer susceptibility genes (CSG), their clinical actionability and the psychological impact in individuals with an SF/IF (cases) compared with individuals tested due to their cancer history (controls). METHODS: This study analysed 533 exomes ordered for non-cancer conditions. Medical records were reviewed for clinical actionability of SF/IF. Psychological impact was analysed using the Multidimensional Impact of Cancer Risk Assessment (MICRA) scale and compared between cases and controls with a propensity score weighting method. RESULTS: The frequency of SF/IF in CSG was 2.1% (95% CI 1.1% to 3.8%): three BRCA2, three PMS2, two SDHB, and one each in BRCA1, MLH1 and RAD51C. Among the relatives, 18 were carriers. Twenty enrolled for surveillance, and a neoplasm was diagnosed in 20%: three paragangliomas and one breast cancer. Cases presented higher MICRA mean scores than controls (21.3 vs 16.2 in MICRA total score, 6.3 vs 4.2 in the distress subscale, and 8.3 vs 6.6 in the uncertainty subscale; all p<0.001). CONCLUSION: SF/IF in CSG were identified in 2.1% of patients. Despite a numerically higher psychological impact, the identification of SF/IF allowed early detection and cancer prevention in families without cancer history.

Epstein-Barr virus-associated risk factors for post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease in pediatric liver transplant recipients.

BACKGROUND: Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) are the most common de novo malignancies after liver transplantation (LT) in children. The aim of our study was to assess the role of pre-LT EBV status and post-LT EBV viral load as risk factors for developing PTLD in a cohort of pediatric LT recipients. METHODS: Data of all children who underwent LT between January 2002 and December 2019 were collected. Two cohorts were built EBV pre-LT primary infected cohort and EBV post-LT primary infected cohort. Moreover, using the maximal EBV viral load, a ROC curve was constructed to find a cutoff point for the diagnosis of PTLD. RESULTS: Among the 251 patients included in the study, fifteen PTLD episodes in 14 LT recipients were detected (2 plasmacytic hyperplasia, 10 polymorphic PTLD, 2 monomorphic PTLD, and 1 Classical-Hodgkin's lymphoma). Patients of the EBV post-LT primary infected cohort were 17.1 times more likely to develop a PTLD than patients of the EBV pre-LT primary infected cohort (2.2-133.5). The EBV viral load value to predict PTLD was set at 211 000 UI/mL (93.3% sensitivity and 77.1% specificity; AUC 93.8%; IC 0.89-0.98). In EBV post-LT primary infected cohort, patients with a viral load above 211 000 were 30 times more likely to develop PTLD than patients with a viral load below this value (OR 29.8; 3.7-241.1; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The combination of pretransplant EBV serological status with EBV post-transplant viral load could be a powerful tool to stratify the risk of PTLD in pediatric LT patients.

Adjuvant therapy of histopathological risk factors of retinoblastoma in Europe: A survey by the European Retinoblastoma Group (EURbG).

INTRODUCTION: Advanced intraocular retinoblastoma can be cured by enucleation, but spread of retinoblastoma cells beyond the natural limits of the eye is related to a high mortality. Adjuvant therapy after enucleation has been shown to prevent metastasis in children with risk factors for extraocular retinoblastoma. However, histological criteria and adjuvant treatment regimens vary and there is no unifying consensus on the optimal choice of treatment. METHOD: Data on guidelines for adjuvant treatment in European retinoblastoma referral centres were collected in an online survey among all members of the European Retinoblastoma Group (EURbG) network. Extended information was gathered via personal email communication. RESULTS: Data were collected from 26 centres in 17 countries. Guidelines for adjuvant treatment were in place at 92.3% of retinoblastoma centres. There was a consensus on indication for and intensity of adjuvant treatment among more than 80% of all centres. The majority of centres use no adjuvant treatment for isolated focal choroidal invasion or prelaminar optic nerve invasion. Patients with massive choroidal invasion or postlaminar optic nerve invasion receive adjuvant chemotherapy, while microscopic invasion of the resection margin of the optic nerve or extension through the sclera are treated with combined chemo- and radiotherapy. CONCLUSION: Indications and adjuvant treatment regimens in European retinoblastoma referral centres are similar but not uniform. Further biomarkers in addition to histopathological risk factors could improve treatment stratification. The high consensus in European centres is an excellent foundation for a common European study with prospective validation of new biomarkers.

Recommendations for somatic and germline genetic testing of single pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma based on findings from a series of 329 patients.

BACKGROUND: Nowadays, 65-80% of pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma (PPGL) cases are explained by germline or somatic mutations in one of 22 genes. Several genetic testing algorithms have been proposed, but they usually exclude sporadic-PPGLs (S-PPGLs) and none include somatic testing. We aimed to genetically characterise S-PPGL cases and propose an evidence-based algorithm for genetic testing, prioritising DNA source. METHODS: The study included 329 probands fitting three criteria: single PPGL, no syndromic and no PPGL family history. Germline DNA was tested for point mutations in RET and for both point mutation and gross deletions in VHL, the SDH genes, TMEM127, MAX and FH. 99 tumours from patients negative for germline screening were available and tested for RET, VHL, HRAS, EPAS1, MAX and SDHB. RESULTS: Germline mutations were found in 46 (14.0%) patients, being more prevalent in paragangliomas (PGLs) (28.7%) than in pheochromocytomas (PCCs) (4.5%) (p=6.62×10(-10)). Somatic mutations were found in 43% of those tested, being more prevalent in PCCs (48.5%) than in PGLs (32.3%) (p=0.13). A quarter of S-PPGLs had a somatic mutation, regardless of age at presentation. Head and neck PGLs (HN-PGLs) and thoracic-PGLs (T-PGLs) more commonly had germline mutations (p=2.0×10(-4) and p=0.027, respectively). Five of the 29 metastatic cases harboured a somatic mutation, one in HRAS. CONCLUSIONS: We recommend prioritising testing for germline mutations in patients with HN-PGLs and T-PGLs, and for somatic mutations in those with PCC. Biochemical secretion and SDHB-immunohistochemistry should guide genetic screening in abdominal-PGLs. Paediatric and metastatic cases should not be excluded from somatic screening.

Ultrasound criteria (EU-TIRADS) to identify thyroid nodule malignancy risk in adolescents. Correlation with cyto-histological findings. / Criterios ecográficos (EU-TIRADS) para identificar el riesgo de malignidad de los nódulos tiroideos en adolescentes. Correlación con los hallazgos cito-histológicos.

INTRODUCTION: Thyroid nodule (TN) harboring a thyroid carcinoma are more common in pediatric than adult patients. In pediatric population, the evaluation of a TN should require specific pediatric tools for its diagnostic and therapeutic management. High-resolution ultrasonography and cytological evaluation after fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) remain the cornerstones of evaluation of TN. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate in pediatric TN for the first time the usefulness and precision of the ultrasound criteria defined by the"Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (EU-TIRADS) 2017 in adults" to establish the ultrasound indication for the practice of FNAB and stratify the risk of malignancy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 24 pediatric patients under age 18 years with thyroid nodules were attended in the last 15 years, 24 of them (31 nodules; age: 15.2 ± 2.2 years; 18 women) met the inclusion criteria: FNAB with Bethesda classification and ultrasound with EU-TIRADS score. EU-TIRADS score were evaluated retrospectively. Fourteen patients underwent surgery and the definitive histological diagnosis was obtained, this allowed the calculations of sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive values of the EU-TIRADS and Bethesda classification. Data on the largest diameters of the nodules were collected. RESULTS: Of the overall 31 nodules, the distribution by EU-TIRADS (T) category was: T1 (3.2%), T2: 2 (6.4%), T3: 7 (22.6%), T4: 16 (51.6%) and T5: 5 (16.1%). All malignant nodules were included in EU-TIRADS category 4 or 5. By the other hand, 13 of the 25 benign nodules were also included in the EU-TIRADS 4 category, and one in the 5. The distribution by categories of Bethesda's classification (B): BI: 6 (19.4%), BII: 14 (45.2%), BIII: 5 (16.1%), BIV: 2 (6.5%), BV: 0 and BVI: 4 (12.9%). The pathological diagnosis of the 14 patients who underwent surgery was: 6 papillary carcinomas and 8 with benign lesions: 6 nodular hyperplasia and 2 follicular adenoma. The percentage of malignancy was 42%. The sensitivity of the EU-TIRADS classification to detect malignant nodules was 100%, the specificity was 25%, PPV 44% and NPV 100%. The sensitivity of the Bethesda classification to detect malignant nodules was 86%, the specificity was 75%, PPV 67% and NPV 90%. The analysis of the largest diameter of the nodules did not show statistically significant differences between benign and malignant lesions. CONCLUSIONS: EU-TIRADS for ultrasonographic criteria classification in combination with the clinical history is an adequate and reproducible method to estimate suspicion of malignancy of pediatric TN. It is also a reliable diagnostic tool to decide which nodules will be candidates for FNAB.

Ultrasound criteria (EU-TIRADS) to identify thyroid nodule malignancy risk in adolescents. Correlation with cyto-histological findings.

INTRODUCTION: Thyroid nodule (TN) harbouring a thyroid carcinoma are more common in paediatric than adult patients. In paediatric population, the evaluation of a TN should require specific paediatric tools for its diagnostic and therapeutic management. High-resolution ultrasonography and cytological evaluation after fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) remain the cornerstones of evaluation of TN. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate in paediatric TN for the first time the usefulness and precision of the ultrasound criteria defined by the "Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (EU-TIRADS) 2017 in adults" to establish the ultrasound indication for the practice of FNAB and stratify the risk of malignancy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 24 paediatric patients under age 18 years with thyroid nodules were attended in the last 15 years, 24 of them (31 nodules; age: 15.2 ±â€¯2.2 years; 18 women) met the inclusion criteria: FNAB with Bethesda classification and ultrasound with EU-TIRADS score. EU-TIRADS score were evaluated retrospectively. Fourteen patients underwent surgery and the definitive histological diagnosis was obtained, this allowed the calculations of sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive values of the EU-TIRADS and Bethesda classification. Data on the largest diameters of the nodules were collected. RESULTS: Of the overall 31 nodules, the distribution by EU-TIRADS (T) category was: T1 (3.2%), T2: 2 (6.4%), T3: 7 (22.6%), T4: 16 (51.6%) and T5: 5 (16.1%). All malignant nodules were included in EU-TIRADS category 4 or 5. By the other hand, 13 of the 25 benign nodules were also included in the EU-TIRADS 4 category, and one in the 5. The distribution by categories of Bethesda's classification (B): BI: 6 (19.4%), BII: 14 (45.2%), BIII: 5 (16.1%), BIV: 2 (6.5%), BV: 0 and BVI: 4 (12.9%). The pathological diagnosis of the 14 patients who underwent surgery was: 6 papillary carcinomas and 8 with benign lesions: 6 nodular hyperplasia and 2 follicular adenoma. The percentage of malignancy was 42%. The sensitivity of the EU-TIRADS classification to detect malignant nodules was 100%, the specificity was 25%, PPV 44% and NPV 100%. The sensitivity of the Bethesda classification to detect malignant nodules was 86%, the specificity was 75%, PPV 67% and NPV 90%. The analysis of the largest diameter of the nodules did not show statistically significant differences between benign and malignant lesions. CONCLUSIONS: EU-TIRADS for ultrasonographic criteria classification in combination with the clinical history is an adequate and reproducible method to estimate suspicion of malignancy of paediatric TN. It is also a reliable diagnostic tool to decide which nodules will be candidates for FNAB.

Long-term follow-up of differentiated thyroid carcinoma in children and adolescents.

Objectives The aims were to analyze the clinical features, response to treatment, prognostic factors and long-term follow-up of children and adolescents with differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC). Methods Eighty patients with DTC were studied retrospectively. All underwent total or near-total thyroidectomy, and in 75 cases, ablative iodine therapy was recommended. Patients were assessed periodically by tests for serum thyroglobulin levels and whole-body iodine scans. Age, gender, initial clinical presentation, histology, tumor stage, postoperative complications, radioiodine treatment protocol, treatment response, thyroglobulin (Tg), recurrence and long-term disease progression were evaluated. Results Seventy patients completed >2 years of follow-up (23 males, 47 females; median age: 14 years; range: 3-18 years). Sixty-two patients showed papillary DTC and eight, follicular DTC. Sixty-five percent presented nodal metastasis and 16%, pulmonary metastasis at diagnosis. Six months after first radioiodine treatment, 36.2% of patients were free of disease. Seven recurrences were documented. At the end of follow-up, overall survival was 100%, and 87.2% of patients were in complete remission. Nine patients had persistent disease. We found a significant association between stage 4 and persistent disease. Hundred percent of patients with negative Tg values at 6 months posttreatment were documented free of disease at the end of the follow-up. The analysis of disease-free survival based on radioiodine treatment protocols used showed no statistically significant differences. Conclusions DTC in children and adolescents is frequently associated with presence of advanced disease at diagnosis. Despite this, complete remission was documented after treatment in most cases, with a good prognosis in the long-term follow-up. Negative posttreatment thyroglobulin and stage 4 at diagnosis were significant prognostic variables.

Histiocitosi en pediatria: la gran simuladora / Histiocitosis en pediatría: la gran simuladora / Histiocytosis in pediatrics: the great simulator

Fonament. La histiocitosi de cèl·lules de Langerhans (HCL) és una malaltia caracteritzada per l’acumulació anormal decèl·lules del sistema monociticomacrofàgic, amb una presentació clínica molt variable. Sovint, atesa la gran variabilitat clínica d’aquesta entitat, es fan diagnòstics tardansque repercuteixen en el pronòstic.Objectiu. Descriure les principals manifestacions clíniquesde l’histiocitosi de cèl·lules de Langerhans (HCL) en unhospital de tercer nivell els darrers catorze anys. Mètode. Estudi observacional, descriptiu i retrospectiu delscasos d’HCL tractats a l’Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron.Criteris d’inclusió: edat dels participants (de 0 dies fins a 18anys), període d’estudi (2006-2021) i diagnòstic de la malaltia, basat en el diagnòstic clínic o la confirmació histològica. Mitjançant la revisió d’històries clíniques es van registrar variables demogràfiques (edat i sexe), clíniques (formade presentació, manifestacions inicials, evolució i recaigudes) i troballes rellevants en les proves complementàries. Resultats. Es van revisar 55 casos diagnosticats d’HCL. Lamitjana d’edat de presentació va ser 4,5 anys (RI 1-8), ambpredomini del sexe masculí (3:1). El motiu de consulta mésfreqüent ha estat l’aparició d’una tumoració (20%, sobretota la zona cranial), seguit per dolor ossi (14,5%), polidípsiai poliúria (9,1%), torticoli (9,1%), coixesa, exantema cutanii febre (7,3% cadascuna). Basant-nos en la classificacióLCH-IV, la majoria es van classificar com a unisistèmiques(71%) enfront de les multisistèmiques (29%). Conclusions. L’HCL és una malaltia poc freqüent en pediatria, però amb un espectre clínic ampli que comportadiagnòstics tardans associats a complicacions. Té molta importància conèixer aquesta entitat i les seves manifestacionsprincipals. (AU)

Fundamento. La histiocitosis de células de Langerhans (HCL) es una enfermedad caracterizada por la acumulación anormal de células del sistema monocítico-macrofágico, con una presentación clínica muy variable. A menudo, dada la gran variabilidad clínica de esta entidad, se realizan diagnósticos tardíos que repercuten ensu pronóstico. Objetivo. Describir las principales manifestaciones clínicas de la histiocitosis de células de Langerhans (HCL) en un hospital de tercer nivel en los últimos 14 años. Método. Estudio observacional, descriptivo y retrospectivo de los casos de HCL tratados en el Hospital Universitario Vall d’Hebron. Criterios de inclusión: edad de los participantes (de 0 días de vida hasta 18 años), período de estudio (2006-2021) y diagnóstico dela enfermedad, basado en el diagnóstico clínico o la confirmación histológica. Mediante la revisión de historias clínicas, se registraron variables demográficas (edad y sexo), clínicas (forma de presentación, manifestaciones iniciales, evolución y recaídas) y hallazgos relevantes en las pruebas complementarias. Resultados. Se revisaron 55 casos diagnosticados de HCL. La media de edad de presentación fue 4,5 años (RI 1-8), con predominio del sexo masculino (3:1). El motivo de consulta más frecuente ha sido la aparición de una tumoración (20%, sobre todo a nivel craneal), seguido por dolor óseo (14,5%), polidipsia y poliuria(9,1%), tortícolis (9,1%), cojera, exantema cutáneo y fiebre(7,3% cada una). Basándonos en la clasificación LCH-IV, la mayor parte se clasificaron como unisistémicas (71%) frente a las multisistémicas (29%). Conclusiones. La HCL es una enfermedad poco frecuente en pediatría pero con un amplio espectro clínico que comporta diagnósticos tardíos asociados a complicaciones. Resulta de gran importancia conocer a esta entidad y sus principales manifestaciones. (AU)

Background. Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a disease characterized by the abnormal accumulation of cells of the monocytemacrophage system. Its clinical presentation is highly variable, which can lead to late diagnosis and worse outcomes.Objective. To describe the main clinical manifestations of LCH in atertiary hospital in the last 14 years. Method. Observational, descriptive, and retrospective study of children with LCH treated at the Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron.Inclusion criteria: age of the participants (0 days of life and up to18 years), study period (2006-2021) and diagnosis of the diseasebased on clinical diagnosis or histological confirmation. We recorded demographic variables (age and sex), clinical characteristics(form of presentation, initial manifestations, evolution, and relapses), and relevant findings in diagnostic tests. Results. 55 children diagnosed with LCH were reviewed. The meanage at presentation was 4.5 years (IR 1-8), with a predominanceof males (3:1). The most frequent reason for consultation was the appearance of a lump (20%, especially at the cranial level), followed by bone pain (14.5%), polydipsia and polyuria (9.1%), torticollis (9.1%), and limping, skin rash, and fever (7.3% each). Based on the LCH-IV classification, most were classified as singlesystem (71%) versus multi-system (29%). Conclusions. LCH is a rare disease in pediatrics but with a wideclinical spectrum that can lead to late diagnoses and subsequentcomplications. It is of great importance to know this entity and itsmain manifestations. (AU)

Social support during childhood cancer treatment enhances quality of life at survival / El apoyo social durante el cáncer infantil favorece la calidad de vida en periodo de supervivencia

Introducción: La calidad de vida en relación a la salud (CVRS) en cáncer se ha relacionado con distintos factores de riesgo y protección tales como el apoyo social percibido (ASP) y el afrontamiento. Sin embargo, la investigación acerca de los efectos de dichos factores sobre la CVRS de supervivientes pediátricos sigue siendo no concluyente. Objetivo: Describir y explorar la relación entre CVRS en periodo de supervivencia y factores presentes durante el periodo de hospitalización (ASP y afrontamiento). Métodos: Diseño transversal. 41 supervivientes de cáncer infanto-juvenil respondieron medidas de CVRS en referencia al periodo actual de supervivencia, así como medidas de ASP y afrontamiento en relación al periodo de hospitalización. Resultados: La función discriminante obtenida logró clasificar correctamente al 78% de la muestra. Los supervivientes con mayores puntuaciones en CVRS, fueron aquellos que, en los peores momentos durante su hospitalización, percibieron un apoyo emocional satisfactorio (por parte del personal de enfermería) y no desplegaron un gran número de recursos de afrontamiento para hacer frente al evento estresante (sólo la estrategia de afrontamiento de acción social mostró relación estadísticamente significativa con CVRS). Conclusiones e implicaciones: Considerando estos resultados, parece adecuado el llevar a cabo intervenciones de tipo psicoeducativo destinadas a fortalecer la red de apoyo social, sobre todo por parte del personal sanitario (enfermería). Estos resultados ponen de manifiesto la importancia de considerar todas las oportunidades para abordar las necesidades emocionales de los pacientes durante su hospitalización, ya que se ha observado que esto puede tener un efecto positivo perdurable en periodo de supervivencia

Background: Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in cancer has been related to several protective and risk factors such as perceived social support (PSS) and coping. However, their effects on HRQoL once patients are in survivorship have not been fully described in pediatric samples. Objective: To describe and explore the relationship between HRQoL in survivorship and some factors (PSS, coping) present while active treatment. Methods: Cross-sectional study. Forty-one pediatric cancer survivors answered HRQoL measures referred to survivorship, as well as PSS and coping measures referred to treatment period. Results: The discriminant function obtained succeeds to correctly classify 78% of the sample. Survivors who showed high HRQoL were those who, in the hardest moment while hospitalization, perceived satisfactory emotional support (from nurses) and did not deploy a wide range of active coping resources to cope with stressful events (only social action coping strategy showed a significant relationship with HRQoL). Conclusions and implications: Considering these outcomes, educational and counseling interventions to strengthen patients’ social networks and supportive relationships are recommended, specially, among health providers (nurses). These results highlight the importance of not overlooking opportunities to address the emotional needs of patients while hospitalization, since a positive and endurable effect has been observed at survivorship

Update on retinoblastoma

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