Risk for Hereditary Neoplastic Syndromes in Women with Mismatch Repair-Proficient Endometrial Cancer.

Endometrial cancer (EC) is a prevalent malignancy in women, and those who are proficient in the DNA mismatch repair (pMMR) pathway may have a family history (FH) that meets the criteria for a hereditary neoplastic condition (HNS). This study aimed to estimate the risk of HNS in women with pMMR endometrial tumors by analyzing their FH. To achieve this, we collaborated with a primary study and collected FH information by telephone. The final sample comprised 42 women who responded to the Primary Screening Questionnaire. Their family pedigrees were drawn and categorized according to internationally standardized criteria for the risk of HNS. Results showed that 26 women (61%) were found to be at risk for HNS, with Bethesda criteria being met by 23%, Amsterdam criteria by 15%, and 4% met the attenuated familial adenomatous polyposis criteria. Our results emphasize the importance of FH and the need to encourage healthcare professionals to collect and document FH more frequently, even if it is self-reported. By identifying individuals with HNS, we can improve their outcomes and reduce the burden of cancer in families with a predisposition to cancer.

Epidemiological profile and clinical characteristics of 491 Brazilian patients with neurofibromatosis type 1.

BACKGROUND: Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a chronic and progressive autosomal dominant genetic and sporadic disease characterized by cutaneous and neurological abnormalities. Plexiform neurofibroma (PN), a significant cause of clinical complications in NF-1, is a benign tumor of the peripheral nerve sheath that involves multiple nerve fascicles. Although there is an important number of patients who are affected by NF1 in Brazil, there is little data on the behavior of the disease in the national literature as well as in other low- and middle-income countries. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of 491 patients with NF1 followed at two reference centers in Brazil. RESULTS: Approximately 38% of patients had PNs, resulting in reduced life quality. The median patient age with PNs was 30 years (range: 6 to 83 years). Head and neck, and extremity were the main affected locations with 35.8 and 30.6%, respectively. PNs were classified as asymptomatic in 25.1% of patients, while 52.5% presented symptomatic and inoperable tumors. The most common manifestations related to PNs were disfigurement and orthopedic involvement. Twenty patients developed neoplasms and ten (50%) presented with malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNST). The prevalence of MPNST in our study was 2.9%. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with NF1 experience clinically significant morbidity, especially when it is associated with PN. Though there are many patients affected by NF1 in Brazil and other low- and middle-income countries, there is little data available in the corresponding literature. Our results are comparable to the previous results reported from higher-income countries and international registries.

Implementação de um programa de mentoring para estudantes de graduação em saúde: a experiência da FMRP-USP / Implementation of a mentoring program for undergraduate health students: the experience of FMRP-USP

Resumo: Introdução: Discussões acerca da importância de proporcionar uma formação integral a estudantes do ensino superior têm sido ampliadas. Para além da aquisição de competências técnicas, ressalta-se a importância do desenvolvimento relacional, de atitudes e valores sustentados em princípios éticos. No campo da formação em saúde, cuidar dos futuros cuidadores pode ser uma forma de atingir tais objetivos. Programas de mentoria configuram uma relação de ajuda em que uma pessoa mais experiente na área de formação acolhe, orienta e auxilia um grupo de ingressantes na mesma área, contribuindo para o desenvolvimento acadêmico, pessoal e social. Relato de experiência: Este trabalho relata a implementação, o desenvolvimento e a manutenção de um programa de mentoring para cursos da área da saúde em uma instituição pública de ensino superior, sob coordenação do Centro de Apoio Educacional e Psicológico. Foi iniciado por meio de um projeto-piloto com o curso de Medicina e oferecido posteriormente aos demais cursos da unidade de ensino. Caracteriza-se como atividade extracurricular, de caráter voluntário, oferecida no primeiro semestre aos estudantes ingressantes. Os encontros são conduzidos por mentores, auxiliados por estudantes veteranos, os peers. Discussão: São destacados fatores que contribuíram para maior ou menor sensibilização e compreensão dos objetivos do programa, adesão dos participantes e manutenção dos grupos. O programa recebeu ajustes e modificações alinhados às próprias transformações ocorridas no centro responsável por sua coordenação, com o investimento em atividades coletivas de promoção de bem-estar e qualidade de vida. Conclusão: Programas de mentoria são intervenções importantes para acolhimento e suporte a estudantes durante a formação universitária. Podem apresentar desafios em sua implementação e manutenção, necessitando de coordenação e acompanhamentos constantes, em diálogo com todos os envolvidos em sua realização.

Abstract: Introduction: Discussions on the importance of providing comprehensive education to students in higher education have been broadened. In addition to the acquisition of technical skills, the importance of relational development, attitudes and values based on ethical principles is emphasized. In the field of health education, taking care of future caregivers can be a way to achieve these goals. Mentoring programs constitute a help relationship in which a person with more experience in the field of training welcomes, guides and assists a group of newcomers in the same area, contributing to academic, personal and social development. Experience report: This work reports on the implementation, development and maintenance of a Mentoring Program for students from undergraduate health courses of a public higher education institution, under the coordination of its educational and psychological support center. It was initiated through a pilot project with medical students, and later offered to students from six other undergraduate health courses of the teaching unit. It is characterized as a voluntary, extracurricular activity, offered in the first semester to incoming students. The meetings are conducted by mentors, assisted by veteran students, the peers. Discussion: The study highlights factors that contributed to a greater or lesser awareness and understanding of the program's objectives, participation and the maintenance of groups. The program was adjusted and modified in line with the changes that took place at the center responsible for its coordination, with investment in collective activities to promote well-being and quality of life. Conclusion: Mentoring programs are important interventions for welcoming and supporting students during their undergraduate training. They can present challenges in their implementation and maintenance, requiring coordination and constant monitoring, in dialogue with all those involved in their implementation.

First description of ultramutated endometrial cancer caused by germline loss-of-function and somatic exonuclease domain mutations in POLE gene.

Endometrial cancer (EC) harboring heterozygous POLE proofreading inactivating mutations (POLE-exo*) is associated with an increased number of somatic mutations that result in a distinctive anti-tumor immune response. However, the consequences of such POLE mutations in the context of the missing wild-type allele have not yet been described in endometrial tumors. A 72-year-old woman harboring a germline monoallelic frameshift mutation (p.Pro269fsTer26) in POLE was diagnosed with an EC having a somatic heterozygous mutation in the exonuclease domain of POLE (S459F). Targeted gene sequencing revealed an ultramutated phenotype (381 mutations/Mb) in the tumor and a 2-fold excess of mutations on the DNA leading strand. Additionally, we observed a mutational signature similar to the COSMIC signature 10, a higher mutation rate in this tumor than in endometrial tumors with heterozygous POLE-exo*, and an increased number of T lymphocytes. This is the first report of an ultramutated EC harboring a somatic POLE-exo* mutation in association with a germline loss-of-function mutation in this gene. The absence of a wild type POLE allele led to a particularly high mutational burden.

Lynch syndrome identification in a Brazilian cohort of endometrial cancer screened by a universal approach.

OBJECTIVE: To report the frequency of Lynch syndrome (LS) in a cohort of patients from Southeast Brazil bearing endometrial cancer (EC), using a tumor screening universal approach. METHODS: A total of 242 endometrial carcinomas were screened by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and microsatellite instability (MSI) for detection of DNA mismatch repair deficiency (dMMR). MLH1 methylation was assessed to identify sporadic cases. Patients with dMMR tumors were recruited for germline variant analysis by next-generation sequencing of the MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2, and EPCAM genes. RESULTS: Ninety-three out of 242 tumors (38.5%) were classified as dMMR based on MSI and IHC results. Of these, 54 cases were selected for germline analysis, and 37/54 (68.5%) were available for sequencing. Ten patients (10/37, 27%) harbored germline pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants, most of them in the MSH6 gene (4/10, 40%). Seven variants of uncertain significance were found. Eight novel germline variants were identified. The LS prevalence in our cohort was of at least 4.1%. LS patients presented lower mean age at cancer diagnosis compared with patients diagnosed with sporadic EC. Individuals with dMMR tumors, without germline pathogenic variants detected in LS-genes ("Lynch-like" syndrome), had an intermediate mean age at cancer diagnosis between LS and sporadic cases. CONCLUSION: This is the first report of the LS prevalence in EC screened by a universal approach in Brazil. Our findings contribute to a better understanding of the mutational landscape of this syndrome in Brazil, which is relevant for improved identification, genetic counseling, prevention and control of cancer in LS.

Competency Profile in Genetics for Physicians in Brazil: A Proposal of the Brazilian Society of Medical Genetics and Genomics / Perfil de Competência em Genética para Médicos do Brasil: uma Proposta da Sociedade Brasileira de Genética Médica e Genômica

ABSTRACT Training in genetics is fundamental to understanding the biological aspects of the health-disease binomial. Moreover, with the change in the epidemiological profile, genetically determined disorders have become more relevant as a public health concern. Thus, managing these disorders in an ethical and diligent manner, both in patients and in their families, and considering the logic and policies of the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS), has become a desirable competency for all physicians, impacting on their undergraduate training. Viewing this issue as relevant, the Brazilian Society of Medical Genetics and Genomics (SBGM) defined the desirable competencies in genetics for Brazilian physicians, tied to the public policies related to medical genetics in Brazil. This paper is a theoretical essay that aims to contextualize and present the competency profile in Genetics for physicians proposed by the SBGM. The proficiency profile, presented and discussed in this essay, was structured based on four essential competencies: (1) to recognise the necessity for continuing education, regularly examining one's own clinical competency, identifying learning gaps and the advances of genetics and of genomics over time; (2) to identify individuals that present or can develop a genetic disorder and know how and when to refer the patient to a specialist in medical genetics; (3) to manage patients with previously diagnosed genetic disorders and/or birth defects, employing established clinical guidelines in the scope of their professional role; and (4) to promote and stimulate clinical and education practices aimed at preventing genetic disorders and birth defects. The knowledge, skills and attitudes required for attaining these four competencies were identified. Therefore, a competency-based theoretical reference is presented to support the teaching of genetics during medical training. It is proposed that this essential competency profile in genetics should be adopted in all Brazilian medical schools with the purpose of training physicians better prepared for the current demands of the SUS. Furthermore, this competency profile can support continuing professional education actions in the area of Genetics, in order to qualify SUS staff in relation to genetic disorders and birth defects.

RESUMO Educação em genética é fundamental para o entendimento dos aspectos biológicos do binômio saúde-doença. Além disso, com a mudança do perfil epidemiológico, as doenças com determinantes genéticos tornaram-se mais relevantes como problema de saúde pública. Assim, manejar estas doenças, tanto em pacientes como em suas famílias, de forma ética, diligente e considerando a lógica e as políticas do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS), passa a ser competência desejável para todos os médicos, impactando sua formação na graduação. Entendendo esta questão como absolutamente relevante, a Sociedade Brasileira de Genética Médica e Genômica (SBGM) definiu as competências desejáveis em genética para os médicos do Brasil, articuladas às políticas públicas relacionadas à área existentes no País. Este artigo é um ensaio teórico que objetiva contextualizar e apresentar o perfil de competência em genética para médicos proposto pela SBGM. O perfil de competência, apresentado e discutido neste ensaio, foi estruturado com base em quatro competências essenciais: (a) reconhecer a necessidade de educação continuada, examinando regularmente a sua própria competência clínica; (b) identificar indivíduos que apresentem ou possam desenvolver uma doença genética e saber como e quando encaminhá-los para aconselhamento genético; (c) manejar pacientes com doenças genéticas e/ou defeitos congênitos no âmbito da sua atuação profissional; (d) promover e estimular práticas clínicas e de educação em saúde, objetivando a prevenção de doenças genéticas e defeitos congênitos. Conhecimentos, habilidades e atitudes necessários para alcançar essas quatro competências foram elencados. Dessa forma, é apresentado um referencial teórico, baseado em competências, para apoiar o ensino da genética durante a graduação em Medicina. Defende-se a adoção deste perfil de competência mínimo em genética em todas as escolas médicas brasileiras com a finalidade de formar um médico mais adequado às atuais demandas do SUS. Adicionalmente, esse perfil de competência pode subsidiar ações de educação profissional permanente na área da genética, de forma a capacitar o recurso humano do SUS em relação às doenças genéticas e aos defeitos congênitos.

Contribution of SLC26A4 to the molecular diagnosis of nonsyndromic prelingual sensorineural hearing loss in a Brazilian cohort.

OBJECTIVE: Hereditary hearing loss (HL) is the most common sensorineural disorder in humans. Besides mutations in GJB2 and GJB6 genes, pathogenic variants in the SLC26A4 gene have been reported as a cause of hereditary HL due to its role in the physiology of the inner ear. In this research we wanted to investigate the prevalence of mutations in SLC26A4 in Brazilian patients with nonsyndromic prelingual sensorineural HL. We applied the high-resolution melting technique to screen 88 DNA samples from unrelated deaf individuals that were previously screened for GJB2, GJB6 and MT-RNR1 mutations. RESULTS: The frequency of mutations in the SLC26A4 gene was 28.4%. Two novel mutations were found: p.Ile254Val and p.Asn382Lys. The mutation c.-66C>G (rs17154282) in the promoter region of SLC26A4, was the most frequent mutation found and was significantly associated with nonsyndromic prelingual sensorineural HL. After mutations in the GJB2, GJB6 and mitochondrial genes, SLC26A4 mutations are considered the next most common cause of hereditary HL in Brazilian as well as in other populations, which corroborates with our data. Furthermore, we suggest the inclusion of the SCL26A4 gene in the investigation of hereditary HL since there was an increase in the frequency of the mutations found, up to 22.7%.

I Fórum Paulista de Serviços de Apoio ao Estudante de Medicina — Forsa Paulista — “A Carta de Marília” / I Forum of Paulista Medical Student Support Services — Forsa Paulista — “The Letter of Marília”

RESUMO No dia 12 de maio de 2016, estiveram reunidos na cidade de Marília, no I Fórum de Serviços de Apoio aos Estudantes de Medicina (Forsa), realizado durante o 10° Congresso Paulista de Educação Médica (CPEM), representantes de serviços de apoio discente, bem como docentes e estudantes de Medicina, a fim de discutir e elencar estratégias de fortalecimento dos serviços de apoio à saúde discente, estritamente necessárias no contexto violento em que se inserem as escolas médicas. Foi criado um documento, denominado “A Carta de Marília”. Em 13 de outubro de 2016, esse documento foi referendado pelo XI Fórum Cobem dos Serviços de Apoio (Forsa Cobem) durante o 54º Congresso Brasileiro de Educação Médica na cidade de Brasília.

ABSTRACT On May 12, 2016 the first Forum for Support Services for Medical Students (Forsa) held in the city of Marilia during the 10th Paulista Congress of Medical Education (CPEM), gathered representatives of student support services, as well as teachers and medical students in order to discuss and rank strategies to enhance the services to support student health, strictly necessary in the violent setting in which medical schools operate. A document was created and named “The Letter of Marilia.” On October 13, 2016, this document was endorsed by the XI COBEM Forum for Support Services (FORSA COBEM) during the 54th Brazilian Medical Education Congress in Brasília.

Self-reported cancer family history is a useful tool for identification of individuals at risk of hereditary cancer predisposition syndrome at primary care centers in middle-income settings: a longitudinal study.

Analysis of cancer family history (CFH) offers a low-cost genetic tool to identify familial cancer predisposition. In middle-income settings, the scarcity of individual records and database-linked records hinders the assessment of self-reported CFH consistency as an indicator of familial cancer predisposition. We used self-reported CFH to identify those families at risk for hereditary cancer syndromes in community-based primary care centers of a low-income Brazilian area. We also evaluated the consistency of the information collected by reassessing CFH five years later. We interviewed 390 families and constructed their pedigrees for genetic cancer risk assessment. We found 125 families affected by cancer, 35.2% with moderate to high risk of familial susceptibility to cancer, a number that represents a relatively high prevalence of potential hereditary cancer syndromes in the overall study sample. Upon reassessment of CFH in 14/20 families that were previously identified as having at least one first-degree and one second-degree relative affected by cancer, and presented moderate to high risk for developing cancer, 90% of initial pedigrees were confirmed. These results demonstrate the reliability of self-reports as a means of early identification of healthy individuals at risk, encouraging the wider use of this method in low- and middle-income primary care settings.

Practicability of comprehensive care in clinical genetics in the Brazilian Unified Health System: expanding the debate / Ejecutabilidad del cuidado integral en genética clínica en Sistema Unico de Salud: la ampliación del debate / Exequibilidade da atenção integral em genética clínica no Sistema Unico de Saúde: ampliando o debate

This article aims to highlight the discussions on the National Policy for Comprehensive Care in Clinical Genetics and reflect on its pending regulation when genomic discoveries change the model of health care. Nine of the ten causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide presents genetic/genomic predisposition. Based on strategic planning, this Policy proposes the organization of a network of referral services and specialized centers in genetics, with capacity to meet the needs of the population. Its regulation requires training and qualification of the health care professionals to provide comprehensive care, to optimize access, to identify and diagnose individuals with increased risk for injuries with genetic predisposition early. In primary health care, the care in question should not be interpreted as a specialty, but as specialized. This model presents innovative perspectives, in line with the principles and guidelines of the Unified Health System.

Este estudio objetivó tornar prominentes discusiones acerca de la Política Nacional de Cuidado Integral en Genética Clínica y reflexionar sobre su regulación pendiente cuando descubrimientos genómicos transforman el modelo de atención a salud. Nueve entre diez causas de morbilidad y mortalidad en todo mundo presentan predisposición genética/genómica. La Política, fundamentada en la planificación estratégica, propone ofrecimiento de asesoramiento genético, mediante estructuración de una red de servicios de referencia y centros especializados, para satisfacer las necesidades de la población. Su regulación requiere capacitación y cualificación de profesionales de salud para ofrecer el cuidado integral, optimizar el acceso, identificar y diagnosticar precozmente individuos con mayor riesgo de enfermedades con predisposición genética. En la atención primaria de salud, el cuidado en cuestión no debe ser interpretado como una especialidad, pero sí como especializado. Este modelo presenta perspectivas innovadoras en consonancia con principios y directrices de los modeladores del Sistema Único de Salud.

Este artigo tem por objetivo tornar proeminentes as discussões acerca da Política Nacional de Atenção Integral em Genética Clínica e refletir sobre sua pendente regulamentação, quando descobertas genômicas transformam o modelo de atenção à saúde. Nove dentre dez causas de morbimortalidade mundiais apresentam predisposição genética/genômica. Essa Política, fundamentada no planejamento estratégico, propõe a estruturação de uma rede de serviços de referência e centros especializados em genética, com capacidade para responder às necessidades da população. Sua regulamentação pressupõe capacitação e qualificação dos profissionais de saúde para oferecer atenção integral, otimizar o acesso, identificar e diagnosticar precocemente indivíduos com risco aumentado para agravos com predisposição genética. Na atenção básica à saúde, o cuidado em pauta não deve ser interpretado enquanto especialidade, mas como especializado. Esse modelo apresenta perspectivas inovadoras em consonância com os princípios e diretrizes modeladores do Sistema Único de Saúde.

[Perception of cancer causes and risk, family history and preventive behaviors of users in oncogenetic counseling]. / Percepção de causas e risco oncológico, história familiar e comportamentos preventivos de usuários em aconselhamento oncogenético.

The aims of the present study were to describe cancer causes and risk perception, and to associate behaviors adopted for the prevention of tumors and cancer family history in individuals with suspect of hereditary cancer syndromes. A convenience sample of 51 individuals was selected from an oncogenetic counseling outpatient clinic in a university hospital in the countryside of the state of São Paulo. An instrument adapted to Brazilian culture was used. The respondents considered their own risk as being the same as the population's risk, and family history was not statistically associated with the performing of preventive exams. These findings highlight the need for intervention by health professionals, especially nurses, who may conduct health education activities for this population, which is an essential component of nursing care in oncogenetics.

Percepção de causas e risco oncológico, história familiar e comportamentos preventivos de usuários em aconselhamento oncogenético / Perception of cancer causes and risk, family history and preventive behaviors of users in oncogenetic counseling / Percepción de causas y riesgo oncológico, historia familiar y comportamientos preventivos de pacientes en asesoramiento oncogenético

O presente estudo teve como objetivo descrever a percepção de causas e risco para neoplasias, bem como associar comportamentos adotados para prevenção de tumores e história familiar dessa patologia em indivíduos com suspeita de síndromes neoplásicas hereditárias. A amostra de conveniência foi constituída por 51 usuários atendidos em um ambulatório de aconselhamento oncogenético de um hospital-escola do interior paulista. Utilizou-se um instrumento previamente traduzido e adaptado para a cultura brasileira. Os respondentes consideraram seu risco de câncer como sendo igual ao da população em geral e a história familiar de malignidades não foi estatisticamente associada à realização de exames preventivos. Os resultados deste estudo evidenciam a necessidade de intervenção dos profissionais de saúde, em especial do enfermeiro, o qual pode desenvolver atividades de educação em saúde junto a essa clientela, como um dos componentes essenciais para o cuidado de enfermagem em oncogenética.

The aims of the present study were to describe cancer causes and risk perception, and to associate behaviors adopted for the prevention of tumors and cancer family history in individuals with suspect of hereditary cancer syndromes. A convenience sample of 51 individuals was selected from an oncogenetic counseling outpatient clinic in a university hospital in the countryside of the state of São Paulo. An instrument adapted to Brazilian culture was used. The respondents considered their own risk as being the same as the population's risk, and family history was not statistically associated with the performing of preventive exams. These findings highlight the need for intervention by health professionals, especially nurses, who may conduct health education activities for this population, which is an essential component of nursing care in oncogenetics.

El estudio objetivó describir la percepción de causas y riesgo de padecer neoplasias, así como asociar comportamientos adoptados para la prevención de tumores e historia familiar de la patología en individuos con sospecha de síndromes neoplásicos hereditarios. La muestra de conveniencia se constituyó de 51 pacientes atendidos en ambulatorio de asesoramiento oncogenético de un hospital escuela del interior paulista. Se utilizó un instrumento traducido y adaptado a la cultura brasileña. Los consultados consideraron su riesgo de cáncer como equiparable al de la población en general, la historia familiar de enfermedades malignas no fue estadísticamente asociada a la realización de estudios preventivos. Los resultados del estudio demuestran la necesidad de intervención de los profesionales de salud, en especial del enfermero, el cual puede desarrollar actividades de educación en salud conjuntamente con estos sujetos, como uno de los componentes esenciales para el cuidado de enfermería en oncogenética.

Obesidade infanto-juvenil: uma proposta de classificação clínica / Infant-juvenile obesity: proposal for a clinical classification

Objetivo: propor uma classificação de obesidade infanto-juvenil que sintetize os conhecimentos atuais em relação aos aspectos etiológicos e aos fatores de complicação. Fontes pesquisadas:a proposta de classificação baseou-se nos dados de literatura internacional, constantes das bases MEDLINE, LILACS e SCielo. Os conhecimenos foram organizados de acordo com a experiência de atendimento clínico do Centro de Estudos em Saúde e Nutrição infanto-juvenil...

A further case of a Prader-Willi syndrome phenotype in a patient with Angelman syndrome molecular defect

Angelman syndrome (AS) and Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) are distinct human neurogenetic disorders; however, a clinical overlap between AS and PWS has been identified. We report on a further case of a patient showing the PWS phenotype with the AS molecular defect. Despite the PWS phenotype, the DNA methylation analysis of SNRPN revealed an AS pattern. Cytogenetic and FISH analysis showed normal chromosomes 15 and microsatellite analysis showed heterozygous loci inside and outside the 15q11-13 region. The presence of these atypical cases could be more frequent than previously expected and we reinforce that the DNA methylation analysis is important for the correct diagnosis of severe mental deficiency, congenital hypotonia and obesity

A further case of a Prader-Willi syndrome phenotype in a patient with Angelman syndrome molecular defect.

Angelman syndrome (AS) and Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) are distinct human neurogenetic disorders; however, a clinical overlap between AS and PWS has been identified. We report on a further case of a patient showing the PWS phenotype with the AS molecular defect. Despite the PWS phenotype, the DNA methylation analysis of SNRPN revealed an AS pattern. Cytogenetic and FISH analysis showed normal chromosomes 15 and microsatellite analysis showed heterozygous loci inside and outside the 15q11-13 region. The presence of these atypical cases could be more frequent than previously expected and we reinforce that the DNA methylation analysis is important for the correct diagnosis of severe mental deficiency, congenital hypotonia and obesity.