Case Report: A prenatal diagnosis of osteogenesis imperfecta in a patient with a novel pathogenic variant in COL1A2.

Osteogenesis imperfecta is considered a rare genetic condition which is characterized by bone fragility. In 85% of cases, it is caused by mutations in COL1A1 and COL1A2 genes which are essential to produce type I collagen. We report the case of a female neonate delivered to a 27-year-old women at San Bartolomé Teaching Hospital with a family history of clavicle fracture. A prenatal control with ultrasound was performed to the mother at 29 weeks. A fetus with altered morphology and multiple fractures was found. Therefore, a prenatal diagnosis of osteogenesis imperfecta was performed. The neonate was born with a respiratory distress syndrome and an acyanotic congenital heart disease. Therefore, she remained in NICU until her death. We highlight the importance of prenatal diagnosis, genetic counseling and a multidisciplinary evaluation in this type of pathologies and report a new probably pathogenic variant in the COL1A2 gene detected by exomic sequencing in amniotic fluid.

Novel Compound Heterozygous Mutation c.3955_3958dup and c.5825C>T in the ATM Gene: Clinical Evidence of Ataxia-Telangiectasia and Cancer in a Peruvian Family.

Pathogenic and likely pathogenic variants in the ATM gene are associated both with Ataxia-telangiectasia disease or ATM syndrome and an increased cancer risk for heterozygous carriers. We identified a novel compound heterozygous mutation c.3955_3958dup (p.Asp1320delinsValTer) and c.5825C>T (p.Ala1942Val) in the ATM gene in a Peruvian patient with progressive ataxia combined with other movement disorders, mild conjunctival telangiectasia and increased alpha-fetoprotein, without history of recurrent infection or immunodeficiency. We also determined the carrier status of the family members, and we were able to detect gastric and breast cancer at an early stage during the cancer risk assessment in the mother (c.3955_3958dup). Here, we describe clinical evidence for the novel compound heterozygous mutation and c.3955_3958dup not previously reported.

Genetics and genomics in Peru: Clinical and research perspective.

Peruvians currently preserve in their DNA the history of 2.5 million years of human evolution and 150,000 years of migration from Africa to Peru or the Americas. The development of Genetics and Genomics in the clinical and academic field is shown in this review.

Detección del virus del papiloma humano en muestras obtenidas mediante técnica de autotoma en un grupo de universitarias peruanas / Detection of the human papillomavirus in samples obtained by self-collection technique in a group of peruvian college students

RESUMEN Estudio transversal que determinó la frecuencia y genotipos del virus del papiloma humano de alto riesgo (VPH-AR) a través de la técnica de autotoma en un grupo de universitarias de Lima. Participaron 221 estudiantes y se detectó el ADN del VPH-AR con el método de reacción en cadena de la polimerasa (PCR). La frecuencia del VPH-AR en las participantes fue de 43,4%; de este grupo se encontraron los genotipos VPH 16 en el 15,6% y VPH 18 en el 4,2% y otros VPH-AR en el 80,2%. Se concluye que la frecuencia del VPH-AR es mayor en el grupo de universitarias de este estudio en comparación a investigaciones nacionales previas.

ABSTRACT Cross-sectional study that determined the frequency and the genotypes of the (HR-HPV) high-risk human papillomavirus through the self-collection technique in a group of college students of Lima. Two hundred twenty-one (221) students participated and the DNA of the HR-HPV was detected with polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The frequency of HR-HPV in participants was 43.4%; of this group, genotype HPV 16 was present in 15.6%, HPV 18 in 4.2%, and another HR-HPV in 80.2%. We can conclude that the frequency of HR-HPV is greater in the group of college students of this study in comparison with previous national investigations.

Cáncer ginecológico hereditario en la era de la medicina genómica

Cancer is a genetic disease caused by accumulation of sporadic genetic changes in the tumor tissue, generally after the age of 50. However, 10% to 30% of cases occur before the age of 50, some have a family history of cancer and may have inherited genetic changes that are transmitted from generation to generation and are present since conception. The number of genes identified is more than 80 related to approximately 200 genetic syndromes of predisposition to cancer. The importance of detecting these syndromes in patients and their families is because it allows an accurate diagnosis and prediction of risks and specific controls for each person and family, avoiding illness and death in many cases.

El cáncer es una enfermedad genética producto de la acumulación de cambios genéticos esporádicos en el tejido tumoral. Generalmente se presenta después de los 50 años. Sin embargo, un 10% a 30% de los casos ocurren antes de los 50 años, algunos tienen historia familiar de cáncer y podrían presentar cambios genéticos hereditarios que se transmiten de generación en generación y están presentes desde la concepción. El número de genes que se han identificado son más de 80 relacionados con aproximadamente 200 síndromes genéticos de predisposición al cáncer. La importancia de detectar estos síndromes en los pacientes y familias se debe a que nos permite hacer un diagnóstico preciso, predicción de los riesgos y controles específicos para cada persona y familia, evitando la enfermedad y muerte en muchos casos.

[Detection of the human papillomavirus in samples obtained by self-collection technique in a group of peruvian college students]. / Detección del virus del papiloma humano en muestras obtenidas mediante técnica de autotoma en un grupo de universitarias peruanas.

Cross-sectional study that determined the frequency and the genotypes of the (HR-HPV) high-risk human papillomavirus through the self-collection technique in a group of college students of Lima. Two hundred twenty-one (221) students participated and the DNA of the HR-HPV was detected with polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The frequency of HR-HPV in participants was 43.4%; of this group, genotype HPV 16 was present in 15.6%, HPV 18 in 4.2%, and another HR-HPV in 80.2%. We can conclude that the frequency of HR-HPV is greater in the group of college students of this study in comparison with previous national investigations.

Estudio transversal que determinó la frecuencia y genotipos del virus del papiloma humano de alto riesgo (VPH-AR) a través de la técnica de autotoma en un grupo de universitarias de Lima. Participaron 221 estudiantes y se detectó el ADN del VPH-AR con el método de reacción en cadena de la polimerasa (PCR). La frecuencia del VPH-AR en las participantes fue de 43,4%; de este grupo se encontraron los genotipos VPH 16 en el 15,6% y VPH 18 en el 4,2% y otros VPH-AR en el 80,2%. Se concluye que la frecuencia del VPH-AR es mayor en el grupo de universitarias de este estudio en comparación a investigaciones nacionales previas.

Síndrome de Down mosaico y leucemia linfoblástica aguda de células B: reporte de un caso / Mosaic Down syndrome and acute lymphoblastic B cell-leukemia. Case report / Síndrome de Down mosaico e leucemia linfoblás-tica aguda de células B: reporte de um caso

El síndrome de Down (SD) o trisomía 21 es una anomalía cromosómica constitucional, que puede presentarse en forma de mosaico en 1 % a 4 % de los casos. El diagnóstico de SD mosaico es difícil debido a que la mayoría de los pacientes tienen un fenotipo normal y no manifiestan alteraciones clínicas importantes. Los pacientes con SD tienen mayor riesgo de desarrollar leucemias agudas como la leucemia linfoblástica aguda (LLA). Presentamos el caso de una mujer de 19 años con trisomía 21 en mosaico y LLA de células B.

Down syndrome (DS) or trisomy 21 is a constitutional chromosomal abnormality, which may be mosaic in 1 % to 4 % of cases. DS mosaic diagnosis is difficult because most patients have a normal phenotype and show no significant clinical abnormalities. Patients with DS have a higher risk of developing acute leukemia such as acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Wereport the case of a 19-year old woman with mosaic trisomy 21 and ALL.

A síndrome de Down (SD) ou trissomia 21 é uma anomalia cromossômica constitucional, que pode apresentar-se em forma de mosaico em 1 % a 4 % dos casos. O diagnóstico de SD mosaico é difícil devido a que a maioria dos pacientes têm um fenótipo normal e não manifestam alterações clínicas importantes. Os pacientes com SD têm maior risco de desenvolver leucemias agudas como a leucemia linfoblástica aguda (LLA). Apresentamos o caso de uma mulher de 19 anos com trissomia 21 em mosaico e LLA de células B.

[Demographic characteristics of human papillomavirus detected by PCR-RFLP in peruvian women]. / Características sociodemográficas de mujeres peruanas con virus papiloma humano detectado por PCR-RFLP.

In order to determine the sociodemographic characteristics of human papillomavirus (HPV) in patients referred to the National Institute of Neoplastic Diseases (INEN) between 2012-2014, the detection of HPV in cervical cells was performed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In 465 cervical samples, 151 (32.5%) cases were HPV positive. The most common genotypes were HPV-16 (23.8%) and HPV-6 (11.9%). The presence of HPV was higher in women aged 17-29 years (OR = 2.64, 95% CI 1.14 to 6.13) and single women (OR = 2.31, 95% CI 1.37 to 3.91). The presence of genotypes of high-risk HPV was higher in single women (OR = 2.19, 95% CI 1.04 to 4.62). In conclusion, young and single women had a higher frequency of HPV-positive cases. Therefore participation by these groups should be emphasized in screening programs with combined molecular and cytological methods in order to detect the risk of developing cervical cancer in a timely manner.

Características sociodemográficas de mujeres peruanas con virus papiloma humano detectado por PCR-RFLP / Demographic characteristics of human papillomavirus detected by PCR-RFLP in peruvian women

Con el objetivo de determinar las características sociodemográficas del virus de pacientes con papiloma humano (VPH) referidas al Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Neoplásicas (INEN) durante los años 2012-2014, se realizó la detección del VPH en células cervicales por reacción en cadena de la polimerasa (PCR). En 465 muestras cervicales se detectaron 151 (32,5%) casos de VPH positivas. Los genotipos más frecuentes fueron VPH-16 (23,8%) y VPH-6 (11,9%). La presencia de VPH fue mayor en mujeres de 17 a 29 años (OR 2,64, IC 95%:1,14-6,13) y solteras (OR 2,31, IC 95%: 1,37-3,91), la presencia de genotipos de VPH de alto riesgo fue mayor en solteras (OR 2,19, IC 95%: 1,04-4,62). En conclusión, mujeres jóvenes y solteras presentaron mayor frecuencia de casos VPH-positivos a quienes se debe enfatizar la participación en programas de tamizaje con métodos moleculares y citológicos combinados, a fin de detectar oportunamente el riesgo de desarrollar cáncer de cuello uterino...

In order to determine the sociodemographic characteristics of human papillomavirus (HPV) in patients referred to the National Institute of Neoplastic Diseases (INEN) between 2012-2014, the detection of HPV in cervical cells was performed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In 465 cervical samples, 151 (32.5%) cases were HPV positive. The most common genotypes were HPV-16 (23.8%) and HPV-6 (11.9%). The presence of HPV was higher in women aged 17-29 years (OR = 2.64, 95% CI 1.14 to 6.13) and single women (OR = 2.31, 95% CI 1.37 to 3.91). The presence of genotypes of high-risk HPV was higher in single women (OR = 2.19, 95% CI 1.04 to 4.62). In conclusion, young and single women had a higher frequency of HPV-positive cases. Therefore participation by these groups should be emphasized in screening programs with combined molecular and cytological methods in order to detect the risk of developing cervical cancer in a timely manner...

[Inherited colorectal cancer predisposition syndromes identified in the Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Neoplasicas (INEN), Lima, Peru;]. / Síndromes hereditarios de predisposición al cáncer colorrectal identificados en el Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Neoplásicas (INEN), Lima, Perú

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the fourth most common cancer in the world and is classified according to their origin in sporadic CRC (~ 70%) and genetic CRC (~ 30%), this latter involves cases of familial aggregation and inherited síndromes that predispose to CRC. OBJECTIVE: To describe inherited CRC predisposition syndromes, polyposic and non-polyposic, identified in the Oncogenetics Unit at National Institute of Cancer Disease (INEN). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A descriptive observational record from the attentions of the Oncogenetics Unit at INEN during 2009 to 2013. We included patients with personal or familiar history of CRC and/or colonic polyposis who were referred for clinical assessment to the Oncogenetics Unitat INEN. RESULTS: 59.3 % were female, 40.7 % male, 69.8% under 50 years old, 60.5% had a single CRC, 23.2% had more than one CRC or CRC associated with other extracolonic neoplasia and 32.6% had a familiar history of cancer with autosomal dominant inheritance. According to the clinical genetic diagnosis, 93.1% of the included cases were inherited syndromes that predispose to CRC, with 33.8% of colonic polyposis syndromes, 23.3% of hereditary nonpolyposis CRC syndromes (HNPCC) and 36.0% of CCRHNP probable cases. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical genetic evaluation of patients with personal or familiar history of CRC and/or colonic polyposis can identify inherited colorectal cancer predisposition syndromes and provide an appropriategenetic counseling to patients and relatives at risk, establishing guidelines to follow-up and prevention strategies to prevent morbidity and mortality by cancer.

Síndromes hereditarios de predisposición al cáncer colorrectal identificados en el Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Neoplásicas (INEN), Lima, Perú / Inherited colorectal cancer predisposition syndromes identified in the Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Neoplásicas (INEN), Lima, Peru

Introducción: El cáncer colorrectal (CCR) es la cuarta neoplasia más frecuente en el mundo y según el origen de las alteraciones en el genoma de las células, el CCR se clasifica en esporádico (~70%) y genético (~30%), éste último involucra a los síndromes hereditarios de predisposición al CCR. Objetivo: Describir los síndromes hereditarios de predisposición al CCR, polipósicos y no polipósicos, identificados en el consultorio de Oncogenética del INEN. Material y métodos: Estudio descriptivo observacional a partir del registro de atenciones en el consultorio de Oncogenética del INEN durante el periodo 2009 al 2013. Se incluyeron a los pacientes con antecedentes personales o familiares de CCR y/o con poliposis colónica que fueron referidos para la evaluación clínica genética al consultorio de Oncogenética del INEN. Resultados: El 59,3% fueron mujeres, 40,7% varones, 69,8% fueron menores de 50 años, 60,5% presentó un CCR único, 23,2% más de un CCR o un CCR asociado a otra neoplasia extracolónica y el 32,6% poseían antecedentes familiares de cáncer con patrón de herencia autosómico dominante. Según el diagnóstico clínico genético, el 93,1% de los casos incluidos correspondieron a síndromes hereditarios de predisposición al CCR, siendo el 33,8% síndromes de poliposis colónica, 23,3% síndromes de CCR hereditario no polipósico (CCRHNP) y el 36,0% casos probables de síndrome CCRHNP. Conclusiones: La evaluación clínica genética de los pacientes con antecedentes personales o familiares de CCR y/o con poliposis colónica permite identificar a los síndromes hereditarios de predisposición al CCR y brindar una adecuada asesoría genética al paciente y familiares en riesgo, estableciendo medidas de seguimiento y estrategias de prevención a fin de evitar la morbimortalidad por cáncer.

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the fourth most common cancer in the world and is classified according to their origin in sporadic CRC (~ 70%) and genetic CRC (~ 30%), this latter involves cases of familial aggregation and inherited syndromes that predispose to CRC. Objective: To describe inherited CRC predisposition syndromes, polyposic and non-polyposic, identified in the Oncogenetics Unit at National Institute of Cancer Disease (INEN). Material and methods: A descriptive observational record from the attentions of the Oncogenetics Unit at INEN during 2009 to 2013. We included patients with personal or familiar history of CRC and/or colonic polyposis who were referred for clinical assessment to the Oncogenetics Unit at INEN. Results: 59.3 % were female, 40.7 % male, 69.8% under 50 years old, 60.5% had a single CRC, 23.2% had more than one CRC or CRC associated with other extracolonic neoplasia and 32.6% had a familiar history of cancer with autosomal dominant inheritance. According to the clinical genetic diagnosis, 93.1% of the included cases were inherited syndromes that predispose to CRC, with 33.8% of colonic polyposis syndromes, 23.3% of hereditary nonpolyposis CRC syndromes (HNPCC) and 36.0% of CCRHNP probable cases. Conclusions: Clinical genetic evaluation of patients with personal or familiar history of CRC and/or colonic polyposis can identify inherited colorectal cancer predisposition syndromes and provide an appropriate genetic counseling to patients and relatives at risk, establishing guidelines to follow-up and prevention strategies to prevent morbidity and mortality by cancer.

[Molecular subtypes of PML/RARα in patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia]. / Subtipos moleculares de PML/RARα en pacientes con leucemia promielocítica aguda.

The objective was to describe the frequency of molecular subtypes of PML/RARα in patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) and their distribution according to risk of recurrence and cytomorphology. A case series was carried out, including fifty patients registered at the National Institute of Neoplastic Diseases (INEN) during 2010-2012, with molecular diagnosis of APL PML/RARα and bcr1, bcr2 and bcr3 subtypes by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Bcr1 subtype was the most frequent (62%). Most patients with an intermediate risk of recurrence and hypergranular morphology were bcr1 (70%), while all patients with high risk of recurrence and hypogranular morphology were bcr3. A predominance of bcr1 subtype among the population studied can therefore be concluded, as well as the fact that there are differences in the distribution of bcr1 and bcr3 subtypes according to recurrence risk group and cytomorphology.

[Genetic counseling about cancer in Peru]. / Asesoría genética sobre cáncer en el Perú.

Cancer is a genetic disease caused by changes in the DNA sequence or expression. Based on the origin of these changes, cancer can be classified as sporadic, and hereditary or familial. Based on the cancer records in Peru, it is expected that 5 to 30% of all patients with cancer, i.e. about 2,000 to 12,000 people, have hereditary cancer, meaning that a similar number of families have a higher risk of developing cancer compared to the general population. Therefore, the purpose of genetic counseling is to identify hereditary cancers running in the family in order to prevent diseases and deaths caused by this condition. It is a strategy that allows us to detect and diagnose these types of cancer very early. For this reason, the National Institute of Neoplastic Diseases of Peru has been providing genetic diagnosis and counseling services for five years, and represents an important element in the fight against cancer. However, in order to have a greater impact on health, it is necessary to expand and strengthen the training process in genetics and genetic counseling to health care professionals, particularly to physicians and nurses.

Asesoría genética sobre cáncer en el Perú / Genetic counseling about cancer in Peru

El cáncer es una enfermedad genética producto de alteraciones en la secuencia o expresión del ADN. Estas alteraciones, según su origen, nos permiten clasificar el cáncer como esporádico y hereditario o familiar. En base a los registros de cáncer, en el Perú se espera que del 5 al 30% de todos los pacientes con cáncer, que equivale aproximadamente entre 2000 a 12 000 personas, presentarían cáncer del tipo familiar o hereditario, lo que representaría un similar número de familias con un riesgo mayor de desarrollar cáncer que el de la población en general. El propósito de la asesoría genética es identificar cánceres hereditarios en una familia con el fin de prevenir la enfermedad y la muerte por este mal. Es una estrategia que nos puede permitir detectar y diagnosticar con antelación estos cánceres. Es por este motivo que en el Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Neoplásicas del Perú se realizan consultas de diagnóstico y asesoría genética desde hace cinco años, constituyéndose en un elemento importante para la lucha contra el cáncer, sin embargo, para lograr un mayor impacto en la salud requiere ampliar y fortalecer el proceso de capacitación en genética y asesoría genética a profesionales de la salud, sobre todo a médicos y enfermeras. (AU)

Cancer is a genetic disease caused by changes in the DNA sequence or expression. Based on the origin of these changes, cancer can be classified as sporadic, and hereditary or familial. Based on the cancer records in Peru, it is expected that 5 to 30% of all patients with cancer, i.e. about 2,000 to 12,000 people, have hereditary cancer, meaning that a similar number of families have a higher risk of developing cancer compared to the general population. Therefore, the purpose of genetic counseling is to identify hereditary cancers running in the family in order to prevent diseases and deaths caused by this condition. It is a strategy that allows us to detect and diagnose these types of cancer very early. For this reason, the National Institute of Neoplastic Diseases of Peru has been providing genetic diagnosis and counseling services for five years, and represents an important element in the fight against cancer. However, in order to have a greater impact on health, it is necessary to expand and strengthen the training process in genetics and genetic counseling to health care professionals, particularly to physicians and nurses. (AU)

Subtipos moleculares de PML/RARa en pacientes con leucemia promielocítica aguda / Molecular subtypes of PML/RARa in patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia

El objetivo fue describir la frecuencia de los subtipos moleculares de PML/RARa en pacientes con leucemia promielocítica aguda (LPA) y su distribución según grupo de riesgo de recaída y citomorfología. Se realizó una serie de casos que incluyó a cincuenta pacientes registrados en el Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Neoplásicas (INEN), durante el periodo 2010-2012, con diagnóstico molecular de LPA PML/RARa y subtipos bcr1, bcr2 y bcr3 por reacción en cadena de la polimerasa con transcriptasa reversa (RT-PCR). El subtipo bcr1 fue el más frecuente (62%). Los pacientes con riesgo de recaída intermedio y morfología hipergranular fueron, en su mayoría, bcr1 (70%) y todos los que poseían riesgo de recaída alto y morfología hipogranular fueron bcr3. Se concluye que en la población estudiada hay un predomino del subtipo bcr1 y que existen diferencias en la distribución de los subtipos bcr1 y bcr3 según el grupo de riesgo de recaída y citomorfología. (AU)

The objective was to describe the frequency of molecular subtypes of PML/RARa in patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) and their distribution according to risk of recurrence and cytomorphology. A case series was carried out, including fifty patients registered at the National Institute of Neoplastic Diseases (INEN) during 2010-2012, with molecular diagnosis of APL PML/RARa and bcr1, bcr2 and bcr3 subtypes by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Bcr1 subtype was the most frequent (62%). Most patients with an intermediate risk of recurrence and hypergranular morphology were bcr1 (70%), while all patients with high risk of recurrence and hypogranular morphology were bcr3. A predominance of bcr1 subtype among the population studied can therefore be concluded, as well as the fact that there are differences in the distribution of bcr1 and bcr3 subtypes according to recurrence risk group and cytomorphology. (AU)

Subtipos moleculares de PML/RARα en pacientes con leucemia promielocítica aguda / Molecular subtypes of PML/RARα in patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia

El objetivo fue describir la frecuencia de los subtipos moleculares de PML/RARα en pacientes con leucemia promielocítica aguda (LPA) y su distribución según grupo de riesgo de recaída y citomorfología. Se realizó una serie de casos que incluyó a cincuenta pacientes registrados en el Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Neoplásicas (INEN), durante el periodo 2010-2012, con diagnóstico molecular de LPA PML/RARα y subtipos bcr1, bcr2 y bcr3 por reacción en cadena de la polimerasa con transcriptasa reversa (RT-PCR). El subtipo bcr1 fue el más frecuente (62%). Los pacientes con riesgo de recaída intermedio y morfología hipergranular fueron, en su mayoría, bcr1 (70%) y todos los que poseían riesgo de recaída alto y morfología hipogranular fueron bcr3. Se concluye que en la población estudiada hay un predomino del subtipo bcr1 y que existen diferencias en la distribución de los subtipos bcr1 y bcr3 según el grupo de riesgo de recaída y citomorfología.

The objective was to describe the frequency of molecular subtypes of PML/RARα in patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) and their distribution according to risk of recurrence and cytomorphology. A case series was carried out, including fifty patients registered at the National Institute of Neoplastic Diseases (INEN) during 2010-2012, with molecular diagnosis of APL PML/RARα and bcr1, bcr2 and bcr3 subtypes by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Bcr1 subtype was the most frequent (62%). Most patients with an intermediate risk of recurrence and hypergranular morphology were bcr1 (70%), while all patients with high risk of recurrence and hypogranular morphology were bcr3. A predominance of bcr1 subtype among the population studied can therefore be concluded, as well as the fact that there are differences in the distribution of bcr1 and bcr3 subtypes according to recurrence risk group and cytomorphology.

Asesoría genética sobre cáncer en el Perú / Genetic counseling about cancer in Peru

El cáncer es una enfermedad genética producto de alteraciones en la secuencia o expresión del ADN. Estas alteraciones, según su origen, nos permiten clasificar el cáncer como esporádico y hereditario o familiar. En base a los registros de cáncer, en el Perú se espera que del 5 al 30% de todos los pacientes con cáncer, que equivale aproximadamente entre 2000 a 12 000 personas, presentarían cáncer del tipo familiar o hereditario, lo que representaría un similar número de familias con un riesgo mayor de desarrollar cáncer que el de la población en general. El propósito de la asesoría genética es identificar cánceres hereditarios en una familia con el fin de prevenir la enfermedad y la muerte por este mal. Es una estrategia que nos puede permitir detectar y diagnosticar con antelación estos cánceres. Es por este motivo que en el Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Neoplásicas del Perú se realizan consultas de diagnóstico y asesoría genética desde hace cinco años, constituyéndose en un elemento importante para la lucha contra el cáncer, sin embargo, para lograr un mayor impacto en la salud requiere ampliar y fortalecer el proceso de capacitación en genética y asesoría genética a profesionales de la salud, sobre todo a médicos y enfermeras.

Cancer is a genetic disease caused by changes in the DNA sequence or expression. Based on the origin of these changes, cancer can be classified as sporadic, and hereditary or familial. Based on the cancer records in Peru, it is expected that 5 to 30% of all patients with cancer, i.e. about 2,000 to 12,000 people, have hereditary cancer, meaning that a similar number of families have a higher risk of developing cancer compared to the general population. Therefore, the purpose of genetic counseling is to identify hereditary cancers running in the family in order to prevent diseases and deaths caused by this condition. It is a strategy that allows us to detect and diagnose these types of cancer very early. For this reason, the National Institute of Neoplastic Diseases of Peru has been providing genetic diagnosis and counseling services for five years, and represents an important element in the fight against cancer. However, in order to have a greater impact on health, it is necessary to expand and strengthen the training process in genetics and genetic counseling to health care professionals, particularly to physicians and nurses.

Genes de fusión en leucemia linfática aguda / Fusion genes in acute lymphatic leukemia

En la Leucemia linfática aguda (LLA) pediátrica las cinco fusiones génicas más frecuentes descritas son: ETV6/RUNX1, BCR/ABL variante p190, BCR/ABL variante p210, E2A/PBX1, MLL/AF4 y representan alrededor del 40%. Se busca determinar la frecuencia e importancia de las principales fusiones génica en la leucemia linfática en un grupo de pacientes pediátricos del INEN. Se realizó el análisis molecular de cinco genes de fusión en 23 pacientes con diagnóstico de LLA-B, obteniéndose las siguientes frecuencias: ETV6/RUNX1 (17.4%), BCR/ABL variante p190 (8.7%), BCR/ABL variante p210 (8.7%), E2A/PBX1 (8.7%), MLL/AF4 (4.3%). Esta metodología de estudio de los cinco genes de fusión, debe considerarse como herramienta de apoyo al diagnóstico y monitoreo en uso de terapias blanco en todos los casos de la LLA-B pediátricas.