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Bulletin Du Cancer 2019Lynch syndrome is a genetic condition defined by a germline mutation of an MMR (MisMatch Repair) gene leading to a defective DNA MMR system. Therefore, it is... (Review)
Review
Lynch syndrome is a genetic condition defined by a germline mutation of an MMR (MisMatch Repair) gene leading to a defective DNA MMR system. Therefore, it is characterized by the predisposition to a spectrum of cancers, primarily colorectal cancer (CRC) and endometrial cancer (EC). Lynch syndrome-related CRC accounts for 3% of all CRC. Lynch syndrome also accounts for 2% of all EC. In case of Lynch syndrome, there is usually a familial history of cancer defined by the Amsterdam and Bethesda criteria. Diagnosis is made by tumor testing with (i) MMR immunohistochemistry and (ii) PCR for MSI (microsatellite instability), a genetic phenotype that characterizes these tumors. MSI can also be detected in sporadic tumors, through epigenetic events inactivating the MMR system. Progress in diagnosis and molecular biology has allowed for better identification of Lynch patients but also other rare genetic syndromes. MSI tumors can now benefit from new treatments such as immunotherapy which underlines the importance of their diagnosis. Finally, patients with Lynch syndrome as well as their relatives, undergo specific surveillance in order to prevent development of other cancers. This review will summarize the different aspects of Lynch syndrome and also focus on recent progress on the topic.
Topics: Algorithms; Colorectal Neoplasms; Colorectal Neoplasms, Hereditary Nonpolyposis; DNA Mismatch Repair; Endometrial Neoplasms; Female; Genetic Predisposition to Disease; Humans; Male; Molecular Diagnostic Techniques; Risk
PubMed: 30527816
DOI: 10.1016/j.bulcan.2018.10.009 -
Familial Cancer Apr 2019Lynch syndrome is one of the most common hereditary cancer predisposition syndromes and is associated with increased risks of colorectal and endometrial cancer, as well... (Review)
Review
Lynch syndrome is one of the most common hereditary cancer predisposition syndromes and is associated with increased risks of colorectal and endometrial cancer, as well as multiple other cancer types. While the mechanism of mismatch repair deficiency and microsatellite instability and its role in Lynch-associated carcinogenesis has been known for some time, there have been significant advances recently in diagnostic testing and the understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of Lynch tumors. There is also an increased awareness that the clinical phenotype and cancer risk varies by specific mismatch repair mutation, which in turn has implications on surveillance strategies for patients. Even the treatment of Lynch-associated cancers has changed with the addition of immunotherapy for advanced disease. This progress report aims to review some of the many advances in epidemiology, molecular pathogenesis, diagnosis, clinical phenotype, cancer surveillance, treatment, and chemo- and immune-prevention strategies in the Lynch syndrome field over the past 5 years.
Topics: Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological; Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; Colectomy; Colorectal Neoplasms, Hereditary Nonpolyposis; DNA Mismatch Repair; Genetic Predisposition to Disease; Genetic Testing; Humans; Microsatellite Instability; Mutation; Phenotype; Prevalence; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Treatment Outcome; Watchful Waiting
PubMed: 30627969
DOI: 10.1007/s10689-018-00117-1 -
Frontiers in Immunology 2021Defective DNA mismatch repair (dMMR) is associated with many cancer types including colon, gastric, endometrial, ovarian, hepatobiliary tract, urinary tract, brain and... (Review)
Review
Defective DNA mismatch repair (dMMR) is associated with many cancer types including colon, gastric, endometrial, ovarian, hepatobiliary tract, urinary tract, brain and skin cancers. Lynch syndrome - a hereditary cause of dMMR - confers increased lifetime risk of malignancy in different organs and tissues. These Lynch syndrome pathogenic alleles are widely present in humans at a 1:320 population frequency of a single allele and associated with an up to 80% risk of developing microsatellite unstable cancer (microsatellite instability - high, or MSI-H). Advanced MSI-H tumors can be effectively treated with checkpoint inhibitors (CPI), however, that has led to response rates of only 30-60% despite their high tumor mutational burden and favorable immune gene signatures in the tumor microenvironment (TME). We and others have characterized a subset of MSI-H associated highly recurrent frameshift mutations that yield shared immunogenic neoantigens. These frameshifts might serve as targets for off-the-shelf cancer vaccine designs. In this review we discuss the current state of research around MSI-H cancer vaccine development, its application to MSI-H and Lynch syndrome cancer patients and the utility of MSI-H as a biomarker for CPI therapy. We also summarize the tumor intrinsic mechanisms underlying the high occurrence rates of certain frameshifts in MSI-H. Finally, we provide an overview of pivotal clinical trials investigating MSI-H as a biomarker for CPI therapy and MSI-H vaccines. Overall, this review aims to inform the development of novel research paradigms and therapeutics.
Topics: Biomarkers, Tumor; Cancer Vaccines; Clinical Trials as Topic; Colorectal Neoplasms, Hereditary Nonpolyposis; DNA Mismatch Repair; Disease Management; Drug Repositioning; Drug Resistance; Frameshift Mutation; Humans; INDEL Mutation; Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors; Microsatellite Instability; Models, Genetic; Models, Immunological; Translational Science, Biomedical
PubMed: 34630437
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.757804 -
American Society of Clinical Oncology... May 2018Identification of individuals with inherited predispositions to cancer, including Lynch syndrome, can help prevent cancer and cancer-related death by allowing for the... (Review)
Review
Identification of individuals with inherited predispositions to cancer, including Lynch syndrome, can help prevent cancer and cancer-related death by allowing for the uptake of specific cancer prevention and screening as well as the use of therapies directed toward the underlying neoplastic process for individuals with advanced cancer. In the 25 years since the discovery of microsatellite instability (MSI) and the first recognition of germline mismatch repair (MMR) gene variants as the etiologic basis of Lynch syndrome, there has been tremendous progress in the understanding of the spectrum of cancer risk associated with Lynch syndrome as well as in cancer prevention and risk-reduction strategies. The past few years, in particular, have brought transformative changes in the treatment of Lynch syndrome-associated cancers with immune checkpoint inhibitors. In parallel, advances in next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies now allow rapid and scalable somatic and germline sequencing that promises to help identify Lynch syndrome in individuals who otherwise lack classic phenotypes. Last, real progress is being made to understand more sophisticated methods of precision cancer prevention, including chemotherapeutic prevention agents (e.g., aspirin) and strategies that leverage the immune system to facilitate primary cancer prevention in otherwise-healthy Lynch syndrome carriers.
Topics: Biomarkers, Tumor; Colorectal Neoplasms, Hereditary Nonpolyposis; Disease Management; Genetic Association Studies; Genetic Predisposition to Disease; Genetic Testing; Humans; Immunotherapy; Molecular Targeted Therapy
PubMed: 30231390
DOI: 10.1200/EDBK_208341 -
Gastroenterology Apr 2023Lynch syndrome (LS) is one of the most prevalent hereditary cancer syndromes in humans and accounts for some 3% of unselected patients with colorectal or endometrial...
Lynch syndrome (LS) is one of the most prevalent hereditary cancer syndromes in humans and accounts for some 3% of unselected patients with colorectal or endometrial cancer and 10%-15% of those with DNA mismatch repair-deficient tumors. Previous studies have established the genetic basis of LS predisposition, but there have been significant advances recently in the understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of LS tumors, which has important implications in clinical management. At the same time, immunotherapy has revolutionized the treatment of advanced cancers with DNA mismatch repair defects. We aim to review the recent progress in the LS field and discuss how the accumulating epidemiologic, clinical, and molecular information has contributed to a more accurate and complete picture of LS, resulting in genotype- and immunologic subtype-specific strategies for surveillance, cancer prevention, and treatment.
Topics: Female; Humans; Colorectal Neoplasms, Hereditary Nonpolyposis; Colorectal Neoplasms; Endometrial Neoplasms; Genotype; DNA Mismatch Repair; Microsatellite Instability
PubMed: 36706841
DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2022.08.058 -
CA: a Cancer Journal For Clinicians May 2018The current understanding of familial colorectal cancer was limited to descriptions of affected pedigrees until the early 1990s. A series of landscape-altering... (Review)
Review
The current understanding of familial colorectal cancer was limited to descriptions of affected pedigrees until the early 1990s. A series of landscape-altering discoveries revealed that there were distinct forms of familial cancer, and most were related to genes previously not known to be involved in human disease. This review largely focuses on advances in our understanding of Lynch syndrome because of the unique relationship of this disease to defective DNA mismatch repair and the clinical implications this has for diagnostics, prevention, and therapy. Recent advances have occurred in our understanding of the epidemiology of this disease, and the advent of broad genetic panels has altered the approach to germline and somatic diagnoses for all of the familial colorectal cancer syndromes. Important advances have been made toward a more complete mechanistic understanding of the pathogenesis of neoplasia in the setting of Lynch syndrome, and these advances have important implications for prevention. Finally, paradigm-shifting approaches to treatment of Lynch-syndrome and related tumors have occurred through the development of immune checkpoint therapies for hypermutated cancers. CA Cancer J Clin 2018;68:217-231. © 2018 American Cancer Society.
Topics: Adenoma; Cell Transformation, Neoplastic; Chemoprevention; Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; Colectomy; Colonoscopy; Colorectal Neoplasms; Colorectal Neoplasms, Hereditary Nonpolyposis; DNA Mutational Analysis; Genetic Testing; Germ-Line Mutation; Humans; Sequence Analysis, DNA
PubMed: 29485237
DOI: 10.3322/caac.21448 -
Gastroenterology Sep 2015Multigene panels are commercially available tools for hereditary cancer risk assessment that allow for next-generation sequencing of numerous genes in parallel. However,...
BACKGROUND & AIMS
Multigene panels are commercially available tools for hereditary cancer risk assessment that allow for next-generation sequencing of numerous genes in parallel. However, it is not clear if these panels offer advantages over traditional genetic testing. We investigated the number of cancer predisposition gene mutations identified by parallel sequencing in individuals with suspected Lynch syndrome.
METHODS
We performed germline analysis with a 25-gene, next-generation sequencing panel using DNA from 1260 individuals who underwent clinical genetic testing for Lynch syndrome from 2012 through 2013. All patients had a history of Lynch syndrome-associated cancer and/or polyps. We classified all identified germline alterations for pathogenicity and calculated the frequencies of pathogenic mutations and variants of uncertain clinical significance (VUS). We also analyzed data on patients' personal and family history of cancer, including fulfillment of clinical guidelines for genetic testing.
RESULTS
Of the 1260 patients, 1112 met National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) criteria for Lynch syndrome testing (88%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 86%-90%). Multigene panel testing identified 114 probands with Lynch syndrome mutations (9.0%; 95% CI, 7.6%-10.8%) and 71 with mutations in other cancer predisposition genes (5.6%; 95% CI, 4.4%-7.1%). Fifteen individuals had mutations in BRCA1 or BRCA2; 93% of these met the NCCN criteria for Lynch syndrome testing and 33% met NCCN criteria for BRCA1 and BRCA2 analysis (P = .0017). An additional 9 individuals carried mutations in other genes linked to high lifetime risks of cancer (5 had mutations in APC, 3 had bi-allelic mutations in MUTYH, and 1 had a mutation in STK11); all of these patients met NCCN criteria for Lynch syndrome testing. A total of 479 individuals had 1 or more VUS (38%; 95% CI, 35%-41%).
CONCLUSIONS
In individuals with suspected Lynch syndrome, multigene panel testing identified high-penetrance mutations in cancer predisposition genes, many of which were unexpected based on patients' histories. Parallel sequencing also detected a high number of potentially uninformative germline findings, including VUS.
Topics: Adult; Biomarkers, Tumor; Colorectal Neoplasms, Hereditary Nonpolyposis; DNA Mutational Analysis; Female; Gene Expression Profiling; Gene Frequency; Genetic Predisposition to Disease; Genetic Testing; Germ-Line Mutation; Heredity; High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Pedigree; Phenotype; Predictive Value of Tests; Risk Assessment; Risk Factors
PubMed: 25980754
DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2015.05.006 -
The British Journal of Surgery May 2021Lynch syndrome is the most common genetic predisposition for hereditary cancer but remains underdiagnosed. Large prospective observational studies have recently...
BACKGROUND
Lynch syndrome is the most common genetic predisposition for hereditary cancer but remains underdiagnosed. Large prospective observational studies have recently increased understanding of the effectiveness of colonoscopic surveillance and the heterogeneity of cancer risk between genotypes. The need for gene- and gender-specific guidelines has been acknowledged.
METHODS
The European Hereditary Tumour Group (EHTG) and European Society of Coloproctology (ESCP) developed a multidisciplinary working group consisting of surgeons, clinical and molecular geneticists, pathologists, epidemiologists, gastroenterologists, and patient representation to conduct a graded evidence review. The previous Mallorca guideline format was used to revise the clinical guidance. Consensus for the guidance statements was acquired by three Delphi voting rounds.
RESULTS
Recommendations for clinical and molecular identification of Lynch syndrome, surgical and endoscopic management of Lynch syndrome-associated colorectal cancer, and preventive measures for cancer were produced. The emphasis was on surgical and gastroenterological aspects of the cancer spectrum. Manchester consensus guidelines for gynaecological management were endorsed. Executive and layperson summaries were provided.
CONCLUSION
The recommendations from the EHTG and ESCP for identification of patients with Lynch syndrome, colorectal surveillance, surgical management of colorectal cancer, lifestyle and chemoprevention in Lynch syndrome that reached a consensus (at least 80 per cent) are presented.
Topics: Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Aspirin; Chemoprevention; Colonoscopy; Colorectal Neoplasms, Hereditary Nonpolyposis; Delphi Technique; Digestive System Surgical Procedures; Early Detection of Cancer; Female; Genetic Carrier Screening; Genetic Testing; Genital Neoplasms, Female; Humans; Life Style; Prophylactic Surgical Procedures
PubMed: 34043773
DOI: 10.1002/bjs.11902 -
Journal of Clinical Oncology : Official... Feb 2019Microsatellite instability (MSI) and/or mismatch repair deficiency (MMR-D) testing has traditionally been performed in patients with colorectal (CRC) and endometrial...
PURPOSE
Microsatellite instability (MSI) and/or mismatch repair deficiency (MMR-D) testing has traditionally been performed in patients with colorectal (CRC) and endometrial cancer (EC) to screen for Lynch syndrome (LS)-associated cancer predisposition. The recent success of immunotherapy in high-frequency MSI (MSI-H) and/or MMR-D tumors now supports testing for MSI in all advanced solid tumors. The extent to which LS accounts for MSI-H across heterogeneous tumor types is unknown. Here, we establish the prevalence of LS across solid tumors according to MSI status.
METHODS
MSI status was determined using targeted next-generation sequencing, with tumors classified as MSI-H, MSI-indeterminate, or microsatellite-stable. Matched germline DNA was analyzed for mutations in LS-associated mismatch repair genes ( MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2, EPCAM). In patients with LS with MSI-H/I tumors, immunohistochemical staining for MMR-D was assessed.
RESULTS
Among 15,045 unique patients (more than 50 cancer types), LS was identified in 16.3% (53 of 326), 1.9% (13 of 699), and 0.3% (37 of 14,020) of patients with MSI-H, MSI-indeterminate, and microsatellite-stable tumors, respectively ( P < .001). Among patients with LS with MSI-H/I tumors, 50% (33 of 66) had tumors other than CRC/EC, including urothelial, prostate, pancreas, adrenocortical, small bowel, sarcoma, mesothelioma, melanoma, gastric, and germ cell tumors. In these patients with non-CRC/EC tumors, 45% (15 of 33) did not meet LS genetic testing criteria on the basis of personal/family history. Immunohistochemical staining of LS-positive MSI-H/I tumors demonstrated MMR-D in 98.2% (56 of 57) of available cases.
CONCLUSION
MSI-H/MMR-D is predictive of LS across a much broader tumor spectrum than currently appreciated. Given implications for cancer surveillance and prevention measures in affected families, these data support germline genetic assessment for LS for patients with an MSI-H/MMR-D tumor, regardless of cancer type or family cancer history.
Topics: Biomarkers, Tumor; Colorectal Neoplasms, Hereditary Nonpolyposis; DNA Mismatch Repair; Female; Genetic Predisposition to Disease; Humans; Male; Microsatellite Instability; Middle Aged; Mutation; New York City; Phenotype; Prevalence; Prospective Studies; Transcriptome
PubMed: 30376427
DOI: 10.1200/JCO.18.00283 -
Lancet (London, England) Jun 2020Lynch syndrome is associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer and with a broader spectrum of cancers, especially endometrial cancer. In 2011, our group... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
Cancer prevention with aspirin in hereditary colorectal cancer (Lynch syndrome), 10-year follow-up and registry-based 20-year data in the CAPP2 study: a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial.
BACKGROUND
Lynch syndrome is associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer and with a broader spectrum of cancers, especially endometrial cancer. In 2011, our group reported long-term cancer outcomes (mean follow-up 55·7 months [SD 31·4]) for participants with Lynch syndrome enrolled into a randomised trial of daily aspirin versus placebo. This report completes the planned 10-year follow-up to allow a longer-term assessment of the effect of taking regular aspirin in this high-risk population.
METHODS
In the double-blind, randomised CAPP2 trial, 861 patients from 43 international centres worldwide (707 [82%] from Europe, 112 [13%] from Australasia, 38 [4%] from Africa, and four [<1%] from The Americas) with Lynch syndrome were randomly assigned to receive 600 mg aspirin daily or placebo. Cancer outcomes were monitored for at least 10 years from recruitment with English, Finnish, and Welsh participants being monitored for up to 20 years. The primary endpoint was development of colorectal cancer. Analysis was by intention to treat and per protocol. The trial is registered with the ISRCTN registry, number ISRCTN59521990.
FINDINGS
Between January, 1999, and March, 2005, 937 eligible patients with Lynch syndrome, mean age 45 years, commenced treatment, of whom 861 agreed to be randomly assigned to the aspirin group or placebo; 427 (50%) participants received aspirin and 434 (50%) placebo. Participants were followed for a mean of 10 years approximating 8500 person-years. 40 (9%) of 427 participants who received aspirin developed colorectal cancer compared with 58 (13%) of 434 who received placebo. Intention-to-treat Cox proportional hazards analysis revealed a significantly reduced hazard ratio (HR) of 0·65 (95% CI 0·43-0·97; p=0·035) for aspirin versus placebo. Negative binomial regression to account for multiple primary events gave an incidence rate ratio of 0·58 (0·39-0·87; p=0·0085). Per-protocol analyses restricted to 509 who achieved 2 years' intervention gave an HR of 0·56 (0·34-0·91; p=0·019) and an incidence rate ratio of 0·50 (0·31-0·82; p=0·0057). Non-colorectal Lynch syndrome cancers were reported in 36 participants who received aspirin and 36 participants who received placebo. Intention-to-treat and per-protocol analyses showed no effect. For all Lynch syndrome cancers combined, the intention-to-treat analysis did not reach significance but per-protocol analysis showed significantly reduced overall risk for the aspirin group (HR=0·63, 0·43-0·92; p=0·018). Adverse events during the intervention phase between aspirin and placebo groups were similar, and no significant difference in compliance between intervention groups was observed for participants with complete intervention phase data; details reported previously.
INTERPRETATION
The case for prevention of colorectal cancer with aspirin in Lynch syndrome is supported by our results.
FUNDING
Cancer Research UK, European Union, MRC, NIHR, Bayer Pharma AG, Barbour Foundation.
Topics: Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Aspirin; Colorectal Neoplasms, Hereditary Nonpolyposis; Double-Blind Method; Follow-Up Studies; Heterozygote; Humans; Intention to Treat Analysis; Life Tables; Medication Adherence; Proportional Hazards Models
PubMed: 32534647
DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(20)30366-4