Frequency of CDH1 germline mutations in gastric carcinoma coming from high- and low-risk areas: metanalysis and systematic review of the literature

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The frequency of E-cadherin germline mutations in countries with different incidence rates for gastric carcinoma has not been well established. The goal of this study was to assess the worldwide frequency of <it>CDH1 </it>germline mutations in gastric cancers coming from low- and high-risk areas.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>English articles using MEDLINE access (from 1998 to 2011). Search terms included <it>CDH1</it>, E-cadherin, germline mutation, gastric cancer, hereditary, familial and diffuse histotype.</p> <p>The study included all E-cadherin germline mutations identified in gastric cancer patients; somatic mutations and germline mutations reported in other tumors were excluded.</p> <p>The method of this study was scheduled in accordance with the "PRISMA statement for reporting systematic reviews and meta-analyses". Countries were classified as low- or middle/high risk-areas for gastric carcinoma incidence. Statistical analysis was performed to correlate the <it>CDH1 </it>mutation frequency with gastric cancer incidence areas.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>A total of 122 E-cadherin germline mutations have been identified; the majority (87.5%) occurred in gastric cancers coming from low-risk areas. In high-risk areas, we identified 16 mutations in which missense mutations were predominant. (68.8%). We verified a significant association between the mutation frequency and the gastric cancer risk area (<it>p </it>< 0.001: overall identified mutations in low- vs. middle/high-risk areas).</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>E-cadherin genetic screenings performed in low-risk areas for gastric cancer identified a higher frequency of <it>CDH1 </it>germline mutations. This data could open new approaches in the gastric cancer prevention test; before proposing a proband candidate for the <it>CDH1 </it>genetic screening, geographic variability, alongside the family history should be considered.</p

Germline mutation of the E-cadherin gene in three sibling cases with advanced gastric cancer: clinical consequences for the other family members.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Germline mutations in the E-cadherin (CDH1) gene have been found in families with hereditary diffuse gastric cancer (HDGC). These families are characterized by a highly penetrant susceptibility to diffuse gastric cancer with an autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance. We describe the clinical presentation of three sibling cases with advanced gastric cancer, the way of confirming the suspicion of underlying HDGC and the clinical management of the other healthy family members. METHODS: Screening for CDH1 germline mutation was carried out by denaturing high-performance liquid chromatography and automated DNA sequencing. The clinical suspicion of HDGC has been confirmed by identifying a frameshift mutation in exon 9 (1302_1303insA, 1306_1307delTT) of the E-cadherin gene. RESULTS: Eight of nine tested family members were positive for the CDH1 germline mutation. Prophylactic laparoscopic gastrectomies were performed in five mutation carriers. After pathological examination, we could identify intramucosal malignant signet-ring cell carcinoma in all resected stomachs. CONCLUSION: This report underlines that prophylactic gastrectomy remains the only option to eliminate the high risk for gastric cancer in CDH1 mutation carriers

Colorectal cancer in elderly patients: A single-center experience.

576 Background: In Austria more than 40% of cancers occur in adults over the age of 75 years. As the current population ages and more people live longer, the incidence of cancer in elderly patients (pts) is expected to rise. Several studies have shown that cancer treatment is beneficial for elderly pts in adjuvant and palliative setting. However, elderly pts with cancer have been underrepresented in clinical trials and there is little literature on this pts group. We now want to present our own experience in the treatment of elderly pts with colorectal cancer (CRC). Methods: Since July 2006 all pts with new diagnosed CRC were recorded in a tumor registry at the Klinikum Wels- Grieskirchen. Patients were followed for treatment decision, progression free survival and overall survival. In this retrospective analysis elderly pts &gt;75 years diagnosed with CRC have been evaluated. Results: Overall, 165 pts &gt;75 years (range 75-92) with a diagnosis of CRC stage I-IV were recorded from July 2006-July 2010 in our registry. Seventy-six (46.1%) and 89 (53.9%) out of these pts were men and women. Stage I has been diagnosed in 25 pts (15.2%), stage II in 57 pts (34.5%), stage III in 47 pts (28.5%) and stage IV in 36 pts (21.8%). 30.7 % (51 pts) had a tumor located in the rectum and 69.3% had colon cancer. 154 out of 165 pts underwent surgery (tumorectomy or colectomy). In one patient with stage II and in 11 pts with stage IV surgery was not possible because of poor performance status. Adjuvant chemotherapy was given in 8 pts with stage II and in 25/47 pts with stage III CRC. 11/36 pts were treated with palliative chemotherapy in stage IV CRC. 17 pts with stage I-III develop distant metastases and 11 out of these pts have been treated with palliative chemotherapy. Hemihepatectomy and lobectomy has been performed in 7 and 1 pts. Overall 13 pts (7.9%) were treated within a clinical trial for CRC. Chemotherapy regimens, progression free survival and overall survival data will be presented. Conclusions: Although elderly pts often have comorbidities and poor performance status, age alone should not determine treatment options and person's eligibility in clinical trials. A careful discussion of treatment risks and benefits, especially in elderly pts, needs to be considered in the therapy decision. No significant financial relationships to disclose. </jats:p

Giant cell arteritis and polymyalgia rheumatica: current challenges and opportunities

The fields of giant cell arteritis (GCA) and polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) have advanced rapidly, resulting in a new understanding of these diseases. Fast-track strategies and improved awareness programmes that prevent irreversible sight loss through early diagnosis and treatment are a notable advance. Ultrasonography and other imaging techniques have been introduced into routine clinical practice and there have been promising reports on the efficacy of biologic agents, particularly IL-6 antagonists such as tocilizumab, in treating these conditions. Along with these developments, which should improve outcomes in patients with GCA and PMR, new questions and unmet needs have emerged; future research should address which pathogenetic mechanisms contribute to the different phases and clinical phenotypes of GCA, what role imaging has in the early diagnosis and monitoring of GCA and PMR, and in which patients and phases of these diseases novel biologic drugs should be used. This article discusses the implications of recent developments in our understanding of GCA and PMR, as well as the unmet needs concerning epidemiology, pathogenesis, imaging and treatment of these diseases