Desmoid tumours in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis and desmoid region adenomatous polyposis coli mutations

Pathology of Gastrointestinal Polyposis Disorders

Gastrointestinal polyposis disorders are a group of syndromes defined by clinicopathologic features that include the predominant histologic type of colorectal polyp and specific inherited gene mutations. Adenomatous polyposis syndromes comprise the prototypical familial adenomatous polyposis syndrome and other recently identified genetic conditions inherited in a dominant or recessive manner. Serrated polyposis syndrome is defined by arbitrary clinical criteria. The diagnosis of hamartomatous polyposis syndromes can be suggested from the histologic characteristics of colorectal polyps and the association with various extraintestinal manifestations. Proper identification of affected individuals is important due to an increased risk of gastrointestinal and extragastrointestinal cancers.

The Progress of Colorectal Polyposis Syndrome in Chinese Population

The pathogenesis, clinical phenotype, treatment strategy, and family management of hereditary tumor syndromes are different from those of sporadic tumors. Nearly a quarter of patients with colorectal cancer show significant familial aggregation and genetic predisposition, and 5 to 10% are associated with definite genetic factors. According to the clinical phenotype, it can be divided into nonpolyposis syndrome and polyposis syndrome. Among the polyposis syndrome patients with definite clinical symptoms, there are still some patients with unknown etiology (especially attenuated familial adenomatous polyposis), which is a difficult problem in clinical diagnosis and treatment. Therefore, for this rare disease, it is urgent to carry out multicenter studies, complete the gene variation spectrum, explore new pathogenic factors, and accumulate clinical experience. This article mainly introduces the research progress and related work of colorectal polyposis syndrome in China.

IPAA Is More "Desmoidogenic" Than Ileorectal Anastomosis in Familial Adenomatous Polyposis

BACKGROUND

Desmoid disease is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis. Abdominal desmoid disease usually follows total proctocolectomy with IPAA or total abdominal colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis. Sex, extraintestinal manifestations, and a 3'-mutation location have been identified as risk factors, but surgical risk factors are poorly understood. We hypothesized that pouch construction creates a higher risk of desmoid formation due to the increased stretch of the small-bowel mesentery.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the surgical risk factors for desmoid formation.

DESIGN

This was a retrospective, single-center, registry-based cohort study.

SETTINGS

This study was conducted at a single academic institution with a prospectively maintained hereditary colorectal cancer database between 1995 and 2015.

PATIENTS

All patients with familial polyposis (total 345) who underwent either proctocolectomy with a pouch or colectomy with an ileorectal anastomosis during the study period and met inclusion criteria were selected.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The development of symptomatic abdominal desmoid disease was the primary end point. Associations between desmoid formation and resection type, surgical approach, and other patient factors were analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 172 (49%) patients underwent proctocolectomy/ileoanal pouch, whereas 173 (51%) underwent total colectomy/ileorectal anastomosis. Overall, 100 (28.9%) developed symptomatic desmoids after surgery. On univariable analysis, open surgery and pouch surgery were associated with desmoid development, along with extracolonic manifestations, family history of desmoids, mutation location, and a high desmoid risk score. On multivarible analysis, proctocolectomy with pouch was most strongly associated with desmoid disease ( p < 0.01).

LIMITATIONS

This study was limited by its retrospective nature, the lack of uniform desmoid screening, and the variable duration of follow-up. Unanalyzed confounding factors include polyposis severity and number of surgeries.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with polyposis who underwent total proctocolectomy with pouch by any approach had significantly greater risk of developing desmoid disease than total colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis, even when accounting for other risk factors. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B822 .RESULTADOS DE LOS PACIENTES SOMETIDOS A RESECCIÓN INTESTINAL ELECTIVA ANTES Y DESPUÉS DE LA IMPLEMENTACIÓN DE UN PROGRAMA DE DETECCIÓN Y TRATAMIENTO DE ANEMIA.

ANTECEDENTES

Se sabe que los pacientes anémicos que se someten a una cirugía electiva de cáncer colorrectal tienen tasas significativamente más altas de complicaciones posoperatorias y peores resultados.

OBJETIVO

Mejorar las tasas de detección y tratamiento de la anemia en pacientes sometidos a resecciones electivas de colon y recto a través de una iniciativa de mejora de calidad.

DISEO

Comparamos una cohorte histórica de pacientes antes de la implementación de nuestro programa de detección de anemia y mejora de la calidad del tratamiento con una cohorte prospectiva después de la implementación.

ENTORNO CLINICO

Hospital de atención terciaria.

PACIENTES

Todos los pacientes adultos con un nuevo diagnóstico de cáncer de colon o recto sin evidencia de enfermedad metastásica entre 2017 y 2019.

INTERVENCIONES

Detección de anemia y programa de mejora de la calidad del tratamiento.

PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE RESULTADO

El resultado primario fue el costo hospitalario por ingreso.

RESULTADOS

Un total de 84 pacientes se sometieron a resección electiva de colon o recto antes de la implementación de nuestro proyecto de mejora de calidad de la anemia y 88 pacientes se sometieron a cirugía después. En la cohorte previa a la implementación, 44/84 (55,9 %) presentaban anemia en comparación con 47/99 (54,7 %) en la cohorte posterior a la implementación. Las tasas de detección (25 % a 86,4 %) y tratamiento (27,8 % a 63,8 %) aumentaron significativamente en la cohorte posterior a la implementación. El costo total medio por admisión se redujo significativamente en la cohorte posterior a la implementación (costo medio $16 827 vs. $25 796, p = 0,004); esta reducción significativa se observó incluso después de ajustar los factores de confusión relevantes (proporción de medias: 0,74, IC del 95 %: 0,65 a 0,85). El vínculo mecánico entre el tratamiento de la anemia y la reducción de costos sigue siendo desconocido. No hubo diferencias significativas en las tasas de transfusión de sangre, complicaciones o mortalidad entre los grupos.

LIMITACIONES

El diseño de antes y después está sujeto a sesgos temporales y de selección.

CONCLUSIONES

Demostramos la implementación exitosa de un programa de detección y tratamiento de anemia. Este programa se asoció con un costo por admisión significativamente reducido. Este trabajo demuestra el valor y los beneficios posibles de la implementación de un programa de detección y tratamiento de la anemia. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/C15 . (Traducción- Dr. Francisco M. Abarca-Rendon ).

Current clinical practice for familial adenomatous polyposis in Japan: A nationwide multicenter study

Introduction

In Japanese patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), colectomy tends to be postponed or avoided.

Aim

This study aimed to clarify the current clinical practice from a Japanese multicenter cohort study database.

Methods

We analyzed the records of 250 patients with non‐dense FAP who did not require colorectal cancer removal. The clinical outcomes were compared between patients who received colectomy (n = 142) (Group A) and those who did not receive colectomy (n = 108) (Group B).

Results

The colectomy rate based on the age at the final follow‐up examination was 46%, 60%, 54%, 65%, at ≤29, 30–39, 40–49, and ≥ 50 years, respectively (P = .11). The development of colorectal cancer did not differ between Groups A and B (25% vs 22% P = .67); however, colorectal cancer was diagnosed at the Tis stage in 88% of the patients with colorectal cancer in Group B, and 34% of the patients with colorectal cancer in Group A (P < .01). Regarding survival, all patients in Group B were alive at the final follow‐up examination. In contrast, six patients in Group A died, including three patients with desmoid tumors and one with colon cancer.

Conclusion

Over one‐third of patients with non‐dense FAP (polyps ≤ 1000) in Japan did not receive colectomy at >30 years of age, and patients who managed without colectomy showed acceptable survival with the early diagnosis of colorectal cancer, and a very low incidence of desmoid tumor development, indicating that this approach represents a potential option for the management of selected non‐dense FAP patients.

Colectomy and desmoid tumours in familial adenomatous polyposis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Desmoid tumours (DT) are one of the main causes of death in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). Surgical trauma is a risk factor for DT, yet a colectomy is inevitable in FAP to prevent colorectal cancer. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to synthesize the available evidence on DT risk related to type, approach and timing of colectomy. A search was performed in MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library. Studies were considered eligible when DT incidence was reported after different types, approaches and timing of colectomy. Twenty studies including 6452 FAP patients were selected, all observational. No significant difference in DT incidence was observed after IRA versus IPAA (OR 0.99, 95% CI 0.69-1.42) and after open versus laparoscopic colectomy (OR 0.88, 95% CI 0.42-1.86). Conflicting DT incidences were seen after early versus late colectomy and when analysing open versus laparoscopic colectomy according to colectomy type. Three studies reported a (non-significantly) higher DT incidence after laparoscopic IPAA compared to laparoscopic IRA, with OR varying between 1.77 and 4.09. A significantly higher DT incidence was observed in patients with a history of abdominal surgery (OR 3.40, 95% CI 1.64-7.03, p = 0.001). Current literature does not allow to state firmly whether type, approach, or timing of colectomy affects DT risk in FAP patients. Fewer DT were observed after laparoscopic IRA compared to laparoscopic IPAA, suggesting laparoscopic IRA as the preferred choice if appropriate considering rectal polyp burden. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42020161424.

Japanese Society for Cancer of the Colon and Rectum (JSCCR) guidelines 2020 for the Clinical Practice of Hereditary Colorectal Cancer

Hereditary colorectal cancer (HCRC) accounts for < 5% of all colorectal cancer cases. Some of the unique characteristics commonly encountered in HCRC cases include early age of onset, synchronous/metachronous cancer occurrence, and multiple cancers in other organs. These characteristics necessitate different management approaches, including diagnosis, treatment or surveillance, from sporadic colorectal cancer management. There are two representative HCRC, named familial adenomatous polyposis and Lynch syndrome. Other than these two HCRC syndromes, related disorders have also been reported. Several guidelines for hereditary disorders have already been published worldwide. In Japan, the first guideline for HCRC was prepared by the Japanese Society for Cancer of the Colon and Rectum (JSCCR), published in 2012 and revised in 2016. This revised version of the guideline was immediately translated into English and published in 2017. Since then, several new findings and novel disease concepts related to HCRC have been discovered. The currently diagnosed HCRC rate in daily clinical practice is relatively low; however, this is predicted to increase in the era of cancer genomic medicine, with the advancement of cancer multi-gene panel testing or whole genome testing, among others. Under these circumstances, the JSCCR guidelines 2020 for HCRC were prepared by consensus among members of the JSCCR HCRC Guideline Committee, based on a careful review of the evidence retrieved from literature searches, and considering the medical health insurance system and actual clinical practice settings in Japan. Herein, we present the English version of the JSCCR guidelines 2020 for HCRC.

Guidelines for the management of hereditary colorectal cancer from the British Society of Gastroenterology (BSG)/Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland (ACPGBI)/United Kingdom Cancer Genetics Group (UKCGG)

Heritable factors account for approximately 35% of colorectal cancer (CRC) risk, and almost 30% of the population in the UK have a family history of CRC. The quantification of an individual's lifetime risk of gastrointestinal cancer may incorporate clinical and molecular data, and depends on accurate phenotypic assessment and genetic diagnosis. In turn this may facilitate targeted risk-reducing interventions, including endoscopic surveillance, preventative surgery and chemoprophylaxis, which provide opportunities for cancer prevention. This guideline is an update from the 2010 British Society of Gastroenterology/Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland (BSG/ACPGBI) guidelines for colorectal screening and surveillance in moderate and high-risk groups; however, this guideline is concerned specifically with people who have increased lifetime risk of CRC due to hereditary factors, including those with Lynch syndrome, polyposis or a family history of CRC. On this occasion we invited the UK Cancer Genetics Group (UKCGG), a subgroup within the British Society of Genetic Medicine (BSGM), as a partner to BSG and ACPGBI in the multidisciplinary guideline development process. We also invited external review through the Delphi process by members of the public as well as the steering committees of the European Hereditary Tumour Group (EHTG) and the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE). A systematic review of 10 189 publications was undertaken to develop 67 evidence and expert opinion-based recommendations for the management of hereditary CRC risk. Ten research recommendations are also prioritised to inform clinical management of people at hereditary CRC risk.

Genetic predisposition to cancer: Surveillance and intervention

Cancer is one of the leading causes of early mortality for children and adolescents. Identifiable genetic cancer predisposition conditions account for a growing proportion of pediatric and adolescent cancer, likely due to increasing knowledge about various predisposition conditions, more widespread cancer genetic counseling, and available diagnostics. Greater awareness, data-driven surgical intervention and clinical surveillance can help facilitate cancer prevention and early detection at cancer stages more amenable to cure. An extensive literature review of published studies and expert opinion with consensus guidelines are reviewed. Specific syndromes where genetics, imaging and surgical intervention are utilized to benefit affected patients and families are presented. In many tumor predisposition syndromes, the underlying genetic diagnosis is made concurrently, or after, malignancy is identified. Improved recognition of underlying predispositions, along with appropriate surgical interventions and imaging surveillance should lead to increased patient survival.

Clinical analysis of 47 cases of familial adenomatous polyposis

AIM

To investigate the clinical manifestations, pathological features, potential risk factors for cancerization, and therapeutics of familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP).

METHODS

Forty-seven cases of FAP treated at Jiangsu Provincial Hospital were collected. The clinical data including clinical symptoms, pathological features and therapies of the 47 patients were retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTS

Of the 47 patients, 29 complained of melena or bloody stools and 22 had changes of character of stool; 16 had abdominal pain, 11 had abdominal bloating, 9 had gastric polyps, and 4 had duodenal polyps; 2 suffered from desmoid tumors after proctocolectomy. Main pathological features included tubular adenoma and tubulovillous adenoma, and a few manifested as hyperplastic polyps or juvenile polyps. Sixteen patients were diagnosed with colorectal cancer and there was a significantly higher canceration rate in patients who were older than 40 years or whose polyps were larger than 2 cm in diameter (P < 0.05). Age (OR = 1.084, 95%CI: 1.016-1.157) and the size of adenoma (OR = 10.264, 95%CI: 1.526-69.035) were potential risk factors for FAP. All patients underwent colorectal resection or endoscopic treatment, and four patients with colorectal cancer received adjuvant chemotherapy after surgical operation.

CONCLUSION

FAP is characterized by the formation of hundreds of colorectal polyps, which is accompanied by a series of extra-intestinal manifestations. Tubular adenoma and tubulovillous adenoma are the main pathological types. Age and the size of adenoma are potential risk factors for adenoma canceration. Prophylactic colorectal resection and endoscopic surveillance remain the main therapies for FAP at present.

Japanese Society for Cancer of the Colon and Rectum (JSCCR) Guidelines 2016 for the Clinical Practice of Hereditary Colorectal Cancer (Translated Version)

Hereditary colorectal cancer accounts for less than 5% of all colorectal cancer cases. Some of the unique characteristics that are commonly encountered in cases of hereditary colorectal cancer include early age at onset, synchronous/metachronous occurrence of the cancer, and association with multiple cancers in other organs, necessitating different management from sporadic colorectal cancer. While the diagnosis of familial adenomatous polyposis might be easy because usually 100 or more adenomas that develop in the colonic mucosa are in this condition, Lynch syndrome, which is the most commonly associated disease with hereditary colorectal cancer, is often missed in daily medical practice because of its relatively poorly defined clinical characteristics. In addition, the disease concept and diagnostic criteria for Lynch syndrome, which was once called hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer, have changed over time with continual research, thereby possibly creating confusion in clinical practice. Under these circumstances, the JSCCR Guideline Committee has developed the "JSCCR Guidelines 2016 for the Clinical Practice of Hereditary Colorectal Cancer (HCRC)," to allow delivery of appropriate medical care in daily practice to patients with familial adenomatous polyposis, Lynch syndrome, or other related diseases. The JSCCR Guidelines 2016 for HCRC were prepared by consensus reached among members of the JSCCR Guideline Committee, based on a careful review of the evidence retrieved from literature searches, and considering the medical health insurance system and actual clinical practice settings in Japan. Herein, we present the English version of the JSCCR Guidelines 2016 for HCRC.

Cancer Screening Recommendations and Clinical Management of Inherited Gastrointestinal Cancer Syndromes in Childhood

Hereditary gastrointestinal cancer predisposition syndromes have been well characterized, but management strategies and surveillance remain a major challenge, especially in childhood. In October 2016, the American Association for Cancer Research organized the AACR Childhood Cancer Predisposition Workshop in which international experts in care of children with a hereditary risk of cancer met to define surveillance strategies and management of children with cancer predisposition syndromes. In this article, we review the current literature in polyposis syndromes that can be diagnosed in childhood and may be associated with an increased incidence of gastrointestinal neoplasms and other cancer types. These disorders include adenomatous polyposis syndromes (APC and MUTYH), juvenile polyposis coli (BMPR1A and SMAD4), Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome (STK11/LKB1), and PTEN hamartoma tumor syndrome (PHTS; PTEN), which can present with a more limited juvenile polyposis phenotype. Herein, the panel of experts provides recommendations for clinical diagnosis, approach to genetic testing, and focus on cancer surveillance recommendations when appropriate during the pediatric period. We also review current controversies on genetic evaluation of patients with hepatoblastoma and indications for surveillance for this tumor. Childhood cancer risks and surveillance associated with disorders involving the mismatch repair genes, including Lynch syndrome and constitutional mismatch repair deficiency (CMMRD), are discussed elsewhere in this series. Clin Cancer Res; 23(13); e107-e14. ©2017 AACRSee all articles in the online-only CCR Pediatric Oncology Series.

Risk Factors for the Development of Desmoid Tumor After Colectomy in Patients with Familial Adenomatous Polyposis: Multicenter Retrospective Cohort Study in Japan

BACKGROUND

Desmoid tumor (DT) is the primary cause of death in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) after restorative proctocolectomy. This study aimed to identify risk factors for DT in a Japanese population.

METHODS

Clinical data for 319 patients with FAP undergoing first colectomy from 2000 to 2012 were reviewed retrospectively.

RESULTS

Two hundred seventy-seven FAP patients were included in this study. Thirty-nine (14.1 %) patients developed DT. Occurrence sites were the intraperitoneal region in 25 (64.1 %) cases, intraperitoneal region and abdominal wall in three (7.7 %), and abdominal wall in nine (23.1 %). The mean period from surgery to DT development was 26.3 months (range 4-120 months). Gender (female vs. male, p = 0.03), age at surgery (>30 vs. ≤30 years, p = 0.02), purpose of surgery (prophylactic vs. cancer excision, p = 0.01), and surgical procedure (proctocolectomy [ileoanal anastomosis (IAA), ileoanal canal anastomosis (IACA), total proctocolectomy (TPC)] vs. total colectomy [ileorectal anastomosis, partial colectomy]; p = 0.03) significantly influenced the estimated cumulative risk of developing DT at 5 years after surgery. Conversely, approach (laparoscopic vs. open, p = 0.17) had no significant effect on the increased risk of DT occurrence. In multivariate analysis, female gender, with a hazard ratio of 2.2 (p = 0.02,) and proctocolectomy (IAA, IACA, TPC), with a hazard ratio of 2.2 (p = 0.03), were independent risk factors for DT incidence after colectomy.

CONCLUSIONS

Female gender and proctocolectomy (IAA, IACA, TPC) were independent risk factors for developing DT after colectomy in patients with FAP.

Desmoid tumors: clinical features and outcome of an unpredictable and challenging manifestation of familial adenomatous polyposis

Background/Aims Desmoid tumors (DTs) are rare, locally invasive neoplasms that may affect 10-25% of familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) patients. Our aim was to evaluate incidence and clinical presentation among our patients, the potential impact on FAP outcome and to discuss treatment. Materials and methods Charts from 133 FAP (1977-2013) were reviewed. Patients with DTs were separated to retrieve demographic, clinical and management data. Follow-up was focused on disease evolution causing complications or death. Results 19 (14.3%) DTs were diagnosed, either after previous trauma (16) or during FAP surgery (3). This group comprised 8 men (42.1%) and 11 women (57.9%) with an average age of 32.9 years. Intervals from surgical trauma to DTs ranged from 7 to 60 months. ECMs were detected in 12 (63.1%) patients. DTs were located in the abdominal wall (8), abdominal cavity (8), abdominal wall and cavity (2) and left arm (1). Five patients (26.3%) referred family history of DTs. Patients presented severe complications such as small bowel obstruction (4) and hydronephrosis (2), being directly responsible for death in three patients. Conclusions (1) DTs developed in 14.3% of FAP, mostly after surgical trauma; (2) 30% caused severe morbidity; (3) identification of clinical risk factors may help surgeons to develop screening and therapeutic decisions.

Fibromatosis of the Sigmoid Colon With CTNNB1 (β-Catenin) Gene Mutation, Arising at the Site of Ileocolic Anastomosis for Resection of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor

We describe a case of intra-abdominal fibromatosis, which occurred in a 44-year-old woman who had a previous history of gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) of the sigmoid mesocolon, which was treated with imatinib and resection. A mass was detected at the site of ileocolic anastomosis of the previous small bowel resection and sigmoid colectomy, nearly 3 years later. Clinically, this was suspected to represent recurrent GIST and was excised, but histology and mutational analysis showed desmoid-type fibromatosis with a mutation in codon 41 of exon 3 of the CTNNB1 (β-catenin) gene. The occurrence of fibromatosis at the site of excision of GIST is very rare, but its recognition is important as the treatment of the two neoplasms differs significantly. As imaging cannot reliably distinguish between these 2 entities, histological diagnosis is crucial for correct clinical management.

Desmoid tumour in familial adenomatous polyposis patients: responses to treatments

No guidelines for desmoid tumors (DT) management are available and DT have now become the first cause of death in FAP patients who had restorative proctocolectomy. We aimed to assess the results of the different treatments used for DT in Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP) patients. All patients followed for FAP who developed a DT between 1970 and 2010 were collated. We analysed separately the history of DT according to location: mesenteric, parietal or mixed. 79 FAP patients [45 females (56 %); mean age 33.3 ± 12.5] presented 149 DT and were included; 16(20 %) had a DT diagnosed during or before first abdominal surgery and 47 (59 %) had isolated mesenteric DT. 11 patients had only surgical treatment, 17 only medical treatments, 31 had combined treatment and 20 had no treatment with spontaneous DT regression or stabilization. Overall, 80 treatment lines were administered to patients with a progression free or regression rate of 43 % (34/80). Response rates were: chemotherapy 77 % (10/13); Sulindac + tamoxifen 50 % (6/12); Tamoxifen 40 % (6/15); Imatinib 36 % (4/11); Sulindac 28 % (8/29). Among the 42 surgical procedures, an R0 resection was performed in 26 (62 %) allowing the absence of recurrence for 54 %. After a median follow-up of 81 months, 8 patients died of their DT and 6 died of other cause. Overall and DT-specific survival at 20 years were 52 and 79 %, respectively. Chemotherapy was the most efficient treatment. For intra-abdominal DT, we consider it as a first choice treatment and reserve surgery when it is impossible or when DT are life threatening.

Surgical treatment of familial adenomatous polyposis: Dilemmas and current recommendations

Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is an autosomal dominant inherited syndrome characterized by multiple adenomatous polyps (predisposing to colorectal cancer development) and numerous extracolonic manifestations. The underlying genetic burden generates variable clinical features that may influence operative management. As a precancerous hereditary condition, the rationale of performing a prophylactic surgery is a mainstay of FAP management. The purpose of the present paper is to bring up many controversial aspects regarding surgical treatment for FAP, and to discuss the results and perspectives of the operative choices and approaches. Preferably, the decision-making process should not be limited to the conventional confrontation of pros and cons of ileorectal anastomosis or restorative proctocolectomy. A wide discussion with the patient may evaluate issues such as age, genotype, family history, sphincter function, the presence or risk of desmoid disease, potential complications of each procedure and chances of postoperative surveillance. Therefore, the definition of the best moment and the choice of appropriate procedure constitute an individual decision that must take into consideration patient’s preferences and full information about the complex nature of the disease. All these facts reinforce the idea that FAP patients should be managed by experienced surgeons working in specialized centers to achieve the best immediate and long-term results.

Aggressive fibromatosis

Aggressive (deep or desmoid-type) fibromatoses are locally infiltrative collagen-forming tumours with potential for recurrence but not metastasis. They exert their clinical effects primarily in relation to location and have variable biological behaviour. In sporadic cases there are somatic mutations in the β-catenin (CTNNB1) gene on 3p21, resulting in immunohistochemically demonstrable overexpression in nuclei. Fibromatosis in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) harbours inactivating germline mutations in the desmoid region of the adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene on 5q21-q22. The differential diagnosis includes other myofibroblastic lesions, perineurioma, low grade fibromyxoid sarcoma and, in the abdomen, gastrointestinal stromal tumour and liposarcoma with 'low-grade' dedifferentiation. The primary management is surgical, though some desmoids cease to grow and can be watched. Other therapies have a role in stabilising growth or shrinking tumours. Although no single therapy is effective in all cases, available modalities including irradiation, hormonal therapy, chemotherapy, and receptor tyrosine kinase inhibition can be of value in appropriate clinicopathological subgroups.

Clinical characteristics and adequate treatment of familial adenomatous polyposis combined with desmoid tumors

Purpose

The objective of this study was to examine the clincopathologic characteristics and outcomes of familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) patients with and without desmoid tumors (DTs), including the risk factors for progression of FAP-related DTs.

Materials and Methods

We reviewed the medical records and database of all patients with FAP who were treated between January 1993 and December 2011.

Results

Of 75 FAP patients, 18 (24%) were FAP with DTs. Seventeen of these had intra-abdominal DTs and one had intra- and extra-abdominal DTs. We divided the patients into two groups according to type of resection; the R0 or R1 resection group, referred to as the curative resection group (eight patients), and the R2 resection/palliative operation/medical treatment group, referred to as the palliative resection group (10 patients). Two patients in the curative resection group and two patients in the palliative group had progressed to tumor growth by the follow-up (p=0.800). In univariate analysis, DT diagnosis before or simultaneously with FAP diagnosis (DTs unrelated to surgical trauma) was a significant risk factor for tumor progression at final follow-up.

Conclusion

A multidisciplinary approach to DT treatment is needed, including nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, anti-estrogens, cytotoxic agents, and surgery. However, the role of surgery in resectable and complicated tumors may be limited. DT unrelated to surgical trauma has a relatively poor prognosis.

Successful radiofrequency ablation of an anterior abdominal wall desmoid in familial adenomatous polyposis

BACKGROUND

Desmoid tumours are an important cause of mortality in familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). There are few effective treatment strategies. This report describes the use of radiofrequency ablation to debulk and palliate an abdominal wall desmoid tumour in FAP.

METHODS

A 22 year old woman with FAP developed a large abdominal wall desmoid tumour after restorative proctocolectomy. The tumour was treated with 16 separate radiofrequency ablations. The follow up was 36 months from the first ablation.

RESULTS

The procedure was well tolerated with minor complications; mild superficial cellulitis and skin ulceration occurred following only one of the ablation sessions. Repeated radiofrequency treatments resulted in a sustained reduction in size and symptoms from the desmoid tumour.

CONCLUSION

Given the low efficacy of treatments for desmoids in FAP, radiofrequency ablation appears to be a promising modality.

Key genetic considerations in the management of suspected hereditary colorectal cancer

SUMMARY Hereditary bowel cancer syndromes account for up to 5% of colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence. Presentation of CRC under the age of 50 years should alert clinicians to a possible underlying genetic predisposition. This article focuses on Lynch syndrome (hereditary nonpolyposis CRC). Regular bowel screening is effective in reducing the risk of CRC and improving overall survival in Lynch syndrome families. The issues surrounding the clinical diagnostic criteria and the shortcomings of the referral process are described, and it is questioned whether a universal strategy for diagnosis should be employed. This article summarizes the evidence for the benefit of bowel screening and suggests practical steps to help ensure compliance with screening recommendations. Finally, it is discussed how collaboration between geneticists, gastroenterologists and surgeons can inform surgical decision-making for the benefit of the patient.

Fibroblastic and myofibroblastic tumors in children and adolescents

Fibroblastic and myofibroblastic tumors in children and adolescents are a relatively common group of soft tissue proliferations that range from reactive to hamartomatous to neoplastic, with a full spectrum of benign, intermediate, and malignant neoplasms. These lesions are diagnostically challenging because of morphologic and immunohistochemical overlap, despite significant clinical, genetic, and prognostic differences. The fibromatoses are a major subgroup, and all types of fibromatoses can occur in the 1st 2 decades of life. Intermediate and malignant fibroblastic-myofibroblastic tumors are an important group that includes variants of fibrosarcoma and other tumors with recurrent cytogenetic or molecular genetic abnormalities and low metastatic potential. Pathologic examination is enhanced by adjunct techniques, such as immunohistochemistry, cytogenetics, and molecular genetics, although morphology provides the ultimate criteria for a specific diagnosis. This article reviews the clinicopathologic features of fibroblastic and myofibroblastic tumors with an emphasis on the unique aspects of these neoplasms in children and adolescents, the use of diagnostic adjuncts, and differential diagnoses.

Surgical resection for non-familial adenomatous polyposis-related intra-abdominal fibromatosis

BACKGROUND

Intra-abdominal fibromatosis (IAF) in the context of familial adenomatosis polyposis (FAP) is associated with significant morbidity and high recurrence rates after surgical resection. Non-surgical treatments are therefore advocated. This study explored outcomes in patients with IAF not associated with FAP who underwent surgical resection.

METHODS

Data were analysed from a prospectively collected database at a sarcoma tertiary referral centre.

RESULTS

From 2001 to 2011, 15 patients without FAP underwent primary curative surgical resection of IAF. Their median (range) age was 42 (19-64) years. Median tumour size was 18 (8.5-25) cm and weight 1306 (236-2228) g. Complete macroscopic clearance was obtained in all patients. There were no deaths in hospital or within 30 days and only one patient developed a major complication. Median follow-up was 40 (6-119) months. During follow-up two patients developed a recurrence after a disease-free interval of 12 and 16 months.

CONCLUSION

In contrast to FAP-associated IAF, non-FAP-associated IAF has a very low recurrence rate after surgical resection. Surgical resection is therefore advocated as first-line treatment in patients with non-FAP-associated IAF when resection can be performed with low morbidity.

Hereditary colon cancer syndromes

Colon cancer is associated with a family history in up to 25% of cases. As many as 5% are associated with an established hereditary syndrome, demonstrating the profound influence of inheritable genetic mechanisms in the development of this disease. These syndromes confer a diverse spectrum of risk, age of presentation, endoscopic and histological findings, extracolonic manifestations, and modes of inheritance. As the molecular characteristics of these disorders become better described, enhanced genotype-phenotype correlations may offer a more targeted approach to diagnosis, screening, and surveillance. While the strategies for diagnosis and management of familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) and Lynch syndrome are more established, the approach to newly recognized syndromes such as MUTYH-associated polyposis (MAP) and hyperplastic polyposis syndromes continues to evolve. Effective cancer prevention in affected individuals and at-risk family members first requires timely recognition of these hereditary colon cancer syndromes followed by integration of genetic testing and clinical examinations.

Genotype-phenotype correlation in colorectal polyposis

Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) has been divided into three clinical subtypes: mild, classical and severe. This study aimed to investigate for a correlation between genotype and phenotype. A codon-specific survival difference is unknown. A retrospective longitudinal study of 492 patients on the Manchester Polyposis Registry was conducted. Patients were grouped according to genotypes: 0, unknown mutation; 1, adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) 0-178 (and 312-412 of exon 9); 2, APC >1550; 3, APC 179-1249; 4, APC 1250-1549; and 5, MutYH. Date of onset of polyposis, incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC), survival and actuarial time to surgery were calculated. Median age of onset of polyposis for genotype 0 was 20.3 years, genotype 1 35.6 years, genotype 2 32.2, genotype 3 15.9 years, and genotype 4 14.8 years (p < 0.0001). Age of onset of CRC was similar between genotypes. Median survival for genotype 0 was 56.6 years, genotype 1 74.9 years, genotype 2 61.0 years, genotype 3 63.0 years, genotype 4 48.1 years, and genotype 5 69.7 years (p = 0.003). This survival difference was also seen when patients who underwent screening and those who did not were analysed separately. Survival in the screened population was 53.9 years in genotype 4 and 72.9 years in genotype 3. Patients with genotype 4 (APC 1249-1549) have a significantly worse survival despite screening and early prophylactic surgery. This analysis supports a genotype-phenotype correlation. Patients with a mutation APC 1249-1549 develop polyposis at an early age and have a worse survival. Patients with a mutation APC 0-178 or 312-412 develop polyposis later and have an improved survival. This survival difference has not previously been documented.

[Intra-abdominal desmoid tumor mimicking a pancreatic tumor in a patient with familial colonic polyposis]

INTRODUCTION

Fibromatosis consists of a benign fibroblastic proliferation with local infiltrative growth. Two types are recognized: a superficial and a deep form, also known as desmoid tumor. The latter may occur sporadically or in association with familial adenomatous polyposis and Gardner's syndrome. Pancreatic presentation is exceptional and only eight cases have been described in the literature.

CASE REPORT

We report the case of a 29-year-old woman with a history of familial colonic polyposis and two pancreatic lesions. In the surgical specimen, two poorly defined pancreatic lesions were observed with infiltration of neighboring organs. Histologically, the lesions corresponded to mesenchymal proliferation with a fusocellular pattern without cytological atypica, which were diagnosed as desmoid tumors.

DISCUSSION

The etiology of fibromatosis is unknown. In patients with familial colonic polyposis, the most common localization of desmoid tumor is intra-abdominal. Pancreatic presentation is unusual, requiring differential diagnosis with other pancreatic neoplasms.

Hereditary and familial colon cancer

Between 2% to 5% of all colon cancers arise in the setting of well-defined inherited syndromes, including Lynch syndrome, familial adenomatous polyposis, MUTYH-associated polyposis, and certain hamartomatous polyposis conditions. Each is associated with a high risk of colon cancer. In addition to the syndromes, up to one-third of colon cancers exhibit increased familial risk, likely related to inheritance. A number of less penetrant, but possibly more frequent susceptibility genes have been identified for this level of inheritance. Clarification of predisposing genes allows for accurate risk assessment and more precise screening approaches. This review examines the colon cancer syndromes, their genetics and management, and also the common familial colon cancers with current genetic advances and screening guidelines.

Role of surgery in familial adenomatous polyposis and hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (Lynch syndrome)

Surgery remains the mainstay of treatment for patients who develop colorectal cancer (CRC) in the setting of a hereditary CRC syndrome. In patients with a hereditary CRC syndrome, surgery can be prophylactic, therapeutic with curative intent, and, in some cases, palliative. The type and extent of surgical resection in familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) and in the Lynch syndrome is influenced by differences in the natural history of carcinogenesis between the two syndromes and by the effectiveness of and patient compliance with available surveillance strategies. In this article, the surgical options for the management of patients with FAP and Lynch syndrome are discussed.

Polishing the crystal ball: knowing genotype improves ability to predict desmoid disease in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis

INTRODUCTION

Desmoid disease occurs in one third of patients with familial adenomatous polyposis. Patients may be protected by changing surgical strategy. We designed a formula to predict desmoid risk and tested the value of adding genotype to the formula.

METHODS

A desmoid risk factor was calculated by summing points awarded for gender (male = 1, female = 3), extracolonic manifestations (nil = 1, one = 2, >one = 3), and family history of desmoids (negative = 1, one relative = 2, more than one relative = 3). Performance of the score with and without genotype (5' 1309 = 1, 1309-1900 = 2, 3' 1900 = 3) was analyzed.

RESULTS

There were 839 patients (138 desmoids) without genotype and 154 (30 desmoids) with genotype. The mean desmoid risk factor score of patients without desmoids (no genotype) was 4.7 (+/-1.4 SD) and for patients with desmoid the desmoid risk factor was 6.0 (+/-1.7, P < 0.001). Corresponding data for patients with genotype was 6.1 +/- 1.3 (no desmoids) and 8.4 +/- 1.8 with desmoids (P < 0.001). Of patients without genotype, 648 patients were at low risk and 9.9% had desmoid disease, 178 patients were at medium risk and 34% had desmoids, and 10 patients were at high risk and all had desmoids. Of those with genotype information, 83 patients were at low risk and 5% had desmoids, 52 patients were at medium risk and 21% had desmoids, and 18 patients were at high risk and 83% had desmoids.

CONCLUSION

The desmoid risk factor identifies patients with various levels of risk for developing desmoid disease, and can be used to plan surgical strategies designed to minimize desmoid risk.

The role of APC and beta-catenin in the aetiology of aggressive fibromatosis (desmoid tumors)

BACKGROUND

Aggressive fibromatosis (syn. desmoid tumor) is a sporadically occurring neoplastic proliferation of fibroblasts originating from musculoaponeurotic planes, forming invasively growing masses without the capability to metastasize. The choice of treatment remains surgical resection with or without radiotherapy, and is characterized by high recurrence rates. Better understanding of the aetiology of aggressive fibromatosis is needed to be able to develop new treatment strategies to cope with the high recurrence rates.

METHODS

Relevant studies were identified through a search of the electronic databases PubMed/ Medline. The following search terms were used: 'aggressive fibromatosis', 'desmoid tumor', 'adenomatous polyposis coli', 'APC', 'beta-catenin', 'Wnt', 'Wingless' and 'Wnt/Wingless'. Studies were selected for review on the basis of abstract reading. A hand search was performed by checking reference lists in selected articles.

RESULTS

The neoplastic nature of aggressive fibromatosis and the role of the adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) and beta-catenin signaling cascade in driving the onset and progression of this disease are discussed.

CONCLUSION

Mutations in either the APC or beta-catenin genes are likely to be a major driving force in the formation of these desmoid tumors. More research is needed to develop new treatment strategies.

Risk factors for development of desmoid tumours in familial adenomatous polyposis

Background

Desmoid tumours (DTs) are the primary cause of death of patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) following restorative proctocolectomy. The aim of this study was to identify risk factors for DT in a French population.

Methods

Clinical data for 442 patients with FAP from 1983 to 2004 were reviewed retrospectively.

Results

A total of 124 DTs were documented in 50 patients (25 female). DT sites were mesenteric (73 tumours), abdominal wall (44) and extra-abdominal (seven). Female patients developed DT earlier than males. Although DTs appeared after colectomy in 34 patients, the type of surgery did not influence the risk of DT. An identified point mutation in the adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene after codon 1444 was a significant risk factor (hazard ratio 3·3 (95 per cent confidence interval 1·5 to 7·3)). Belonging to a family affected by DT did not increase the individual's risk in this population.

Conclusion

No risk factor for life-threatening mesenteric DT could meaningfully modify the management of patients with FAP.

The management of desmoids in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)

Desmoids are rare in the general population but occurs in between 10 to 20% of patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). This risk is about 852 times the risk for the population at large. Desmoids are benign neoplasms that are capable of infiltrating locally with a high risk of recurrence (25-65%) even after extirpating surgery. Desmoids in FAP may occur extra-abdominally, or within the abdominal wall or most commonly intra-abdominally within the mesentery or retroperitoneal. Desmoids are a major problem in patients with FAP. Mortality from desmoids is high in such patients and ranges from 18 to 31%, compared to peri-ampullary carcinomas at about 22% and cancer in the retained rectum at only about 8%. Simple drug treatment with tamoxifen or NSAIDS like sulindac should be used as first line treatment as it carries a response in 30-50% of patients. Surgery should be reserved for extra-abdominal tumours alone and only when needed. Surgery for intra-abdominal desmoids should really only be attempted for intestinal obstruction or ureteric obstruction. Dacarbazine-Doxorubicin chemotherapy may have dramatic response in some cases. Genetic transfer may unlock this disease in future and may give patients with FAP and severe desmoids hope for the future.