Study of basal cell nevus syndrome fibroblasts after treatment with DNA-damaging agents

The gene for the naevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome acts as a tumour-suppressor gene in medulloblastoma

Individuals with naevoid basal cell carcinoma (Gorlin) syndrome are at increased risk of developing medulloblastoma in childhood. We have shown that approximately 5% of patients with Gorlin syndrome will develop this complication in the first few years of life, and in addition 10% of patients with medulloblastoma diagnosed at age 2 years or under have Gorlin syndrome. One out of three medulloblastomas occurring in patients with Gorlin syndrome was shown to have lost the wild-type allele on 9q, indicating that the Gorlin locus probably acts as a tumour suppressor in the development of this tumour. We have also confirmed this role in a basal cell carcinoma (BCC) from the same individual. Information from these families would suggest that Gorlin syndrome is more common than previously recognized and may not always be diagnosed on clinical grounds alone even in middle life.

Complications of the naevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome: results of a population based study

There are many potential complications which have been reported in association with the naevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome. We have been able to show the relative frequencies of these problems in a population based study of 84 cases in the north west of England. The major complications of basal cell carcinomas and jaw cysts occur in over 90% of patients by 40 years of age, but may both occur before 10 years of age. Less well described complications are ovarian calcification or fibroma (24%), medulloblastoma (5%), cardiac fibroma (3%), cleft palate (5%), and ophthalmic abnormalities such as squint or cataract (26%). This study more clearly defines the possible complications of the syndrome and gives clearer guidelines for counselling and screening affected and at risk persons.