Update on our investigation of malignant tumors associated with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome in Japan

The clinicopathological features of breast cancer in Peutz-Jeghers syndrome: results from an international survey

BACKGROUND

Female patients with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS) have an increased risk of breast cancer (BrCa), and surveillance is recommended. However, clinicopathological features of their tumors and prognosis are lacking. To facilitate more precise future guideline development, we evaluated these data.

METHODS

We conducted an international survey for InSiGHT members to collect retrospective data on PJS patients with diagnosed breast cancer.

RESULTS

We received 23 responses, including three centers with data on BrCa patients. All reported BrCa patients were female. In total, the cohort comprised 27 patients with 34 BrCa (five bilateral synchronous, one bilateral metachronous, and one metachronous unilateral tumours). The median age at first cancer diagnosis was 45 years (range 26-67). Most cancers were ductal carcinoma, either invasive (13) or in situ (DCIS; 19). TNM staging for invasive cancer was available in thirteen cases, of which nine were T1N0M0. Among tumors with histological reports, 14/15 were oestrogen receptor positive, 8/15 were progesterone receptor positive, and 4/15 were HER2 positive. There were no triple negative breast cancers. Twenty-five patients had follow-up data, comprising 229 patient years. Eleven patients had died of any cause during follow-up. Survival at 5 years was 73%.

CONCLUSION

Overall, breast cancers that occur in this PJS population seem to have favorable characteristics and prognosis. These data will help inform discussions about risk management in patients with PJS. Further research is needed to better understand lifetime risk, the optimal surveillance modality and its outcomes.

MRI grading for informed clinical decision-making in Peutz-Jeghers syndrome patients with cervical lesions

The preoperative diagnosis and management of Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS) patients with cervical lesions remain problematic. This study analysed the associations between pathological types of cervical lesions in PJS patients and their MRI features. A total of 34 PJS patients were included and two experienced radiologists reviewed the MRIs independently. Based on the pathological diagnosis, the patients were categorized into four groups: normal (n  =  4), lobular endocervical glandular hyperplasia (LEGH, n  =  11), atypical LEGH (aLEGH, n  =  8), and gastric-type endocervical adenocarcinoma (G-EAC, n  =  11). By observing the MRI features, we found statistically significant differences in the extent of lesions (P  = 0 .001), distribution of microcysts (P  = 0 .001), proportion of microcysts (P  <  0.001) and endometrial involvement (P  = 0.019) among the four groups. Notably, solid components and disrupted cervical stromal rings were found only in the aLEGH and G-EAC groups (P  < 0.001).  Consequently, we created a novel grading system based on the aforementioned MRI features to align with the potential malignancy of cervical lesions in PJS patients. This system enables patients to receive timely and appropriate treatment recommendations while facilitating collaboration between radiologists and physicians.

A Case Report and Literature Review of a Rare Jejunal Solitary Peutz-Jeghers-Type Polyp Resected Endoscopically in an Elderly Patient Presenting with Subacute Gastrointestinal Bleeding

Solitary Peutz-Jeghers-type polyp (SPJP) is a rare hamartomatous lesion. It is considered a different entity from Peutz-Jeghers syndrome despite similar histopathological findings. It can be found in the GI tract but rarely in the jejunum. Jejunal SPJP is susceptible to necrosis, ulceration, and intussusception, resulting in GI bleeding or small bowel obstruction. We describe a case of subacute gastrointestinal bleeding secondary to jejunal SPJP to share our approach to this challenging case using therapeutic endoscopy. An 81-year-old male patient with a history of atrial fibrillation on warfarin with stable therapeutic INR levels presented with a 1-week history of melena, generalized fatigue, and shortness of breath on exertion and was found to have profound iron deficiency anemia. Esophageal gastroduodenoscopy and colonoscopy failed to identify the source of bleeding; however, single-balloon enteroscopy detected a 4 cm polyp with a stalk in the proximal jejunum. Endoscopic polypectomy was performed, and the whole polyp was removed. Histopathological examination was consistent with Peutz-Jeghers polyp. The genetic analysis was negative for STK11 mutation. Follow-up magnetic resonance enterography and video capsule endoscopy did not reveal any other polypoid lesion in the GI tract. The patient's symptoms resolved gradually, and his hemoglobin level returned back to normal levels within 6 months. To our knowledge, this is the first case of endoscopic polypectomy during balloon-assisted enteroscopy for jejunal SPJP.

[Management of the Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome]

The current evidence to guide management of Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome (PJS) is sparse. Here we summarise the European guidelines that were published in 2021 by the EHTG (European Hereditary Tumour Group), extended with new evidence on some aspects of clinical management that have been generated since then. EHTG with this revised guideline has updated and extended their own previous expert opinion guideline from 2010. For this purpose, all published literature was systematically screened and the level of evidence determined by using the GRADE methodology (Grading of Recommendations Assessment. Development and Evaluation). This was followed by a Delphi process and the consensus for a statement was achieved if the voting committee reached ≥ 80% approval.The only other more recently published guidelines encountered only addressed the clinical management of gastrointestinal and pancreatic manifestations of PJS. These recommendations were reviewed and adopted, since no further relevant literature was identified in the systematic literature search. However, additional questions were identified and formulated into recommendations after following the described process. It may be stated that 10 years after the predecessor guideline, new evidence has been sparse. As with all rare diseases, a call for more collaborative studies must here be made in order to improve patient management by addressing open clinical questions and generating collaborative evidence with increased case numbers, both nationally and internationally. With the limited published evidence, these European guidelines are the most current reference for management of PJS patients.

Cancer Risk of Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome and Treatment Experience: A Chinese Medical Center

Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS), also known as hereditary mucocutaneous pigmented gastrointestinal polyposis, is a clinically rare autosomal dominant genetic disease, which falls into the category of hereditary colorectal cancer. There are ∼7,000 new cases of PJS in China every year, and 170,000 PJS patients may survive for a long time in society. PJS polyps are characterized by an early age of onset, difficult diagnosis and treatment, and easy recurrence. With repeated growth, polyps can lead to serious complications such as intestinal obstruction, intussusception, gastrointestinal bleeding, and cancerization, which cause serious clinical problems. Due to repeated hospitalization and endoscopic follow-up, PJS patients and their families suffer from great physical and mental pain and economic burden. With the in-depth understanding of PJS and the development and popularization of endoscopic techniques in the past decade, an integrated treatment modality based on endoscopy plus surgery has gradually become the preferred treatment in most hospitals, which greatly improves the quality of life of PJS patients. However, there is still a lack of effective drug prevention and cure means. In this paper, the current clinical treatment means for PJS polyps were summarized by literature review combined with the treatment experience of our medical center, with a focus on their clinical diagnosis, treatment, and cancer risk.

Cancer Predisposition Syndromes and Thyroid Cancer: Keys for a Short Two-Way Street

Cancer predisposition syndromes are entities determined especially by germinal pathogenic variants, with most of them autosomal dominantly inherited. The risk of a form of cancer is variable throughout life and affects various organs, including the thyroid. Knowing the heterogeneous clinical picture and the existing genotype-phenotype correlations in some forms of thyroid cancer associated with these syndromes is important for adequate and early management of patients and families. This review synthesizes the current knowledge on genes and proteins involved in cancer predisposition syndromes with thyroid cancer and the phenomena of heterogeneity (locus, allelic, mutational, and clinical).

Clinical Guidelines for Diagnosis and Management of Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome in Children and Adults

BACKGROUND

Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS) is a rare disease characterized by the presence of hamartomatous polyposis throughout the gastrointestinal tract, except for the esophagus, along with characteristic mucocutaneous pigmentation. It is caused by germline pathogenic variants of the STK11 gene, which exhibit an autosomal dominant mode of inheritance. Some patients with PJS develop gastrointestinal lesions in childhood and require continuous medical care until adulthood and sometimes have serious complications that significantly reduce their quality of life. Hamartomatous polyps in the small bowel may cause bleeding, intestinal obstruction, and intussusception. Novel diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopic procedures such as small-bowel capsule endoscopy and balloon-assisted enteroscopy have been developed in recent years.

SUMMARY

Under these circumstances, there is growing concern about the management of PJS in Japan, and there are no practice guidelines available. To address this situation, the guideline committee was organized by the Research Group on Rare and Intractable Diseases granted by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare with specialists from multiple academic societies. The present clinical guidelines explain the principles in the diagnosis and management of PJS together with four clinical questions and corresponding recommendations based on a careful review of the evidence and involved incorporating the concept of the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation system.

KEY MESSAGES

Herein, we present the English version of the clinical practice guidelines of PJS to promote seamless implementation of accurate diagnosis and appropriate management of pediatric, adolescent, and adult patients with PJS.

Immunotherapy in combination with chemotherapy for Peutz-Jeghers syndrome with advanced cervical cancer: A case report

BACKGROUND

Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS) is a rare autosomal dominant disorder, and female patients may develop gynecologic tumours. The prognosis for such patients is poor and the specific pathogenesis remains uncertain. Therefore, there are currently no uniform treatment options.

CASE SUMMARY

Herein, we introduce the case of a 45-year-old female who was diagnosed with PJS for 45 years and cervical cancer for 3 years. Postoperative pathological examination showed metastases in the right external iliac lymph nodes. The patient was initially treated with a combination of doxorubicin and carboplatin chemotherapy and pelvic magnetic resonance showed that the metastases had grown. Subsequently, we performed whole exome sequencing in this patient and identified the relevant causative gene. In addition to the chemotherapy regimen, sindilizumab was administered and the patient was followed up. After 4 cycles of treatment, the metastases were substantially reduced and were not enlarged after six months of follow-up. This case report suggests that patients with PJS combined with cervical cancer may have a sustained response to immune-combination chemotherapy regimens.

CONCLUSION

Clinicians should be aware of the importance of immunotherapy in patients with PJS combined with advanced cervical cancer.

Cancer risk in patients with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome in Korea: a retrospective multi-center study

BACKGROUND/AIMS

There have been little research on the cancer risks of patients with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS) in Korea. We aimed to investigate the clinical features of PJS patients and their cancer incidence rate.

METHODS

Patients with PJS from nine medical centers were enrolled. In those patients diagnosed with cancer, data obtained included the date of cancer diagnosis, the tumor location, and the cancer stage. The cumulative risks of gastrointestinal cancers and extra-gastrointestinal cancers were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method.

RESULTS

A total of 96 PJS patients were included. The median age at diagnosis of PJS was 23.4 years. Cancer developed in 21 of the 96 patients (21.9%). The age of PJS diagnosis was widely distributed (0.9 to 72.4 years). The most common cancers were gastrointestinal cancer (n = 12) followed by breast cancer (n = 6). The cumulative lifetime cancer risk was calculated to be 62.1% at age 60. The cumulative lifetime gastrointestinal cancer risk was 47.1% at age 70. The cumulative lifetime extra- gastrointestinal cancer risk was 40.3% at age 60.

CONCLUSION

PJS onset may occur at any age and the risks of gastrointestinal and extra-gastrointestinal cancer are high. Thorough surveillance of PJS patients for malignancies is vital.

Hamartomatous polyps: Diagnosis, surveillance, and management

Hereditary polyposis syndrome can be divided into three categories: Ade-nomatous, serrated, and hamartomatous polyps. Hamartomatous polyps, malformations of normal tissue presenting in a disorganized manner, are characterized by an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern. These syndromes exhibit hamartomatous gastrointestinal polyps in conjunction to extra-intestinal manifestations, which require conscientious and diligent monitoring. Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, Cowden syndrome, and juvenile polyposis syndrome are the most common displays of hamartomatous polyposis syndrome (HPS). Diagnosis can be pursued with molecular testing and endoscopic sampling. Early identification of these autosomal dominant pathologies allows to optimize malignancy sur-veillance, which helps reduce morbidity and mortality in both the affected patient population as well as at-risk family members. Endoscopic surveillance is an important pillar of prognosis and monitoring, with many patients eventually requiring surgical intervention. In this review, we discuss the diagnosis, surveillance, and management of HPS.

Clinical Spectrum and Science Behind the Hamartomatous Polyposis Syndromes

The hamartomatous polyposis syndromes are a set of clinically distinct disorders characterized by the occurrence of hamartomatous polyps in the gastrointestinal tract. These syndromes include juvenile polyposis syndrome, Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, and PTEN hamartoma tumor syndrome. Although each of the syndromes has distinct phenotypes, the hamartomatous polyps can be challenging to differentiate histologically. Additionally, each of these syndromes is associated with increased lifetime risks of gene-specific and organ-specific cancers, including those outside of the gastrointestinal tract. Germline pathogenic variants can be identified in a subset of individuals with these syndromes, which facilitates molecular diagnosis and subsequent gene-enabled management in the setting of genetic counseling. Although the malignant potential of hamartomatous polyps remains elusive, timely recognition of these syndromes is important and enables presymptomatic cancer surveillance and management before symptom exacerbation. Presently, there are no standard agents to prevent the development of polyps and cancers in the hamartomatous polyposis syndromes.

High risk and early onset of cancer in Chinese patients with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome

Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS) is an autosomal dominant inherited disorder associated with a predisposition to a variety of cancers. Previous studies that have evaluated the cancer spectrum and risk of this rare disease have primarily been based on small data sets or heterogeneous cohorts from different countries. Here, we report the results of a large homogeneous cohort of Chinese PJS patients who were followed prospectively from 2006 to July 2021, and clinical data before 2006 were retrospectively collected. A total of 412 PJS patients (56.55% males) from 208 families were enrolled, contributing 12,798 person-years of follow-up. A total of 113 cancers were diagnosed in 109 patients (26.46%). The median age at the first cancer diagnosis was 40 years. In particular, patients born after the 1980s were diagnosed with cancer at an earlier median age of 30.5 years. The cumulative cancer risk was sharply increased to 30.9% at age 40 years; this high cancer risk age was 10 years earlier than that reported in previous Western studies, and increased to 76.2% at an age of 60 years. The most common cancer was gastrointestinal (GI) cancer (64.6%), in which colorectal cancer constituted a significantly larger proportional distribution (32.74%), when compared with previous investigations (11.1%−20.83%). There was some evidence that overrepresentation point variants in domain XI of STK11 may be associated with GI cancers. Furthermore, the incidences of gynecological and lung cancers were second only to that of GI cancer in this cohort. These results may provide novel insight for justifying surveillance to detect cancers at an earlier phase to improve clinical outcomes. Furthermore, the potential STK11 genotype-phenotype association could be the basis for future genetic counseling.

Hereditary Gynecologic Cancer Syndromes - A Narrative Review

Hereditary cancer syndromes are defined as syndromes, where the genetics of cancer are the result of low penetrant polymorphisms or of a single gene disorder inherited in a mendelian fashion. During the last decade, compelling evidence has accumulated that approximately 5-10% of all cancers could be attributed to hereditary cancer syndromes. A tremendous progress has been made over the last decade in the evaluation and management of these syndromes. However, hereditary syndromes associated with gynecologic malignancies still present significant challenge for oncogynecologists. Oncogynecologists tend to pay more attention to staging, histological type and treatment options of gynecological cancers than thinking of inherited cancers and taking a detailed family history. Moreover, physicians should also be familiar with screening strategies in patients with inherited gynecological cancers. Lynch syndrome and hereditary breast-ovarian cancer syndrome are the most common and widely discussed syndromes in medical literature. The aim of the present review article is to delineate and emphasize the majority of hereditary gynecological cancer syndromes, even these, which are rarely reported in oncogynecology. The following inherited cancers are briefly discussed: Lynch syndrome; "site-specific" ovarian cancer and hereditary breast-ovarian cancer syndrome; Cowden syndrome; Li-Fraumeni syndrome; Peutz-Jeghers syndrome; ataxia-telangiectasia; DICER1- syndrome; gonadal dysgenesis; tuberous sclerosis; multiple endocrine neoplasia type I, II; hereditary small cell carcinoma of the ovary, hypercalcemic type and hereditary undifferentiated uterine sarcoma; hereditary diffuse gastric cancer and MUTYH-associated polyposis. Epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, pathology and screening of these syndromes are discussed. General treatment recommendations are beyond the scope of this review.

Present status of germline findings in precision medicine for Japanese cancer patients: issues in the current system

OBJECTIVE

Since 2019, precision cancer medicine has been covered by national insurance in Japan; however, to date, germline findings have not been fully reported. The aim of this study was to evaluate the current status and raise a problem of germline finding analysis and disclosure in Japanese precision cancer medicine.

METHODS

Germline findings of 52 genes were examined in 296 cases with advanced cancer by a case series study.

RESULTS

Six (2.0%) cases were examined by the Oncoguide™ NCC Oncopanel with germline testing, but no germline findings were reported. The remaining 290 (98.0%) cases were analyzed by FoundationOne® CDx (tumor-only testing), which recognized 404 pathogenic variants; those of BRCA1/2 were recognized in 16 (5.5%) tumors. Our institutional algorithm suggested 39 candidate germline findings in 34 cases, while the public algorithm listed at least 91 candidate germline findings. Four germline findings had been previously identified (BRCA1: 3 and ATM: 1). Nine of 30 cases with candidate germline findings excluding these known germline findings refused or deferred germline testing. Only 4 of 16 cases that received counseling underwent germline testing, and those 4 revealed 3 germline findings (BRCA2, CDK4 and RAD51C); in total, 8 (2.7%) germline findings were revealed. Reasons for refusing genetic counseling and/or germline testing included extra hospital visits, added expense for germline testing due to limited national insurance coverage, poor patient physical condition and no known family members associated with the possible germline finding.

CONCLUSIONS

In current Japanese precision cancer medicine, only a small fraction of the patients undergoes germline testing and demonstrated germline finding. The current results suggested a need for earlier indications for precision cancer medicine, broader insurance coverage and more efficient germline finding prediction algorithms, to increase the number of germline testings and to improve the following managements.

Multidisciplinary management for Peutz-Jeghers syndrome and prevention of vertical transmission to offspring using preimplantation genetic testing

BACKGROUND

Peutz Jeghers syndrome (PJS) is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder caused by STK11 mutation with a predisposition to gastrointestinal polyposis and cancer. PJS patients suffer poor quality of life and are highly concerned about whether deleterious mutations transmit to their offspring. Therefore, this study aimed to propose feasible clinical management and provide effective preimplantation genetic testing for monogenic defect (PGT-M) strategies to protect offspring from inheriting the disease.

METHODS

A hospital-based clinical retrospective analysis reviewing the clinical characteristics and fertility aspects was first conducted on 51 PJS patients at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University between January 2016 and March 2021. Among the 51 patients, the PGT-M strategy was further carried out in 4 couples, which started with a biopsy of the trophectoderm cells of embryos and whole genome amplification using multiple displacement amplification. Thereafter, single nucleotide polymorphism linkage analyses based on karyomapping were performed with copy number variations of the embryos identified simultaneously. Finally, prenatal diagnosis was used to verify the validity of the PGT-M results.

RESULTS

A comprehensive management flowchart adopted by the multidisciplinary team model was formulated mainly focusing on clinical genetic and gastrointestinal aspects. Under the guidelines of this management, 32 embryos from 4 PJS pedigrees were diagnosed and 2 couples successfully conceived healthy babies free of the STK11 pathogenic mutation.

CONCLUSIONS

Our comprehensive management could help affected families avoid having children with PJS through preimplantation genetic testing and provide meaningful guidance for multidisciplinary clinical practice on PJS.

Peutz-Jeghers syndrome complicated by gastric-type cervical mucinous carcinoma and primary peritoneal carcinoma

A 45-year-old multiparous woman with a STK11 mutation and a history of Peutz-Jeghers syndrome underwent radical hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy for a gastric-type cervical mucinous carcinoma. Four and a half years later, blood tests revealed elevations in CEA and CA125 tumor marker levels, and computed tomography showed multiple calcifications in the peritoneum. Peritoneal dissemination was suspected, and a laparoscopic biopsy was performed. Histopathology showed a high-grade serous carcinoma, and the patient was diagnosed with a metachronous stage IIIC primary peritoneal carcinoma. She had no BRCA1/2 mutation. After chemotherapy with docetaxel, carboplatin, and bevacizumab, she achieved complete remission.

The Management of Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome: European Hereditary Tumour Group (EHTG) Guideline

The scientific data to guide the management of Peutz–Jeghers syndrome (PJS) are sparse. The available evidence has been reviewed and discussed by diverse medical specialists in the field of PJS to update the previous guideline from 2010 and formulate a revised practical guideline for colleagues managing PJS patients. Methods: Literature searches were performed using MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane. Evidence levels and recommendation strengths were assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE). A Delphi process was followed, with consensus being reached when ≥80% of the voting guideline committee members agreed. Recommendations and statements: The only recent guidelines available were for gastrointestinal and pancreatic management. These were reviewed and endorsed after confirming that no more recent relevant papers had been published. Literature searches were performed for additional questions and yielded a variable number of relevant papers depending on the subject addressed. Additional recommendations and statements were formulated. Conclusions: A decade on, the evidence base for recommendations remains poor, and collaborative studies are required to provide better data about this rare condition. Within these restrictions, multisystem, clinical management recommendations for PJS have been formulated.

Malignant tumors associated with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome: Five cases from a single surgical unit

BACKGROUND

Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS) is an autosomal dominant inherited disease easily causing secondary malignant changes without effective treatments.

AIM

To assess the clinical characteristics, diagnosis, and treatment of malignant changes secondary to PJS.

METHODS

The clinical data of five patients with malignant changes secondary to PJS diagnosed and treated at Beijing Friendship Hospital from June 2014 to January 2017 were retrospectively analyzed; the follow-up ended in May 2018.

RESULTS

There were three male and two female patients with an average age of 43.6 years. Intestinal obstruction, intussusception, and abdominal pain were the first symptoms. Computed tomography and gastrointestinal imaging combined with endoscopy helped evaluate the depth of tumor infiltration and determine the need for radical resection. Three patients underwent surgery. Postoperative pathology confirmed adenocarcinoma, genetic test indicated STK11 mutation, and the patients received chemotherapy, including one who succumbed to tumor progression 6 months post-surgery. Other two patients underwent endoscopic resection, and postoperative pathology confirmed high grade intraepithelial neoplasia. The surviving patients had no recurrence by May 2018.

CONCLUSION

Endoscopy combined with computed tomography and gastrointestinal imaging is of great significance in the diagnosis and treatment of PJS, and pathological examination and gene detection are the gold standards for detecting malignant changes secondary to PJS. Some malignant polyps can be removed under endoscopy, and surgery is feasible when malignant polyps cannot be removed under an endoscope. For patients unable to achieve R0 resection, clinical symptoms should be relieved, and postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy could improve long-term prognosis. Meanwhile, close and regular surveillance should be conducted to prevent severe complications.

Long-Term Outcome in Patients with a Solitary Peutz-Jeghers Polyp

BACKGROUND

Clinical characteristics and prognosis of patients with a solitary Peutz-Jeghers polyp (PJP) have not been fully investigated.

METHODS

Solitary PJP was diagnosed when a single hamartomatous lesion was identified in the gastrointestinal tract of patients without mucocutaneous pigmentation or a family history of Peutz-Jeghers syndrome. We retrospectively reviewed 51 patients (32 men and 19 women) with a solitary PJP and analyzed the sex, age at diagnosis, endoscopic features, and outcomes in this patient group. The STK11/LKB1 germline mutation was not investigated in any of the patients.

RESULTS

The mean age of the 51 patients was 66.1 years. The polyp was found in the duodenum (N = 10), jejunum (N = 2), cecum (N = 2), transverse colon (N = 5), sigmoid colon (N = 21), or rectum (N = 11). Most of the polyps presented as a pedunculated lesion (N = 40), followed by semipedunculated (N = 9) and sessile (N = 2) morphologies. The mean size of a solitary PJP was 15.6 mm (range: 5 to 33 mm). During a mean endoscopic follow-up period of 4.5 years (range: 0.1 to 16.1 years), no recurrence was identified. Eighteen of the enrolled patients had a history of cancer or concomitant cancer. Five patients died due to non-gastrointestinal-related causes. No additional cancer or death directly related to solitary PJP was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Solitary PJPs did not recur in this study. Although examination of the entire gastrointestinal tract using esophagogastroduodenoscopy, enteroscopy, and colonoscopy is desirable to exclude Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, follow-up endoscopy after endoscopic polyp resection may be unnecessary, once the diagnosis of a solitary PJP is made.

Adenocarcinoma of the uterine cervix: Pathologic features, treatment options, clinical outcome and prognostic variables

Adenocarcinoma accounts for 10-25% of all cervical cancers, and its relative and absolute rate has raised over the past decades. Most, but not all the authors, reported that adenocarcinoma has a greater propensity to lymph node, ovarian and distant metastases and a worse prognosis compared with squamous cell carcinoma. However, whether histologic type is an independent prognostic factor is still a debated issue. Moreover, adenocarcinoma is a very heterogenous disease, including different histological subtypes. Whereas radical hysterectomy and definitive radiotherapy achieve the same clinical outcome in early stage squamous cell carcinoma, surgery seems to obtain better survival compared with definitive radiotherapy in early stage adenocarcinoma. Chemoradiation is the standard treatment for locally advanced cervical cancer regardless of histologic type, although several retrospective studies showed that patients with adenocarcinoma were more likely to die than those with squamous cell carcinoma both before and after concurrent chemoradiation era. The prognostic relevance of biological variables, such as cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors, p53, cyclooxygenase-2 [COX-2], cell surface tyrosine-kinases and programmed death-ligand [PD-L1], is still under investigation. Palliative chemotherapy is the only treatment option for persistent or recurrent cervical adenocarcinoma not amenable with surgery and radiotherapy. The use of immune checkpoint inhibitors as well as a therapeutic strategy targeting cell surface tyrosine kinases should be adequately explored in this clinical setting.

Metachronous triple cancer associated with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome treated with curative surgery: a case report

Background

Peutz–Jeghers syndrome (PJS) is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by mucocutaneous pigmentation and hamartomatous gastrointestinal polyposis. It is well known that individuals with PJS are at an increased risk of cancer in a variety of organs.

Case presentation

Here, we present a patient with PJS who achieved long-term survival by undergoing repeat curative surgery for metachronous triple cancer. Her medical history included hilar cholangiocarcinoma and cervical carcinoma; curative surgery was performed for both conditions. On annual follow-up, the level of carcinoembryonic antigen was elevated at 6.9 ng/ml. Enhanced computed tomography revealed a cystic tumor consisting of mural nodules at the pancreatic head; the maximal diameter was 15 mm. Magnetic resonance imaging clearly demonstrated the tumor with low intensity on T1-weighted images and high intensity on T2-weighted images. Endoscopic ultrasound sonography showed a high echoic tumor at the pancreatic head, which was confirmed as adenocarcinoma by fine-needle aspiration biopsy. The preoperative diagnosis was intraductal papillary mucinous carcinoma (IPMC; T1N0M0, stage IA). Subtotal stomach-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy was performed and the final diagnosis was IPMC, stage 0 (TisN0M0).

Conclusions

Aggressive surgery for metachronous triple cancer resulted in good long-term prognosis. Continuous and systematic follow-up would allow the detection of malignancy at an early stage and make treatment with curative surgery possible.

Malignant tumors associated with juvenile polyposis syndrome in Japan

PURPOSE

The risk of malignant tumors developing in association with juvenile polyposis syndrome (JPS) was evaluated to explore the optimal treatment for this rare disease.

METHODS

We reviewed the data on JPS cases reported in Japan between January, 1971 and March, 2016.

RESULTS

A total of 171 cases were evaluable. Of these 171 patients, 83 (48.5%) were female and the median age at diagnosis was 28 years (range 1-80 years). The polyps were located in the stomach alone (n = 62; 36.3%), in the stomach and intestine (n = 47; 27.4%), or in the colorectum alone (n = 62; 36.3%). The sites of malignant tumors were the stomach (n = 31), colorectum (n = 29), small intestine (n = 2), breast (n = 1), and thyroid (n = 1). The lifetime risk (at 70 years) of any malignant tumor was 86.2%. The lifetime risk of gastric cancer was 73.0% and that of colorectal cancer was 51.1%. The risk of these cancers developing was dependent on the type of polyp distribution.

CONCLUSIONS

Long-term surveillance of the stomach and colorectum based on the phenotype of JPS seems a reasonable approach to monitor these patients for the development of malignant tumors.