Evaluation of guidelines for management of familial adenomatous polyposis in a multicenter pediatric cohort

Worldwide Impact of Upper Gastrointestinal Disease in Familial Adenomatous Polyposis

Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is the most common hereditary colorectal adenomatous polyposis and cancer syndrome which has historically been associated with a near absolute risk of colorectal cancer. However, the morbidity and mortality from colorectal cancer has been greatly diminished by pre-symptomatic genetic testing which identifies affected individuals and by appropriately timed, risk-reducing surgery of the colorectum. Following colorectal surgery, cancer risk beyond the retained rectum or ileal pouch includes other gastrointestinal organs, especially those of the upper gastrointestinal tract. While genotype-phenotype correlations exist for the severity of colonic polyposis, they have not been demonstrated for upper gastrointestinal tract manifestations. We reviewed the impact of ethnicity on the upper gastrointestinal manifestations of FAP by a comparison of published data in patients with FAP from Asian and Western countries. Our main findings demonstrate that following risk-reducing surgery to mitigate colorectal cancer risk, patients with FAP remain at increased risk for upper gastrointestinal polyposis and cancer. The duodenal and gastric phenotype differs between patients with FAP from the West and the East, and all should be followed in a multidisciplinary surveillance program. Following risk-reducing surgery to mitigate colorectal cancer risk, patients with familial adenomatous polyposis remain at increased risk for upper gastrointestinal polyposis and cancer. The duodenal and gastric phenotype differs between patients with FAP from the West and the East, and all should be followed in a multidisciplinary surveillance program.

Characterizing Pediatric Familial Adenomatous Polyposis in Patients Undergoing Colectomy in the United States

OBJECTIVE

To characterize a multi-institutional cohort of pediatric patients who underwent colectomy for familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP).

STUDY DESIGN

In this retrospective cohort study, diagnosis and procedure codes were used to identify patients who underwent colectomy for FAP within the Pediatric Health Information System (PHIS). The inclusion criteria were validated at 3 children's hospitals and applied to PHIS to generate a cohort of patients with FAP between 2 and 21 years who had undergone colectomy between 2009 and 2019. Demographics, clinical and surgical characteristics, and endoscopic procedure trends as identified through PHIS are described. Descriptive and comparative statistics were used to analyze data.

RESULTS

Within the PHIS, 428 pediatric patients with FAP who underwent colectomy were identified. Median age at colectomy was 14 years (range 2-21 years); 264 patients (62%) received an ileal pouch anal anastomosis and 13 (3%) underwent ileorectal anastomosis. Specific anastomotic surgical procedure codes were not reported for 151 patients (35%). Endoscopic assessment at the surgical institution occurred in 40% of the cohort before colectomy and in 22% of the cohort following colectomy.

CONCLUSIONS

In this cohort, colectomy took place at an earlier age than suggested in published guidelines. Ileal pouch anal anastomosis is the predominant procedure for pediatric patients with FAP who underwent colectomy in US pediatric centers. Endoscopic assessment trends before and after surgery suggest that the surgical institution plays a limited role in the care of this population.

Polyp Progression in Paediatric Patients With Familial Adenomatous Polyposis: A Single-centre Experience

OBJECTIVES

Prophylactic colectomy at a premalignant stage is the cornerstone of management of familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). Before surgery, colonoscopy surveillance is recommended in children with FAP. This study aimed to examine the natural history of FAP in children by evaluating adenoma progression and factors influencing timing of colectomy.

METHOD

Patients with FAP younger than 18 years at first surveillance colonoscopy and who had undergone more than 1 colonoscopy were identified. Demographic, endoscopic, genetic, and surgical data were retrieved. Cumulative adenoma (polyp) counts were obtained while accounting for any polypectomies during the study period. The rate of polyp progression and factors influencing the timing of colectomy were evaluated.

RESULTS

Eighty-four patients (50% boys; mean age at first colonoscopy 13 years [standard deviation 1.97]) were identified, of which 83 had a family history of FAP. At first colonoscopy, 67 (79%) had <100 adenomas and 29 (35%) had colonic polyps identified despite rectal sparing. The median rate of polyp progression per patient was 12.5 polyps/year (range 0-145). Of the 45 (54%) patients who had undergone surgery, 41 (91%) underwent colectomy with ileorectal or ileodistal sigmoid anastomosis. Polyp progression did not alter the choice of surgical intervention in any patient.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that adenoma number remains relatively stable in the majority of children under surveillance. Tailored surveillance intervals according to phenotype are a more appropriate strategy as recommended by recently published guidelines.

American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy guideline on the role of endoscopy in familial adenomatous polyposis syndromes

Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) syndrome is a complex entity, which includes FAP, attenuated FAP, and MUTYH-associated polyposis. These patients are at significant risk for colorectal cancer and carry additional risks for extracolonic malignancies. In this guideline, we reviewed the most recent literature to formulate recommendations on the role of endoscopy in this patient population. Relevant clinical questions were how to identify high-risk individuals warranting genetic testing, when to start screening examinations, what are appropriate surveillance intervals, how to identify endoscopically high-risk features, and what is the role of chemoprevention. A systematic literature search from 2005 to 2018 was performed, in addition to the inclusion of seminal historical studies. Most studies were from worldwide registries, which have compiled years of data regarding the natural history and cancer risks in this cohort. Given that most studies were retrospective, recommendations were based on epidemiologic data and expert opinion. Management of colorectal polyps in FAP has not changed much in recent years, as colectomy in FAP is the standard of care. What is new, however, is the developing body of literature on the role of endoscopy in managing upper GI and small-bowel polyposis, as patients are living longer and improved endoscopic technologies have emerged.

Upper GI involvement in children with familial adenomatous polyposis syndrome: single-center experience and meta-analysis of the literature

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is a hereditary syndrome that can affect the entire GI tract. Current screening recommendations include EGD starting at age 25 to 30 years or earlier in symptomatic patients. However, few reports describe upper GI tract involvement in children with FAP that support the notion of early screening. The aim of our study is to understand the prevalence and severity of upper GI involvement in children with FAP.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective review of the Mayo Clinic records, between 1992 and 2016, to identify children with the diagnosis of FAP who underwent EGD examinations. A systematic review of the literature was performed to include published studies reporting children with FAP and upper GI findings.

RESULTS

The retrospective study included 69 children with a mean age of 13.5 years (range, 3-18). Thirty-six children (52%) had duodenal adenoma with low-grade dysplasia. Five children required an ampullectomy secondary to enlarged and polypoid ampullas. Combined with published studies, a total of 206 children with upper GI findings were identified, of which 87 (42%) had duodenal adenoma (1 had high-grade dysplasia). Meta-analysis of 5 series demonstrated duodenal adenoma detection rate of 39% (95% confidence interval, 21%-57%; I² = 85%).

CONCLUSIONS

The available data to date show that children with FAP can have clinically relevant lesions in the upper GI tract earlier than previously foreseen, suggesting that earlier screening may be indicated. Larger multicenter prospective studies are needed to determine the best approach and optimal age for EGD screening in children with FAP.

Hereditary cancer syndromes in Latino populations: genetic characterization and surveillance guidelines

Hereditary cancer predisposition syndromes comprise approximately 10% of diagnosed cancers; however, familial forms are believed to account for up to 30% of some cancers. In Hispanics, the most commonly diagnosed hereditary cancers include colorectal cancer syndromes such as, Lynch Syndrome, Familial Adenomatous Polyposis, and hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndromes. Although the incidence of hereditary cancers is low, patients diagnosed with hereditary cancer syndromes are at high-risk for developing secondary cancers. Furthermore, the productivity loss that occurs after cancer diagnosis in these high-risk patients has a negative socio-economic impact. This review summarizes the genetic basis, phenotype characteristics, and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network's screening, testing, and surveillance guidelines for the leading hereditary cancer syndromes. The aim of this review is to promote a better understanding of cancer genetics and genetic testing in Hispanic patients.

CLINICAL, EPIDEMIOLOGIC, AND ENDOSCOPIC PROFILE IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS WITH COLONIC POLYPS IN TWO REFERENCE CENTERS

BACKGROUND

The main goal of this paper is to investigate the frequency, clinical profile, and endoscopic findings of children and teenagers submitted to colonoscopies.

METHODS

Patients of below 18 years of age, diagnosed with polyps by means of colonoscopies at two reference centers of pediatric endoscopy were followed-up between 2002 and 2012. The clinical variables evaluated in this study included: gender, recommendation of colonoscopy, associated signs and symptoms, age of onset of symptoms, age at identification of the polyp, interval of time between the onset of symptoms and the endoscopic diagnosis of colonic polyps, and family history of intestinal polyposis and/or colorectal cancer. The characteristics of the polyps also included: number, morphological type, histology, and distribution. Polyposis syndromes were also investigated.

RESULTS

From the 233 patients submitted to colonoscopies, polyps were found in 74 (31.7%) patients, with a median age of 6.6 years, of which 61% were male. Juvenile polyps were identified in 55 (74%) patients, with 7 (9%) characterized within the criteria for juvenile polyposis. Patients with intestinal polyposis syndromes were diagnosed in 35% of the patients. The most frequent clinical presentation was hematochezia. Abdominal pain with acute episodes of intestinal partial obstruction or intussusception with emergency laparotomy was observed in the majority of Peutz-Jeghers syndrome patients leading to an increased morbidity.

CONCLUSIONS

Even though juvenile colonic polyps are the most frequent type of diagnosed polyps, the present study identified a significant level of children with polyposis syndromes (35%), associated with a higher morbidity of these individuals.

Presence of c.3956delC mutation in familial adenomatous polyposis patients from Brazil

AIM: To characterize APC gene mutations and correlate them with patient phenotypes in individuals diagnosed with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) in northern Brazil.

METHODS: A total of 15 individuals diagnosed with FAP from 5 different families from the north of Brazil were analyzed in this study. In addition to patients with histopathological diagnosis of FAP, family members who had not developed the disease were also tested in order to identify mutations and for possible genetic counseling. All analyzed patients or their guardians signed a consent form approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the João de Barros Barreto University Hospital (Belem, Brazil). DNA extracted from the peripheral blood of a member of each of the affected families was subjected to direct sequencing. The proband of each family was sequenced to identify germline mutations using the Ion Torrent platform. To validate the detected mutations, Sanger sequencing was also performed. The samples from all patients were also tested for the identification of mutations by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction using the amplification refractory mutation system.

RESULTS: Through interviews with relatives and a search of medical records, it was possible to construct genograms for three of the five families included in the study. All 15 patients from the five families with FAP exhibited mutations in the APC gene, and all mutations were detected in exon 15 of the APC gene. In addition to the patients with a histological diagnosis of FAP, family members without disease symptoms showed the mutation in the APC gene. In the present study, we detected two of the three most frequent germline mutations in the literature: the mutation at codon 1309 and the mutation at codon 1061. The presence of c.3956delC mutation was found in all families from this study, and suggests that this mutation was introduced in the population of the State of Pará through ancestor immigration (i.e., a de novo mutation that arose in one member belonging to this state from Brazil).

CONCLUSION: Regardless of its origin, the c.3956delC mutation is a strong candidate biomarker of this hereditary cancer syndrome in families of northern Brazil.

Hereditary colorectal cancer syndromes: American Society of Clinical Oncology Clinical Practice Guideline endorsement of the familial risk-colorectal cancer: European Society for Medical Oncology Clinical Practice Guidelines

PURPOSE

To provide recommendations on prevention, screening, genetics, treatment, and management for people at risk for hereditary colorectal cancer (CRC) syndromes. The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) has a policy and set of procedures for endorsing clinical practice guidelines that have been developed by other professional organizations.

METHODS

The Familial Risk-Colorectal Cancer: European Society for Medical Oncology Clinical Practice Guideline published in 2013 on behalf of the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Guidelines Working Group in Annals of Oncology was reviewed for developmental rigor by methodologists, with content and recommendations reviewed by an ASCO endorsement panel.

RESULTS

The ASCO endorsement panel determined that the recommendations of the ESMO guidelines are clear, thorough, and based on the most relevant scientific evidence. The ASCO panel endorsed the ESMO guidelines and added a few qualifying statements.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Approximately 5% to 6% of patient cases of CRC are associated with germline mutations that confer an inherited predisposition for cancer. The possibility of a hereditary cancer syndrome should be assessed for every patient at the time of CRC diagnosis. A diagnosis of Lynch syndrome, familial adenomatous polyposis, or another genetic syndrome can influence clinical management for patients with CRC and their family members. Screening for hereditary cancer syndromes in patients with CRC should include review of personal and family histories and testing of tumors for DNA mismatch repair deficiency and/or microsatellite instability. Formal genetic evaluation is recommended for individuals who meet defined criteria.

Impact of academic affiliation and training on knowledge of hereditary colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND

Knowledge about hereditary colorectal cancer (CRC) can aid cancer screening and prevention in high-risk patients. Genetic testing, once conducted primarily at academic centers, is now routinely performed in a variety of clinics. Nonacademic physicians may not be aware of hereditary CRC standards of care.

METHODS

From August to November 2012, a survey was administered to predominantly primary care physicians evaluating academic center affiliation, past training in genetics and knowledge regarding hereditary CRC.

RESULTS

One hundred forty physicians completed the survey. Knowledge of hereditary CRC was neither associated with academic affiliation nor with training during medical school or residency, but with continuing medical education (CME) training. Those with CME training were more likely to know that screening could be enhanced for patients with a hereditary cancer risk (OR = 4.49, 95% CI = 1.40-14.38) and that an individual with hereditary CRC would have different screening recommendations (OR = 7.49, 95% CI = 1.37-40.81). Residency training and CME training were associated with more frequent hereditary risk assessment.

CONCLUSION

Genetics training may be associated with physicians' knowledge and assessment of hereditary CRC. Training at the CME level in particular may be integral to the delivery of genetic services in clinical practice.

The natural history of familial adenomatous polyposis syndrome: a 24 year review of a single center experience in screening, diagnosis, and outcomes

PURPOSE

Understanding the natural history of Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP) will guide screening and aid clinical management.

METHODS

Patients with FAP, age ≤20years presenting between 1987 and 2011, were reviewed for presentation, diagnosis, extraintestinal manifestations, polyp burden, family history, histology, gene mutation, surgical intervention, and outcome.

RESULTS

One hundred sixty-three FAP patients were identified. Diagnosis was made by colonoscopy (69%) or genetic screening (25%) at mean age of 12.5years. Most children (58%) were asymptomatic and diagnosed via screening due to family history. Rectal bleeding was the most common (37%) symptom prompting evaluation. Colon polyps appeared by mean age of 13.4years with >50 polyps at the time of diagnosis in 60%. Cancer was found in 1 colonoscopy biopsy and 5 colectomy specimens. Family history of FAP was known in 85%. 53% had genetic testing, which confirmed APC mutation in 88%. Extraintestinal manifestations included congenital hypertrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium (11.3%), desmoids (10.6%), osteomas (6.7%), epidermal cysts (5.5%), extranumerary teeth (3.7%), papillary thyroid cancer (3.1%), and hepatoblastoma (2.5%). Six patients died secondary to FAP.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinical presentation and manifestations in pediatric FAP are variable. We suggest an individualized patient-oriented screening algorithm that allows for earlier screening and appropriate management.

Is laparoscopic surgery an option to support prophylactic colectomy in adolescent patients with Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP)?

BACKGROUND

Prophylactic surgery is still considered the standard treatment for patients with Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP). Laparoscopic (Lap) surgery has been introduced as an alternative approach. The aim was to evaluate the feasibility and short- to long-term outcomes after prophylactic FAP surgery in adolescent.

PROCEDURES

A retrospective review of a database of adolescent patients with FAP identified through the Hereditary Colorectal Tumor Registry in a single Institution between 2005 and 2011. Patients underwent Lap total colectomy (TC) with ileo-rectal anastomosis (IRA) or proctocolectomy (PC) with ileal-pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA). The main outcomes were: Hospital stay, postoperative complications, desmoid tumor rates, tumor recurrence, long-term complications.

RESULTS

Sixteen consecutive patients with median age 16 (range 13-19) and median BMI 22 (17-29) underwent surgery. [correction made here after initial online publication]. Of them 14 patients had LAP TC with IRA and 2 had PC with IPAA. Operative time (median, range) was TC/IRA 270 (210-330) minutes; PC/IPAA 370 (360-380) minutes. Length of extraction site was cm (median, range) 6(5-8). Lymph Node harvest (median, range) 81 (32-139). Postoperative stay days (median, range) were 6 (4-24). Five patients (31.2%) showed dysplasia on the pathological report and 3 of them showed severe dysplasia. Median follow-up time (FU) was 39 months, range (10-82). The anastomotic leak rate for 30 days was 2 (12.5%). Pouch failure was 0. Post-surgical desmoid tumors rate was 1 (6.2%) and there was no tumor recurrence. Anastomotic stricture, SBO and mortality were zero.

CONCLUSIONS

Lap approach is feasible and shows acceptable postoperative outcomes. Lap surgery can be an appealing alternative for prophylactic surgery in adolescent FAP patients. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2012; 59: 1223-1228. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Colorectal polyps in childhood

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Colorectal polyps are a common cause of gastrointestinal bleeding in children. This review updates the information on colorectal polyps and summarizes the recent advances in genetics, diagnosis, and treatment of polyps in the large intestine.

RECENT FINDINGS

A review of recent literature regarding colorectal polyps demonstrates an estimated detected prevalence of 6.1% overall and 12.0% among those with lower gastrointestinal bleeding during pediatric colonoscopy. Non-Caucasian races (e.g., black and Hispanic) are at higher risk for colorectal polyps in childhood. Recent data show juvenile polyps may recur in approximately 45% of children with multiple polyps and 17% of children with solitary polyps. A clinical trial showed that celecoxib, a cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 inhibitor, significantly reduced the number of colorectal polyps in children with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). Ethical challenges related to genetic tests for FAP have been newly examined. The utility of novel endoscopic techniques (e.g., enteroscopy) in Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome to prevent intussusception have been newly described.

SUMMARY

Although colorectal polyps in children are generally benign and easily removed, careful clinical evaluation and ongoing research are needed to identify the small proportion of children at risk for cancer. The current paradigm of using the polyp number at presentation as a primary determinant of subsequent surveillance may be inadequate for many patients.

[Current indications of ileocolonoscopy in children in 2012]

Les indications de l’iléo-coloscopie chez l’enfant ont été définies en 2002 par le Groupe francophone d’hépatologie gastroentérologie et nutrition. Ces recommandations sont mises à jour sous l’éclairage des nouvelles données et avancées technologiques de la dernière décennie. L’iléo-coloscopie reste essentiellement indiquée devant les hémorragies digestives (méléna ou rectorragies, anémie) et les suspicions de maladie inflammatoire chronique intestinale (MICI). Elle est désormais indiquée pour contrôler l’évolution des MICI, notamment pour contrôler la cicatrisation muqueuse sous traitement et l’absence de récidive postopératoire. Les indications d’iléo-coloscopie itérative sont surtout représentées par les polyposes génétiques avec des recommandations validées pour la polypose adénomateuse familiale. Les contre-indications n’ont pas été modifiées.