Acute lymphoblastic leukemia associated with Klinefelter syndrome

Congenital Aneuploidy in Klinefelter Syndrome with B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Might Be Associated with Chromosomal Instability and Reduced Telomere Length

Simple Summary

Klinefelter syndrome (KS) is a rare congenital aneuploidy characterized by inherited gain of one X chromosome (XXY). KS is associated with higher susceptibility to the development of cancer. Somatic acquired chromosomal aberrations and chromosomal instability are hallmarks of cancer and leukemia but little is known about the cellular mechanisms involved. The conducted research aimed to identify genomic mechanisms involved in chromosomal evolution mechanisms important for leukemic development. In the leukemic blasts of a patient with KS and B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL), we identified additional acquired chromosomal aberration and a significant reduction in the length of the chromosomal ends, i.e., telomeres. A literature review of KS patients with B-ALL revealed that the majority of these patients had acquired two or more additional chromosomal aberrations at B-ALL diagnosis. These data indicate that enhanced reduction in telomere length might be associated with chromosomal instability and may serve as a future target for therapy or prevention.

Abstract

Rare congenital aneuploid conditions such as trisomy 13, trisomy 18, trisomy 21 and Klinefelter syndrome (KS, 47,XXY) are associated with higher susceptibility to developing cancer compared with euploid genomes. Aneuploidy frequently co-exists with chromosomal instability, which can be viewed as a “vicious cycle” where aneuploidy potentiates chromosomal instability, leading to further karyotype diversity, and in turn, paving the adaptive evolution of cancer. However, the relationship between congenital aneuploidy per se and tumor initiation and/or progression is not well understood. We used G-banding analysis, array comparative genomic hybridization analysis and quantitative fluorescence in situ hybridization for telomere length analysis to characterize the leukemic blasts of a three-year-old boy with KS and B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL), to gain insight into genomic evolution mechanisms in congenital aneuploidy and leukemic development. We found chromosomal instability and a significant reduction in telomere length in leukemic blasts when compared with the non-leukemic aneuploid cells. Reviewing published cases with KS and B-ALL revealed 20 additional cases with B-ALL diagnostic cytogenetics. Including our present case, 67.7% (14/21) had acquired two or more additional chromosomal aberrations at B-ALL diagnosis. The presented data indicate that congenital aneuploidy in B-ALL might be associated with chromosomal instability, which may be fueled by enhanced telomere attrition.

Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, Version 2.2021, NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology

The NCCN Guidelines for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) focus on the classification of ALL subtypes based on immunophenotype and cytogenetic/molecular markers; risk assessment and stratification for risk-adapted therapy; treatment strategies for Philadelphia chromosome (Ph)-positive and Ph-negative ALL for both adolescent and young adult and adult patients; and supportive care considerations. Given the complexity of ALL treatment regimens and the required supportive care measures, the NCCN ALL Panel recommends that patients be treated at a specialized cancer center with expertise in the management of ALL This portion of the Guidelines focuses on the management of Ph-positive and Ph-negative ALL in adolescents and young adults, and management in relapsed settings.

Adult Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Conventional cytotoxic chemotherapy used to treat acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) results in high cure rates in pediatric patients but is suboptimal in the treatment of adult patients. The 5-year overall survival is approximately 90% in children and 30% to 40% in adults and elderly patients. Adults with ALL tend to have higher risk factors at diagnosis, more comorbidities, and increasing age that often requires dose reductions. Major advancements have been made in redefining the pathologic classification of ALL, identifying new cytogenetic-molecular abnormalities, and developing novel targeted agents in order to improve survival. The addition of new monoclonal antibodies and tyrosine kinase inhibitors to conventional chemotherapy in the frontline setting has resulted in increased rates of complete remission and overall survival. These new developments are changing the treatment of adult ALL from a "one therapy fits all" approach to individualized treatment based on patient's cytogenetic and molecular profile.

t(6;9)(p23;q34) presenting acute myeloid leukemia in a child with an unsuspected 45,X/46,X,derY [?t(Yp;Yq)] chromosomal constitution: yet another Y chromosome overdosage and malignancy association

Development of leukemia in patients with sexual chromosome abnormalities is relatively rare and mostly involves cases of monosomy X, Turner syndrome. Here, we report on a child having a 45,X/46,X,derY [?t(Yp;Yq)] chromosomal constitution (variant Turner syndrome) presenting with concordant acute myeloid leukemia and a rarely seen clonal neoplasic cell lineage-related karyotype, t(6;9)(p23;q34).

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia and Klinefelter syndrome in children: two cases and review of the literature

The occurrence of mediastinal germ cell tumor and breast cancer have been repeatedly reported in men with Klinefelter syndrome (KS) but this association is debated controversially for patients with hematologic malignancies. The authors describe 2 tall adolescents in whom diagnostic workup for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) revealed 47,XXY and 47,XXY/48,XXXYkaryotype, respectively. Among 4195 registered male patients in the ALL-BFM study group since 1983, no further patients with ALL and KS were identified. Given the lack of epidemiological data, this retrospective analysis illustrates the association of previously described cases of hematologic malignancies with KS. In contrast to other chromosomal aberrations, the incidence of ALL does not seem to be increased in pediatric patients with KS.

Constitutional chromosome aberrations as pathogenetic events in hematologic malignancies

A predisposition to tumor development is associated with some constitutional chromosomal abnormalities. Investigations of families with an apparent hereditary cancer and constitutional chromosome rearrangements have led to the molecular identification of tumor suppressor genes. Under the somatic mutation theory for the development of cancer, two mutational events are required. The first step may be a constitutional event and the second an acquired genetic mutation. Cytogenetic studies were performed on 5633 bone marrow specimens from patients with hematologic malignancies from a single institution. Fifty cases of constitutional chromosome aberrations were detected. Data collected from the literature and from our series are reviewed and compared with the incidence of specific constitutional chromosome aberrations in the newborn population. Possible mechanisms that may predispose individuals with constitutional chromosome aberrations to the development of a hematologic malignancy are reviewed.

Hematologic malignancies and Klinefelter syndrome. a chance association?

Klinefelter syndrome was first described in 1942 as an endocrine disorder characterized by gynecomastia, hypogonadism, small testes, and elevated levels of follicle-stimulating hormone. An extra X chromosome (i.e., 47,XXY) was subsequently demonstrated in these patients and an increased incidence of leukemia and lymphoma has been described. We report a retrospective study of a series of unselected patients with Klinefelter syndrome diagnosed by cytogenetic studies and the occurrence of hematologic malignancies. The literature is also reviewed.