OMIC-08. COMPOUND HETEROZYGOSITY OF POLE AND PMS2 LEADS TO CMMRD-LIKE PHENOTYPE- “POLYNCH” SYNDROME

Abstract

Mono-allelic germline pathogenic variants (PV) in one of the mismatch repair (MMR) system genes cause Lynch syndrome, associated mainly with colon and endometrial cancer in adults. Germline PVs in DNA polymerase epsilon (POLE) are associated with a dominantly inherited syndrome which confers risk for polyposis and colon cancer. Brain tumors have been described as part of Lynch syndrome and POLE associated syndrome, mostly in adults. Constitutional mismatch repair deficiency (CMMRd) is caused by bi-allelic mutations in the MMR genes, associated with multiple café au lait macules (CAMs) and high incidence of pediatric cancer, including brain tumors. Both MMRD and POLE associated tumors have high tumor mutation burden (TMB), however, microsatellite status is usually unstable in MMR tumors, and stable in POLE. Germline POLE and CMMRd tumors have different mutational signatures, as is signature of MMR tumors with secondary somatic POLE. We describe a 4.5 y/o male who presented with a grossly metastatic SHH-activated, TP53-wildtype desmoplastic medulloblastoma. Physical examination was noted for CAMs. Family history was positive for a heterozygous POLE variant with variable clinical manifestations. Immunohistochemistry of the tumor showed loss of nuclear expression of the MMR gene PMS2, specifically in tumor cells. Analysis showed exceptionally high TMB (up to 276 Mut/Mb) and both the MMR and the POLE signatures. Germline analysis detected the familial POLE variant as well as a de novo heterozygous PMS2 PV. The phenotype of the patient together with the tumor’s features, led us to classify this case as a CMMRd-like. The patient had a partial response to intensive chemotherapy and is currently on immunotherapy without radiation. Collectively, our data suggest that heterozygous simultaneous germline mutations in MMR and polymerase genes can lead to novel “POLYNCH syndrome” that manifests with an ultra-hypermutant aggressive tumor and requires appropriate treatment and surveillance.