Central Nervous System Hemangioblastomas Research Articles

Burden of surgeries and surgical complications in patients with Von Hippel Lindau (VHL) disease before and after treatment with belzutifan.

733 Background: VHL disease is a rare hereditary condition that causes abnormal tumor growth in multiple organs, including renal cell carcinoma (RCC), central nervous system (CNS) hemangioblastomas (Hb), pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNET), and other tumors. Repeated surgeries are often required due to ongoing tumor recurrences and can lead to complications such as chronic kidney disease, pancreatic insufficiency, and neurological deficit. Belzutifan is a hypoxia-inducible factor inhibitor approved in the US for the treatment of VHL-associated RCC, CNS Hb, or pNET not requiring immediate surgery. This study aimed to quantify the annual rate and costs of VHL-related surgeries and surgical complications before and after belzutifan initiation. Methods: Surgeries were observed during the periods before and after belzutifan initiation in the single-arm phase 2 LITESPARK-004 trial (NCT03401788) among adults with VHL-RCC. Rates of RCC surgeries were obtained by fitting exponential survival models to: time from treatment initiation to the next renal surgery; and time (looking backward) from treatment initiation to the most recent renal surgery before treatment. Rates of surgeries related to other VHL manifestations were calculated as number of surgeries divided by person-years at risk, using all available post-treatment follow up (151 person-years; median [range] per patient: 29.2 [4.2-37.5] months) and equivalent person-years in the pre-treatment period. Complication risks per surgery and unit costs of surgeries and complications were obtained from a retrospective study on VHL within the Optum Clinformatics Data Mart (2000-2020). Annual per-patient costs of surgeries and complications were estimated in 2020 US dollars over the pre- and post-treatment periods from a US third-party payer perspective. Results: Among trial participants (N=61), the rate of RCC surgeries (surgeries/person-year) decreased 87% (0.108 to 0.014) after belzutifan initiation. The rate of other surgeries decreased 98% (0.265 to 0.007), with CNS Hb surgeries decreasing from 0.185 to 0.007, pNET surgeries from 0.013 to 0, adrenal lesion surgeries from 0.007 to 0, and retinal Hb surgeries from 0.060 to 0. Belzutifan was accordingly estimated to reduce per-patient average annual costs of surgeries and complications from $57,259 to $2,536. Conclusions: Healthcare costs of surgeries and surgical complications are substantial among patients with VHL-RCC. In a trial-based cost-consequence analysis, belzutifan was estimated to decrease annual surgery and complication costs by 96%, based on observed reductions in VHL-related surgeries. [Table: see text]

Comprehensive characterization and building of National Registry of von Hippel-Lindau disease in Brazil.

Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease is an autosomal dominant disorder caused by pathogenic variants in VHL gene. The common manifestations include hemangioblastomas (HB) of the central nervous system (CNS) and retina (RH); pheochromocytoma (PHEO); clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC); pancreatic and renal cysts (PRC) and pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasm (PNEN). The first characterization of VHL in Brazil was published in 2003 and included 20 families with a history of VHL. The aim of this study was to expand the previous Brazilian cohort to include more families, as well as to collect prospectively both clinical and molecular characteristics of patients with VHL to build the VHL Brazilian Registry (VHLBR). Patients with VHL were selected through review of data from medical records of experts and from social networks of support for families with VHL in Brazil. A total of 142 subjects representing 62 unrelated Brazilian families with VHL were registered. The mean age of VHL onset was 28.78 years old and 128 individuals (90.1%) had at least one VHL-related lesion. CNS HB was the most common manifestation occurring in 91 (71%) patients, followed by multiple PRC (48.4%), RH (39.8%), ccRCC (28.9%), PHEO (12.5%) and PNEN (7.8%). Of the 97 subjects whose presence of VHL variants was confirmed, 51 (52.6%) had missense variants, 22 (22.7%) large deletions, 10 (10.3%) frameshift, 7 (7.2%) splice site, 4 (4.1%) nonsense and 3 (3.1%) in-frame deletions. Regarding surveillance, 115 (81%) participants had at least one physician responsible for their outpatient follow-up; however, 69 (60%) of them did not report a regular frequency of tests. We built the largest prospective VHLBR with organized collections of clinical and genetic data from families with VHL, which will be helpful to guide policies for VHL care and oncogenetics in Brazil. Although there have been improvements in diagnosis and clinical screening methods, VHL care in Brazil is still deficient, especially regarding surveillance and regular medical appointments with experts.

Von Hipple Lindau disease – management of two cases with mini review

Von Hipple Lindau syndrome (VHL) is genetically determined benign tumors of various organs with some tendency to malignant transformation. Two young male and female patients of 25 years and 18 years presented with bilateral retinal and central nervous system hemangioblastoma. One patient underwent panretinal photocoagulation and resection of cerebellar tumor and other received transpupillary thermotherapy (TTT). Proper genetic counseling and screening of the patients and close relatives were done. Though VHL is not curable, timely and proper treatment can save life and sight. The Ophthalmologist can play a role in reducing morbidity and mortality of patients and their family members by screening and proper referral.

The road to systemic therapy in von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease: Are we there yet?

Pathogenic germline mutations in VHL gene cause von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease, an autosomal dominant hereditary cancer syndrome associated with high penetrance of benign and malignant neoplasms, including clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), central nervous system haemangioblastomas (CNS-HB), retinal angiomas, phaeochromocytomas and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (pNET). Management of VHL disease involves lifelong radiological and biochemical surveillance, often leading to repeat surgical intervention causing significant morbidity and mortality. Systemic therapy that prevents or reduces the need for surgical intervention could improve clinical outcomes and quality of life for affected individuals. Belzutifan is a second-generation small molecule hypoxia-inducible factor 2α (HIF-2α) inhibitor recently approved by US and UK regulators for the treatment of VHL (disease)-associated ccRCC, CNS-HB and pNET. While this is a welcome step forward, it is vital that we consider in what circumstances these drugs are recommended and how they fit into the overall management of VHL disease. In this personal view article, we reflect on the history of the use of systemic therapy in localised VHL disease and consider open questions relating to the use of HIF-2α inhibitors, including the need to involve medical oncologists in the multidisciplinary team moving forward. Indeed, VHL disease is the perfect paradigm for similar settings in the future.

Central nervous system hemangioblastomas in von Hippel-Lindau disease: Total growth rate and risk of developing new lesions not associated with circulating VEGF levels.

Hemangioblastomas of the central nervous system are a prominent feature of von Hippel-Lindau-disease (vHL). Hemangioblastomas are known to secrete vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), suggesting a potential role of VEGF as a biomarker for tumor growth. Plasma VEGF samples from 24 patients with von Hippel-Lindau disease were analyzed by solid-phase proximity ligation assay (PLA). Levels were monitored over time together with numeric and volumetric CNS tumor burden, and compared to plasma VEGF levels in healthy controls. The mean yearly progression in tumor volume was 65.5%. Yearly risk of developing one or several new CNS tumor(s) was 50%. No significant correlation between tumor burden and levels of VEGF was seen. VEGF levels in patients (31.55-92.04; mean 55.83, median 56.41) as measured by immunodetection in a solid-phase PLA did not differ significantly from controls (37.38-104.56; mean 58.89, median 54.12) (p = 0,266). The increase in total CNS tumor volume in vHL occurred in a saltatory manner. The risk of developing a new lesion was 50% per year. We found no evidence for VEGF secretion from CNS hemangioblastomas in vHL in circulating blood. Other potential biomarkers should be explored to assess progression of tumor burden in vHL.

NIMG-110. FIRST CLINICAL EXPERIENCE WITH BELZUTIFAN IN VON HIPPEL-LINDAU DISEASE-ASSOCIATED CNS HEMANGIOBLASTOMA

Abstract The authors present two cases of von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease-associated hemangioblastomas in the central nervous system (CNS) treated with the newly-approved HIF-2α inhibitor, belzutifan. The first case is that of a 31-year-old female with confirmed pathogenic germline VHL mutation who presented with multiple hemangioblastomas diagnosed at 25 years of age. The patient was first managed surgically with resection of three posterior fossa hemangioblastomas but re-presented five years later with headaches and paresthesias of the fingers. She was found to have interval progression of an intramedullary cervical lesion that was monitored radiographically, as well as a new cerebellar lesion. A cerebellar lesion was resected, but the cervical hemangioblastoma was not. Four months after surgery, the patient was started on belzutifan, which she tolerated without issue, and a brisk reduction in peri-lesional edema was observed in the cervical spine and remaining intracranial foci after 2 months of treatment. The second patient is a 30-year-old male with familial VHL disease, initially diagnosed after the discovery of a retinal hemangioblastoma at age 10. He was found to have multiple cerebellar hemangioblastomas, treated with resection at age 24 and then with stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) at age 25, complicated by radiation necrosis. Imaging surveillance revealed disease progression at age 29 for which he was started on belzutifan. Follow-up imaging after three one month cycles revealed a reduction in perilesional edema and reduced lesion mass effect. Both patients tolerated belzutifan well, with only anemia and fatigue. We highlight in this report our initial experience and early imaging findings associated with belzutifan used for VHL disease-associated CNS hemangioblastomas.

Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 2 Alpha (HIF2α) Inhibitors: Targeting Genetically Driven Tumor Hypoxia.

Tumors driven by deficiency of the VHL gene product, which is involved in degradation of the hypoxia-inducible factor subunit 2 alpha (HIF2α), are natural candidates for targeted inhibition of this pathway. Belzutifan, a highly specific and well-tolerated HIF2α inhibitor, recently received FDA approval for the treatment of nonmetastatic renal cell carcinomas, pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, and central nervous system hemangioblastomas from patients with von Hippel-Lindau disease, who carry VHL germline mutations. Such approval is a milestone in oncology; however, the full potential, and limitations, of HIF2α inhibition in the clinic are just starting to be explored. Here we briefly recapitulate the molecular rationale for HIF2α blockade in tumors and review available preclinical and clinical data, elaborating on mutations that might be particularly sensitive to this approach. We also outline some emerging mechanisms of intrinsic and acquired resistance to HIF2α inhibitors, including acquired mutations of the gatekeeper pocket of HIF2α and its interacting partner ARNT. Lastly, we propose that the high efficacy of belzutifan observed in tumors with genetically driven hypoxia caused by VHL mutations suggests that a focus on other mutations that similarly lead to HIF2α stabilization, such as those occurring in neuroendocrine tumors with disruptions in the tricarboxylic acid cycle (SDHA/B/C/D, FH, MDH2, IDH2), HIF hydroxylases (EGLN/PHDs), and the HIF2α-encoding gene, EPAS1, are warranted.

Imaging manifestations of von Hippel-Lindau disease: an illustrated guide focusing on abdominal manifestations.

Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease is a monogenic autosomal dominant disorder with germline mutations of the VHL anti-oncogene on the short arm of chromosome 3 (3p25-26). It affects 1:36,000-50,000 individuals, with a penetrance greater than 90% at 65 years of age. Although of variable onset and presentation, with pleiotropism even among members of the same family who share a specific mutation, VHL disease usually manifests initially in young adults. It predisposes to the development of benign and malignant tumors of the central nervous system (CNS) and visceral organs. The clinical diagnosis of VHL disease can be made in the following circumstances: a) in patients with a family history of the disease and at least one of the tumors characteristic of it (e.g., retinal or CNS hemangioblastomas, clear cell renal cell carcinoma, pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, and endolymphatic sac tumors); b) in patients with two or more CNS hemangioblastomas; c) or in patients with a retinal or CNS hemangioblastoma plus at least one visceral tumor characteristic of the disease, excluding renal and epididymal cysts. Imaging plays an important role in the diagnosis and follow-up of patients with VHL disease. This pictorial essay presents characteristic images of abdominal manifestations of VHL disease-related tumors that all radiologists should be aware of.

Systemic Treatment Reduces Von-Hippel-Lindau–Associated Retinal Capillary Hemangioblastoma

A 24-year-old man with Von-Hippel-Lindau syndrome and central nervous system (CNS) hemangioblastomas was found to have multiple leaking retinal capillary hemangioblastomas in the superotemporal periphery of the left eye (Fig A). Systemic treatment was initiated with Belzutifan, a hypoxia-inducible factor-2α inhibitor. There was marked improvement in the engorgement and tortuosity of the feeding arterioles and draining veins, and a reduction in the number and size of the retinal capillary and CNS hemangioblastomas after 6 months of treatment (Fig B) (Magnified version of Fig A-B is available online at www.aaojournal.org).

Presentation, imaging, patterns of care, growth, and outcome in sporadic and von Hippel-Lindau-associated central nervous system hemangioblastomas.

Hemangioblastoma is a relatively rare neoplasm occurring mostly in the cerebellum that may arise sporadically or in the context of von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) syndrome. Presentation, imaging, natural history, surgical patterns of care, and outcomes are incompletely defined for this uncommon lesion. We reviewed our large institutional series to help clarify these issues. Retrospective analysis of consecutive, neurosurgically managed CNS hemangioblastomas at Mayo Clinic, 1988-2018. Two hundred and eighty five hemangioblastomas were treated in 184 unique patients (115 sporadic, 69 VHL). Compared to sporadic patients, VHL patients were younger (36.7 vs 51.7years; p < 0.0001), were treated while asymptomatic more commonly (47.3 vs 4.2%; p < 0.0001), had smaller lesions (6.6 vs 13.9mL; p < 0.0001), and harbored lesions with associated cysts less frequently (51.0 vs 75.0%; p = 0.0002). Macrocystic tumor architecture was associated with larger lesion size and greater symptom severity. Solid lesions later formed cysts at a median 130months. Growth in both total volume and solid component accelerated after cyst formation (10.6 and 6.0 times median rate prior to cyst emergence). VHL patients died at a younger age (47.9 vs 74.5, p = 0.0017) and were more likely to die of direct disease sequelae. Though treatment-free survival time was significantly longer in sporadic cases, a substantial fraction (> 40%) developed tumor recurrence/progression requiring additional treatment. Hemangioblastoma presentation varies with etiology and clinical course is more complicated in VHL cases. Nodular lesions often develop cysts over time which is associated with accelerated tumor growth. Sporadic cases have a previously unappreciated but substantial risk of late recurrence/progression requiring treatment.

Belzutifan: A Narrative Drug Review.

Von Hippel-Lindau disease is an autosomal dominant disorder characterised by renal cell carcinomas, pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours, central nervous system hemangioblastomas, retinoblastomas, and tumours of the reproductive tract. This disease results from loss of function mutations in the tumour suppressor gene known as the Von Hippel-Lindau gene, located on chromosome 3. Loss of function mutation in the Von Hippel-Lindau gene results in the accumulation of a protein known as a hypoxia-inducible factor, which promotes cellular proliferation and angiogenesis, leading to cancer. Belzutifan inhibits the hypoxia-inducible factor by binding to the Per-ARNT -Sim-B binding pocket on the hypoxia-inducible factor -2α, inhibiting cellular proliferation and angiogenesis. In our thorough literature review, we identified 37 relevant articles. Belzutifan showed clinically meaningful response rates for both Von Hippel-Lindau disease-associated renal cell carcinomas and non-renal cell cancers. The pharmacokinetic profile of belzutifan was much better than its congener molecules due to the optimisation of its dihalide groups from germinal to vicinal. The pharmacodynamic effect of belzutifan was confirmed by its ability to decrease serum erythropoietin, which is a direct result of hypoxia-inducible factor- 2α inhibition. The significant side effects observed were anaemia, hypoxia, fatigue, hypertension, visual impairment and weight gain. Multiple clinical trials are currently underway to determine the role of beluztifan as part of combination regimens in treating Von Hippel-Lindau diseaseassociated malignancies.

FDA Approval Summary: Belzutifan for von Hippel-Lindau Disease-Associated Tumors.

On August 13, 2021, the FDA approved belzutifan (WELIREG, Merck), a first-in-class hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) inhibitor for adult patients with von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease who require therapy for associated renal cell carcinoma (RCC), central nervous system (CNS) hemangioblastomas, or pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNET), not requiring immediate surgery. The FDA granted approval based on the clinically meaningful effects on overall response rate (ORR) observed in patients enrolled in Study MK-6482-004. All 61 patients had VHL-associated RCC; some also had CNS hemangioblastomas and/or pNET. For VHL disease-associated RCC, ORR was 49% [95% confidence interval (CI), 36-62], median duration of response (DoR) was not reached, 56% of responders had DoR ≥12 months, and median time to response was 8 months. Twenty-four patients had measurable CNS hemangioblastomas with an ORR of 63% (95% CI, 41-81), and 12 patients had measurable pNET with an ORR of 83% (95% CI, 52-98). For these tumors, median DoR was not reached, with 73% and 50% of patients having response durations ≥12 months for CNS hemangioblastomas and pNET, respectively. The most common adverse reactions, including laboratory abnormalities, reported in ≥20% were anemia, fatigue, increased creatinine, headache, dizziness, increased glucose, and nausea. Belzutifan can render some hormonal contraceptives ineffective and can cause embryo-fetal harm during pregnancy. This article summarizes the data and the FDA thought process supporting traditional approval of belzutifan for this indication.

Abstract 2287: Dissecting the heterogeneity of central nervous system hemangioblastomas by single-cell and single-nuclei RNA sequencing

Abstract Hemangioblastomas (HBs) are highly vascular tumors of the Central Nervous System that are commonly associated with the familial von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease and contribute significantly to the morbidity and mortality of VHL patients. They are characterized by high heterogeneity but the cell origin of HB tumors is still unclear, and the genomic landscape and signaling pathways underlying the tumor formation are unknown. We performed single-cell and single-nuclei RNA sequencing of cerebellar and spinal HBs surgically removed from VHL patients, in order to identify the lineage of the tumor cells and to profile the tumor microenvironment (TME). The percentage of VHL-/- tumor cells ranges from 8-80% of the cell population; the TME is reactive, contributing to a high percentage of the total tumor volume and playing a critical role in HB development. Single-cell and single-nuclei HB analysis provided significant insights into the cell of origin as well as the oncogenic pathways that drive the growth of HB. Whole exome sequencing (WES) in a cohort of HB patients revealed that biallelic VHL inactivation is necessary for the tumor formation of VHL disease-related HBs. Citation Format: Eumorphia Konstantakou, Elizabeth Perez, Alex Barbera, Nicholas Haradhvala, Marcello Stanzione, Fred Barker, Brian Nahed, Anat Stemmer-Rachamimov, Nick Dyson, Gad Getz, Mario Suva, Othon Iliopoulos. Dissecting the heterogeneity of central nervous system hemangioblastomas by single-cell and single-nuclei RNA sequencing [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2022; 2022 Apr 8-13. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(12_Suppl):Abstract nr 2287.

NFB-01. Central nervous system tumors in Von Hippel-Lindau multisystem disorder: are there preventive approaches to escape tumor initiation at a young age?

In pediatric neuro-oncology, the likelihood of an underlying tumor predisposition condition should be considered for all types of brain tumors. The aim of this study was to report the dramatic history of a VHL Tunisian family with many affected adolescents presenting central nervous system hemangioblastomas among wich many died in their twenties and those who survived suffered from depression and suicide attempts. To provide optimal clinical care and genetic counseling to affected patients and their young relatives, we conducted a literature review to answer the major question for this family: are there any preventive approaches to escape tumor initiation in our at-risk relatives at young age? The onset of VHL syndrome at the index case of our Tunisian family was at the age of 40 years when she presented a blurred vision on the right, related to retinal angiomatosis. The evolution was caraterised by recurrent eye lesions, the development of multiple renal tumors and hemangioblastomas at the cerebral, cerebellar and cervical spinal cord levels with neurologic symptoms and various functional nervous sequels after neurosurgical resections. Familial features of VHL were present in half of her siblings (6 among 12). Her 2 adolescent sisters, dead at the age of 20, harbored cerebral hemangioblastomas, whereas 2 of her brothers who died respectively at the age of 21 and 47 years harbored respectively ocular angiomas and vertebral angiomas. A third 48 year-old alive brother harbored cerebral hemangioblastoma as well as renal cell carcinoma. Only preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) to select unaffected embryos can be applied to prevent the disease. High-throughput methods such as microarrays and sequencing are available nowadays for late-onset disorders with genetic predispositions. Long term surveillance and timely preventive treatment of lesions are crucial for VHL disease carriers. Effective psychosocial support to vulnerable children and their families is also essential.

Hemangioblastoma diagnosis and surveillance in von Hippel-Lindau disease: a consensus statement.

Hemangioblastomas are a frequent underlying cause of neurological morbidity and death in patients with von Hippel-Lindau disease (VHL). Although these benign tumors can cause significant neurological debility when undetected and untreated, unified evidence-based surveillance recommendations for VHL patients have not been established. To develop consensus recommendations, the VHL Alliance established an expert committee, named the International VHL Surveillance Guidelines Consortium, to define surveillance recommendations. The Central Nervous System (CNS) Hemangioblastoma Subcommittee of the Guidelines Consortium was formed as a multidisciplinary team of experts in the diagnosis and management of hemangioblastomas. Recommendations were formulated using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) and National Comprehensive Cancer Network Categories of Evidence and Consensus categorization after a comprehensive literature review. Published studies (n = 49) that discussed age at onset, MRI frequency, natural history of VHL, and the risks and benefits of surveillance were analyzed. Based on this analysis, the authors recommend that clinical evaluation (yearly) be used as the primary screening tool for hemangioblastomas in VHL. The subcommittee suggests that screening be performed between the ages of 11 and 65 years, or with the onset of symptoms, for synchronicity with other testing regimens in VHL. The subcommittee also recommends that baseline MRI be first performed at the age of 11 years (suggested 2B, level of evidence D) or after identification of neurological symptoms or signs (if earlier) and continue every 2 years (recommended 2A, level of evidence A). The CNS Hemangioblastoma Subcommittee of the International VHL Surveillance Guidelines Consortium here proposes guidelines that aim to increase the early detection of VHL-associated hemangioblastomas to reduce their morbidity and mortality.

DNA methylation profiling of central nervous system hemangioblastomas identifies two distinct subgroups.

Hemangioblastomas (HBs) of the central nervous system are highly vascular neoplasms that occur sporadically or as a manifestation of von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease. Despite their benign nature, HBs are clinically heterogeneous and can be associated with significant morbidity due to mass effects of peritumoral cysts or tumor progression. Underlying molecular factors involved in HB tumor biology remain elusive. We investigated genome-wide DNA methylation profiles and clinical and histopathological features in a series of 47 HBs from 42 patients, including 28 individuals with VHL disease. Thirty tumors occurred in the cerebellum, 8 in the brainstem and 8 HBs were of spinal location, while 1 HB was located in the cerebrum. Histologically, 12 HBs (26%) belonged to the cellular subtype and exclusively occurred in the cerebellum, whereas 35 HBs were reticular (74%). Unsupervised clustering and dimensionality reduction of DNA methylation profiles revealed two distinct subgroups. Methylation cluster 1 comprised 30 HBs of mainly cerebellar location (29/30, 97%), whereas methylation cluster 2 contained 17 HBs predominantly located in non-cerebellar compartments (16/17, 94%). The sum of chromosomal regions being affected by copy-number alterations was significantly higher in methylation cluster 1 compared to cluster 2 (mean 262 vs. 109 Mb, p = 0.001). Of note, loss of chromosome 6 occurred in 9/30 tumors (30%) of methylation cluster 1 and was not observed in cluster 2 tumors (p= 0.01). No relevant methylation differences between sporadic and VHL-related HBs or cystic and non-cystic HBs could be detected. Deconvolution of the bulk DNA methylation profiles revealed four methylation components that were associated with the two methylation clusters suggesting cluster-specific cell-type compositions. In conclusion, methylation profiling of HBs reveals 2 distinct subgroups that mainly associate with anatomical location, cytogenetic profiles and differences in cell type composition, potentially reflecting different cells of origin.

Neuropathologic features of central nervous system hemangioblastoma.

Hemangioblastoma is a benign, highly vascularized neoplasm of the central nervous system (CNS). This tumor is associated with loss of function of the VHL gene and demonstrates frequent occurrence in von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease. While this entity is designated CNS World Health Organization grade 1, due to its predilection for the cerebellum, brainstem, and spinal cord, it is still an important cause of morbidity and mortality in affected patients. Recognition and accurate diagnosis of hemangioblastoma is essential for the practice of surgical neuropathology. Other CNS neoplasms, including several tumors associated with VHL disease, may present as histologic mimics, making diagnosis challenging. We outline key clinical and radiologic features, pathophysiology, treatment modalities, and prognostic information for hemangioblastoma, and provide a thorough review of the gross, microscopic, immunophenotypic, and molecular features used to guide diagnosis.

PD18-05 CLINICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND RISK FACTORS FOR SURVIVAL IN AFFECTED OFFSPRING OF VON HIPPEL-LINDAU DISEASE PATIENTS

You have accessJournal of UrologyCME1 May 2022PD18-05 CLINICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND RISK FACTORS FOR SURVIVAL IN AFFECTED OFFSPRING OF VON HIPPEL-LINDAU DISEASE PATIENTS Kenan Zhang, Cai Lin, Wuping Yang, Kan Gong, and Yawei Xu Kenan ZhangKenan Zhang More articles by this author , Cai LinCai Lin More articles by this author , Wuping YangWuping Yang More articles by this author , Kan GongKan Gong More articles by this author , and Yawei XuYawei Xu More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000002556.05AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease is an autosomal dominant genetic tumor syndrome with poor prognosis. The clinical manifestation was found to be more serious in affected offspring of VHL patients, but the risk factors and survival for them has never been reported before. We aimed to explore how these patients were influenced by genetic and clinical factors. METHODS: In this retrospective study, we collected 372 affected offspring of VHL patients from 118 unrelated VHL families. Patients were stratified into different groups based on sets of variables. The age-related risk, overall survival and central nervous system haemangioblastoma (CHB)-specific survival were analyzed between different groups using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox regression analysis. RESULTS: The estimated median life expectancy and median onset age for affected offspring of VHL patients was 66 years and 28 years respectively. The later generation and patients with mutations in exon 3 had an earlier onset age. The first presenting symptom was the only independent risk factor influencing overall survival and CHB-specific survival. Patients that the first presenting symptom is CNS significantly had a lower life expectancy both in overall survival and CHB-specific survival analysis. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicated that affected offspring of VHL patients with CNS as the first presenting symptom was an independent risk factor for overall survival and CHB-specific survival, which is helpful to clinical decision-making and generate a more precise surveillance protocol. Source of Funding: This study was granted by the ethical committee of Peking University First Hospital (2021KY336, Beijing, China). Each participant provided signed informed consent before participate in the present study and all patients understood the process and possible consequences © 2022 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 207Issue Supplement 5May 2022Page: e344 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2022 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Kenan Zhang More articles by this author Cai Lin More articles by this author Wuping Yang More articles by this author Kan Gong More articles by this author Yawei Xu More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF DownloadLoading ...

Healthcare resource utilization (HRU) and costs among patients with Von Hippel-Lindau disease (VHL)-associated renal cell carcinoma (RCC): A retrospective administrative claims analysis.

305 Background: VHL disease is an inherited condition characterized by the formation of benign and malignant tumors in multiple organs, and RCC affects up to 40-70% of patients with VHL disease. However, real-world evidence on HRU and direct healthcare costs related to VHL-RCC is lacking. This study sought to address the gap in the literature by evaluating HRU and healthcare costs associated with the disease. Methods: Patients with VHL disease were identified from the Optum Clinformatics claims data using an algorithm based on combinations of manifestations of the disease. Among the patients identified, those with at least 1 diagnosis of RCC were further selected. The index date was defined as the date of first observed RCC diagnosis in the data, and the study period extends up to 5 years after index date or the end of continuous enrollment, whichever was earlier. A minimum continuous enrollment of 12 months prior to and 3 months after the index date was required. All-cause and RCC-related HRU and healthcare costs were evaluated among eligible patients with VHL-RCC. HRU was expressed as events per person-month and cost was expressed as average monthly cost. HRU and healthcare costs related to other VHL disease-related tumors were also assessed, including central nervous system (CNS) hemangioblastomas (Hb), retinal Hb, and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNETs). Results: 160 patients with VHL-RCC were included in the analyses. Mean age of the patients was 51.5 years and 89 (56%) were male. During the study period, patients with VHL-RCC incurred 0.10 hospitalizations (0.52 inpatient days), 1.49 outpatient visits, 0.09 emergency department (ED) visits, and 0.17 other medical visits per person-month on average. This translated to a monthly all-cause healthcare cost of $4,276, which included $2,222 inpatient, $1,318 outpatient, $188 ED, $63 other medical visits, and $485 pharmacy costs. $1,627 out of the all-cause cost per month was RCC-related, which was mainly driven by inpatient costs for RCC ($1,184/month). There were also notable costs associated with other tumor types: $2,159/month for CNS Hb, $601/month for retinal Hb, and $3,306/month for pNETs on average. Among patients with VHL-RCC who received surgical procedures for different tumors, the average hospitalization or outpatient visit costs were $28,356 for nephrectomies, $70,515 for CNS Hb surgeries, $2,887 for laser therapy of retinal Hb, and $81,825 for pNET surgeries. Conclusions: VHL-RCC is associated with significant HRU and healthcare costs due to the needs of managing RCC as well as tumors in other organs caused by VHL disease. This highlights the multi-disciplinary nature of VHL disease and the need for novel effective therapies to prevent or delay the recurrence of VHL-related tumors in order to mitigate the economic burden related to the disease.

Is HIF activation Janus faced? The therapeutic effects of the HIF-2α inhibitor

von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease is a rare autosomal dominant hereditary syndrome that is caused by biallelic VHL inactivation following Knudson’s 2-hit hypothesis of tumorigenesis. Although VHL disease presents with variable phenotypes, inactivation of the VHL protein causes benign and malignant tumors, most commonly renal cell carcinoma (RCC), pheochromocytoma, pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor, retinal hemangioblastoma, and central nervous system (CNS) hemangioblastoma.1 RCC and CNS tumors are the main causes of death in people with VHL disease.