Familial Adenomatosis Research Articles

Cutaneous hybrid cysts with matrical differentiation are mostly sporadic and related to CTNNB1 mutation.

Recurrent mutations in the CTNNB1 or APC genes leading to the activation of the Wnt/betacatenin pathway are observed in adnexal tumors with matrical differentiation. While most pilomatricomas arise sporadically and harbor CTNNB1 mutations, cutaneous hybrid cysts combining epidermal and matrical differentiations have been mostly reported in a context of the familial adenomatosis polyposis/Gardner's syndrome related to germinal mutations of APC. The objective of this study is to understand the pathogenesis of hybrid cysts combining epidermal and matrical differentiations. The 287 cases diagnosed as pilomatricoma/hybrid cysts registered between January 1, 2015 and February 21, 2023 in the Pathology Department at Tours University Hospital Center were considered for inclusion. After diagnosis confirmation, all cases were classified as pilomatricomas or hybrid cysts. Clinical data and microscopic features of the two groups were compared. Immunohistochemical detection of the betacatenin and CTNNB1/APC genes sequencing were performed in all hybrid cysts. Among the cohort, ten cases were classified as hybrid cysts (4%). None had a personal or familial history of familial adenomatosis polyposis. The immunochemistry confirmed a betacatenin nuclear expression in the matrical component in allexcepted one cases, while no nuclear accumulation was observed in the epidermal component of most hybrid cysts (n = 8, 80%). CTNNB1 mutations were detected in all hybrid cysts with interpretable sequencing data (n = 7/10). By contrast, only a variant of uncertain significance (class 3) was detected in APC in association with a pathogenic CTNNB1 mutation in one case. Hybrid cysts are rare entities consisting in 4% of the tumors analyzed in our study. Our results suggest that most hybrid cysts occur sporadically and are associated with CTNNB1 somatic mutations.

SAT249 Femur Lysis Calcium Crisis

Abstract Disclosure: G. Gupta: None. S. Idriss: None. N. Barua: None. J. Hodge: None. I. Jamal: None. Introduction: Primary hyperparathyroidism usually presents with symptoms of bone pain, fatigue, polyuria, constipation, and nephrolithiasis. Here we describe a 27-year-old female with a femoral neck fracture and found to have a parathyroid mass. Case: 27 y/o female with autism spectrum, presented to the ED for evaluation of a mechanical fall and was found to have a left femur and pubic ramus fracture. On arrival she was vitally stable, labs were significant for parathyroid hormone-related hypercalcemia corrected Ca 14.8 mg/dL, PTH 911 peaked to 2884 pg/mL, vit D level of 12.7 ng/mL, phosphorus of 2.3 mg/dL. Trauma workup revealed numerous osseous lytic lesions lower extremities. Review of system was negative except for localized pain at fracture site. Family history negative for hypercalcemia or hyperparathyroidism. She was managed with IV fluids, IV Zoledronic Acid 4 mg, SC calcitonin 240 units, and 50K IU D3. During hospitalization, she needed re-dozing with Zoledronic acid and Cinacalcet due to recurrence of significant hypercalcemia, warranting further imaging. CT neck showed mandibular and maxillary bone lesions raising suspicion of hyperparathyroidism jaw tumor syndrome (HPT-JT) vs brown tumors, 3.1 cm lobular mass inferior to the right thyroid lobe suspicious for large parathyroid adenoma vs carcinoma, and other multiple enlarged parathyroids. She underwent left femur cephalomedullary nailing and prophylactic nailing for the impending right femur fracture. Bone pathology showed fragmented bone, adipose, and skeletal muscle with fibrinous debris. She underwent subtotal parathyroidectomy (4-1/2 glands) and intraoperative PTH level declined from 1537 to 75 pg/mL 15 minutes after removal. Pathology showed tissue consistent with multi glandular parathyroid disease without evidence of malignancy. Postop her course was complicated with hungry bone syndrome requiring a few weeks on IV calcium. Discussion: Pathologic conditions in primary hyperparathyroidism include single adenomas (80-90% of the time), multiglandular hyperplasia multiple-gland (three or more glands) accounting for approximately 6%, and parathyroid carcinomas account for 1-2% of cases. Other conditions as with primary hyperparathyroidism include Familial hyperparathyroidism such as MEN 1 & 2A, Familial isolated hyperparathyroidism, and Familial HPT-JT syndrome, previously termed familial cystic parathyroid adenomatosis. Interestingly our pt had multiglandular hyperplasia which is a less common cause, she also demonstrated jaw lesions but didn’t fulfill the criteria for HPT-JT. Conclusion: Our patient had an unusual presentation of large bone fracture and multiple lytic lesions likely representing a brown tumor of the bone due to primary hyperparathyroidism. Most patients with lytic lesions have malignancy, however, endocrine pathologies should also be considered. Presentation: Saturday, June 17, 2023

SAT509 The Clinical Significance of Cribriform Morular Thyroid Carcinoma

Abstract Disclosure: G. Soh: None. K. Sek: None. S. Yang: None. M. Nga: None. S. Mok: None. We present two young (aged below 30) female patients who were diagnosed with the rare cribriform morular thyroid carcinoma. Both patients presented with neck swellings and underwent total thyroidectomy for the thyroid malignancies. The histological diagnosis prompted subsequent genetic evaluation. Both patients demonstrated genotypic and phenotypic evidence of familial adenomatosis polyposis (FAP) syndrome. One of the patients had a mutation which resulted in a premature translational stop signal in the adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene. She was eventually diagnosed with adenocarcinoma in 2 colonic polyps and underwent a curative pan-proctocolectomy. The other patient was diagnosed clinically with FAP as she had multiple (30-40) colonic polyps which were tubular adenomas. She had a variant of unknown significance in the APC gene. She declined surgery and remained on colonoscopic surveillance. Both patients’ thyroid cancers are in clinical remission. While uncommon, diagnosing cribriform-morular thyroid carcinoma is significant as 25 to 30% of patients harbour genetic mutations in the APC gene on chromosome 5q21. This is associated with FAP syndrome, an autosomal dominant genetic syndrome characterized by young-onset colonic polyposis, usually of malignant potential. Additionally, these patients may exhibit features of Gardner’s syndrome, a subset of FAP syndrome in which patients can develop extra-colonic manifestations such as osteomas of the mandible and supernumerary teeth. Histologically, cribriform morular thyroid carcinoma are well circumscribed and show a variable combination of follicular, cribriform, papillary, trabecular, solid and morular patterns. There is nuclear and cytoplasmic staining for beta catenin, as the inactivating APC mutation causes a loss of beta catenin destruction complex, impeding beta catenin degradation and increasing its nuclear translocation. This is a key event in thyroid tumorigenesis. The diagnosis of cribriform morular thyroid carcinoma should alert the clinician about the possibility of FAP with consideration for further clinical and genetic evaluation to confirm the diagnosis. References1)Cameselle-Teijeiro, J. M., Peteiro-González, D., Caneiro-Gómez, J., Sánchez-Ares, M., Abdulkader, I., Eloy, C., Melo, M., Amendoeira, I., Soares, P., & Sobrinho-Simões, M. (2018). Cribriform-morular variant of thyroid carcinoma: A neoplasm with distinctive phenotype associated with the activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Modern Pathology, 31(8), 1168–1179. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41379-018-0070-2 2)Peiling Yang, S., & Ngeow, J. (2016). Familial non-medullary thyroid cancer: Unraveling the Genetic Maze. Endocrine-Related Cancer, 23(12). https://doi.org/10.1530/erc-16-0067 Presentation Date: Saturday, June 17, 2023

A huge solitary duodenal hamartoma A rare endoscopic finding

Duodenal polyps are not commonly observed and are typically associated with conditions such as Familial adenomatosis polyposis or Peutz-Jeghers syndrome. However, there are rare instances where duodenal polyps may be encountered as isolated polyps, causing gastrointestinal symptoms.

Famitinib for familial adenomatous polyposis-associated aggressive desmoid tumors: A single-center exploratory study.

10513 Background: Desmoid tumour (DT) is a common extra-intestinal manifestation of familial adenomatosis polyposis (FAP), with high risk of recurrence and became the second leading cause of FAP patients’ death. The treatment of FAP-associated DTs are limited. Famitinib is a orally bioavailable, tyrosine kinase inhibitor against VEGFR-2, PDGFR, c-kit, and FGFR, and has shown antitumor activity in these patients (pts). Methods: This is a prospective, single arm study of FAP pts with progressing DT per RECIST v1.1, treated with famitinib 20 mg QD since 11/2021. The primary endpoint was objective response rate (ORR), with secondary endpoints of safety, progression-free survival (PFS), and quality of life (EORTC QLQ C30). We also collected the FFPE slices of DTs to test both genetic and proteomic backgrounds of pts with different therapeutic results. Results: Between Nov 24, 2021 and Aug 8, 2022, 11 pts were enrolled and evaluated every 9 weeks. The median follow-up time was 9.4 m (6.6 to 14.9 m). The median age was 36 (28-53) and 45% were male. Nine pts were diagnosed with intra-abdominal (IA) tumors while two had extra-abdominal (EA) DTs. Eight had stage III-IV DTs with rapid growth and severe symptoms. 10 of them had history of intestinal resection. Two pts were treated with dacarbazine and epirubicin before enrollment, while one patient received radiotherapy before famitinib. Five pts achieved partial response (PR) and six achieved stable disease (SD), with a median time to response of 7.0 months. The ORR was 45.5% and the disease control rate (DCR) was 100%. The 6-month PFS rate was 91%. The ORR of pts with IA DTs was 55.6%. Of adverse events (AEs) with famitinib, 87% were grade 1/2, the most frequently reported being hypertension (73%), neutropenia (64%), bilirubinemia (55%) and proteinuria (36%). Mean global health status/QoL before and after 6 months’ treatment was 58.3 vs 75.8 ( P= 0.09). Of all 11 pts, germline APC mutations scattered from codon 457 to 1578, and five of them detected somatic APC mutations from codon 547 to 1896 in DTs. Correlative study analysis will be presented. Conclusions: Famitinib demonstrated promising efficacy and a favorable safety profile in FAP-associated aggressive DTs.

S3467 Primary Duodenal Adenocarcinoma: A Rare Malignancy

Introduction: Primary duodenal adenocarcinoma (PDA) is extremely rare, representing 0.3 – 1% of all gastrointestinal malignancies. It poses a significant challenge to the physicians due to late non-specific symptoms that delays the diagnosis. Surgical resection is the only treatment option although PDA with distant or nodal metastasis have a very poor prognosis. Case Description/Methods: A 33-year-old male patient presented with epigastric abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, lipase > 2000, elevated LFTs and hyperbilirubinemia, consistent with acute pancreatitis. CT abdomen and pelvis revealed an irregular mass in the second and third portion of the duodenum near ampulla, dilation of pancreatic and common bile duct along with multiple hepatic lesions, consistent with metastatic malignancy. EGD showed non bleeding duodenal ulcer along with enlarged lymph nodes in the peripancreatic region. Biopsy of the ulcer was suggestive of moderately differentiated invasive duodenal adenocarcinoma with background of high-grade dysplasia. Due to metastatic malignancy, patient was started on folinic acid, fluorouracil and oxaliplatin without undergoing surgery. Percutaneous biliary drain was placed with resolution of pancreatitis and hyperbilirubinemia. Patient also completed a course of antibiotics due to pseudomonas bacteremia and sepsis secondary to pancreatic phlegmon that was drained. Pain was management with fentanyl patch and oral opioids. Patient was later discharged home with outpatient follow up. Discussion: This case highlights the importance of primary duodenal adenocarcinoma (PDA) which is a very rare malignancy. Its etiology is unknown, however patients with familial adenomatosis polyposis, Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, Crohn’s and celiac disease are at higher risk. Due to non-specific symptoms including anorexia, postprandial fullness, nausea, vomiting, jaundice and abdominal pain, early diagnosis is a challenge for physicians. PDA is most commonly seen in second part of the duodenum with an incidence of 50 -70%. It can be diagnosed with the help of contrast imaging studies along with EGD and biopsy. Management is usually surgical resection with tumors of the second part of the duodenum, proximal and distal infiltrating tumors requiring pancreaticoduodenectomy to ensure radical resection. Lymphovascular invasion, lymph node metastasis and perineural invasion are features associated with poor prognosis and high mortality. For unresectable tumors, palliative surgery or endoscopic treatment is usually indicated.

Gardner Syndrome With Breast Desmoid Tumors

A young woman with familial adenomatosis polyposis presented with a history of pain and progressive enlargement of bilateral breast masses for a decade. She was diagnosed with left breast desmoid tumor via percutaneous biopsy and has since undergone multiple additional percutaneous breast biopsies and surgical excisional biopsies. She underwent multiple treatment regimens for recurrent bilateral breast desmoid tumors, including methotrexate/vinblastine, tamoxifen, doxorubicin, sunitinib, and pazopanib, with ultimate disease progression for all therapies.

CT and MRI diagnostics of desmoid fibroids in familial colon adenomatosis

Objective: to study the features of CT and MRI diagnostics of desmoid fibroids (DF) in familial colon adenomatosis (SATC). Patients and methods: the study included 35 patients with desmoid fibroids (DF) in familial colon adenomatosis (SATC). All patients were examined using computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with intravenous contrast. Localization, size, growth pattern, prevalence of DF, features of contrast and intensity of the MR signal on T2-VI and post-contrast T1-VI were evaluated. Twenty-five (71.4%) patients were observed in dynamics, including during systemic therapy. Results: in 21 (60.0 %) patients, a lesion of only one anatomical area was detected, and in 14 (40.0%) cases, a combined lesion of different anatomical zones was noted. In the majority of observations (33/35, 94.4 %) desmoid fibroids were detected in the mesentery and mesentery root of the small intestine, including with a combined lesion. The majority of patients (24/35, 68.6%) were diagnosed with a diffuse nodular form of growth; 13 (37.1%) had a nodular form and 6 (17.1%) had a diffuse form. Twenty-five patients (25/35, 71.4%) were repeatedly re-examined using CT (13/35, 37.1%) and MRI (12/35, 34.3%), in particular during systemic therapy. Conclusion: CT and MRI are the basic methods for detecting DF in SATC, allowing to determine the nature of tumor growth, to assess the prevalence of the tumor process and the degree of involvement of adjacent organs and structures. In dynamic observation and evaluation of the response of a desmoid tumor to systemic therapy, MRI has greater diagnostic capabilities compared to CT, since it takes into account not only the size of the desmoid, but also the intensity of the MR signal on T2-VI and the nature of the accumulation of contrast agent on post-contrast T1-VI with fat suppression.

Akkermansia muciniphila in inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal cancer.

Akkermansia muciniphila in inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal cancer.

Metformin and Niclosamide Synergistically Suppress Wnt and YAP in APC-Mutated Colorectal Cancer.

Simple SummaryHyperactivation of the canonical Wnt and inactivation of the Hippo pathway are well-known genetic backgrounds for familial adenomatosis polyposis (FAP) and colorectal cancer (CRC), although the reciprocal regulation between those pathways is not yet clear. In this study, we found that Axin2, a bona fide downstream target of canonical Wnt, activates the Hippo pathway in APC-mutated CRC, limiting the therapeutic potential of niclosamide on advanced CRC through the inactivation of the Hippo pathway. To overcome the limitation, we combined niclosamide with AMPK activator metformin to activate Hippo and found that this combination synergistically suppressed canonical Wnt and activated Hippo in APC-mutated CRC. Using patient-derived cancer organoid and an APC-MIN mice model, we found the combinatory approach to be effective for APC-mutated CRC. Our results provide not only the reciprocal link between Wnt and Hippo in APC-mutated CRC, but they also provide an effective therapeutic approach with clinically available drugs for FAP and CRC patients.The Wnt and Hippo pathways are tightly coordinated and understanding their reciprocal regulation may provide a novel therapeutic strategy for cancer. Anti-helminthic niclosamide is an effective inhibitor of Wnt and is now in a phase II trial for advanced colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. We found that Axin2, an authentic target gene of canonical Wnt, acts as aYAP phosphorylation activator in APC-mutated CRC. While niclosamide effectively suppresses Wnt, it also inhibits Hippo, limiting its therapeutic potential for CRC. To overcome this limitation, we utilized metformin, a clinically available AMPK activator. This combinatory approach not only suppresses canonical Wnt activity, but also inhibits YAP activity in CRC cancer cells and in patient-derived cancer organoid through the suppression of cancer stemness. Further, combinatory oral administration suppressed in vivo tumorigenesis and the cancer progression of APC-MIN mice models. Our observations provide not only a reciprocal link between Wnt and Hippo, but also clinically available novel therapeutics that are able to target Wnt and YAP in APC-mutated CRC.

Solitary hamartomatous duodenal polyp in an infant

Abstract Duodenal polyps are uncommon. They are usually syndromic seen commonly with Familial adenomatosis polyposis or Peutz-Jegher's syndrome, but maybe seen as a solitary non-syndromic polyp presenting with gastrointestinal symptoms. Few cases of Solitary duodenal hamartomatous polyps have been seen in adults, but to the best of our knowledge never in an infant. We hereby report a case of a 6week old infant who presented with bilious vomiting, weight loss and dehydration. Radiological investigations revealed an obstructive duodenal polyp. Duodenotomy and excision proved curative.

An update on the CNS manifestations of brain tumor polyposis syndromes.

Cancer predisposition syndromes are associated with an increased risk of developing primary malignancies. Here we discuss those which are associated with an increased risk of tumors of the central nervous system (CNS) and gastrointestinal (GI) tract. These can be grouped into those in which the CNS tumors predominate versus those in which the GI cancers predominate. The former include constitutional mismatch repair deficiency (CMMRD) syndrome, Li-Fraumeni syndrome (LFS), and Cowden syndrome (CS) while the latter include familial adenomatosis polyposis 1 (FAP1), Lynch syndrome and polymerase proofreading-associated polyposis syndrome (PPAP). Tumor specificity does exist as medulloblastoma occur in FAP, LFS and CMMRD while glioma are most commonly seen in all replication repair-deficient genes and LFS. Choroid plexus carcinoma is strictly observed in LFS while Cowden syndrome patients develop Lhermitte Duclos disease or meningioma. In each syndrome, specific types of low-grade and high-grade gastrointestinal cancers can occur, but these will be discussed elsewhere. Underlying cancer predisposition syndromes are important to consider when faced with brain tumors, particularly in the pediatric and young adult age groups, as identification of an underlying germ line mutation may change the upfront management of the patient and has implications for future cancer surveillance for both the patient and potentially affected family members. Considerations of family history, presence of skin lesions and consanguinity provide valuable information in identifying patients at potential increased risk.

APC gene analysis in familial adenomatosis polyposis: 3 new mutations in Turkish population

APC gene analysis in familial adenomatosis polyposis: 3 new mutations in Turkish population

Familial adenomatosis polyposis–related desmoid tumours treated with low-dose chemotherapy: results from an international, multi-institutional, retrospective analysis

IntroductionDesmoid tumour (DT) is a locally aggressive fibroblastic proliferative disease representing the most common extraintestinal manifestation of familial adenomatosis polyposis (FAP). As data on the activity of chemotherapy in these patients are limited, we examined the outcomes of patients treated with low-dose methotrexate (MTX)+vinca alkaloids (vinorelbine or vinblastine).Patients and methodsWe retrospectively reviewed clinical and outcome data from all patients with confirmed FAP-associated DTs treated with weekly MTX+vinca alkaloids in seven European sarcoma reference centres between January 2000 and December 2018. Radiological responses were assessed using RECIST V.1.0 and V.1.1. The Kaplan-Meier method associated to the log-rank test was used to estimate and compare survival curves.ResultsWe identified 37 patients (median age 29 years, range 7–44). According to RECIST, 20/37 (54.1%) patients achieved partial response (PR), 15/37 (40.5%) patients had stable disease and 2/37 (5.4%) had progressive disease as best response. Overall, the median progression-free survival (PFS) was 6.5 years (range, 0.3–12.1 years). In the subset of patients achieving PR as best response, the median PFS was not reached. In a subset of 11 patients with progressive disease offered MTX+vinca alkaloids rechallenge (after chemotherapy withdrawal following prolonged disease control), the disease control rate was 100%, resulting in a median PFS after rechallenge of 5.8 years.ConclusionsThis is the largest series on the activity of low-dose chemotherapy in patients with FAP-related DT. In this population, MTX+vinca alkaloids is an active combination, as already reported in patients with sporadic DT.

Cellular Reconstruction of the Rectal Mucosa during surgical Treatment of Familial Adenomatosis of the Colon: 12 Years after the First Experience of Introduction into Clinical Practice

Aim. To study long-term results of surgical treatment of patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) with the cell reconstruction of the rectal mucosa.Materials and methods. 57 FAP patients were subjected to treatment, which involved colproctectomy, the preservation of the lower rectal ampulla, mucosectomy and the reconstruction of the mucosa by cell transplantation. Endoscopic monitoring was carried out, with the endoscopic observation covering the period of 19–120 months (median — 44.3 months). Morphological and immunohistochemical studies were conducted. The long-term functional results of treatment (anorectal manometry (profilometry)) were studied. The patients were surveyed using the SF-36 questionnaire to monitor the quality of their life.Results. Our results show that the use of cell transplantation leads to the reconstruction of the rectal mucosa over a fairly short time: in 44/57 (77.2 %) patients, the endoscopic picture corresponded to the unchanged rectal mucosa 4 weeks after the surgery. In 13/57 (22.8 %) patients, a complete mucosal reconstruction was achieved 8–12 weeks after the surgery. The absence of polyp growth in the preserved part of the rectum was observed. Late complications developed only in 5 (9.4 %) patients. Good functional results (acceptable frequency of defecation, lack of signs of anal incontinence and nocturnal defecation) were observed in 48/53 (90.6 %) patients. The quality of life was at a fairly high level in 90.6 % of patients.Conclusion. The proposed method of FAP treatment allowed the immediate and long-term treatment results to be improved significantly.

Medulloblastomas associated with an APC germline pathogenic variant share the good prognosis of CTNNB1-mutated medulloblastomas.

Medulloblastomas may occur in a predisposition context, including familial adenomatosis polyposis. Medulloblastomas related to a germline pathogenic variant of adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) remain rare and poorly described. Their similarities with sporadic WNT medulloblastomas still require description. We performed a multicentric retrospective review of 12 patients treated between 1988 and 2018 for medulloblastoma with an identified or highly suspected (personal or familial history) APC germline pathogenic variant. We report personal and familial history APC gene pathogenic variants whenever available: clinical and histologic characteristics of the medulloblastoma, treatments, and long-term outcome, including second tumor and late sequelae. Medulloblastomas associated with APC pathogenic variants are mainly classic (11/11 patients, 1 not available), nonmetastatic (10/12 patients) medulloblastomas, with nuclear immunoreactivity for ß-catenin (9/9 tested cases). Ten of 11 assessable patients are disease free with a median follow-up of 10.7 years (range, 1-28 y). Secondary tumors included desmoid tumors in 7 patients (9 tumors), 1 thyroid carcinoma, 2 pilomatricomas, 1 osteoma, 1 vertebral hemangioma, and 1 malignant triton in the radiation field, which caused the only cancer-related death in our series. Medulloblastomas associated with an APC pathogenic variant have an overall favorable outcome, even for metastatic tumors. Yet, long-term survival is clouded by second tumor occurrence; treatment may play some role in some of these second malignancies. Our findings raise the question of applying a de-escalation therapeutic protocol to treat patients with APC germline pathogenic variants given the excellent outcome, and reduced intensity of craniospinal irradiation may be further evaluated.

Modulating PKCα Activity to Target Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling in Colon Cancer.

Inactivating mutations of the tumor suppressor Adenomatosis Polyposis Coli (APC), which are found in familial adenomatosis polyposis and in 80% of sporadic colorectal cancers (CRC), result in constitutive activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and tumor development in the intestine. These mutations disconnect the Wnt/β-catenin pathway from its Wnt extracellular signal by inactivating the APC/GSK3-β/axin destruction complex of β-catenin. This results in sustained nuclear accumulation of β-catenin, followed by β-catenin-dependent co-transcriptional activation of Wnt/β-catenin target genes. Thus, mechanisms acting downstream of APC, such as those controlling β-catenin stability and/or co-transcriptional activity, are attractive targets for CRC treatment. Protein Kinase C-α (PKCα) phosphorylates the orphan receptor RORα that then inhibits β-catenin co-transcriptional activity. PKCα also phosphorylates β-catenin, leading to its degradation by the proteasome. Here, using both in vitro (DLD-1 cells) and in vivo (C57BL/6J mice) PKCα knock-in models, we investigated whether enhancing PKCα function could be beneficial in CRC treatment. We found that PKCα is infrequently mutated in CRC samples, and that inducing PKCα function is not deleterious for the normal intestinal epithelium. Conversely, di-terpene ester-induced PKCα activity triggers CRC cell death. Together, these data indicate that PKCα is a relevant drug target for CRC treatment.

Prevalence and risk factors for fundic gland polyps

The incidence of fundic gland polyps (FGPs) is increasing rapidly and has surpassed hyperplastic polyps to become the most common epithelial gastric polyps in Western countries and China.1, 2 They are usually multiple, small (1-5 mm), transparent, and sessile; the background gastric mucosa is typically normal.3 FGPs are more prevalent among females and are often located in the gastric fundus and body. There are two types of FGPs: sporadic and syndromic (in association with familial adenomatosis polyposis). Although different in their genetic and molecular backgrounds, sporadic and syndromic FGPs are histologically and histochemically indistinguishable. Syndromic FGPs occur in the presence of inherited germline mutation in the adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene plus the acquisition of a somatic mutation, leading to complete inactivation of the APC tumor suppressor gene.4 Familial adenomatosis polyposis should be excluded by colonoscopy if FGPs are numerous, large (>1 cm), or dysplasic.3 For sporadic FGPs, up to 23% are associated with proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use.5, 6 A recent review with meta-analysis indicated that long-term use of PPIs (≥12 months) increased the risk of FGPs (pooled odds ratio [confidence interval]: 3.81 [2.78-5.24] for the fixed effects model and 2.88 [0.97-8.55] for the random effects model).7 The risk was even higher if the exposure duration was more than 48 months (pooled odds ratio: 4.02). There is no or inverse association with Helicobacter pylori infection.1, 3 FGPs rarely harbor dysplastic lesions. A study in the USA of 35 372 FGPs found that only 0.3% had low-grade dysplasia.5 Moreover, even syndromic FGPs rarely progress to cancer.8 Once epithelial gastric polyps are found at initial endoscopy, it is important to sample polyps and/or normal-appearing gastric mucosa to establish histological diagnosis and to define who needs surveillance. Biopsies from the background antrum and corpus mucosa could rule out atrophic gastritis, intestinal metaplasia, dysplasia, and H. pylori infection. All these information is important for the management of other epithelial gastric polyps, including hyperplastic polyp, adenoma, and type 1 or 2 gastric neuroendocrine tumors.3 Once sporadic FGPs are diagnosed, routine endoscopic surveillance is not recommended in the absence of dysplasia. There is still no consensus on the indication of endoscopy resection of sporadic FGPs. However, many experts suggest the removal of FGPs larger than 10 mm.3 Few studies have considered risk factors other than age, gender, PPIs, and H. pylori infection for sporadic FGPs. A recent one-center, endoscopy-based retrospective study in Taiwan indicated the incidence of FGPs increased from 0.6% in 2010 to 1.3% in 2015.9 The controls were age- and gender-matched subjects who received upper endoscopy during the similar period with the cases. The authors found the presence of liver cirrhosis, gastric ulcer, duodenal ulcer (adjusted odds ratio: 0.18, 0.28, and 0.35, respectively, all P < 0.001), but not reflux esophagitis, were inversely associated with FGP risk. FGPs are commonly seen in patients with relatively healthy gastric mucosa. This is an interesting finding that implies causative factors to gastric mucosa, including cirrhosis and peptic ulcers, which could reduce the formation of FGPs, probably through the facilitation of glandular outflow. However, more than 30% of H. pylori status was missing, and the information of PPI exposure was less than adequate in this study. Future studies are necessary to support this finding and the proposed mechanism behind it. The author declares no conflict of interest.

Familial adenomatosis of the colon: current state of the problem.

The urgency of the problem of familial adenomatosis of the colon (FAC) is caused both by the severity of the disease with the inevitable development of cancer without timely treatment, and the involvement of the patient's blood relatives in this problem. Due to the rare inci- dence of this disease, many issues require discussion. To determine the possibility of timely treatment of FAC patients maintaining a satisfactory quality of life. The data on 5 FAC patients and 12 their blood relatives were studied. Clinical, endoscopic and genetic characteristics of the disease and treatment were analyzed. Results. Demonstrated that family history, genetic and endoscopic examinations allow diagnosis of FAC. Colectomy with rectal resection and the creation of a small intestine reservoir with reservoir-rectal anastomosis provide a sufficient quality of life for patients. Examination of the patient's blood relatives reveals new patients requiring additional examination and treatment. The problem of FAC is multidisciplinary and involves therapists, gastroenterologists, pediatricians, geneticists, endoscopists, radi- ologists, surgeons and oncologists. Only a timely diagnosis can help the patient to undergo radical treatment before the development of colon cancer.

Highlights from Recent Cancer Literature

Highlights from Recent Cancer Literature