MedGen

Autosomal recessive visceral neuropathy-2 (VSCN2) is characterized by intestinal dysmotility due to aganglionosis or hypoganglionosis of the colon. Patients also exhibit peripheral axonal neuropathy, ptosis, and sensorineural hearing loss (Le et al., 2021). For a discussion of genetic heterogeneity of VSCN, see VSCN1 (243180). [from OMIM]

Megacystis-microcolon-intestinal hypoperistalsis syndrome-2 (MMIHS2) is characterized by prenatal bladder enlargement, neonatal functional gastrointestinal obstruction, and chronic dependence on total parenteral nutrition and urinary catheterization. The majority of cases have a fatal outcome due to malnutrition and sepsis, followed by multiorgan failure (summary by Wang et al., 2019). For a discussion of genetic heterogeneity of MMIHS, see 249210. [from OMIM]

Visceral myopathy-2 (VSCM2) is characterized by gastrointestinal symptoms resulting from intestinal dysmotility and paresis, including abdominal distention, pain, nausea, and vomiting. Some patients exhibit predominantly esophageal symptoms, with hiatal hernia and severe reflux resulting in esophagitis and stricture, whereas others experience chronic intestinal pseudoobstruction. Bladder involvement resulting in megacystis and megaureter has also been observed and may be evident at birth (Dong et al., 2019; Gilbert et al. (2020)). [from OMIM]

Megacystis-microcolon-intestinal hypoperistalsis syndrome-4 (MMIHS4) is a severe early-onset disorder characterized by impaired smooth muscle contractility in the bladder and intestines (Kandler et al., 2020). For a discussion of genetic heterogeneity of MMIHS, see 249210. [from OMIM]

Immunodeficiency-73B with defective neutrophil chemotaxis (IMD73B) is an autosomal dominant immunologic disorder characterized by onset of recurrent infections in infancy or early childhood. Affected individuals develop respiratory infections, cellulitis, and severe invasive infections or sepsis; organisms include bacteria such as Staphylococcus, as well as viruses, fungi, and mycobacterial species. Laboratory studies show variable abnormalities, including B- and T-cell lymphopenia, decreased immunoglobulin subsets, decreased TRECs and dysfunctional T cells, decreased NK cells, neutropenia, and impaired neutrophil chemotaxis. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is curative (summary by Hsu et al., 2019; review by Lougaris et al., 2020). In a review of autosomal forms of chronic granulomatous disease (see 306400 for genetic heterogeneity of CGD), Roos et al. (2021) noted that patients with RAC2 mutations may manifest CGD-like symptoms due to defects in neutrophil NADPH oxidase activity. [from OMIM]

MYH9-related disease (MYH9-RD) is characterized in all affected individuals by hematologic features present from birth consisting of platelet macrocytosis (i.e., >40% of platelets larger than 3.9 µm in diameter), thrombocytopenia (platelet count <150 x 109/L), and aggregates of the MYH9 protein in the cytoplasm of neutrophil granulocytes. Most affected individuals develop one or more additional extrahematologic manifestations of the disease over their lifetime, including sensorineural hearing loss, renal disease (manifesting initially as glomerular nephropathy), presenile cataracts, and/or elevation of liver enzymes. [from GeneReviews]

EDFAOB is characterized by linear hypopigmentation and craniofacial asymmetry in association with ocular, dental, and acral anomalies. Brain imaging has revealed some abnormalities, including diffuse cystic leukoencephalopathy and mildly enlarged lateral ventricles, but patients show no intellectual or neurologic impairment (Vabres et al., 2019). [from OMIM]

Familial thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection (familial TAAD) involves problems with the aorta, which is the large blood vessel that distributes blood from the heart to the rest of the body. Familial TAAD affects the upper part of the aorta, near the heart. This part of the aorta is called the thoracic aorta because it is located in the chest (thorax). Other vessels that carry blood from the heart to the rest of the body (arteries) can also be affected.

In familial TAAD, the aorta can become weakened and stretched (aortic dilatation), which can lead to a bulge in the blood vessel wall (an aneurysm). Aortic dilatation may also lead to a sudden tearing of the layers in the aorta wall (aortic dissection), allowing blood to flow abnormally between the layers. These aortic abnormalities are potentially life-threatening because they can decrease blood flow to other parts of the body such as the brain or other vital organs, or cause the aorta to break open (rupture).

The occurrence and timing of these aortic abnormalities vary, even within the same affected family. They can begin in childhood or not occur until late in life. Aortic dilatation is generally the first feature of familial TAAD to develop, although in some affected individuals dissection occurs with little or no aortic dilatation.

Aortic aneurysms usually have no symptoms. However, depending on the size, growth rate, and location of these abnormalities, they can cause pain in the jaw, neck, chest, or back; swelling in the arms, neck, or head; difficult or painful swallowing; hoarseness; shortness of breath; wheezing; a chronic cough; or coughing up blood. Aortic dissections usually cause severe, sudden chest or back pain, and may also result in unusually pale skin (pallor), a very faint pulse, numbness or tingling (paresthesias) in one or more limbs, or paralysis.

Familial TAAD may not be associated with other signs and symptoms. However, some individuals in affected families show mild features of related conditions called Marfan syndrome or Loeys-Dietz syndrome. These features include tall stature, stretch marks on the skin, an unusually large range of joint movement (joint hypermobility), and either a sunken or protruding chest. Occasionally, people with familial TAAD develop aneurysms in the brain or in the section of the aorta located in the abdomen (abdominal aorta). Some people with familial TAAD have heart abnormalities that are present from birth (congenital). Affected individuals may also have a soft out-pouching in the lower abdomen (inguinal hernia), an abnormal curvature of the spine (scoliosis), or a purplish skin discoloration (livedo reticularis) caused by abnormalities in the tiny blood vessels of the skin (dermal capillaries). However, these conditions are also common in the general population. Depending on the genetic cause of familial TAAD in particular families, they may have an increased risk of developing blockages in smaller arteries, which can lead to heart attack and stroke. [from MedlinePlus Genetics]

A rare genetic multiple congenital anomalies/dysmorphic syndrome characterized by global developmental delay and moderate to severe intellectual disability, as well as variable other manifestations, such as macro- or microcephaly, epilepsy, hypotonia, behavioral problems, stereotypic movements, and facial dysmorphism (including arched eyebrows, long palpebral fissures, prominent nasal bridge, upturned nose, dysplastic ears, and broad mouth), among others. Brain imaging may show cerebellar anomalies, hypoplastic corpus callosum, enlarged ventricles, polymicrogyria, or white matter abnormalities. [from ORDO]

Takenouchi-Kosaki syndrome is a highly heterogeneous autosomal dominant complex congenital developmental disorder affecting multiple organ systems. The core phenotype includes delayed psychomotor development with variable intellectual disability, dysmorphic facial features, and cardiac, genitourinary, and hematologic or lymphatic defects, including thrombocytopenia and lymphedema. Additional features may include abnormalities on brain imaging, skeletal anomalies, and recurrent infections. Some patients have a milder disease course reminiscent of Noonan syndrome (see, e.g., NS1, 163950) (summary by Martinelli et al., 2018). [from OMIM]

Pertuzumab is a monoclonal antibody used in the treatment of breast cancer. Pertuzumab was designed to target an epidermal growth factor receptor encoded by the ERBB2 gene, commonly referred to as the HER2 gene. The ERBB2 gene is overexpressed in 15–20% of breast cancers and is also overexpressed in some cases of other cancer types (gastric, colon, head, and neck). Historically, “HER2-positive” tumors are associated with a faster rate of growth and a poorer prognosis than other breast cancer subtypes. The use of pertuzumab in treatment regimens improves outcomes, with limited adverse effects that include cardiac toxicity. Pertuzumab is used with other drugs as an advanced breast cancer treatment, a neoadjuvant treatment, and an adjuvant treatment for HER2-positive breast cancer. In the advanced/metastatic setting, pertuzumab added to trastuzumab and a taxane is used to increase long-term progression-free and overall survival when administered in the first line setting. As neoadjuvant treatment, pertuzumab is given with trastuzumab and chemotherapy before surgery in individuals with early breast cancer to increase pathologic complete response rates. And as an adjuvant treatment, pertuzumab is given with trastuzumab and chemotherapy to reduce the risk of cancer reoccurrence in individuals with early breast cancer. The 2020 FDA-approved drug label states that pertuzumab should only be used to treat individuals with tumors that have either HER2 protein overexpression or ERBB2 gene amplification, as determined by an accurate and validated FDA-approved assay. This is because these are the only individuals studied for whom benefit has been shown. The most recent update (2018) American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) / College of American Pathologists (CAP) guidelines continue to state that all newly diagnosed individuals with breast cancer must have an HER2 test performed. Individuals who then develop metastatic disease must have an HER2 test performed in a metastatic site, if a tissue sample is available. [from Medical Genetics Summaries]

Peripheral neuropathy-myopathy-hoarseness-hearing loss syndrome is a rare, syndromic genetic deafness characterized by a combination of muscle weakness, chronic neuropathic and myopathic features, hoarseness and sensorineural hearing loss. A wide range of disease onset and severity has been reported even within the same family. [from ORDO]

Trastuzumab is a monoclonal antibody used in the treatment of breast and gastric/gastroesophageal cancer. It targets an epidermal growth factor receptor encoded by the ERBB2 gene, which is commonly referred to as the HER2 gene. Multiple biosimilar products to Herceptin are now available: Kanjinti, Trazimera, Ontruzant, Herzuma and Ogivri. The ERBB2 gene is overexpressed in 15–20% of breast cancers and 15–20% of gastric and esophageal cancers. Overall, “HER2 positive” tumors are associated with a faster rate of growth and—in some cases—a poorer prognosis in absence of anti-HER2 therapy. The use of trastuzumab in treatment regimens improves outcomes, with limited adverse effects that include cardiac toxicity. The FDA-approved drug label states that trastuzumab should only be used to treat individuals with tumors that have either HER2 protein overexpression or ERBB2 gene amplification, as determined by an accurate and validated FDA-approved assay, specific for the type of tumor tested (breast or gastric). The FDA-approved drug label for all trastuzumab biosimilars describes only the use of trastuzumab in adjuvant treatment of breast cancer, though its efficacy in neoadjuvant care for breast cancer and esophageal adenocarcinoma has also been documented. The most recent update (2018) of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)/College of American Pathologists (CAP) guidelines continues to state that all newly diagnosed individuals with breast cancer must have an HER2 test performed. Individuals who then develop metastatic disease must have an HER2 test performed in a metastatic site, if tissue sample is available. [from Medical Genetics Summaries]

Panitumumab is a monoclonal antibody used for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Panitumumab is an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) antagonist, which works by blocking the growth of cancer cells. It is administered every 14 days as an intravenous (IV) infusion, often with chemotherapy. Panitumumab is approved for first-line therapy with folinic acid, fluorouracil, and oxaliplatin (FOLFOX) and as monotherapy following disease progression after prior treatment with fluoropyrimidine-, oxaliplatin-, and irinotecan-containing chemotherapy. The location of the primary tumor correlates whether an individual with mCRC is likely respond to anti-EGFR therapy. Individuals with left-sided tumors are more likely to respond well to anti-EGFR therapy and have a better prognosis. Individuals with right-sided tumors have a worse prognosis and respond poorly to anti-EGFR therapy. However, only the genetic variation status of the tumor, and not the location of the tumor, is discussed in the FDA drug label’s dosing recommendations. Resistance to panitumumab is associated with specific RAS mutations. The RAS is a family of oncogenes that includes the KRAS and NRAS genes. When mutated, these genes have the ability to transform normal cells into cancerous cells by providing a continual growth stimulus to cells. The KRAS mutations are particularly common, being detectable in 40% of metastatic colorectal tumors. The KRAS mutations often lead to constitutive activation of the EGFR and are associated with resistance to anti-EGFR drugs such as panitumumab. Mutations in NRAS and another gene, BRAF, have also been associated with poor response to anti-EGFR therapy. The 2017 FDA-approved label states that panitumumab is indicated for wild-type RAS (no mutations in either KRAS or NRAS) mCRC. The label states that an FDA-approved test must be used to confirm the absence of RAS mutations before starting panitumumab, and that panitumumab is not indicated for the treatment of individuals with colorectal cancer with RAS mutations (in either NRAS or KRAS), or when the RAS genetic variation status is unknown. Similarly, the 2015 Update from the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) states that anti-EGFR therapy should only be considered for the treatment of individuals whose tumor is determined to not have variations detected after extended RAS testing. The 2020 National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guideline also strongly recommends KRAS/NRAS genotyping of tumor tissue in all individuals with mCRC. In addition, the guideline states the V600E mutation in the BRAF gene makes a response to panitumumab highly unlikely, unless given with a BRAF inhibitor. [from Medical Genetics Summaries]

Cetuximab is a monoclonal antibody used in the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) and cancer of the head and neck. Cetuximab is an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) antagonist, which works by blocking the growth of cancer cells. It is administered as a weekly intravenous (IV) infusion, but in practice, is often given every other week to coincide with chemotherapy (for example, FOLFIRI or FOLFOX). Cetuximab has several off-label uses as well, which include non-small cell lung cancer, squamous cell carcinoma of the skin, and Menetrier’s disease. Interestingly, for colorectal cancer, the location of the primary tumor influences whether an individual with mCRC will respond to anti-EGFR therapy, and influences prognosis. Individuals with left-sided tumors are more likely to respond well to anti-EGFR therapy and have a better prognosis. Individuals with right-sided tumors have a worse prognosis and respond poorly to anti-EGFR therapy. However, currently only the mutation status of the tumor, and not the location of the tumor, is discussed in the drug label’s dosing recommendations. Resistance to cetuximab is associated with specific RAS mutations. The RAS family of oncogenes includes the KRAS and NRAS genes. When mutated, these genes have the ability to transform normal cells into cancerous cells. The KRAS mutations are particularly common, being detectable in 40% of metastatic colorectal tumors. The KRAS mutations often lead to constitutive activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway and are associated with resistance to anti-EGFR drugs such as cetuximab. In addition, mutations in NRAS and another gene, BRAF, have been associated with poor response to anti-EGFR therapy; however, BRAF mutation does not explicitly preclude anti-EGFR therapy. Combination therapies targeting both BRAF and EGFR have shown to improve survival for individuals with wild-type RAS and mutant BRAF. The 2018 FDA-approved drug label for cetuximab states that for mCRC, cetuximab is indicated for K- and N-RAS wild-type (no mutation), EGFR-expressing tumors. The label states that an FDA-approved test must be used to confirm the absence of a RAS mutation (in either KRAS or NRAS) prior to starting cetuximab. While the FDA label also states that EGFR expression should also be confirmed by an approved test prior to starting therapy for mCRC, this is largely not implemented in practice, nor is it recommended by professional oncology society guidelines. Similarly, the 2015 Update from the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) states that anti-EGFR therapy should only be considered for the treatment of individuals whose tumor is determined to not have mutations detected after extended RAS testing. The 2020 National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guideline also strongly recommends KRAS/NRAS genotyping of tumor tissue in all individuals with mCRC. In addition, the guideline states the V600E mutation in the BRAF gene makes a response to cetuximab (and panitumumab) highly unlikely unless given a BRAF inhibitor. [from Medical Genetics Summaries]

Gliomas are central nervous system neoplasms derived from glial cells and comprise astrocytomas, glioblastoma multiforme, oligodendrogliomas, ependymomas, and subependymomas. Glial cells can show various degrees of differentiation even within the same tumor (summary by Kyritsis et al., 2010). Ependymomas are rare glial tumors of the brain and spinal cord (Yokota et al., 2003). Subependymomas are unusual tumors believed to arise from the bipotential subependymal cell, which normally differentiates into either ependymal cells or astrocytes. They were characterized as a distinct entity by Scheinker (1945). They tend to be slow-growing, noninvasive, and located in the ventricular system, septum pellucidum, cerebral aqueduct, or proximal spinal cord (summary by Ryken et al., 1994). Gliomas are known to occur in association with several other well-defined hereditary tumor syndromes such as mismatch repair cancer syndrome (see 276300), melanoma-astrocytoma syndrome (155755), neurofibromatosis-1 (NF1; 162200) and neurofibromatosis-2 (see SWNV, 101000), and tuberous sclerosis (TSC1; 191100). Familial clustering of gliomas may occur in the absence of these tumor syndromes, however. Genetic Heterogeneity of Susceptibility to Glioma Other glioma susceptibilities include GLM2 (613028), caused by variation in the PTEN gene (601728) on chromosome 10q23; GLM3 (613029), caused by variation in the BRCA2 gene (600185) on chromosome 13q13; GLM4 (607248), mapped to chromosome 15q23-q26.3; GLM5 (613030), mapped to chromosome 9p21; GLM6 (613031), mapped to chromosome 20q13; GLM7 (613032), mapped to chromosome 8q24; GLM8 (613033), mapped to chromosome 5p15; and GLM9, caused by variation in the POT1 gene (606478) on chromosome 7q31. Somatic mutation, disruption, or copy number variation of the following genes or loci may also contribute to the formation of glioma: ERBB (EGFR; 131550), ERBB2 (164870), LGI1 (604619), GAS41 (602116), GLI (165220), DMBT1 (601969), IDH1 (147700), IDH2 (147650), BRAF (164757), PARK2 (602544), TP53 (191170), RB1 (614041), PIK3CA (171834), 10p15, 19q, and 17p13.3. [from OMIM]

Immunodeficiency-73A with defective neutrophil chemotaxis and leukocytosis (IMD73A) is an immunologic disorder characterized by onset of recurrent infections in early infancy. Affected infants have periumbilical erythema and later develop skin abscesses and invasive infections. Laboratory studies show leukocytosis, neutrophilia, decreased TRECs, and T-cell abnormalities. Neutrophils showed decreased chemotaxis associated with actin polymerization abnormalities, as well as variably impaired oxidative responses. Hematopoietic stem cell transplant may be curative (summary by Accetta et al., 2011; review by Lougaris et al., 2020). In a review of autosomal forms of chronic granulomatous disease (see 306400 for genetic heterogeneity of CGD), Roos et al. (2021) noted that patients with RAC2 mutations may manifest CGD-like symptoms due to defects in neutrophil NADPH oxidase activity. [from OMIM]

Any autosomal dominant nonsyndromic deafness in which the cause of the disease is a mutation in the MYH9 gene. [from MONDO]

Any familial thoracic aortic aneurysm and aortic dissection in which the cause of the disease is a mutation in the MYH11 gene. [from MONDO]