Mutations in SUFU and PTCH1 genes may cause different cutaneous cancer predisposition syndromes: similar, but not the same

Fam Cancer. 2018 Oct;17(4):601-606. doi: 10.1007/s10689-018-0073-7.

Abstract

Many cancer predisposition syndromes are preceded or accompanied by a range of typical skin signs. Gorlin syndrome is a rare multisystem inherited disorder which can predispose to basal cell carcinomas (BCCs), childhood medulloblastomas in addition to various developmental abnormalities; the majority of cases are due to mutations in the PTCH1 gene. Approximately 5% of cases have been attributed to a mutation in the SUFU gene. Certain phenotypic features have been identified as being more prevalent in individuals with a SUFU mutation such as childhood medulloblastoma, infundibulocystic BCCs and trichoepitheliomas. Recently hamartomatous skin lesions have also been noted in families with childhood medulloblastoma, a "Gorlin like" phenotype and a SUFU mutation. Here we describe a family previously diagnosed with Gorlin syndrome with a novel SUFU splice site deleterious genetic variant, who have several dermatological features including palmar sclerotic fibromas which has not been described in relation to a SUFU mutation before. We highlight the features more prominent in individuals with a SUFU mutation. It is important to note that emerging therapies for treatment of BCCs in patients with a PTCH1 mutation may not be effective in those with a SUFU mutation.

Keywords: Basal cell carcinoma; Gorlin syndrome; SUFU; Sclerotic fibroma; Vismodegib.

MeSH terms

  • Basal Cell Nevus Syndrome / genetics
  • Carcinoma, Basal Cell / genetics*
  • Carcinoma, Basal Cell / pathology
  • Female
  • Fibroma / genetics
  • Fibroma / pathology
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Mutation*
  • Patched-1 Receptor / genetics*
  • Pedigree
  • RNA Splice Sites
  • Repressor Proteins / genetics*
  • Skin Neoplasms / genetics
  • Skin Neoplasms / pathology

Substances

  • PTCH1 protein, human
  • Patched-1 Receptor
  • RNA Splice Sites
  • Repressor Proteins
  • SUFU protein, human

Supplementary concepts

  • Basal cell carcinoma, infundibulocystic