The clinical utility of genetic testing of tissues from pregnancy losses.

OBJECTIVE: To map the current testing being undertaken following pregnancy loss across the UK and to examine the clinical utility in terms of identifying a cause for the loss and in identifying couples at risk of an unbalanced liveborn child. DESIGN: Retrospective audit. SETTING: UK, for the year 2014. POPULATION: An audit of 6465 referrals for genetic testing of tissue samples following pregnancy loss. METHODS: Data were obtained by questionnaire from 15 UK regional genetics laboratories. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Data were analysed with respect to gestational age, the presence of identified fetal anomalies, methodologies used, abnormality rates and the presence of a parental balanced rearrangement. RESULTS: Of 6465 referrals a genetic cause was identified in 22% of cases (before 12 weeks' gestation, in 47%; at 12-24 weeks, in 14%; after 24 weeks, in 6%). In 0.4% of cases a balanced parental rearrangement was identified where there was a risk of an affected liveborn child in a future pregnancy. Eighty percent of genetic imbalances identified were aneuploidy or triploidy and could be identified by quantitative fluorescence polymerase chain reaction alone. There was significant variation across the UK in acceptance criteria, testing strategies and thus level of resolution of testing. CONCLUSIONS: Genetic testing of tissues following pregnancy loss identifies a probable cause of fetal demise in 22% of cases, but it is of low clinical utility in identifying couples at risk of a future unbalanced liveborn child. A comprehensive multidisciplinary review is needed to develop proposals for an affordable and equitable service. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT: UK audit of genetic testing of fetal loss shows variation in access to and resolution of analysis.

The role of the RAS pathway in iAMP21-ALL.

Intrachromosomal amplification of chromosome 21 (iAMP21) identifies a high-risk subtype of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), requiring intensive treatment to reduce their relapse risk. Improved understanding of the genomic landscape of iAMP21-ALL will ascertain whether these patients may benefit from targeted therapy. We performed whole-exome sequencing of eight iAMP21-ALL samples. The mutation rate was dramatically disparate between cases (average 24.9, range 5-51) and a large number of novel variants were identified, including frequent mutation of the RAS/MEK/ERK pathway. Targeted sequencing of a larger cohort revealed that 60% (25/42) of diagnostic iAMP21-ALL samples harboured 42 distinct RAS pathway mutations. High sequencing coverage demonstrated heterogeneity in the form of multiple RAS pathway mutations within the same sample and diverse variant allele frequencies (VAFs) (2-52%), similar to other subtypes of ALL. Constitutive RAS pathway activation was observed in iAMP21 samples that harboured mutations in the predominant clone (⩾35% VAF). Viable iAMP21 cells from primary xenografts showed reduced viability in response to the MEK1/2 inhibitor, selumetinib, in vitro. As clonal (⩾35% VAF) mutations were detected in 26% (11/42) of iAMP21-ALL, this evidence of response to RAS pathway inhibitors may offer the possibility to introduce targeted therapy to improve therapeutic efficacy in these high-risk patients.

Influence of segmental chromosome abnormalities on survival in children over the age of 12 months with unresectable localised peripheral neuroblastic tumours without MYCN amplification.

BACKGROUND: The prognostic impact of segmental chromosome alterations (SCAs) in children older than 1 year, diagnosed with localised unresectable neuroblastoma (NB) without MYCN amplification enrolled in the European Unresectable Neuroblastoma (EUNB) protocol is still to be clarified, while, for other group of patients, the presence of SCAs is associated with poor prognosis. METHODS: To understand the role of SCAs we performed multilocus/pangenomic analysis of 98 tumour samples from patients enrolled in the EUNB protocol. RESULTS: Age at diagnosis was categorised into two groups using 18 months as the age cutoff. Significant difference in the presence of SCAs was seen in tumours of patients between 12 and 18 months and over 18 months of age at diagnosis, respectively (P=0.04). A significant correlation (P=0.03) was observed between number of SCAs per tumour and age. Event-free (EFS) and overall survival (OS) were calculated in both age groups, according to both the presence and number of SCAs. In older patients, a poorer survival was associated with the presence of SCAs (EFS=46% vs 75%, P=0.023; OS=66.8% vs 100%, P=0.003). Moreover, OS of older patients inversely correlated with number of SCAs (P=0.002). Finally, SCAs provided additional prognostic information beyond histoprognosis, as their presence was associated with poorer OS in patients over 18 months with unfavourable International Neuroblastoma Pathology Classification (INPC) histopathology (P=0.018). CONCLUSIONS: The presence of SCAs is a negative prognostic marker that impairs outcome of patients over the age of 18 months with localised unresectable NB without MYCN amplification, especially when more than one SCA is present. Moreover, in older patients with unfavourable INPC tumour histoprognosis, the presence of SCAs significantly affects OS.

c-MYC is a radiosensitive locus in human breast cells.

Ionising radiation is a potent human carcinogen. Epidemiological studies have shown that adolescent and young women are at increased risk of developing breast cancer following exposure to ionising radiation compared with older women, and that risk is dose-dependent. Although it is well understood which individuals are at risk of radiation-induced breast carcinogenesis, the molecular genetic mechanisms that underlie cell transformation are less clear. To identify genetic alterations potentially responsible for driving radiogenic breast transformation, we exposed the human breast epithelial cell line MCF-10A to fractionated doses of X-rays and examined the copy number and cytogenetic alterations. We identified numerous alterations of c-MYC that included high-level focal amplification associated with increased protein expression. c-MYC amplification was also observed in primary human mammary epithelial cells following exposure to radiation. We also demonstrate that the frequency and magnitude of c-MYC amplification and c-MYC protein expression is significantly higher in breast cancer with antecedent radiation exposure compared with breast cancer without a radiation aetiology. Our data also demonstrate extensive intratumor heterogeneity with respect to c-MYC copy number in radiogenic breast cancer, suggesting continuous evolution at this locus during disease development and progression. Taken together, these data identify c-MYC as a radiosensitive locus, implicating this oncogenic transcription factor in the aetiology of radiogenic breast cancer.

Gain of 1q is a marker of poor prognosis in Wilms' tumors.

Wilms' tumor (WT) trials aim to better tailor treatment intensity to the risk of relapse and death. Currently, stage, histology, age (< or > 24 months), and combined loss of heterozygosity at 1p and 16q in chemotherapy-naïve WTs are the only risk factors used for treatment stratification. However, they predict only less than one-third of all relapsing patients, implying that other factors are involved in treatment failure. Previous studies have associated 1q gain with adverse outcome. Therefore, in this study, the role of 1q gain and other common cytogenetic aberrations (CAs) in WTs was investigated and related to follow-up data from patients with WT treated in the United Kingdom; 19% (64/331) had 1q gain. Gain of 1q was significantly associated with 16q loss (P < 0.001) and 1p loss (P < 0.001). In multivariate analysis taking account of age, tumor stage, anaplasia, and common CA (e.g., 1p loss and 16q loss), 1q gain was independently associated with adverse event-free survival [EFS; hazard ratio (HR) = 2.45, P = 0.02] and overall survival (HR = 4.28, P = 0.004). Loss of 14q was independently associated with an adverse EFS (HR = 4.0, P = 0.04). Gain of 1q is a marker of poor prognosis in WTs, independent of high tumor stage and anaplasia which remain the overarching adverse prognostic factors. Confirmation in other studies is necessary before future therapeutic studies can incorporate 1q gain into new risk stratification schema.

Segmental chromosomal alterations lead to a higher risk of relapse in infants with MYCN-non-amplified localised unresectable/disseminated neuroblastoma (a SIOPEN collaborative study).

BACKGROUND: In neuroblastoma (NB), the presence of segmental chromosome alterations (SCAs) is associated with a higher risk of relapse. METHODS: In order to analyse the role of SCAs in infants with localised unresectable/disseminated NB without MYCN amplification, we have performed an array CGH analysis of tumours from infants enrolled in the prospective European INES trials. RESULTS: Tumour samples from 218 out of 300 enroled patients could be analysed. Segmental chromosome alterations were observed in 11%, 20% and 59% of infants enroled in trials INES99.1 (localised unresectable NB), INES99.2 (stage 4s) and INES99.3 (stage 4) (P<0.0001). Progression-free survival was poorer in patients whose tumours harboured SCA, in the whole population and in trials INES99.1 and INES99.2, in the absence of clinical symptoms (log-rank test, P=0.0001, P=0.04 and P=0.0003, respectively). In multivariate analysis, a SCA genomic profile was the strongest predictor of poorer progression-free survival. CONCLUSION: In infants with stage 4s MYCN-non-amplified NB, a SCA genomic profile identifies patients who will require upfront treatment even in the absence of other clinical indication for therapy, whereas in infants with localised unresectable NB, a genomic profile characterised by the absence of SCA identifies patients in whom treatment reduction might be possible. These findings will be implemented in a future international trial.

FIP1L1-PDGFRA positive chronic eosinophilic leukaemia and associated central nervous system involvement.

Interstitial deletion involving chromosome 4q12 generates the novel tyrosine kinase fusion protein encoded by FIP1L1-PDGFRA, which is present in many patients previously labelled as having hypereosinophilic syndrome, initially reported in 2003. Reports in recent literature document excellent clinical and molecular response to the tyrosine kinase inhibitor imatinib (Glivec). This report describes the case of a 58-year-old lady, diagnosed with FIP1L1-PDGFRA positive hypereosinophilic disorder, who subsequently developed symptoms related to an intracranial lesion. Biopsy and molecular genetic studies confirmed a diffuse infiltrative lesion, with evidence of FIP1L1-PDGFRA gene fusion. Initiation of imatinib treatment led to impressive clinical and radiological response.

Donor lymphocyte infusions for post-transplant relapse of refractory anemia with excess blasts and monosomy 7.

An 8-year-old male relapsed with refractory anemia with excess blasts (RAEB) and monosomy 7 and mixed chimerism (MC) 21 months after HLA-matched unrelated donor bone marrow transplant (BMT). He received three donor lymphocyte infusions (DLI) using an escalating dose schedule. He developed grade II acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) 9 days after the third DLI, but continued to deteriorate for 2 months with decreasing marrow cellularity but persisting blasts, MC, and monosomy 7, before exhibiting a delayed but complete response which has persisted for 5 years. This case suggests that DLI and graft-versus-myelodysplasia (GVMDS) may be beneficial in post-transplant relapse of pediatric myelodysplasia.

Population-based demographic study of karyotypes in 1709 patients with adult acute myeloid leukemia.

Few large demographic studies of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) are derived from population-based registries. Demographic and karyotypic data were provided for AML cases from two regional leukemia registry databases in Scotland and the Northern Region of England. A population-based dataset was compiled, comprising 1709 patients aged >16 years (1235 North England/474 Scotland patients). The most common cytogenetic abnormalities involved chromosomes 5 and/or 7 (17%). Patients with the following abnormal chromosome 5/7 combinations: -5, del(5q), -5/-7 and del(5q)/-7 represented a significantly older population (P < 0.01, ANOVA). t(8;21) was the only 'favourable' karyotype found in older age. Karyotypic complexity varied within chromosome 5/7 combination groups; those containing -5, -5/-7, -5/del(7q), del(5q)/-7 or del(5q)/del(7q) combinations were significantly more frequently complex than those containing -7 and del(7q) (P < 0.01, chi2 test). Additional recurring cytogenetic abnormalities within complex karyotypes containing chromosome 5/7 combinations included (in order of frequency), abnormalities of chromosomes 17, 12, 3 and 18. Complex karyotypes not involving chromosomes 5 or 7 represented 30% of all complex karyotypes, occurred in younger patients than those involving chromosomes 5 and 7, and frequently included additional trisomy 8 (26%). In conclusion, we describe subgroups within adverse karyotypes, with different demographics, degree of complexity and additional chromosome abnormalities.

Quality assessment of genetic markers used for therapy stratification.

PURPOSE: Therapy stratification based on genetic markers is becoming increasingly important, which makes commitment to the highest possible reliability of the involved markers mandatory. In neuroblastic tumors, amplification of the MYCN gene is an unequivocal marker that indicates aggressive tumor behavior and is consequently used for therapy stratification. To guarantee reliable and standardized quality of genetic features, a quality-assessment study was initiated by the European Neuroblastoma Quality Assessment (ENQUA; connected to International Society of Pediatric Oncology) Group. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred thirty-seven coded specimens from 17 tumors were analyzed in 11 European national/regional reference laboratories using molecular techniques, in situ hybridization, and flow and image cytometry. Tumor samples with divergent results were re-evaluated. RESULTS: Three hundred fifty-two investigations were performed, which resulted in 23 divergent findings, 17 of which were judged as errors after re-evaluation. MYCN analyses determined by Southern blot and in situ hybridization led to 3.7% and 4% of errors, respectively. Tumor cell content was not indicated in 32% of the samples, and 11% of seemingly correct MYCN results were based on the investigation of normal cells (eg, Schwann cells). Thirty-eight investigations were considered nonassessable. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated the importance of revealing the difficulties and limitations for each technique and problems in interpreting results, which are crucial for therapeutic decisions. Moreover, it led to the formulation of guidelines that are applicable to all kinds of tumors and that contain the standardization of techniques, including the exact determination of the tumor cell content. Finally, the group has developed a common terminology for molecular-genetic results.

Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia of the L3 subtype in adults in the Northern health region of England 1983-99.

AIM: Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) with an L3 morphological FAB type is regarded by some as being synonymous with B cell ALL or ALL with a Burkitt-type chromosomal translocation-t(8;14), t(2;8), t(8;22). This paper describes a series from a population based study of 24 patients with L3 ALL presenting over 17 years. METHODS: Clinical data were collected prospectively from all adult patients presenting with acute leukaemia in the Northern region since 1982. Data from all patients diagnosed with FAB type L3 ALL were analysed. RESULTS: Overall, L3 ALL accounts for 8.6% of all adult ALL and it is more common in the elderly than has hitherto been recognised. In addition to classic Burkitt-type translocations (11 of 24 cases), the t(14;18) translocation, which is characteristically found in lower grade lymphomas such as follicular lymphoma, is frequently present (five of 24 cases). CONCLUSION: The presence of L3 ALL is often associated with non-Burkitt-type translocations and the presence of a t(14;18) translocation may indicate that in some cases a clinically non-apparent lymphoproliferative disorder, such as a low grade follicular lymphoma, has transformed to a more aggressive form and, thus, presents as a de novo acute leukaemia.

Neuroblastoma tumour genetics: clinical and biological aspects.

Neuroblastoma tumour cells show complex combinations of acquired genetic aberrations, including ploidy changes, deletions of chromosome arms 1p and 11q, amplification of the MYCN oncogene, and-most frequently-gains of chromosome arm 17q. Despite intensive investigation, the fundamental role of these features in neuroblastoma initiation and progression remains to be understood. Nonetheless, great progress has been made in relating tumour genetic abnormalities to tumour behaviour and to clinical outcome; indeed, neuroblastoma provides a paradigm for the clinical importance of tumour genetic abnormalities. Knowledge of MYCN status is increasingly being used in treatment decisions for individual children, and the clinical value of 1p and 17q data as adjuncts or refinements in risk stratification is under active investigation. Reliable detection of these molecular cytogenetic features should be regarded as mandatory for all new cases at presentation.

Erythroleukaemia in the north of England: a population based study.

AIMS: To evaluate the incidence and outcome of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), FAB M6 (erythroleukaemia). METHODS: A demographic study in the Northern Health Region of England between 1983 and 1999. RESULTS: Thirty three cases were diagnosed and registered prospectively. The overall incidence was 0.077 cases/100,000/year. There was a pronounced rise in incidence in patients aged 56 years or more: 6.6 times higher than that in younger patients. Overall survival was poor; median survival was 11 months for those aged less than 56 years, and three months for patients aged 56 years and above (p = 0.045). Acquired karyotypic abnormalities were found in 17 of 27 patients where analysis was attempted. When classified according to the criteria of the Medical Research Council AML trials, karyotype predicted survival, with a median overall survival of 14 months for those with "standard risk" cytogenetic results and two months for "poor risk" results (p = 0.005). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates a worse survival for patients with erythroleukaemia than that reported in some published trials of selected patients.

17q gain in neuroblastoma predicts adverse clinical outcome. U.K. Cancer Cytogenetics Group and the U.K. Children's Cancer Study Group.

BACKGROUND: It is now recognized that gain of chromosome 17 material is the most frequent genetic abnormality of neuroblastoma cells. Several studies have linked 17q gain with known adverse prognostic factors: patient age >1 year, advanced stage disease, deletion of chromosome arm 1 p, and amplification of the MYCN oncogene. We sought to further investigate the clinical and prognostic associations of chromosome 17 status in relation to other well-established predictive factors. PROCEDURE: In a collaborative study by UK cytogenetics centres, we compiled a series of 104 neuroblastoma tumours for which the status of chromosome 17 was confidently defined by cytogenetics, metaphase or interphase FISH, or CGH analysis. The results were correlated with data on 1p and MYCN, and with centrally collated clinical and survival information. RESULTS: Gain of 17q (i.e., unbalanced gain of segment 17q21-qter) was found in 66.3% of tumours, while 33.7% showed a '17q normal' status (i.e., no gain at all, or gain of whole chromosome 17 relative to ploidy). Gain of 17q was strongly associated with advanced stage disease, patient age >1 year, 1p deletion, and MYCN amplification (all P< 0.01). In univariate analysis, 17q gain was a significant predictor of adverse outcome (projected 5 year relapse-free survival 15.6% compared to 75.2% in cases lacking this feature in tumour cells; (P < 0.0001). In multivariate analysis, 17q gain was more strongly associated with adverse outcome than was either stage (Stage 4 vs other combined) or 1p status. CONCLUSION: We conclude that gain of chromosome segment 17q21-qter is of great biological and clinical importance in neuroblastoma, and that its detection at diagnosis should be a priority.

Molecular cytogenetic definition of 17q translocation breakpoints in neuroblastoma.

BACKGROUND: Unbalanced translocations resulting in the gain of material from 17q are the most common chromosomal changes in neuroblastoma and are associated with poor patient survival, and are established indicators of bad prognosis. PROCEDURE: We have used 13 fluorescent in situ hybridisation probes to map 17q translocation breakpoints in ten neuroblastoma cell lines and 21 primary tumours. RESULTS: At least seven different breakpoints have been identified, all localised within the proximal half of 17q (53-68 cM, 17cen-17q22). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the dosage of a gene, or genes, in 17q22-qter is responsible for the clinical effects of 17q gain, rather than the disruption of a specific gene.

Multicentre analysis of patterns of DNA gains and losses in 204 neuroblastoma tumors: how many genetic subgroups are there?

PROCEDURE: Analysis of comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) data of 120 tumors from four different studies, and data of 84 previously unpublishied tumors, allowed delineation of at least six different genetic subsets of neuroblastomas. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: A small number of tumors show no detectable imballances. A second group of tumors presents with gains and losses of whole chromosomes and is found predominantly in prognostically favorable stage 1 and 2 tumors. The remaining groups are characterized by the presence of partial chromosome imbalances, and are found mostly in stage 3, 4, and 4S tumors. The third group shows 17q gain without 11q loss, 1p loss, or MYCN amplification (MNA). The fourth group has 1p deletion or MNA, and finally, a fifth group shows 11q loss without 1p deletion or MNA, and is found mainly in stage 4 tumors. The latter group is significantly associated with losses of 3p, 4p, and 14q.

Comprehensive genetic and histopathologic study reveals three types of neuroblastoma tumors.

PURPOSE: To determine the relationship between multiple genetic features, tumor morphology, and prognosis in neuroblastoma. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The genetic alterations and morphologic features that underpin three histopathologic risk classifications were analyzed in 108 neuroblastoma patients. Tumors were subdivided into four groups based on the three most frequent and prognostically significant genetic alterations (17q gain, 1p deletion, and MYCN amplification), and all other genetic, morphologic, and clinical data were analyzed with respect to these groups. RESULTS: Our analyses identify three nonoverlapping tumor types with distinct genetic and morphologic features, defined here as types 1, 2, and 3. Type 1 tumors show none of the three significant genetic alterations and have good prognosis. Both type 2 (17q gain only or 17q gain and 1p del) and type 3 (17q gain, 1p del, and MYCN amplification) tumors progress. However, these tumor types are distinguished clinically by having significantly different median age at diagnosis and median progression-free survival (PFS). Multivariate analysis indicates that 17q gain is the only independent prognostic factor among all genetic, histopathologic, and clinical factors analyzed. Among histopathologic risk systems, the International Neuroblastoma Pathology Classification was the best predictor of PFS. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that specific combinations of genetic changes in neuroblastoma tumors contribute to distinct morphologic and clinical features. Furthermore, the identification of two genetically and morphologically distinct types of progressing tumors suggests that possibilities for different therapeutic regimens should be investigated.