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Objetivo: Até 10% dos casos de câncer de mama estão associados com uma síndrome genética de predisposição ao câncer. A identificação de possíveis portadores dessas síndromes e o consequente encaminhamento para aconselhamento genético permitem a adoção de estratégias direcionadas de prevenção e rastreamento capazes de diminuir morbidade e mortalidade. O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar a proporção de pacientes com câncer de mama atendidos no Hospital Universitário de Santa Maria (HUSM) que necessitariam ser encaminhados para avaliação genética. Métodos: Pacientes com câncer de mama que iniciaram tratamento oncológico no HUSM durante o ano de 2014 foram considerados elegíveis. Uma entrevista foi conduzida com cada paciente para coleta de dados e exame físico dirigido. O questionário FSH-7 (Family Story Screening 7) e os critérios do NCCN (National Comprehensive Cancer Network) foram utilizados para identificar os pacientes que deveriam ser encaminhados para avaliação genética. Estes pacientes foram então avaliados quanto à indicação de teste genético - de acordo com as recomendações do NCCN para teste genético – e à probabilidade de mutações nos genes BRCA1 e BRCA2 através de modelos de predição de risco (BOADICEA, Penn II, sistema de escore de Manchester e tabelas da Myriad). Resultados: Dentre os 114 participantes do estudo, 65 (57%) preenchiam critérios de encaminhamento para avaliação genética de acordo com as diretrizes do NCCN. O questionário FHS-7 apresentou uma sensibilidade de 90% para identificar estes pacientes, com uma especificidade de 85%. A presença de história pessoal ou familiar de câncer de mama antes dos 50 anos foi o critério mais comum para indicar avaliação genética. Em relação aos testes genéticos, 52 pacientes (45%) deveriam ser testados para mutações nos genes BRCA1 e BRCA2 e 4 pacientes (3,5%) possuíam indicação de teste para mutações em TP53, de acordo com as recomendações do NCCN. Utilizando os modelos de predição de risco, 10,2% a 57,1% dos pacientes apresentavam uma probabilidade ≥ 10% de mutações em BRCA1 ou BRCA2. Conclusão: Este estudo revelou que a maioria dos pacientes com câncer de mama atendidos no HUSM possui indicação de encaminhamento para avaliação genética. A utilização de um questionário simples e rápido poderia identificar 90% destes pacientes. / Objective: Up to 10% of breast cancers are associated with a hereditary cancer syndrome. The identification of possible carriers of these syndromes and the subsequent referral for genetic counselling allow the adoption of tailored screening and prevention strategies capable of reducing morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study is to assess the proportion of patients with breast cancer treated at the University Hospital of Santa Maria (HUSM) that would need to be referred for genetic evaluation. Methods: Breast cancer patients who began cancer treatment at HUSM during the year 2014 were eligible. An interview was conducted with each patient for data collection and targeted physical examination. The FSH-7 (Family Story Screening 7) questionnaire and the NCCN (National Comprehensive Cancer Network) criteria were used to identify patients who should be referred for genetic evaluation. Then these patients were assessed for genetic testing criteria - according to the NCCN recommendations for genetic testing - and the likelihood of BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations through risk prediction models (BOADICEA, Penn II, Manchester score system and Myriad tables). Results: Among the 114 study participants, 65 (57%) meet referral criteria for genetic evaluation according to the NCCN guidelines. The FHS-7 questionnaire showed a sensitivity of 90% to identify such patients with a specificity of 85%. The presence of personal or family history of breast cancer before age 50 was the most common criteria to indicate genetic evaluation. With respect to genetic testing, 52 patients (45%) should be tested for BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations and 4 patients (3.5%) had test indication for TP53 mutations in accordance with the recommendations of the NCCN. Using risk prediction models, 10.2% to 57.1% of patients had a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations probability ≥ 10%. Conclusion: This study showed that most of the patients with breast cancer treated at HUSM have referral indication for genetic evaluation. The use of a fast and simple questionnaire could identify 90% of these patients.

Objetivo: Até 10% dos casos de câncer de mama estão associados com uma síndrome genética de predisposição ao câncer. A identificação de possíveis portadores dessas síndromes e o consequente encaminhamento para aconselhamento genético permitem a adoção de estratégias direcionadas de prevenção e rastreamento capazes de diminuir morbidade e mortalidade. O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar a proporção de pacientes com câncer de mama atendidos no Hospital Universitário de Santa Maria (HUSM) que necessitariam ser encaminhados para avaliação genética. Métodos: Pacientes com câncer de mama que iniciaram tratamento oncológico no HUSM durante o ano de 2014 foram considerados elegíveis. Uma entrevista foi conduzida com cada paciente para coleta de dados e exame físico dirigido. O questionário FSH-7 (Family Story Screening 7) e os critérios do NCCN (National Comprehensive Cancer Network) foram utilizados para identificar os pacientes que deveriam ser encaminhados para avaliação genética. Estes pacientes foram então avaliados quanto à indicação de teste genético - de acordo com as recomendações do NCCN para teste genético – e à probabilidade de mutações nos genes BRCA1 e BRCA2 através de modelos de predição de risco (BOADICEA, Penn II, sistema de escore de Manchester e tabelas da Myriad). Resultados: Dentre os 114 participantes do estudo, 65 (57%) preenchiam critérios de encaminhamento para avaliação genética de acordo com as diretrizes do NCCN. O questionário FHS-7 apresentou uma sensibilidade de 90% para identificar estes pacientes, com uma especificidade de 85%. A presença de história pessoal ou familiar de câncer de mama antes dos 50 anos foi o critério mais comum para indicar avaliação genética. Em relação aos testes genéticos, 52 pacientes (45%) deveriam ser testados para mutações nos genes BRCA1 e BRCA2 e 4 pacientes (3,5%) possuíam indicação de teste para mutações em TP53, de acordo com as recomendações do NCCN. Utilizando os modelos de predição de risco, 10,2% a 57,1% dos pacientes apresentavam uma probabilidade ≥ 10% de mutações em BRCA1 ou BRCA2. Conclusão: Este estudo revelou que a maioria dos pacientes com câncer de mama atendidos no HUSM possui indicação de encaminhamento para avaliação genética. A utilização de um questionário simples e rápido poderia identificar 90% destes pacientes. / Objective: Up to 10% of breast cancers are associated with a hereditary cancer syndrome. The identification of possible carriers of these syndromes and the subsequent referral for genetic counselling allow the adoption of tailored screening and prevention strategies capable of reducing morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study is to assess the proportion of patients with breast cancer treated at the University Hospital of Santa Maria (HUSM) that would need to be referred for genetic evaluation. Methods: Breast cancer patients who began cancer treatment at HUSM during the year 2014 were eligible. An interview was conducted with each patient for data collection and targeted physical examination. The FSH-7 (Family Story Screening 7) questionnaire and the NCCN (National Comprehensive Cancer Network) criteria were used to identify patients who should be referred for genetic evaluation. Then these patients were assessed for genetic testing criteria - according to the NCCN recommendations for genetic testing - and the likelihood of BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations through risk prediction models (BOADICEA, Penn II, Manchester score system and Myriad tables). Results: Among the 114 study participants, 65 (57%) meet referral criteria for genetic evaluation according to the NCCN guidelines. The FHS-7 questionnaire showed a sensitivity of 90% to identify such patients with a specificity of 85%. The presence of personal or family history of breast cancer before age 50 was the most common criteria to indicate genetic evaluation. With respect to genetic testing, 52 patients (45%) should be tested for BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations and 4 patients (3.5%) had test indication for TP53 mutations in accordance with the recommendations of the NCCN. Using risk prediction models, 10.2% to 57.1% of patients had a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations probability ≥ 10%. Conclusion: This study showed that most of the patients with breast cancer treated at HUSM have referral indication for genetic evaluation. The use of a fast and simple questionnaire could identify 90% of these patients.

Objetivo: Até 10% dos casos de câncer de mama estão associados com uma síndrome genética de predisposição ao câncer. A identificação de possíveis portadores dessas síndromes e o consequente encaminhamento para aconselhamento genético permitem a adoção de estratégias direcionadas de prevenção e rastreamento capazes de diminuir morbidade e mortalidade. O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar a proporção de pacientes com câncer de mama atendidos no Hospital Universitário de Santa Maria (HUSM) que necessitariam ser encaminhados para avaliação genética. Métodos: Pacientes com câncer de mama que iniciaram tratamento oncológico no HUSM durante o ano de 2014 foram considerados elegíveis. Uma entrevista foi conduzida com cada paciente para coleta de dados e exame físico dirigido. O questionário FSH-7 (Family Story Screening 7) e os critérios do NCCN (National Comprehensive Cancer Network) foram utilizados para identificar os pacientes que deveriam ser encaminhados para avaliação genética. Estes pacientes foram então avaliados quanto à indicação de teste genético - de acordo com as recomendações do NCCN para teste genético – e à probabilidade de mutações nos genes BRCA1 e BRCA2 através de modelos de predição de risco (BOADICEA, Penn II, sistema de escore de Manchester e tabelas da Myriad). Resultados: Dentre os 114 participantes do estudo, 65 (57%) preenchiam critérios de encaminhamento para avaliação genética de acordo com as diretrizes do NCCN. O questionário FHS-7 apresentou uma sensibilidade de 90% para identificar estes pacientes, com uma especificidade de 85%. A presença de história pessoal ou familiar de câncer de mama antes dos 50 anos foi o critério mais comum para indicar avaliação genética. Em relação aos testes genéticos, 52 pacientes (45%) deveriam ser testados para mutações nos genes BRCA1 e BRCA2 e 4 pacientes (3,5%) possuíam indicação de teste para mutações em TP53, de acordo com as recomendações do NCCN. Utilizando os modelos de predição de risco, 10,2% a 57,1% dos pacientes apresentavam uma probabilidade ≥ 10% de mutações em BRCA1 ou BRCA2. Conclusão: Este estudo revelou que a maioria dos pacientes com câncer de mama atendidos no HUSM possui indicação de encaminhamento para avaliação genética. A utilização de um questionário simples e rápido poderia identificar 90% destes pacientes. / Objective: Up to 10% of breast cancers are associated with a hereditary cancer syndrome. The identification of possible carriers of these syndromes and the subsequent referral for genetic counselling allow the adoption of tailored screening and prevention strategies capable of reducing morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study is to assess the proportion of patients with breast cancer treated at the University Hospital of Santa Maria (HUSM) that would need to be referred for genetic evaluation. Methods: Breast cancer patients who began cancer treatment at HUSM during the year 2014 were eligible. An interview was conducted with each patient for data collection and targeted physical examination. The FSH-7 (Family Story Screening 7) questionnaire and the NCCN (National Comprehensive Cancer Network) criteria were used to identify patients who should be referred for genetic evaluation. Then these patients were assessed for genetic testing criteria - according to the NCCN recommendations for genetic testing - and the likelihood of BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations through risk prediction models (BOADICEA, Penn II, Manchester score system and Myriad tables). Results: Among the 114 study participants, 65 (57%) meet referral criteria for genetic evaluation according to the NCCN guidelines. The FHS-7 questionnaire showed a sensitivity of 90% to identify such patients with a specificity of 85%. The presence of personal or family history of breast cancer before age 50 was the most common criteria to indicate genetic evaluation. With respect to genetic testing, 52 patients (45%) should be tested for BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations and 4 patients (3.5%) had test indication for TP53 mutations in accordance with the recommendations of the NCCN. Using risk prediction models, 10.2% to 57.1% of patients had a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations probability ≥ 10%. Conclusion: This study showed that most of the patients with breast cancer treated at HUSM have referral indication for genetic evaluation. The use of a fast and simple questionnaire could identify 90% of these patients.

Abstract Approximately 5–10% of all breast cancer cases are estimated to result from a hereditary predisposition to the disease. Currently no more than 25–30% of these familial cases can be explained by mutations in the known susceptibility genes, BRCA1 and BRCA2 being the major ones. Additional predisposing genes are therefore likely to be discovered. This study evaluates whether germline alterations in three BRCA1-associated genes, BACH1 (i.e. BRIP1/FANCJ), BARD1 and TOPBP1, contribute to familial breast cancer. Altogether 214 Finnish patients having breast and/or ovarian cancer were analysed for germline mutations in the BACH1 gene. Nine alterations were observed, four of which located in the protein-encoding region. The previously unidentified Pro1034Leu was considered a possible cancer-associated alteration as it appeared with two-fold higher frequency among cancer cases compared to controls. All the other observed alterations were classified as harmless polymorphisms. Mutation analysis of the BARD1 gene among 126 Finnish patients having family history of breast and/or ovarian cancer revealed seven alterations in the protein-encoding region. The Cys557Ser alteration was seen at an elevated frequency among familial cancer cases compared to controls (p = 0.005, odds ratio [OR] 4.2, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.7–10.7). The other alterations appeared to be harmless polymorphisms. To evaluate further the possible effect of Cys557Ser on cancer risk, a large case-control study was performed, consisting of 3,956 cancer patients from the Nordic countries. The highest prevalence of Cys557Ser was found among breast and ovarian cancer patients from BRCA1/BRCA2 mutation-negative families (p < 0.001, OR 2.6, 95% CI 1.7–4.0). In contrast, no significant association with male breast cancer, ovarian, colorectal or prostate cancer was observed. The current study is the first evaluating the role of TOPBP1 mutations in familial cancer predisposition. The analysis of 125 Finnish patients having breast and/or ovarian cancer revealed one putative pathogenic alteration. The commonly occurring Arg309Cys allele was observed at a significantly higher frequency among familial cancer cases compared to controls (p = 0.002, OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.3–4.2). The other 18 alterations observed were classified as harmless polymorphisms.

A doença de von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) é uma síndrome de câncer familial herdada de forma autossômica dominante que predispõe ao desenvolvimento de diversos tipos de neoplasias benignas e malignas. É causada por mutações germinativas e somáticas no gene VHL e tem uma incidência aproximada de um a cada 36.000 nascimentos. O gene VHL é um supressor tumoral e codifica a proteína VHL, a qual possui, entre outras funções, uma atividade ubiquitina-ligase, responsável pela poliubiquitinização e degradação proteassômica da subunidade alfa do fator induzido por hipóxia (HIF) na presença de oxigênio. As principais características da doença de VHL são: hemangioblastomas de sistema nervoso central (SNC), principalmente do cerebelo e medula espinhal; angiomas de retina e carcinoma renal de células claras. A probabilidade de desenvolver cada um desses tumores ao longo da vida é estimada em maior que 70%, podendo manifestar-se desde a infância até a fase adulta, principalmente entre a 2ª e 3ª décadas de vida. Classifica-se a doença de VHL conforme a ausência (tipo 1) ou presença de feocromocitoma (tipo 2). A doença do tipo 2 é causada, essencialmente, por mutações missense no gene VHL. As mutações podem ser grandes deleções (20%) ou pontuais (80%) do tipo missense, frameshift, nonsense ou em regiões de splicing. O teste genético é considerado padrão para o manejo clínico dos pacientes e dos familiares em risco, pois permite o diagnóstico e o tratamento precoce das neoplasias, melhorando assim a expectativa de vida. Técnicas de biologia molecular, como o seqüenciamento direto do DNA e o Southern blotting quantitativo, permitem a detecção de mutações germinativas em até 100% dos casos. Técnicas mais recentes, como o PCR quantitativo em tempo real e o MLPA, têm sido empregadas para uma detecção mais eficaz de grandes deleções no gene VHL. Os objetivos do presente estudo foram: (1) diagnosticar os pacientes com suspeita da doença de VHL; (2) identificar e caracterizar mutações germinativas pontuais no gene VHL nos pacientes e em seus parentes de 1º grau; (3) fornecer o aconselhamento genético pré e pós-teste. Dos 37 indivíduos com suspeita da doença de VHL, 14 pacientes de sete famílias diferentes preencheram os critérios diagnósticos. Um paciente apresentou hemangioblastoma cerebelar isolado e sete parentes de 1º grau estavam assintomáticos. Foram realizadas as técnicas de PCR, RFLP e seqüenciamento direto do DNA genômico e após clonagem. Foram identificadas quatro mutações pontuais na região codificadora do gene VHL em quatro famílias diferentes, sendo que duas delas haviam sido descritas na literatura [c.226_228delTTC (F76del), c.217C>T (Q73X)]. As outras duas mutações são descritas pela primeira vez neste estudo e afetam o sitio de splicing (IVS1-1 G>A, IVS2-1 G>C). É provável que as demais três famílias sejam portadoras de deleções germinativas no gene VHL. Em resumo, os resultados apresentados neste estudo ampliam o conhecimento da base molecular da doença de VHL e consiste na primeira pesquisa de pós-graduação produzida pelo ambulatório de aconselhamento genético do câncer do HCFMRP-USP. / Von Hippel-Lindau disease (VHL) is an autosomal dominant hereditary cancer syndrome that predisposes to the development of a variety of benign and malignant tumors. VHL is caused by germline and somatic mutations in the VHL gene and it has an incidence of approximately one in 36,000 livebirths. The VHL gene is a tumor suppressor that is translated into the VHL protein, which has many functions, mainly an ubiquitin-ligase activity, responsible for the polyubiquitylation and proteasomal degradation of the alpha subunit of the hipoxia-inducible factor (HIF) in the presence of oxygen. The main clinical features of VHL are: CNS hemangioblastomas, especially of the cerebellum and spinal cord; retinal angiomas and clear-cell renal carcinomas. The lifetime probability of developing one of these tumors is estimated at more than 70%, whichever may present since childhood until adulthood, more often during the 2nd and 3rd decades. VHL is classified into type 1 (without pheochromocytoma) and type 2 (with pheochromocytoma), the latter being mainly caused by missense mutations. VHL germline mutations may be rearrangements and large deletions (~20%) or point mutations (~80%), such as missense, frameshift, nonsense or in the splicing sites. VHL gene testing is considered standard for the clinical manegement of patients and relatives at risk, whereby it provides early diagnosis and treatment of tumors, improving their life expectancies. Molecular biology techniques such as sequencing and quantitative Southern blotting may detect virtually 100% of VHL germline mutations. More recent methods, such as quantitative real-time PCR and MLPA, have been shown to detect VHL gene gross deletions efficiently. The objectives of this study were: (1) to diagnose patients with VHL clinically; (2) to detect germline point mutations in the VHL gene in the patients and their close relatives at risk; (3) to provide pre and post-testing genetic counseling. Fourteen out of 37 patients from seven unrelated families fulfilled the VHL clinical diagnostic criteria, one patient presented a single cerebellar hemangioblastoma and seven at-risk relatives were still asymptomatic. The methods included: PCR, RFLP, genomic DNA direct sequencing and after cloning. Four germline point mutations in the coding region of the VHL gene were identified, two of whom had been described in literature [c.226_228delTTC (p.F76del), c.217C>T (p.Q73X)]. The other two mutations had not been described so far and affect the splicing sites (IVS1-1 G>A, IVS2-1 G>C). The other three families may carry gross germline deletions in the VHL gene. In conclusion, the outcome presented in this study provides with a greater knowledge of molecular basis of VHL disease and relies on the first post-graduation research carried out at the HCFMRP-USP cancer genetic counseling service.

The overall aims of this thesis were to investigate psychological and behavioral effects of receiving cancer genetic counseling for breast, ovarian and colorectal cancer and/or with a family history of these cancer types and to determine whether counselees’ informational needs were met. Study I was performed 3-7 years post-counseling. Participants (n=214) reported a relatively high level of anxiety but a low level of depression compared to cancer patients in general. However, there was no indication that the distress experienced was due to the counseling. Moderate changes in life and family relations, high level of adherence to recommended controls and satisfaction was reported. Study II was a randomized control trial (RCT) intervention study which involved 147 counselees. An increase in the level of knowledge and correct estimation of personal risk was reported in both the intervention and control groups, although this increase declined at later follow-up. Enhanced information led to significantly greater satisfaction with the given information, and the way of informing relatives. Most counselees had shared information with their at-risk relatives. Study III focused on sharing information with at-risk relatives among participants in study II and their relatives (n=81). Counselees were interviewed and answered a questionnaire, whilst their relatives only answered the questionnaire. Counselees reported positive/neutral feelings about communicating genetic information and mostly interpreted their relatives’ reactions as positive/ neutral. Also, approximately 50% of relatives reported positive/neutral reactions and were generally satisfied with the received information. Study IV was conducted in Sweden and Norway based on 235 counselees. Counselees expected counselors to be skillful and thoughtful, take them seriously and provide risk estimations and medical information. Most important issues to counselees were satisfactorily addressed by the counselors. Analyzing importance rankings resulted in five categories of needs: a need for facts, caring communication and medical information, need for understanding and support in sharing genetic information, practical care and medical/practical information. In conclusion, no adverse psychological or behavioral effect on counselees was observed. Apparently, genetic counseling is managed properly and counselors successfully address counselees’ needs. Providing extended information does not seem necessary, however, tailoring information to individual counselees needs may create a more effective counseling.

A doença de von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) é uma síndrome de câncer familial herdada de forma autossômica dominante que predispõe ao desenvolvimento de diversos tipos de neoplasias benignas e malignas. É causada por mutações germinativas e somáticas no gene VHL e tem uma incidência aproximada de um a cada 36.000 nascimentos. O gene VHL é um supressor tumoral e codifica a proteína VHL, a qual possui, entre outras funções, uma atividade ubiquitina-ligase, responsável pela poliubiquitinização e degradação proteassômica da subunidade alfa do fator induzido por hipóxia (HIF) na presença de oxigênio. As principais características da doença de VHL são: hemangioblastomas de sistema nervoso central (SNC), principalmente do cerebelo e medula espinhal; angiomas de retina e carcinoma renal de células claras. A probabilidade de desenvolver cada um desses tumores ao longo da vida é estimada em maior que 70%, podendo manifestar-se desde a infância até a fase adulta, principalmente entre a 2ª e 3ª décadas de vida. Classifica-se a doença de VHL conforme a ausência (tipo 1) ou presença de feocromocitoma (tipo 2). A doença do tipo 2 é causada, essencialmente, por mutações missense no gene VHL. As mutações podem ser grandes deleções (20%) ou pontuais (80%) do tipo missense, frameshift, nonsense ou em regiões de splicing. O teste genético é considerado padrão para o manejo clínico dos pacientes e dos familiares em risco, pois permite o diagnóstico e o tratamento precoce das neoplasias, melhorando assim a expectativa de vida. Técnicas de biologia molecular, como o seqüenciamento direto do DNA e o Southern blotting quantitativo, permitem a detecção de mutações germinativas em até 100% dos casos. Técnicas mais recentes, como o PCR quantitativo em tempo real e o MLPA, têm sido empregadas para uma detecção mais eficaz de grandes deleções no gene VHL. Os objetivos do presente estudo foram: (1) diagnosticar os pacientes com suspeita da doença de VHL; (2) identificar e caracterizar mutações germinativas pontuais no gene VHL nos pacientes e em seus parentes de 1º grau; (3) fornecer o aconselhamento genético pré e pós-teste. Dos 37 indivíduos com suspeita da doença de VHL, 14 pacientes de sete famílias diferentes preencheram os critérios diagnósticos. Um paciente apresentou hemangioblastoma cerebelar isolado e sete parentes de 1º grau estavam assintomáticos. Foram realizadas as técnicas de PCR, RFLP e seqüenciamento direto do DNA genômico e após clonagem. Foram identificadas quatro mutações pontuais na região codificadora do gene VHL em quatro famílias diferentes, sendo que duas delas haviam sido descritas na literatura [c.226_228delTTC (F76del), c.217C>T (Q73X)]. As outras duas mutações são descritas pela primeira vez neste estudo e afetam o sitio de splicing (IVS1-1 G>A, IVS2-1 G>C). É provável que as demais três famílias sejam portadoras de deleções germinativas no gene VHL. Em resumo, os resultados apresentados neste estudo ampliam o conhecimento da base molecular da doença de VHL e consiste na primeira pesquisa de pós-graduação produzida pelo ambulatório de aconselhamento genético do câncer do HCFMRP-USP. / Von Hippel-Lindau disease (VHL) is an autosomal dominant hereditary cancer syndrome that predisposes to the development of a variety of benign and malignant tumors. VHL is caused by germline and somatic mutations in the VHL gene and it has an incidence of approximately one in 36,000 livebirths. The VHL gene is a tumor suppressor that is translated into the VHL protein, which has many functions, mainly an ubiquitin-ligase activity, responsible for the polyubiquitylation and proteasomal degradation of the alpha subunit of the hipoxia-inducible factor (HIF) in the presence of oxygen. The main clinical features of VHL are: CNS hemangioblastomas, especially of the cerebellum and spinal cord; retinal angiomas and clear-cell renal carcinomas. The lifetime probability of developing one of these tumors is estimated at more than 70%, whichever may present since childhood until adulthood, more often during the 2nd and 3rd decades. VHL is classified into type 1 (without pheochromocytoma) and type 2 (with pheochromocytoma), the latter being mainly caused by missense mutations. VHL germline mutations may be rearrangements and large deletions (~20%) or point mutations (~80%), such as missense, frameshift, nonsense or in the splicing sites. VHL gene testing is considered standard for the clinical manegement of patients and relatives at risk, whereby it provides early diagnosis and treatment of tumors, improving their life expectancies. Molecular biology techniques such as sequencing and quantitative Southern blotting may detect virtually 100% of VHL germline mutations. More recent methods, such as quantitative real-time PCR and MLPA, have been shown to detect VHL gene gross deletions efficiently. The objectives of this study were: (1) to diagnose patients with VHL clinically; (2) to detect germline point mutations in the VHL gene in the patients and their close relatives at risk; (3) to provide pre and post-testing genetic counseling. Fourteen out of 37 patients from seven unrelated families fulfilled the VHL clinical diagnostic criteria, one patient presented a single cerebellar hemangioblastoma and seven at-risk relatives were still asymptomatic. The methods included: PCR, RFLP, genomic DNA direct sequencing and after cloning. Four germline point mutations in the coding region of the VHL gene were identified, two of whom had been described in literature [c.226_228delTTC (p.F76del), c.217C>T (p.Q73X)]. The other two mutations had not been described so far and affect the splicing sites (IVS1-1 G>A, IVS2-1 G>C). The other three families may carry gross germline deletions in the VHL gene. In conclusion, the outcome presented in this study provides with a greater knowledge of molecular basis of VHL disease and relies on the first post-graduation research carried out at the HCFMRP-USP cancer genetic counseling service.

Une des plus grandes avancées en cancérologie et en génétique au cours des vingt dernières années fût l'identification des formes héréditaires de cancer et des gènes deprédisposition impliqués. Chez une majorité de patients soupçonnés de présenter une formehéréditaire de cancer, les analyses centrées sur les gènes connus pour être impliqués dansles prédispositions mendéliennes au cancer restent bien souvent négatives. Aujourd'hui,grâce à l'émergence du séquençage à haut-débit (NGS), il est possible de séquencerl'ensemble des exons (exome) d'un individu ou plusieurs centaines de gènes dans un lapsde temps court et à des coûts raisonnables. Dans ce contexte, nous avons appliqué plusieurs stratégies basées sur ces nouveaux outils, avec l'objectif d'identifier de nouvellesbases moléculaires des cancers héréditaires à survenue précoce. Tout d’abord, nous avons employé une stratégie d'analyse exomique intrafamiliale dans une famille atypique présentant des chondrosarcomes de localisation thoracique pour lesquels aucune base moléculaire n'avait pu être mise en évidence. Grâce à cette stratégie, nous avons pu identifier une altération tronquante du gène EXT2 (NM_000401.3; c.237G>A; p.Trp79*). Les altérations perte de fonction documentées pour ce gène sont impliquées dans la maladie des ostéochondromes multiples (OM), des tumeurs bénignes. Or, dans cette famille, aucun signe clinique d'OM n'était présent. Ces travaux nous ont donc permis d'étendre le spectre phénotypique des mutations EXT2 et de modifier la prise en charge clinique de cette famille. Nous avons ensuite employé une stratégie d'analyse exomique soustractive de trio enfant malade / parents sains dans le but d’identifier des mutations de novo potentiellement responsables de la prédisposition génétique au cancer observée chez un jeune patient ayant développé un médulloblastome du cervelet à l’âge de 8 ans, suivi d’un méningiome à 22 ans. L’analyse exomique du trio a révélé l’existence chez ce patient d'une mutation de novo faux-sens affectant un acide aminé très conservé de la protéine HID-1. Cette dernière est particulièrement exprimée dans les cellules neuronales et sécrétrices, et semble fonctionner autour de l’appareil de Golgi pour réguler le tri des vésiculesnouvellement formées. Ainsi, notre hypothèse est qu’un défaut de la protéine HID-1, lié à une mutation du gène HID-1, perturberait la voie de sécrétion et participerait à la genèse du médulloblastome. Ces travaux, toujours en cours, démontrent à la fois la force de la stratégie exomique de trio pour identifier rapidement des mutations de novo et illustre toute la difficultéd'interprétation des variants détectés dans des gènes non impliqués dans le cancer. Par ailleurs, nous avons appliqué une stratégie exomique soustractive et interfamiliale à une cohorte de dix patients ayant développé un corticosurrénalome à un âge très précoce et pour lesquels aucune base moléculaire n'a pu être mise en évidence. Malheureusement, nous n'avons pas pu identifier de nouvelles bases moléculaires du corticosurrénalome de l'enfant par ces techniques. Enfin, sous l'hypothèse que des mutations rares ou privées dans un nombre limité de gènes impliqués dans le cancer contribueraient à des formes héréditaires de cancer, nous avons entrepris un projet visant à séquencer à haut débit 201 gènes fortement impliqués dans le cancer chez des patients ayant développé des tumeurs à un âge pédiatrique. Les premiers résultats de ce projet toujours en cours ont permis de confirmer la robustesse de cette technique et suggèrent une extension phénotypique du spectre des mutations DICER1 ainsi qu'une contribution oligogénique des gènes de réparation de l'ADN dans les tumeurs pédiatriques. L'ensemble de ces résultats seront bientôt compilés au sein d'une base de données et bénéficieront d'une analyse statistique fine avec l'objectif d'identifier des enrichissements en variants rares dans des gènes ou voies biologiques. / One of the greatest advances in oncology and genetics over the past 20 years has been the identification of hereditary forms of cancer and of the cancer genes. Nevertheless, in a majority of patients suspected to present an inherited form of cancer, analyses of the genes known to be involved in the Mendelian predispositions to cancer often remain negative. Today, thanks to the emergence of high-throughput sequencing (NGS), it is now possible to sequence all exons of an individual (exome) or several hundred genes in a short period of time and for a reasonable cost. In this context, we have applied several strategiesbased on these new tools in order to identify new molecular basis of early-onset cancers. First, we applied an intra-familial exome analysis strategy to an atypical family with chondrosarcomas of the chest, for which no molecular basis could be identified. Using this strategy, we were able to identify a truncating alteration of the EXT2 gene NM_000401.3; c.237G> A; p.Trp79 *). The documented loss of function alterations of this gene are implicated in a disease called multiple osteochondromas (OM), associated with benign lesions. Interestingly, these patients showed no clinical signs of OM indicating a potential phenotypic extension of EXT2 mutations. Plus, this work allowed us to change the clinical management of this family. We then used a strategy of subtractive exomic analysis of trio sick child/healthy parents in order to identify de novo mutations in a young patient who developed a medulloblastoma of the cerebellum at 8 years-old followed by a meningioma at 22 years-old. The analysis of the trio revealed the existence of a de novo mutation affecting a highly conserved amino acid of the HID-1 protein. HID-1 is specifically expressed in neuronal and secretory cells, and seems to function around the Golgi apparatus to regulate the sorting of newly formed vesicles. Our hypothesis is that a defect of the HID-1 protein linked to a mutation of the HID-1 gene, could alter the secretory pathway therefore contributing to the development of the tumor. This work, which is still ongoing, demonstrates both the strength of the trio strategy for the rapid identification of de novo mutations and illustrates all the difficulty of interpreting variants detected in genes not yet involved in cancer. Then, thanks to the recruitment of the Laboratory of Molecular Genetics of the CHU of Rouen, we have collected a cohort of 10 patients who developed an adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) at a very early age and for which no molecular basis could be identified. Despite subtractive and inter-familial exomic analyses, we were unable to highlight new molecular bases for these cases of pediatric ACC. Finally, under the assumption that rare or private mutations in a limited number of genes involved in cancer could contribute to inherited forms of cancer, we undertook a project to sequence 201 genes involved in cancer in patients who developed tumors at a pediatric age. The first results of this project confirmed the robustness of this technique and suggested a phenotypic extension of the DICER1 mutation spectrum as well as an oligogenic contribution of DNA repair genes in pediatric tumors. Soon, these results will be compiled in a database and will benefit from a statistical analysis with the objective to identify enrichment of rare variants in specific genes or biological pathways in these patients compared to control individuals.

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