Familial central nervous system tumor syndromes Journal Article


Authors: Hottinger, A. F.; Khakoo, Y.; Abrey, L. E.
Article Title: Familial central nervous system tumor syndromes
Abstract: The vast majority of nervous system neoplasms occur sporadically. However, most adult and pediatric tumors have a hereditary equivalent. These hereditary forms are an invaluable resource in the identification of genes that may be important for sporadic tumor development. In recent years there has been a tremendous increase in the understanding of the genetic basis of many familial cancer syndromes involving the central nervous system (CNS). Several key genes, important in the development of neoplastic disease, have been identified. These genes typically suppress the tumor phenotype (tumor-suppressor gene), maintain normal cellular function and homeostasis, and regulate cell growth and differentiation. Familial CNS tumors are mostly inherited as autosomal dominant traits and involve germline mutations. A somatic mutation inactivating the second allele subsequently results in neoplastic development. This article reviews several familial tumor syndromes involving the CNS including neurofibromatosis type-1, neurofibromatosis type-2, von Hippel-Lindau disease, tuberous sclerosis complex, Li-Fraumeni syndrome, Cowden's syndrome, Turcot's syndrome, Gorlin's syndrome, Fanconi anemia and multiple endocrine neoplasia. This review highlights their clinical manifestations, molecular genetics, pathophysiology and current treatment. The importance of these pathways for sporadic brain tumors, and the implications for future therapeutic and interventional therapies, are highlighted. © 2006 Bentham Science Publishers Ltd.
Keywords: somatic mutation; clinical feature; clinical trial; review; cisplatin; sunitinib; pathophysiology; molecular genetics; brain tumor; antineoplastic agent; allele; cell function; neurofibromatosis; carboplatin; cell growth; vincristine; cell differentiation; vasculotropin inhibitor; protein p53; lomustine; central nervous system tumor; carcinogenesis; germ line; tumor suppressor gene; tuberin; medulloblastoma; phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5 trisphosphate 3 phosphatase; tipifarnib; neurofibromin; familial cancer; helicase; diagnostic test; genetic disorder; von hippel lindau disease; homeostasis; brain stem tumor; rapamycin; apc protein; von hippel lindau protein; acoustic neurinoma; autosomal dominant disorder; basal cell nevus syndrome; cowden syndrome; tuberous sclerosis; turcot syndrome; optic nerve glioma; methionine; laser coagulation; fanconi anemia; genetic identification; cryotherapy; multiple endocrine neoplasia; neuro-oncology; recq helicase; protein patched; bloom syndrome; familial syndromes
Journal Title: Current Cancer Therapy Reviews
Volume: 2
Issue: 4
ISSN: 1573-3947
Publisher: Bentham Science Publishers  
Date Published: 2006-11-01
Start Page: 281
End Page: 291
Language: English
DOI: 10.2174/157339406778699222
PROVIDER: scopus
DOI/URL:
Notes: --- - "Export Date: 4 June 2012" - "Source: Scopus"
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MSK Authors
  1. Yasmin Khakoo
    149 Khakoo
  2. Lauren E Abrey
    278 Abrey
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