Background Li-Fraumeni syndrome (LFS) is an autosomal dominant cancer predisposition syndrome characterized by very high lifetime cancer risk and early age at diagnosis of a wide cancer spectrum. Precise estimates for first and subsequent cancers risk are lacking. Methods The NCI’s LFS Study includes families meeting diagnostic criteria for LFS or Li-Fraumeni-like syndrome, and individuals with a germline TP53 mutation, choroid plexus carcinoma, adrenocortical carcinoma, or ≥3 cancers. We estimated cumulative risk and annual hazards for first and second cancer among TP53 mutation carriers (TP53+) using MATLAB. Results We evaluated 286 TP53+ individuals from 107 families. Cumulative cancer incidence was 50% by age 31 among TP53+ females and 46 among males, and nearly 100% by age 70 for both. Cancer risk was highest after age 20 for females, mostly due to breast cancer, while among males risk was higher in childhood and later adulthood. Among females, the cumulative incidence by age 70 for breast cancer, soft tissue sarcoma (STS), brain cancer, and osteosarcoma were 54%, 15%, 6%, and 5%, respectively. Among males, the incidence was 22%, 19%, and 11% for STS, brain cancer, and osteosarcoma. 49% of those with one cancer developed at least another cancer after a median of 10 years. Average age-specific risk of developing a second cancer was comparable to that of developing a first cancer. Conclusions Cumulative cancer risk in TP53+ individuals was high and varied by gender, age, and cancer type. Additional work, including prospective risk estimates, is needed to better inform personalized risk management.

Key Points Question What are efficient approaches for triage of human papillomavirus–positive women in cervical cancer screening? Findings This cohort study of 3225 women found that p16/Ki-67 dual stain, alone or in combination with human papillomavirus 16/18 genotyping, provides better risk stratification than comparable cytologic-based strategies. Meaning Triage of human papillomavirus–positive women with dual stain may lead to lower referral to undergo colposcopy with similar detection of precancerous lesions compared with cytologic screening, making cervical cancer screening more efficient.

Abstract:This study was designed to develop and test a system to monitor adherence with nonhormonal oral chemotherapeutic agents using an automated voice response (AVR) system plus nursing intervention. Participants received the Symptom Management This pilot study demonstrated the ability to accrue patients for a longitudinal trial and informed intervention design, while providing guidance for future interventions and research studies.

This study describes the establishment and feasibility of an intensive cancer surveillance protocol for individuals with Li-Fraumeni syndrome. Prevalent cancers were detected at an early stage with baseline whole-body, brain, and breast MRI. Prospective screening of the participants is under way.

This study presents findings of a mixed-method descriptive exploration of the role of friends and spirituality/religiosity in easing the burden of families with the rare inherited disorder, Li-Fraumeni Syndrome (LFS). LFS is caused by germline mutations in the TP53 gene and is associated with very high lifetime risk of developing one or more malignancies. During the first clinical visit we assessed several types of social support among a subset of study participants (N = 66) using an established interactive research tool called the Colored Eco-Genetic Relationship Map (CEGRM). We performed both quantitative and qualitative analyses of social relationships with LFS family members and close non-kin. Distress scores (N = 59) were mostly low normal, with some outliers. We found that reported friendships varied widely, that the friendships were often deep and enduring, and were important sources of informational, tangible, emotional and spiritual support. Confidantes tended to be best friends and/or spouses. Organized religion was important in selected families, typically from mainstream traditions. However, a number of people identified themselves as "spiritual" and reported spiritual and humanist explorations. Our results shed preliminary light on how some people in families with LFS cope in the face of tremendous medical, social and emotional challenges.

Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is an inherited multisystem neuromuscular disorder caused by a CTG trinucleotide repeat expansion in the DMPK gene. Recent evidence documents that DM1 patients have an increased risk of certain cancers, but whether skin cancer risks are elevated is unclear. Using the U.K. Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD), we identified 1,061 DM1 patients and 15,119 DM1-free individuals matched on gender, birth year (±2 years), attending practice and registration year (±1 year). We calculated the hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the association of DM1 diagnosis with skin cancer risk using Cox proportional hazards models, for all skin cancers combined and by histological subtype. Follow-up started at the latest of the age at practice registration, DM1 diagnosis/control selection or January 1st 1988, and ended at the earliest of the age at first skin cancer diagnosis, death, transfer out of the practice, last date of data collection or the end of the CPRD record (October 31, 2016). During a median follow-up of 3.6 years, 35 DM1 patients and 108 matched DM1-free individuals developed a skin cancer. DM1 patients had an increased risk of skin cancer overall (HR = 5.44, 95% CI = 3.33-8.89, p < 0.0001), and basal cell carcinoma (BCC) (HR = 5.78, 95% CI = 3.36-9.92, p < 0.0001). Risks did not differ by gender, or age at DM1 diagnosis (p-heterogeneity > 0.5). Our data confirm suggested associations between DM1 and skin neoplasms with the highest risk seen for BCC. Patients are advised to minimize ultraviolet light exposure and seek medical advice for suspicious lesions.

Purpose: Li-Fraumeni Syndrome (LFS) is an inherited tumor predisposition syndrome with lifetime cancer risks approaching 100% and evolving risk-management strategies. This study evaluated couples’ coping with LFS-related burdens. Research approach: Constructivist grounded theory and anticipatory loss frameworks guided design and analysis. Sample and methods: Twenty-six individuals enrolled in the NCI LFS Family Study completed semi-structured interviews with their partner during annual screening visits. An interdisciplinary team completed open and focused coding to identify patterns of coping and adaptation. Findings: Couples described living with ambiguous danger, a state of chronic apprehension resulting from LFS-associated uncertainties. Most couples communicated openly and alternated shouldering the burden, while others engaged in protective buffering to shield each other from distress and sustain the appearance of normalcy. Interpretation: Optimally, coping reduces shared psychosocial distress, yet some strategies may inadvertently increase disconnection. Implications: Mental health support is critical for both partners coping with LFS, together and separately.

PurposeTo define the frequency with which adult research participants consent to be offered clinically-validated research genetic test results (RR) and incidental findings (IF).MethodsConsents were obtained from 506 adults enrolled in one of three studies within NCI’s Clinical Genetics Branch’s Familial Cancer Research Program. A cross-sectional analysis was performed on the choices indicated on study consents regarding receipt of RR and IF.ResultsNinety-seven percent opted to receive RR and IF. Participants who declined (N=16) included: 2 cancer survivors who were mutation positive (1=RR and 1=both), 8 who knew their primary mutation status (3=RR; 4=IF; 1= both), 3 non-bloodline relatives (1=RR; 2=both), 1 untested but with the syndromic phenotype (1=IF), and 2 parents of an affected child (2=both). We speculate that these individuals either already had sufficient information, were not prepared to learn more, or felt that the information wouldn’t change their personal healthcare decision-making.ConclusionsAdult research participants from families at high genetic risk of cancer overwhelmingly indicated their preference to receive both RR and IF. Future research will seek to identify the reasons for declining RR and IF and to study the impact of receipt of RR and IF on personal medical decision-making.