Genetic implications for long-term survivors of childhood cancer.
The author reviews current findings regarding inherited cancer predisposition and childhood cancer and proposes development of genetic services for long-term survivors of childhood cancer. Overall, it is suggested that relatively rare germline mutations in the tumor suppressor genes, Rb, p53, and WT1, may have important implications for long-term survivors relevant to familial cancer, second malignant neoplasms, and developmental disorders. Although continued research clearly is needed, planning for genetic services for long-term survivors should begin now.
Department of Experimental Pediatrics, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston 77030.
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D002648:Child; D004198:Disease Susceptibility; D005134:Eye Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics* / Q000401:mortality; D005190:Family; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005787:Gene Frequency; D016161:Genes, Retinoblastoma / Q000235:genetics; D016158:Genes, p53 / Q000235:genetics; D005817:Genetic Counseling; D006801:Humans; D007680:Kidney Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics*; D009154:Mutation / Q000235:genetics; D012175:Retinoblastoma / Q000235:genetics* / Q000401:mortality; D012509:Sarcoma / Q000235:genetics*; D012983:Soft Tissue Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics*; D009396:Wilms Tumor / Q000235:genetics*