[Description of a new TP53 gene germline mutation in a family with the Li-Fraumeni syndrome. Genetic counselling to healthy mutation carriers].
BACKGROUND
Li-Fraumeni syndrome is a dominantly inherited disorder characterized by early-onset breast cancer, soft-tissue sarcomas and osteosarcomas, acute leukemia, adrenocortical neoplasms and central nervous system tumors. Germline mutations in gene TP53 are identified in a percentage of affected families.


METHODS
Eight families with aggregation of childhood sarcomas, brain tumors, breast cancers in pre-menopausal women, and renal tumors were screened for TP53 germ-line mutations. SSCP and posterior direct sequencing were performed for genetic analysis. We also report a previously undescribed family with the Li-Fraumeni syndrome carrying a germline mutation.


RESULTS
Seven families fulfilled so-called Li-Fraumeni like criteria and one fulfilled classical criteria. A new germ-line mutation in codon 238 at exon 7 of the gene TP53 was identified in the family fulfilling classical criteria. This mutation has not been previously reported.


CONCLUSIONS
The clinical heterogeneity as well as the molecular complexity and consequences of mutation analysis and genetic counseling make it necessary to develop protocols in this area. A multidisciplinary approach is needed; this approach should be coordinated by a Familial Cancer Genetic Counseling Unit.
Balmaña
Judith
J
Servicio de Oncología Médica, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, España. jbalmana@hsp.santpau.es
Nomdedéu
Josep
J
Díez
Orland
O
Sabaté
Josep Maria
JM
Balil
Anna
A
Pericay
Carles
C
López López
Juan José
JJ
Brunet
Joan
J
Baiget
Montse
M
Alonso
Carmen
C
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D016158:Genes, p53 / Q000235:genetics*; D018095:Germ-Line Mutation; D006579:Heterozygote; D006801:Humans; D016864:Li-Fraumeni Syndrome / Q000235:genetics*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010375:Pedigree