A unique pair of monozygotic twins with concordant clear cell renal cell carcinoma: a case report.
BACKGROUND
Genetic predisposition to clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) has been linked to disorders such as von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) syndrome. While twin research is a classic approach for elucidating genetic and environmental contributions to disease, no monozygotic twin-pair concordant for ccRCC in the absence of VHL syndrome has been previously reported in the literature or in major twin registries.


METHODS
We describe a unique monozygotic twin-pair concordant for ccRCC, with discordant but early ages of onset of 25 and 38 respectively. Cytogenetic studies and direct sequencing for VHL gene mutations in the second twin proved unremarkable.


CONCLUSIONS
This is the fi rst reported case of monozygotic twins concordant for ccRCC in the absence of VHL gene mutation. The early yet discordant, age of onset of disease in both twins suggests both genetic and environmental contributions to ccRCC.
Tan
Min Han
MH
Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Centre, Singapore. tan.min.han@nccs.com.sg
Yang
Jasmine
J
Tan
Hwei Ling
HL
Wong
Chin Fong
CF
Tan
Puay Hoon
PH
Sim
Hong Gee
HG
Ang
Peter
P
Toh
Chee Keong
CK
Tay
Miah Hiang
MH
Poon
Eileen
E
Ooi
Aik Seng
AS
Teh
Bin Tean
BT
D000328:Adult; D002292:Carcinoma, Renal Cell / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology*; D004200:Diseases in Twins / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D007680:Kidney Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology*; D008297:Male; D014430:Twins, Monozygotic; D006623:von Hippel-Lindau Disease / Q000235:genetics