Overview of the Clinical Features of Li-Fraumeni Syndrome and the Current European ERN GENTURIS Guideline

Abstract

Patients with a tumour-risk syndrome have a significantly increased risk of developing cancer during their lifetime. A positive family history of tumour disease or an unusually early age of onset may be indicative of a tumour risk syndrome. With the diagnosis of a tumour risk syndrome it is possible to recommend a risk-adapted tumour surveillance programme for the patient and (asymptomatic) family members at risk. This facilitates early detection of possible tumours and thus often prevents advanced tumour stages. Li-Fraumeni syndrome is associated with a significantly increased risk of sarcoma and breast cancer in particular, but it is often not diagnosed clinically in those affected. This article reviews the clinical picture, genetic cause and special aspects in the diagnosis and care of patients with Li-Fraumeni syndrome. The initiative resulted from the European reference network GENTURIS, which has set itself the task of improving the identification and care of patients with tumour risk syndromes. A first step is the recent publication of a European guideline for Li-Fraumeni syndrome, which is summarised here and discussed in the context of existing recommendations.