Lynch-like syndrome with germline WRN mutation in Bulgarian patient with synchronous endometrial and ovarian cancer

Abstract

Background: Synchronous endometrial and ovarian cancer (SEOC) accounts for 50–70% of all synchronous gynecology cancers in women. Approximately 14% of SEOC cases are caused by Lynch syndrome (LS). The widespread introduction of “universal screening” at LS (all cases with CRC and all EC cases diagnosed before age 60 should be tested for MMR deficiency) has led to an increasing number of suspected LS cases- MMR-deficient tumors without germline mutation in the MMR genes. These cases are attributed to the so-called Lynch-like syndrome (LLS). Case presentation: We present a case of LLS with a detected germline, likely pathogenic variant in the WRN gene. The proband was a woman diagnosed with SEOC at the age of 51 years. Histology of both tumors (endometrium and ovary) was endometroid and showed loss of MLH1 and PMS protein expression. Genetic testing by next generation sequencing (NGS) detected a germline mutation (in the heterozygous state) in the WRN gene - c.4109del, p.(Asn1370ThrfsTer23) in the proband. Conclusions: The presented case contributes to the etiology of LLS and confirms the need for specific genetic testing, together with genetic counseling, in hereditary cancer syndromes. The use of combined information from clinicians, pathologists, genetic counselors, and data from NGS testing for cancer predisposition, clinical surveillance, and follow-up management in women with gynecology cancers, especially SEOC, could be improved.