Long-term outcomes, branch-specific expressivity, and disease-related mortality in von Hippel-Lindau type 2A

Fam Cancer. 2011 Dec;10(4):701-7. doi: 10.1007/s10689-011-9465-7.

Abstract

Although a large kindred with familial pheochromocytoma (Pheo) and paraganglioma (PGL) was discovered in 1962 and later found to represent von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) type 2A (mutation Y112H), the phenotype lacks current characterization. Branch-specific expressivity was suspected based on oral family history. Family pedigree analysis, prospective interviews, and extensive record review were used to extend the pedigree, determine phenotype, examine branch-specific expression, and analyze mortality rates over 5 decades. In its 3 known affected branches the kindred now comprises 107 people with or at-risk for VHL, of whom 49 have been diagnosed and 35/49 (71%) are clinically affected. Phenotypic cumulative lifetime risk was 71% for Pheo/PGL, 15% for hemangioblastoma, 33% for retinal angioma, 3% for renal cell carcinoma, and 3% for pancreatic cysts. The mean ages for VHL and Pheo/PGL diagnosis were younger in successive generations. Branch II-4 predominately expressed RA, while branch II-5 predominantly expressed Pheo/PGL. Disease-specific mortality occurred early and was less frequent in successive generations. This analysis of Y112H VHL confirms a high cumulative risk for pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma. Over time, both age at diagnosis and disease-specific mortality have decreased. The observed branch-specific expressivity prompts further study of genetic and environmental disease modifiers in this large family.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / genetics
  • Age of Onset
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Male
  • Neoplastic Syndromes, Hereditary
  • Paraganglioma / genetics*
  • Paraganglioma / mortality
  • Pedigree
  • Phenotype
  • Pheochromocytoma / genetics*
  • Pheochromocytoma / mortality
  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins
  • United States
  • Von Hippel-Lindau Tumor Suppressor Protein
  • von Hippel-Lindau Disease / genetics*
  • von Hippel-Lindau Disease / mortality

Substances

  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins
  • Von Hippel-Lindau Tumor Suppressor Protein