Early-onset malignant phyllodes breast tumor in a patient with germline pathogenic variants in NF1 and BRCA1 genes

Fam Cancer. 2021 Jul;20(3):195-199. doi: 10.1007/s10689-020-00217-x. Epub 2020 Nov 19.

Abstract

We present a 24-year-old female patient affected by neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) who developed a malignant phyllodes tumor of the breast. The molecular studies showed that the patient carried a heterozygous inactivating deleterious variant in BRCA1 inherited from the father associated with a germline de novo pathogenic alteration in NF1; the tumor presented a biallelic inactivation of both genes. Therefore, tumor analyses helped to establish that the germline NF1 and BRCA1 variants were in cis on the paternal chromosome. This last information is important to provide adequate genetic counselling regarding the risk of recurrence in the offspring, as well as opportunity for early intervention. In conclusion, we present the first case of a malignant phyllodes tumor of the breast in patient carrying pathogenic variants in NF1 and BRCA1. Further studies will be necessary to understand if the phyllodes histotype represents a very rare component of NF1-associated breast cancer.

Keywords: BRCA1; Breast cancer.; Malignant phyllodes tumor; NF1; Neurofibromatosis type 1.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Breast Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Breast Neoplasms / surgery
  • Chromosomes, Human, Pair 17
  • Female
  • Genes, BRCA1*
  • Genes, Neurofibromatosis 1*
  • Genetic Testing
  • Germ-Line Mutation*
  • Heterozygote
  • Humans
  • Mastectomy
  • Neurofibromatosis 1 / complications*
  • Pedigree
  • Phyllodes Tumor / genetics*
  • Phyllodes Tumor / surgery
  • Young Adult