Family History of Cancer Among Children With Brain Tumors

Abstract

The occurrence of brain tumors in children has been anecdotally associated with an increased cancer incidence among relatives. This study rigorously reviewed the epidemiologic literature regarding family history of cancer in children with brain tumors. Six case-control and 10 cohort studies remained after applying stringent inclusion criteria. Most studies found no significant increase in cancer risk among relatives of childhood brain tumor patients. Those associations that were detected were often of borderline significance or demonstrated wide confidence intervals. There is limited evidence that a family history of cancer is more common among families of childhood brain tumor patients.

Incomplete penetrance of the predisposition to medulloblastoma associated with germ-line SUFU mutations

“…Familial aggregations of medulloblastoma are rare,7 8 suggesting that the incidence of these inherited germline mutations is low. However, we cannot exclude the possibility that some cases of apparently sporadic medulloblastoma may be associated with de novo mutations of the SUFU gene.…”

“…Most medulloblastomas are sporadic 7 8. However, some genetic syndromes such as the nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome (NBCCS) and familial adenomatous polyposis are associated with increased susceptibility to medulloblastoma 9.…”

Childhood Brain Tumor Epidemiology: A Brain Tumor Epidemiology Consortium Review

“…A 2008 review (28) including publications as early as 1959 reported that although most studies observed positive associations specific to brain tumors, there was borderline statistical evidence for an increased risk. Siblings of childhood CNS cancer cases consistently showed increased risks of developing a childhood CNS tumor, with a higher risk seen if both children had MB or PNET diagnoses.…”

Brain and Central Nervous System Tumors☆

“…In a review of these studies, Dearlove et al (2008) concluded that most of these found not significant increase in cancer risk among family members of children with brain tumor, but siblings of children with CNS tumors consistently have an increased risk of developing a CNS tumors. In a review of these studies, Dearlove et al (2008) concluded that most of these found not significant increase in cancer risk among family members of children with brain tumor, but siblings of children with CNS tumors consistently have an increased risk of developing a CNS tumors.…”