The impact of chemotherapy on the host microbiota in the context of oral and gastrointestinal mucositis

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TARP as immunotherapeutic target in AML expressed in the LSC compartment

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Not all pediatric intestinal polyps are alike

Background/Aims : In childhood, clinical presentation of intestinal polyps is variable. Painless rectal red blood loss is the most common presenting sign. Most polyps are sporadic, isolated and benign. However, it is important to correctly identity exceptions. Hare inherited polyposis syndromes need to be recognized because of their increased risk of intestinal and extra-intestinal malignancies. Furthermore, a correct diagnosis and treatment of rare gastro-intestinal malignancies is crucial. Methods : Between 2016 and 2018 we encountered 4 different types of intestinal polyps. A database search was performed and patient tiles were checked for clinical manifestations and histopathology. Literature was searched to recapitulate red flags for these syndromes, probability of underlying genetic disorders and diagnostic criteria. Results : Between 2016 and 2018, 28 patients presented at the Ghent University Hospital with 30 juvenile polyps. Furthermore, we diagnosed juvenile polyposis syndrome, Li Fraumeni syndrome and familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) in 1 patient each, whilst 2 FAP patients were in follow-up. Each of these diagnoses has a different lifetime risk of (extra)-intestinal malignancy and requires a different approach and follow-up. Histopathology and genetic testing play an important role in identifying these syndromes in pediatric patients. Conclusion : Although most intestinal polyps in childhood are benign juvenile polyps that require no follow-up, rare inherited syndromes should be considered and correctly diagnosed since adequate follow-up is necessary to reduce morbidity and mortality from both gastrointestinal and extraintestinal complications and malignancies

EVI1 overexpression in t(3;17) positive myeloid malignancies results from juxtaposition of EVI1 to the MSI2 locus at 17q22

Chromosomal translocations involving the EVI1 locus are a recurrent finding in myeloid leukemia and are associated with poor prognosis. In this study, we performed a detailed molecular characterization of the recurrent translocation t(3;17)(q26;q22) in 13 hematologic malignancies. The EVI1 gene locus was rearranged in all 13 patients and was associated with EVI1 overexpression. In 9 out of 13 patients, the 17q breakpoints clustered in a 250 kb region on band 17q22 encompassing the MSI2 (musashi homologue 2) gene. Expression analyses failed to demonstrate ectopic MSI2 expression or the presence of an MSI2/EVI1 fusion gene. In conclusion, we show for the first time that the t(3;17) is indeed a recurrent chromosomal aberration in myeloid malignancies. In keeping with findings in other recurrent 3q26 rearrangements, overexpression of the EVI1 gene appears to be the major contributor to leukemogenesis in patients with a t(3; 17)