1. DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS

1.1 Name of the disease (synonyms)

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), Bourneville-Pringle disease.

1.2 OMIM# of the disease

191100, 613254.

1.3 Name of the analysed genes or DNA/chromosome segments

TSC1, TSC2.

1.4 OMIM# of the gene(s)

605284, 191092.

1.5 Mutational spectrum

Missense, nonsense, and splice site mutations; insertions, deletions, genomic rearrangements, microdeletions, intragenic differences of gene dose/changes of copy number (duplications or deletions of one or more exons).

Presently, more than 450 different disease-causing mutations are known for TSC1 and more than 1300 for TSC2, respectively. The vast majority (80%) of TSC1 mutations are truncating comprising frameshift, nonsense, and splice mutations. Missense changes represent 17% and large genomic deletions are rare (3%). Truncating mutations (65%) are also the most common mutation type in the TSC2 gene. In contrast to the TSC1 gene, missense mutations (26%) and large genomic deletions (6%) occur substantially more frequently. Mutations that have been published in the literature and mutations submitted without publication are available in the Tuberous sclerosis database.1

1.6 Analytical methods

For detection of point mutations and small insertions/deletions: complete analysis of all coding regions and neighbouring intron sequences (splice sites) in genomic DNA, by sequence analysis or other techniques with a sensitivity comparable to sequence analysis.

For detection of intragenic deletions and duplications with differences of gene dose: analysis of both genes, for example, by MLPA (multiplex ligation dependent probe amplification) or quantitative PCR.

For detection of chromosomal rearrangements, oligo and SNP array analyses can be performed. An exception is a microdeletion, particularly a TSC2/PKD1 contiguous gene syndrome, which can be detected by FISH (fluorescence in situ hybridisation).2

Next-generation sequencing approaches can also be used.

1.7 Analytical validation

Bidirectional sequence analysis or other methods with a comparable sensitivity as sequence analysis; confirmation of results by a second DNA extraction or a second method; confirmation of intragenic or larger chromosomal deletions by a second method, for example, quantitative PCR, long-range PCR, and FISH. Variants of unknown significance should be further investigated at least by in silico analysis and, if possible, by segregation analysis. In some cases (especially for some missense and splice site variants), it can be still unclear whether these variants are disease-causing or rare neutral variants. Functional tests can be used to help resolve whether these variants are likely to be disease-causing.3 Intronic variants, missense, and synonymous changes that are suspected to affect RNA splicing should be verified by investigating an RNA sample, applying RT-PCR for example.

1.8 Estimated frequency of the disease (incidence at birth (‘birth prevalence’) or population prevalence)

Birth incidence is estimated to be 1:6000.4 Numbers for prevalence range from 0.7 to 3.8 per 100 000 population in the United Kingdom5 assuming no differences in other ethnical groups.

1.9 If applicable, prevalence in the ethnic group of investigated person

Not applicable.

1.10 Diagnostic setting

Comment:

Prenatal genetic testing including polar body analysis and preimplantation genetic testing is available for families with a known genetic cause of TSC. Caveat: (germline) mosaicism6 in one of the parents of a patient if they both test negative for the constitutive mutation, offer prenatal testing for new pregnancies, and offer to test other siblings of the patient.

2. TEST CHARACTERISTICS

2.1 Analytical sensitivity

(proportion of positive tests if the genotype is present)

Assuming a prevalence of 90% for point mutations and of up to 10% for intragenic deletions/duplications, microdeletions and rearrangements, germline mutations will be detected in 80–85% of cases7 if both genes are analysed by multiple methods, including a deletion/duplication screen. Rare splice mutations located deep in introns or mutations affecting mRNA expression (for example in promoter regions) are not detected by current DNA-based diagnostics but can be identified with RNA-based methods.8 Additional mutations not detected by routine diagnostic methods like Sanger sequencing and MLPA may be identified applying next-generation sequencing approaches.9, 10

2.2 Analytical specificity

(proportion of negative tests if the genotype is not present)

Nearly 100%.

2.3 Clinical sensitivity

(proportion of positive tests if the disease is present)

The clinical sensitivity can be dependent on variable factors such as age or family history or incomplete clinical investigations performed. In such cases, a general statement should be given, even if a quantification can only be made case by case.

Clinical sensitivity reaches 70–85% if the diagnostic criteria of Roach11 are fulfilled (corresponding to ‘TSC definite’), depending on the application of one or more analytical methods.12, 13, 14, 15 Because of variable clinical expressivity, lower sensitivities are expected in phenotypes corresponding to ‘TSC probable’ and ‘TSC possible’.

2.4 Clinical specificity

(proportion of negative tests if the disease is not present)

The clinical specificity can be dependent on variable factors such as age or family history or number of clinical investigations performed. In such cases, a general statement should be given, even if a quantification can only be made case by case.

Clinical specificity is possibly 100%.

2.5 Positive clinical predictive value

(life-time risk to developing the disease if the test is positive)

As there is an almost 100% penetrance, clinical predictive value is 100%. However, there may be highly variable clinical expressivity.16

2.6 Negative clinical predictive value

(probability of not developing the disease if the test is negative)

Assume an increased risk based on family history for a non-affected person. Allelic and locus heterogeneity may need to be considered.

Index case in that family had been tested:

If the pathogenic mutation is identified in the index patient and is tested negative in another family member, then the clinical predictive value for the family member is almost 100%.

Index case in that family had not been tested:

85%. This question arises in children who have no clinical symptoms yet, or in adults with minimal clinical symptoms such that the diagnosis cannot be made by clinical criteria alone.

3. CLINICAL UTILITY

3.1 (Differential) diagnostics: The tested person is clinically affected

(To be answered if in 1.10 ‘A’ was marked)

3.1.1 Can a diagnosis be made other than through a genetic test?

3.1.2 Describe the burden of alternative diagnostic methods to the patient

There is no extra burden of the alternative diagnostic methods to a patient. When TSC is suspected in a patient, full clinical and imaging investigations are needed, to get insight into the clinical status of the patient and to guide further follow-up. Because of the variability of TSC, investigation of different organ systems are needed, like a neurological examination, MRI of the brain, cardiological examination, ultrasound of the heart, ophthalmological examination, dermatological examination, and ultrasound or CT-scan of the abdomen.18, 19

There is an extra burden for relatives who want to know their risk in the absence of a TSC1 or TSC2 mutation in the patient. The parents or other first degree relatives of a patient have to undergo the aforementioned investigation protocol to exclude as far as possible or confirm the diagnosis. In only about 1/3 of the cases, do the clinical investigations of the parents define the clinical status and follow-up of the affected parent. Also no prenatal or preimplantation genetic testing can be offered in the absence of a mutation. Although blood is required for a DNA test, it is less uncomfortable and less time consuming for relatives, to be tested in this way. Caveat: (germline) mosaicism.

During initial diagnosis as well as after molecular confirmation of the clinical diagnosis, clinical and imaging investigations are required at regular intervals. The length of the intervals depends on the clinical findings.

3.1.3 How is the cost effectiveness of alternative diagnostic methods to be judged?

The authors presume that it is cheaper to exclude at-risk relatives using a DNA test than by using the full clinical investigation protocol.

3.1.4 Will disease management be influenced by the result of a genetic test?

3.2 Predictive Setting: The tested person is clinically unaffected but carries an increased risk based on family history

(To be answered if in 1.10 ‘B’ was marked)

3.2.1 Will the result of a genetic test influence lifestyle and prevention?

If the test result is positive (please describe):

Specific follow-up investigations of the organ systems that are potentially involved in TSC are needed in regular intervals. The length of the intervals depends on the clinical findings and protocol. Early diagnosis may allow early initiation of treatment and/or surveillance. Treatment options can affect lifestyle. Prenatal or preimplantation genetic testing can be offered because of a 50% risk for the fetus/embryo.

If the test result is negative (please describe):

There is no need of control investigations if a familial mutation has been excluded. In case of TSC-associated complaints or symptoms, clinical examination is considered useful. Prenatal testing can be offered because there is a risk of a germline mosaic of 1–2% for the fetus.

3.2.2 Which options in view of lifestyle and prevention does a person at-risk have if no genetic test has been done (please describe)?

Regular interdisciplinary follow-up of the organ systems potentially involved in TSC.

3.3 Genetic risk assessment in family members of a diseased person

(To be answered if in 1.10 ‘C’ was marked)

3.3.1 Does the result of a genetic test resolve the genetic situation in that family?

Yes, in most cases, although mosaicism in the parents cannot be excluded.

3.3.2 Can a genetic test in the index patient save genetic or other tests in family members?

No.

3.3.3 Does a positive genetic test result in the index patient enable a predictive test in a family member?

Yes.

3.4 Prenatal diagnosis

(To be answered if in 1.10 ‘D’ was marked)

3.4.1 Does a positive genetic test result in the index patient enable a prenatal diagnosis?

Yes, if either a parent carries the mutation or if a sibling carries the mutation in case of germline mosaicism of one parent.

4. IF APPLICABLE, FURTHER CONSEQUENCES OF TESTING

Please assume that the result of a genetic test has no immediate medical consequences. Is there any evidence that a genetic test is nevertheless useful for the patient or his/her relatives? (Please describe)

Yes. The genetic diagnosis significantly contributes to classification of the disease if the diagnostic criteria alone are not sufficient for securing the clinical diagnosis. Due to an update in the diagnostic criteria, the identification of either a TSC1 or TSC2 pathogenic mutation in DNA from normal tissue is sufficient to make a definite diagnosis of TSC.25 A definite diagnosis is a prerequisite for clinical prognosis, specific therapy, and legal acceptance as a severely disabled person. For many patients, the definite genetic diagnosis of TSC provides certainty, ends a diagnostic odyssey, and enables accurate genetic counselling of patients and relatives. Finally, the correct diagnosis of TSC enables finding the appropriate patient organisation.