1. DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS

1.1 Name of the disease (synonyms)

Nevoid Basal Cell Carcinoma Syndrome, Gorlin Syndrome, Basal Cell Nevus Syndrome.

1.2 OMIM# of the disease

109400.

1.3 Name of the analyzed genes or DNA/chromosome segments

PTCH1.

1.4 OMIM# of the gene(s):

601309.

1.5 Mutational spectrum

Point mutations, small and large deletions, insertions and splicing mutations.

1.6 Analytical methods

Sequencing of all PTCH1 exons and their intron–exon boundaries,1 MLPA, QMP (Quantitative Multiplex fluorescent PCR) or array-CHG for deletions spanning the whole gene.2, 3 Based on the type of mutations most frequently detected,1 start with sequencing (point mutations) followed by MLPA, QMP or array-CHG (large mutations). In patients who test negative for mutations in PTCH1, promoter analysis, testing of SUFU4 and PTCH25 may be considered.

The detection specificity of sequencing is almost 100% for point mutations and small deletions and insertions. MLPA, QMP or array-CHG are applicable only for exon-spanning mutations (<5% of all mutations), the detection specificity is 95–100%.

Pathogenicity of missense PTCH1 alterations is verified by testing a set of 100 controls (200 chromosomes) and by in silico prediction methods.

1.7 Analytical validation

Mutation is confirmed by testing an independent biological sample from the proband or an affected relative. If one exon is deleted or duplicated, the mutation is confirmed by utilizing a second technique or a kit with different primers. To confirm splicing mutations, testing is conducted on cDNA extracted from a lymphoblastoid cell-line.

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

This syndrome existed during Dynastic Egyptian times as shown by a constellation of findings compatible with the syndrome in mummies dating back to 1000 BC6 In 1992, Farndon et al 7, 8 estimated that the minimum prevalence is 1 per 57 000. An almost identical value was noted by Pratt and Jackson.9 A study in the North West of England showed that the disease affects 1 in 55 600 people.10 In Italy, the incidence (1/256 000)11 of the disease appears to be lower than in Australia (1/164 000)12 and the United Kingdom.10 Rahbari and Mehregan noted that 2% of patients under 45 years of age with basal cell carcinomas have the syndrome.13 Recently two new studies reported the incidence of the syndrome in Korea14 and in France.15

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

Not applicable.

1.10 Diagnostic setting

Comment: Mutational analysis of the PTCH1 gene is generally conducted to confirm a clinical diagnosis. Predictive testing in the absence of clinical manifestations is uncommon. Families harboring PTCH1 mutations can be offered prenatal testing.

2. TEST CHARACTERISTICS

2.1 Analytical sensitivity (proportion of positive tests if the genotype is present)

Nearly 100% with germline mutations.

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)

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

Clinical sensitivity applying stringent clinical criteria with accurate diagnosis is nearly 87% for PTCH1 and SUFU mutations together, should increase if testing for PTCH1 promoter, and PTCH2 become routine.

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. In such cases a general statement should be given, even if a quantification can only be made case by case.

Nearly 100%.

2.5 Positive clinical predictive value (life-time risk to develop the disease if the test is positive)

Approximately 92%.

2.6 Negative clinical predictive value (probability not to develop 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:

Nearly 100%.

Index case in that family had not been tested:

Not a recommended approach.

3. CLINICAL UTILITY

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

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

After clinical examination by a trained dermatologist with a strong background in genetic counseling.

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

AP and lateral X-rays of the skull, an orthopantogram, chest X-ray, and spinal X-ray are generally necessary. Ultrasound examinations are required for detection of ovarian and cardiac fibromas.11, 16

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

Not applicable.

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):

Occipitofrontal circumference should be monitored throughout childhood; children should be evaluated for hydrocephalus if rapid enlargement occurs. The risk of medulloblastoma in early childhood warrants physical examination and developmental assessment twice yearly. The efficacy of regular neuroimaging has not been proven; frequent computer tomography (CT) should be avoided because of NBCCS-associated radiation sensitivity. Starting at the age of 8 years a yearly panoramic radiograph of the jaws is recommended.17 At least an annual examination of the skin from puberty is recommended, but as a lesion may suddenly become aggressive, the patient needs open access to the specialist taking responsibility for treatment of the skin. Affected individuals should avoid sun exposure when possible, apply total sunblock and use protective clothing to cover the skin.18

If the test result is negative (no mutations or any pathogenic variant is found):

Intensified screening is not required.

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)?

Avoidance of sun exposure and regular dental examinations are recommended. In very young children developmental assessment and physical examinations are recommended twice yearly. Panoramic radiograph of jaws and regular skin examinations should be included in regular follow up.

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?

As NBCCS is an autosomal dominant disease with almost complete penetrance and high intra-familial phenotypic variability, affected individuals and their family members should be offered genetic counseling and testing.

NBCCS is caused when one copy of the PTCH1 gene pair contains a fault; this means that every child of a person with the syndrome has a 1 in 2 (50:50) chance of inheriting the faulty gene. The risk to family members is various, about 70–80% of individuals diagnosed with NBCCS have an affected parent and about 20–30% of probands have a de novo mutation. The risk to a sib of a proband depends on the genetic status of the parents: if a parent of the proband is affected, the risk to the sibs is 50%; when the parents are clinically unaffected, the risk to thesibs of a proband appears to be low; if the disease-causing mutation cannot be detected in the DNA of the parent, the risk to sibs is low, but greater than that of the general population because of the possibility of somatic mosaicism or germline mosaicism exists. The offspring of an individual with mild NBCCS caused by somatic mosaicism may have a risk of <50% of inheriting the disease-causing mutation. The risk to other family members depends upon the genetic status of the proband's parents; if a parent is affected, his or her family members are at risk.

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

Yes, recommendation for screening applies only to mutation carriers and persons at risk.

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)

If one of the parents is affected, prenatal diagnosis is recommended.

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

Prenatal diagnosis for pregnancies at increased risk is possible by analysis of DNA extracted from fetal cells obtained by amniocentesis (usually performed at about 15–18 weeks of gestation) or by chorionic villus sampling (CVS) at about 10–12 weeks of gestation. The disease-causing allele of an affected family member must be identified or linkage established in the family before prenatal testing can be performed.

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)

Support for family life organization.

Enable assessment of a severe disease, known to be transmissible to next generations.

Efficiency of subsequent clinical management.

Risk calculation for unaffected relatives.