Survival, surveillance, and genetics in patients with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome: A nationwide study

Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS) is an autosomal dominant hereditary polyposis syndrome causing increased morbidity and mortality due to complications of polyposis and the development of cancer. STK11 is the only gene known to be associated with PJS, although in 10%-15% of patients fulfilling the diagnostic criteria no pathogenic variant (PV) is identified. The primary aim of this study was to identify the genetic etiology in all known PJS patients in Denmark and to estimate the risk of cancer, effect of surveillance and overall survival. We identified 56 patients (2-83 years old) with PJS. The detection rate of PVs was 96%, including three cases of mosaicism (6%). In two patients a variant was not detected. At the age of 40 years, the probabilities of cancer and death were 21% and 16%, respectively; at the age of 70 years these probabilities were 71% and 69%. Most cases of cancer (92%) were identified between the scheduled examinations in the surveillance program. These observations emphasize that PJS should be regarded as a general cancer predisposition syndrome, where improvement of clinical care is needed.

Automated summary

Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS) is a hereditary polyposis syndrome with a high risk of cancer and death. In this study, the genetic etiology of all known PJS patients in Denmark was identified, and the risks of cancer, surveillance effects, and overall survival were estimated. Most cases of cancer were found between scheduled examinations, highlighting the need for improved clinical care.