Abstract
Germline biallelic mutations in one of the mismatch repair genes (MSH2/MSH6/MLH1/PMS2 results in constitutional mismatch repair deficiency (CMMRD), a condition associated with multiple tumors arising from multiple organs during childhood, and these individuals rarely reach adulthood. The paucity of information with respect to these conditions leads to mismanagement and may be a factor in the high mortality of patients with CMMRD. Two international consortia, the European CARE4CMMRD, and the international replication repair deficiency (RRD) consortium, are addressing the many challenges associated with this condition. To address specific issues surrounding the management of CMMRD in low and middle income countries (LMIC), a multidisciplinary taskforce of 11 specialists from nine countries was formed. Preliminary conclusions are: 1) Immunohistochemistry for CMMRD should be considered for all patients with suggestive clinical features. In countries where CMMRD is common, malignant gliomas, colon cancers and T cell lymphomas should be stained routinely as the prevalence of CMMRD in these tumors can exceed 40%. 2) Temozolomide should not be used in the management of malignant glioma. By contrast, preclinical studies have suggested increased sensitivity to nitrosoureas. For the management of CMMRD related lymphoma and leukemia, mercaptopurines should not be avoided or discontinued as a part of the standard of care before more data are collected. 3) Management with checkpoint inhibitors should be limited to centers with intensive care units and expertise in complex supportive care to manage side effects of immune therapy. 4) Surveillance protocols have demonstrated long term survival benefits and should be implemented in LMIC.
Biomarkers for immune therapy in colorectal cancer: mismatch-repair deficiency and others
