Familial pancreatic cancer with PALB2 and NBN pathogenic variants: a case report

• Main Authors: Kodai Abe, Arisa Ueki, Yusaku Urakawa, Minoru Kitago, Tomoko Yoshihama, Yoshiko Nanki, Yuko Kitagawa, Daisuke Aoki, Kenjiro Kosaki, Akira Hirasawa
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2021-01-01
• Series: Hereditary Cancer in Clinical Practice
• Subjects: Hereditary pancreatic cancer; PALB2; NBN
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13053-020-00160-z

Abstract Background Family history is one of the risk factors for pancreatic cancer. It is suggested that patients with pancreatic cancer who have a familial history harbor germline pathogenic variants of BRCA1 and/or BRCA2 (BRCA1/2), PALB2, or ATM. Recently, some germline variants of familial pancreatic cancers (FPCs), including PALB2, have been detected. Several countries, including Japan, perform screening workups and genetic analysis for pancreatic cancers. We have been carrying out active surveillance for FPC through epidemiological surveys, imaging analyses, and genetic analysis. Case presentation Here, we present the case of a female patient harboring pathogenic variants of PALB2 and NBN, with a family history of multiple pancreatic cancer in her younger brother, her aunt, and her father. Moreover, her father harbored a PALB2 pathogenic variant and her daughter harbored the same NBN pathogenic variant. Given the PALB2 and NBN variants, we designed surveillance strategies for the pancreas, breast, and ovary. Conclusions Further studies are required to develop strategies for managing FPCs to facilitate prompt diagnosis before their progression.