Oral Tongue Cancer in a Patient with Fanconi Anemia: A Case Report and Literature Review

• Main Authors: Deng S, Ye W, Zhang S, Zhu G, Zhang P, Song Y, Duan F, Lang J, Lu S
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Dove Medical Press 2021-04-01
• Series: Cancer Management and Research
• Subjects: fanconi anemia; radiotherapy; cisplatin; head and neck squamous cell carcinoma; toxicity
• Online Access: https://www.dovepress.com/oral-tongue-cancer-in-a-patient-with-fanconi-anemia-a-case-report-and--peer-reviewed-article-CMAR

Siyao Deng,1 Wenjing Ye,1 Shichuan Zhang,2,3 Guiquan Zhu,4 Peng Zhang,2 Yanqiong Song,2 Fanglei Duan,3 Jinyi Lang,2,3 Shun Lu2,3 1School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Radiation Oncology, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China; 3Radiation Oncology Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, People’s Republic of China; 4State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Centre for Oral Diseases, Department of Head and Neck Oncology, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Shun LuDepartment of Radiation Oncology, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Renmin South Road 55#, Chengdu, 610041, People’s Republic of ChinaTel [phone]Fax [phone]Email [e-mail]: Fanconi anemia (FA) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by congenital anomalies, progressive bone marrow failure and high susceptibility to solid tumors, especially head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Management of FA patients with head and neck cancer is a challenge due to increased risk of surgery, poor tolerance of chemotherapy, and severe myelotoxicity of radiotherapy.Patients and Methods: We present a case of a 33-year-old man with carcinoma of oral tongue (T1N2M0), who experienced prolonged and profound bone marrow failure as a consequence of concurrent cisplatin/radiation. The young patient who developed HNSCC without risk factors, the myelotoxicity after exposure to platinum-based agent cisplatin and the further evaluation of phenotypic characteristics raised suspicion of FA. Whole exome sequencing performed for the patient and parents ultimately established the diagnosis of FA.Results: Genetic testing in 23 FANC genes revealed two novel heterozygous mutations, c.367C>T and c.3971_3972delCGinsTT in FANCA gene of the patient, which were inherited from his father and mother, respectively. Radiotherapy with reduced dose has successfully alleviated the symptoms of tumor invasion and progression, and the radiation-related side effects were acceptable. Unfortunately, the patient eventually died of locoregional disease progression.Conclusion: This case highlights the importance of considering the diagnosis of FA in young patients who develop HNSCC in the absence of risk factors, thus permitting more effective oncological treatment strategies and improved outcomes. In conclusion, any decision on different modalities of management in such patients should be based on a balance between locoregional control and therapeutic toxicity.Keywords: fanconi anemia, radiotherapy, cisplatin, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, toxicity