PTEN Hamartoma Tumour Syndrome
PTEN Hamartoma Tumour Syndrome (PHTS, ORPHA:306498) is a rare genetic condition that causes an increased risk for certain cancers, benign growths, and neurodevelopmental conditions. Its prevalence is estimated as 1 in 200,000 - 250,000, although the condition may be underdiagnosed. For a person with PHTS, three different studies have found an increased lifetime risk for certain types of cancer. The study with the largest number of patients found the following cancer risks (up to the age 70 of years): breast (67-85%), thyroid (6-38%), kidney (2-34%), uterus (19-28%), colorectal (9-20%) and melanoma (0-6%).
A benign tumour of the cerebellum called Lhermitte-Duclos disease can occur in a small minority of adults with PHTS. Macrocephaly (larger than average head size) is common and some children with PHTS are first identified because they have developmental delay and autism spectrum disorders.
PHTS is caused by a pathogenic germline variant of the PTEN gene. Previously some people may have been diagnosed with Cowden's syndrome or Bannayan-Riley-Ruvalcaba syndrome, which were based on their personal medical history and the characteristics they have developed.
One of the roles of the PTEN gene is to act as a tumour suppressor gene, which means that when it works properly, PTEN helps suppress the growth of all cells that are trying to grow out of control and become tumours.
Each child of an affected person has a 50% chance of inheriting their PTEN gene mutation and thus also develop PHTS. It is also possible for PTEN mutations to spontaneously occur in a next generation.
According to the Cancer surveillance guideline for individuals with PTEN Hamartoma Tumour Syndrome (PHTS) written by ERN GENTURIS:
More information regarding PTEN hamartoma tumour syndrome can be found on:
GeneReviews® - PTEN hamartoma tumour syndrome
Orphanet: PTEN hamartoma tumor syndrome
Clinical practice guidelines |
ERN GENTURIS care pathway |
ERN GENTURIS patient journey |
ERN GENTURIS publications |
Written by ERN GENTURIS |
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Cancer surveillance guideline for individuals with PTEN Hamartoma Tumour Syndrome (PHTS) |
Thematic Group 4: Other rare – predominantly malignant – genturis |
ERN GENTURIS webinars - Thematic group 4: Other rare genturis
ERN GENTURIS webinars - General
A list of healthcare providers with expertise in Thematic Group 4: Other rare - predominantly malignant - genturis can be found here.
A non-exhaustive list of patient associations for genetic tumour risk syndromes in EU member states can be found here.