Health risks for ataxia-telangiectasia mutated heterozygotes: a systematic review, meta-analysis and evidence-based guideline

• Published in: Clinical genetics 2016-08, Vol.90 (2), p.105-117
• Main Authors: van Os, N.J.H., Roeleveld, N., Weemaes, C.M.R., Jongmans, M.C.J., Janssens, G.O., Taylor, A.M.R., Hoogerbrugge, N., Willemsen, M.A.A.P.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Ataxia; Ataxia Telangiectasia - complications; Ataxia Telangiectasia - diagnosis; Ataxia Telangiectasia - genetics; Ataxia Telangiectasia - pathology; Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated Proteins - genetics; ataxia-telangiectasia; ATM protein; Breast cancer; Breast Neoplasms - diagnosis; Breast Neoplasms - etiology; Breast Neoplasms - genetics; Breast Neoplasms - pathology; Evidence-Based Medicine; Female; Gastrointestinal Neoplasms - diagnosis; Gastrointestinal Neoplasms - etiology; Gastrointestinal Neoplasms - genetics; Gastrointestinal Neoplasms - pathology; Gene Expression; Genetic Counseling; Genetic Predisposition to Disease; Health risk assessment; Heterozygote; Hormone replacement therapy; Humans; Life Expectancy; Middle Aged; Mutation; Myocardial Ischemia - diagnosis; Myocardial Ischemia - etiology; Myocardial Ischemia - genetics; Myocardial Ischemia - pathology; Practice Guidelines as Topic; risk factor; Risk Factors
• ISSN: 0009-9163; 1399-0004
• DOI: 10.1111/cge.12710

Ataxia‐telangiectasia (AT) is an autosomal recessive neurodegenerative disorder with immunodeficiency and an increased risk of developing cancer, caused by mutations in the ataxia‐telangiectasia mutated (ATM) gene. Logically, blood relatives may also carry a pathogenic ATM mutation. Female carriers of such a mutation have an increased risk of breast cancer. Other health risks for carriers are suspected but have never been studied systematically. Consequently, evidence‐based guidelines for carriers are not available yet. We systematically analyzed all literature and found that ATM mutation carriers have a reduced life expectancy because of mortality from cancer and ischemic heart diseases (RR 1.7, 95% CI 1.2–2.4) and an increased risk of developing cancer (RR 1.5, 95% CI 0.9–2.4), in particular breast cancer (RRwomen 3.0, 95% CI 2.1–4.5), and cancers of the digestive tract. Associations between ATM heterozygosity and other health risks have been suggested, but clear evidence is lacking. Based on these results, we propose that all female carriers of 40–50 years of age and female ATM c.7271T>G mutation carriers from 25 years of age onwards be offered intensified surveillance programs for breast cancer. Furthermore, all carriers should be made aware of lifestyle factors that contribute to the development of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes.