Hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell carcinoma

Abstract

Hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell carcinoma (HLRCC) is an autosomal-dominant hereditary syndrome, which is caused by germline mutations in the FH gene that encodes the tricarboxylic acid cycle enzyme fumarate hydratase (FH). HLRCC patients are predisposed to develop cutaneous leiomyomas, multiple, symptomatic uterine fibroids in young women resulting in early hysterectomies, and early onset renal tumors with a type 2 papillary morphology that can progress and metastasize, even when small. Since HLRCC-associated renal tumors can be more aggressive than renal tumors in other hereditary renal cancer syndromes, caution is warranted, and surgical intervention is recommended rather than active surveillance. At-risk members of an HLRCC family who test positive for the familial germline FH mutation should undergo surveillance by annual magnetic resonance imaging from the age of 8 years. Biochemical studies have shown that FH-deficient kidney cancer is characterized by a metabolic shift to aerobic glycolysis. It is hoped that through ongoing clinical trials evaluating targeted molecular therapies, an effective form of treatment for HLRCC-associated kidney cancer will be developed that will offer an improved prognosis for individuals affected with HLRCC-associated kidney cancer.

Introduction

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) affects over 271,000 individuals globally, and will result in at least 116,000 deaths this year.1 Although 97% of cases occur in individuals without a family history of renal tumors, it is through the study of inherited renal cancer syndromes that the most progress has been made in deciphering the genetic basis of kidney cancer. Kidney cancer is not a single entity, but a group of distinct diseases, each with a different histology, caused by mutations in a different gene, and with a different clinical course and potential outcome for the patient.2–4

Over 2 decades ago, the first cancer gene responsible for an inherited renal cancer syndrome was identified.5 Inactivating mutations in the VHL tumor-suppressor gene were identified in the germline of patients with von Hippel–Lindau (VHL) disease, a multisystem disorder that predisposes patients to the development of clear-cell kidney cancer,2,6 characterized by the loss of chromosome 3p.7 A few years later, a second inherited renal cancer syndrome, hereditary papillary renal carcinoma, was described, in which at-risk individuals developed renal tumors with a papillary type I architecture caused by germline activating mutations in the MET proto-oncogene.8–11

Subsequently, Birt–Hogg–Dubé syndrome, originally described as a dermatologic disorder,12 was reclassified as a renal cancer syndrome when it was discovered that patients who inherit a germline mutation in the FLCN tumor-suppressor gene are at risk of developing kidney cancer – most frequently, chromophobe and hybrid oncocytic RCC – in addition to benign hair-follicle tumors, pulmonary cysts, and spontaneous pneumothoraces.13–16 Finally, germline mutations in genes that encode components of the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, including the subunits B, C and D of succinate dehydrogenase (SDH)17–19 and the FH gene,20 predispose individuals to unique inherited renal cancer syndromes and drive metabolic reprogramming of renal tumors.21 This review will focus on the inherited renal cancer syndrome caused by germline FH inactivation, known as hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell carcinoma (HLRCC [Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man {MIM} 150800]).

Clinical manifestations of HLRCC

Skin leiomyomata

The association of cutaneous leiomyomata with uterine leiomyomata in patients was originally known as Reed’s disease.22 Subsequently, multiple cutaneous and uterine leiomyoma syndrome (MIM 150800) families in which kidney tumors cosegregated with cutaneous and uterine leiomyomata were identified, and the syndrome was renamed HLRCC.23 The most common manifestations of HLRCC are cutaneous leiomyomata, which occur in 76%–100% of patients.24–26 They present as multiple firm, flesh-colored nodules (10 to >100, ranging from 0.4 to 2.5 mm in size) that develop on the trunk and extremities, sometimes in a segmental pattern, and are often symptomatic, exhibiting pain and paresthesias. Histologically, they are comprised of bundles of smooth-muscle cells with centrally located blunt-ended nuclei (Figure 1). The mean age of onset of these skin lesions is approximately 25 years (range 10–47 years).24

Figure 1.

(A–E) Clinical manifestations of hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell carcinoma (HLRCC): leiomyomas.

Notes: (A) Multiple cutaneous leiomyomas on the torso of an HLRCC patient. (B) Histomicrograph of cutaneous leiomyoma, showing interlaced bundles of smooth-muscle fibers with a centrally located long, blunt-edged nucleus. (hematoxylin and eosin, [H&E] 10×). (C) Computed tomography image showing multiple large uterine leiomyomas (white arrows) that occur in most women with HLRCC, and that can be symptomatic. (D and E) High-power image of a uterine leiomyoma showing large prominent nuclei with an orangiophilic nucleolus (white arrows) surrounded by perinuclear halo; H&E, 300× and 400×. Images from Grubb et al32 (A and C), Rothman et al54 (B), and Sanz-Ortega et al30 (D and E).

Uterine leiomyomata

A high percentage of affected women with skin leiomyomata develop uterine leiomyomata (fibroids).24–29 Multiple uterine fibroids (up to 20) with a size range of 1.5–10 cm can occur in an individual. Symptoms may include irregular menses, menorrhagia, and pain, and develop very early (median 28–32 years).27,30 In one study, myomectomies or hysterectomies at or before age 40 years were necessary in 68% of female HLRCC patients, and half of those women had a hysterectomy or myomectomy at or before 30 years of age.25 Histologically, uterine leiomyoma are characterized by cells with large single nuclei or multinucleated cells with orangiophilic prominent nucleoli surrounded by a perinuclear halo (Figure 1).30 Although a few rare cases of malignant uterine leiomyosarcoma have been reported among HLRCC patients,23,31 currently there is debate about whether these lesions are actually leiomyosarcoma or “atypical histology” commonly seen in HLRCC patients.

Renal tumors, benign cysts, and cystic tumors

While families characterized by an inherited, autosomal dominant form of a lethal variant of type 2 papillary kidney cancer were described in 1995, the association of this type of kidney cancer with cutaneous and uterine leiomyomata was not made until 2001.23 Patients affected with HLRCC are at risk for the development of renal tumors, benign renal cysts, and cystic renal tumors. Renal tumors can occur with an early age of onset (10–44 years), and are characterized by a form of type 2 papillary RCC (Figure 2).23,24,32 HLRCC-associated renal tumors may present as solitary lesions;32 however, they can also be bilateral and/or multifocal. These kidney tumors can be aggressive and may metastasize even when small. Penetrance for renal tumors in HLRCC is low: 14%–18% of HLRCC patients had been reported to develop kidney cancer in North American and French cohorts;24,33 however, in a Dutch study, the frequency was much lower – at 3%.26 Histologically, HLRCC-associated renal tumor cells are characterized by abundant amphophilic cytoplasms and a large nucleus with large inclusion-like eosinophilic or orangiophilic nucleoli surrounded by a clear halo (Figure 2) similar to that seen in uterine leiomyomas from HLRCC patients.34 Typically, these tumors display a type 2 papillary architecture, but can have a variety of patterns, including cystic, tubular-papillary, tubular, and solid.34 While collecting duct carcinomas have been reported,24,33,35 it is not clear whether they are truly collecting duct tumors or simply a variant of HLRCC renal tumors.

Figure 2.

(A–E) Clinical manifestations of hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell carcinoma (HLRCC): renal tumors.

Notes: Computed tomography images showing (A) para-aortic nodal disease (white arrow) and (B) left renal tumor (white arrow) in HLRCC patients. RCC in HLRCC patients may present with (C) papillary morphology suggestive of type 2 papillary RCC (10×), but (D) tubular and cystic patterns may also be seen (10×). (E) Under high power, the characteristic orangiophilic or eosinophilic nucleoli with perinuclear halo are seen (40×). Images from Grubb et al.32

Abbreviation: RCC, renal cell carcinoma.

Other manifestations

Adrenal cortical adenomas have been reported to occur in 10% of patients affected with HLRCC.26,36 While these tumors are most often small and nonfunctional, a small number of functional tumors (adrenocorticotropic hormone-producing) have been identified in HLRCC families.36

Diagnostic criteria for HLRCC

Major criteria for a clinical diagnosis of HLRCC in an individual include the presence of multiple skin lesions clinically proven as leiomyomata with at least one histologically confirmed lesion.24 Criteria suspicious for HLRCC include: 1) solitary cutaneous leiomyoma and family history of HLRCC, 2) early onset renal tumors that are of type 2 papillary architecture, and 3) in women, multiple early onset uterine leiomyomata that may be symptomatic. The definitive diagnosis of HLRCC is made in an individual by the presence of a germline mutation in the FH gene (Table 1).

Table 1.

Diagnostic criteria for hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell carcinoma (HLRCC)

Major criteria (high likelihood of HLRCC)

• Multiple cutaneous leiomyomata with at least one biopsy proven/histologically confirmed

Minor criteria (suspicious for HLRCC)

• Solitary cutaneous leiomyoma and family history of HLRCC

• Early onset renal tumors of type 2 papillary histology

• Multiple early onset (<40 years) symptomatic uterine fibroids

Definitive diagnosis

• Positive germline FH-mutation test

Genetic DNA testing and surveillance for HLRCC

Germline mutations in the FH gene are diagnostic for HLRCC, and genetic testing of the FH gene should be offered to any individual who presents with clinical manifestations of HLRCC or has a family history of HLRCC. Given that highly aggressive renal tumors are part of the syndrome, have been reported in children as young as 11 years of age,37 and can metastasize even when small,32 it is recommended that genetic testing be offered at the parents’ discretion to children as young as 8–10 years of age. A positive germline mutation result would confirm the diagnosis, whereas a negative germline FH mutation result (in a patient from a family with a known germline mutation) eliminates the need for lifelong surveillance. A negative germline FH mutation test in an at-risk patient without a known familial mutation does not completely rule out the possibility that the patient is affected with HLRCC. In families with known phenotypic HLRCC evaluated at the Urologic Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, the percentage of families who were found to have a positive FH germline mutation test is greater than 95% (unpublished); however, the detection rate is not currently 100%. The small number of families who phenotypically are characterized as being affected with HLRCC, but test negative for germline FH mutation, are managed as if they had a positive germline mutation test.

It is recommended that individuals who are affected with or at risk for HLRCC undergo periodic surveillance for kidney tumors. Abdominal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with 1–3 mm slices through the kidneys is recommended annually. While renal ultrasound may play a role in assessing complex HLRCC-associated renal mass lesions, this modality is not recommended for either detecting or characterizing HLRCC-associated lesions and is not recommended for screening. MRI screening in FH mutation-positive children is suggested, starting at the age of 8 years.

Genetic basis of HLRCC

Germline mutations in the FH gene that encodes the TCA cycle enzyme converting fumarate to malate are responsible for HLRCC. To date, ~120 unique potentially pathogenic FH mutations have been reported in the Leiden Open Variant Database (http://chromium.liacs.nl/LOVD2/SDH/home. php?select_db=FH).38 Sanger sequencing of the FH gene and multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification have enabled the detection of insertion/deletion, frameshift, nonsense, missense, and splice-site mutations, as well as large gene deletions, increasing the mutation detection rate to nearly 90%.24,25,39 An apparent mutational “hot spot” was observed at Arg190 (Arg190His, Arg190Leu, Arg190Cys) in 18 of 56 unrelated families in a North American cohort24,25 and in 14 of 45 families in a British cohort.39 Founder mutations have been reported among three Dutch HLRCC families,26 four families of Jewish Iranian origin,40 and a German and an English family.41,42 Reduced or loss of fumarate hydratase (FH) enzyme activity was detected in lymphoblastoid and fibroblast cells from HLRCC patients,20,25,35,43 and may serve as a useful diagnostic tool for identifying FH mutation carriers in cases where sequencing and multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification have not identified any FH variant or gene deletion. Since FH is a tetrameric protein, the fact that lymphoblastoid cells from patients with germline FH missense mutations expressed very low FH activity may be due to a dominant negative effect of the FH missense mutant protein preventing the formation of fully functional FH tetramers.35

Molecular consequences of FH inactivation in HLRCC

Kidney tumors, uterine fibroids, and cutaneous leiomyomas from HLRCC patients with FH germline mutations acquire a “second hit” by somatic loss or mutation of the wild-type FH allele underscoring a tumor-suppressor role for FH.20,23,35 Inactivation of both FH alleles results in loss of FH activity in the target tissues (kidney tumors, cutaneous and uterine leiomyomas), thereby inhibiting the conversion of fumarate to malate and resulting in fumarate accumulation. There are a number of proposed mechanisms by which elevated fumarate may function as an oncoprotein in FH-deficient kidney cancer.

Loss of FH activity results in accumulation of fumarate, which may be transported out of the mitochondria into the cytoplasm. In the cytoplasm, elevated levels of fumarate can competitively inhibit the function of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) prolyl hydroxylase, resulting in HIF accumulation.44 With increased HIF-1α levels, HIF target genes, such as VEGF and GLUT1, are transcriptionally activated, providing increased vasculature and glucose transport for these glucose-dependent FH-deficient tumors (Figure 3).44,45

Figure 3.

Potential biochemical pathways deregulated as a consequence of FH inactivation.

Notes: FH-deficient kidney cancer has impaired oxidative phosphorylation, and undergoes a metabolic shift to aerobic glycolysis to generate adenosine triphosphate for cellular energy demands. Fumarate, which accumulates in FH-deficient cells, can competitively inhibit prolyl hydroxylase (PHD), resulting in HIF-1α stabilization and increased expression of the HIF-1α target genes VEGF and GLUT1. Elevated fumarate also succinates KEAP1, altering its conformation and inhibiting its ability to degrade nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). Nrf2 transcriptional activity is upregulated, leading to activation of the antioxidant-response pathway and protection against oxidative stress. Adapted from Linehan and Rouault.21

Abbreviations: LDHA, lactate dehydrogenase A; CoA, coenzyme A; αKG, α-ketoglutarate; FH, fumarate hydratase; GLUT1, glucose transporter 1; KEAP1, kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1; CUL3, cullin 3; HIF-1α, hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha; VEGF, vascular endothelial growth factor; PDH, pyruvate dehydrogenase; PDK1, pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 1.

In addition, fumarate is an electrophile, and reacts spontaneously with the sulfhydryl moiety of cysteines, a reaction termed succination,46 which is known to modify the activity of a number of proteins and can be detected by an immunohistochemical assay.47 One of these proteins is KEAP1, which is the substrate recognition subunit of a cullin 3 (CUL3)-based E3 ubiquitin-ligase complex that targets nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) for degradation in the proteasome. Nrf2 drives an adaptive response of cells to electrophilic and oxidative stress by transcriptionally upregulating target genes containing antioxidant-response elements in their promoters. In the absence of electrophiles, KEAP1 through CUL3 binds to Nrf2 and targets it for ubiquitin-mediated degradation.48 Electrophiles such as fumarate can succinate critical KEAP1 cysteines, resulting in a conformational change that abrogates KEAP1–Nrf2 binding, leading to stabilization and accumulation of Nrf2, and the activation of the Nrf2 antioxidant pathway (Figure 3).49,50 In this context, fumarate acts as an oncometabolite.51 If dysregulation of the KEAP1–Nrf2–CUL3 pathway represents an additional mechanism facilitating tumor formation in HLRCC, this may represent an opportunity for developing targeted therapies for HLRCC-associated renal cancer.

Clinical management of HLRCC and treatment of manifestations

Clinical management of HLRCC patients requires a multidisciplinary approach involving dermatologists, gynecologists, and urologic oncologists. Genetic counseling is extremely important for patients with a family history of HLRCC to identify asymptomatic at-risk family members and initiate surveillance at an early age.

Cutaneous leiomyomas

An important goal of treatment for patients with cutaneous leiomyomas is to alleviate pain in these benign lesions. Medications, such as nifedipine, gabapentin, doxasozin, phenoxybenzamine, hyoscine, hydrobromide, and nitroglycerin have been used.52 Single leiomyomas may be removed surgically. Multiple cutaneous lesions may be treated with electrocoagulation, cryotherapy, or CO₂ laser ablation in combination with pain-relieving medications, including analgesics, antidepressants, and opioid (oxycodone) drugs.52,53

Uterine leiomyomas

Early onset (<40 years) symptomatic uterine leiomyomas (fibroids) are a highly penetrant manifestation in women with HLRCC, and are associated with an increased frequency of surgical treatment at a young age compared to FH mutation-negative women.27 An annual gynecologic consultation is suggested to assess the severity of uterine fibroids. Hysterectomy may be recommended due to the large size and number of fibroids; however, myomectomy is commonly preferred to conserve uterine function.

Renal cancer

Kidney tumors that develop in the setting of HLRCC can be aggressive and may metastasize, even when small. It is recommended that individuals with a germline FH mutation be screened for renal tumors by annual abdominal imaging starting at 8 years of age (see the “Genetic DNA testing and surveillance for HLRCC” section). The modalities of choice are MRI and/or computerized tomography, depending on the clinicians’ preference and the need to decrease lifelong radiation exposure.32 Renal ultrasound is not recommended for routine screening; however, this modality may be utilized by the clinician to help further characterize a complex renal cystic lesion detected on computerized tomography scan or MRI.

Surgical resection using nephron-sparing techniques is a preferred method of treatment, when possible, for HLRCC-associated kidney tumors. Unlike the management of kidney tumors that develop in other inherited kidney cancer syndromes, such as VHL, hereditary papillary renal carcinoma, or Birt–Hogg–Dubé syndrome, active surveillance until the largest tumor reaches 3 cm in size is not recommended for HLRCC-associated kidney tumors, as they have a propensity to metastasize even at a size less than 1 cm.32 Cryoablation and radiofrequency ablation are not recommended for the management of HLRCC-associated renal tumors.

Therapeutic approach for patients with advanced HLRCC-associated renal tumors

Metastatic HLRCC-associated kidney cancer is refractory to conventional targeted therapeutic approaches, and is a disease that can be rapidly fatal. A therapeutic approach has been developed utilizing bevacizumab, an agent that targets vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), combined with erlotinib, which targets epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) kinase activity. A Phase II clinical trial (NCI 10-C-0114) is currently being conducted at the National Cancer Institute, evaluating the effect of bevacizumab plus erlotinib in patients with advanced HLRCC-associated kidney cancer (NCT01130519).

Conclusion

HLRCC is an autosomal-dominant inherited renal cancer syndrome in which affected individuals are at risk for the development of cutaneous leiomyomas, symptomatic early onset uterine leiomyomas, and an aggressive form of type 2 papillary kidney cancer. The clinical diagnosis for HLRCC is confirmed by the presence of multiple skin lesions with at least one histologically proven leiomyoma. This disorder is characterized by germline mutations in the gene for the TCA cycle enzyme – FH. Germline FH mutation testing is important for all at-risk family members, since the early onset renal tumors that develop in HLRCC patients can progress and metastasize even when small. At-risk members of HLRCC families who test positive for the family’s germline FH mutation should undergo annual MRI surveillance beginning at the age of 8 years. Early detection and immediate surgical intervention for HLRCC-associated kidney tumors, rather than active surveillance, are critical to preventing the metastatic spread of this malignancy. Biochemical studies have shown that FH-deficient kidney cancer is characterized by a metabolic shift to aerobic glycolysis. Hopefully, clinical trials underway evaluating targeted therapeutic approaches for patients affected with advanced forms of HLRCC-associated kidney cancer will provide the foundation for the development of effective forms of therapy for this disease.