A Catalog of Genetic Syndromes in Childhood Cancer.

Genetic syndromes and pediatric cancers are rare, so instances of co-occurrence raise the question of whether the two conditions may be etiologically linked. Clear examples of causal association can be found in the cancer predisposition syndromes. This report contains the results of a systematic literature search using Ovid Medline for co-occurrence of genetic syndromes with 23 types of pediatric cancer. The results reflect known associations as well as many reports of infrequently observed co-occurrences. This compilation may suggest previously overlooked patterns, and the information could be used to identify gene pathways critical in the development of childhood cancers.