Pediatric Cancer Screening in Hereditary Gastrointestinal Cancer Risk Syndromes: An Update from the AACR Childhood Cancer Predisposition Working Group

Abstract

Gastrointestinal (GI) polyposis and cancer in pediatric patients is frequently due to an underlying hereditary cancer risk syndrome requiring ongoing cancer screening. Identification of at-risk patients through family history, clinical features of a syndrome, or symptom onset ensures appropriate cancer risk assessment and management in childhood and beyond. In this 2024 perspective, we outline updates to the hereditary GI cancer screening guidelines first published by the American Association of Cancer Research Pediatric Cancer Predisposition Workshop in 2017. These guidelines consider existing recommendations by pediatric and adult gastroenterology consortia to ensure alignment with gastroenterology practices in managing polyposis conditions. We specifically address the recommendations for pediatric screening in familial adenomatous polyposis, Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, and juvenile polyposis syndrome. Further, we emphasize the importance of multidisciplinary care and partnership with gastroenterology, as it is crucial in management of children and families with these conditions.