The Keio Journal of Medicine
Online ISSN : 1880-1293
Print ISSN : 0022-9717
ISSN-L : 0022-9717
Gorlin Syndrome and Cowden Syndrome
Hiroyuki GotoChiharu TateishiDaisuke Tsuruta
Author information
JOURNAL FREE ACCESS FULL-TEXT HTML Advance online publication

Article ID: 2023-0010-IR

Details
Abstract

Gorlin syndrome and Cowden syndrome are hereditary diseases that are characterized by multiple malignancies, cutaneous symptoms, and various other abnormalities. Both disorders are caused by a mutation of the gene that regulates cell proliferation and growth, resulting in tumorigenesis. Representative mutations are mutation in the patched 1 gene (PTCH1) in Gorlin syndrome and mutation in the phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted from chromosome 10 (PTEN) gene in Cowden syndrome. Making a diagnosis of these diseases in the early years of life is important because detection of malignancies at an early stage is linked to improved prognosis. Both Gorlin syndrome and Cowden syndrome have cutaneous findings in the early phase in childhood, and the role of dermatologists is therefore important. These diseases are generally diagnosed by clinical criteria, but some patients who do not meet the criteria need genetic examinations including a genetic diagnostic panel and next-generation sequencing. The most important treatment and management are detection and resection of malignancies in the early stage, and targeted therapies have recently been used for treatment of tumors and other symptoms in these diseases. Although evidence of the effectiveness of targeted therapies has been limited, they are promising therapeutic options and further clinical trials are needed in the future.

Content from these authors
© 2023 by The Keio Journal of Medicine
Previous article Next article
feedback
Top