Neurofibromatosis 2 (NF2) and Malignant Mesothelioma in a Man with a Constitutional NF2 Missense Mutation

Familial Cancer. Volume 4, Number 4 (321 – 322); November 2005. [Link]

M.E. Baser¹ Contact Information, H. Rai², A.J. Wallace³ and D.G.R. Evans³

(1) M.E. Baser, 10622 Kinnard Ave. #203, Los Angeles, 90024, California, USA

(2) Department of Radiology, Walsall Hospital, West Midlands, UK

(3) University Department of Medical Genetics, St. Mary’s Hospital, Manchester, UK

Abstract

Neurofibromatosis 2 (NF2) is caused by inactivating mutations of the NF2 tumor suppressor gene. Somatic NF2 mutations also occur in a high proportion of human primary malignant mesotheliomas. We report an elderly man with NF2, malignant mesothelioma, and a constitutional NF2 missense mutation. The long latent period for mesothelioma in this patient (61 years) raises the possibility that the type of mutant NF2 allele could affect mesothelioma tumorigenesis or progression.

Keywords: mesothelioma – missense mutation – neurofibromatosis 2 – NF2