Bloom syndrome: research and data priorities for the development of precision medicine as identified by some affected families
- Mary Beth Campbell1,2,
- Wesley C. Campbell1,3,
- James Rogers1,
- Natalie Rogers1,
- Zachary Rogers1,
- Anne Marie van den Hurk1,
- Annie Webb1,
- Talon Webb1 and
- Paul Zaslaw1
- 12017 Pediatric Cancer Nanocourse, Children's Cancer Therapy Development Institute, Beaverton, Oregon 97005, USA;
- 2Caltech Office of Technology Transfer and Corporate Partnerships, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California 91125, USA;
- 3Department of Physics & Astronomy, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA
- Corresponding author: marybeth{at}caltech.edu
Abstract
Bloom syndrome (BS) is a rare, autosomal recessive genetic disorder characterized by short stature, a skin rash associated with sun exposure, and an elevated likelihood of developing cancers of essentially all types, beginning at an early age. Cancer is the leading cause of death for persons with BS, and its early onset results in a reported median lifespan of <30 years. With fewer than 300 documented cases since BS was first described in 1954, its rarity has challenged progress in advancing both the care of and the cure for persons with BS. Presently, there are no known clinically actionable targets specific to persons with this cancer predisposition syndrome, despite the fact that standard cancer treatments are often contraindicated or must be substantially modified for persons with BS. Herein, Zachary Rogers recounts his experience as a cancer patient with BS contemplating a substantially customized chemotherapy regimen that highlights the need for development of individualized treatments in the BS community. We also outline a patient-centered research and community action road map with the goal of improving and prolonging the lives of persons with Bloom syndrome, including the facilitation of precision medicine development specific to this condition.
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