A case report describes a 42-year-old woman with a rare form of kidney cancer linked to an inherited condition called hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell carcinoma (HLRCC). She also had multiple uterine leiomyomas, which are noncancerous tumors. The report highlights how aggressive this cancer can be, even with treatment.
The woman underwent a radical nephrectomy to remove the affected kidney and a hysterectomy to remove her uterus. She also received adjuvant immunotherapy and targeted therapy. Genetic testing confirmed a mutation in the FH gene (c.1240A>G, p. Lys414Glu), and tests on the tumor tissue confirmed it was FH-deficient.
Despite these treatments, the cancer progressed rapidly, and she developed bone metastasis after surgery. This outcome underscores the challenges in managing HLRCC-associated kidney cancer. The report emphasizes the need for early genetic testing and a multidisciplinary approach to surveillance and treatment.
It's important to note that this is a single case report, so the findings cannot be generalized to all patients. The results are not proof that current treatments are ineffective, but they do highlight the aggressive nature of this specific cancer type. If you or a family member have a history of HLRCC or related symptoms, talk to a doctor about genetic counseling and appropriate monitoring.