How to recognize inborn errors of immunity in a child presenting with a malignancy: guidelines for the pediatric hemato-oncologist

Pediatr Hematol Oncol. 2023 Mar;40(2):131-146. doi: 10.1080/08880018.2022.2085830. Epub 2022 Aug 1.

Abstract

Inborn errors of immunity (IEI) are a group of disorders caused by genetically determined defects in the immune system, leading to infections, autoimmunity, autoinflammation and an increased risk of malignancy. In some cases, a malignancy might be the first sign of an underlying IEI. As therapeutic strategies might be different in these patients, recognition of the underlying IEI by the pediatric hemato-oncologist is important. This article, written by a group of experts in pediatric immunology, hemato-oncology, pathology and genetics, aims to provide guidelines for pediatric hemato-oncologists on how to recognize a possible underlying IEI and what diagnostic tests can be performed, and gives some consideration to treatment possibilities.

Keywords: Inborn errors of immunity; investigation; malignancy; pediatric; primary immunodeficiency.

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Humans
  • Medical Oncology
  • Neoplasms* / diagnosis
  • Oncologists*