Ataxia Telangiectasia Precision Panel

Overview

• Ataxia Telangiectasia is a complex multisystem disorder characterized by progressive neurologic impairment, altered balance, variable immunodeficiency with susceptibility to upper respiratory tract infections, impaired organ maturation, ocular and cutaneous telangiectasia and predisposition to malignancy. Malignancy usually involves the lymphatic system (i.e., lymphomas) and blood-forming organs (i.e., leukemia) as well as the brain. It is a primary immunodeficiency of B and T cells caused by a mutation in genes encoding DNA repair enzymes. This disease has a very heterogeneous presentation and genetic background, as shown by the existence of 4 complementation groups (A,C,D,E). As well, there is a variable rate of progression leading to death often by early adulthood. It is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner.   
• The Igenomix Ataxia Telangiectasia Precision Panel  can be as a tool for an accurate diagnosis as well as differential diagnosis ultimately leading to a better management and prognosis of the disease. It provides a comprehensive analysis of the genes involved in this disease using next-generation sequencing (NGS) to fully understand the spectrum of relevant genes involved, and their high or intermediate penetrance. 

Indication

• The Igenomix Ataxia Telangiectasia Precision Panel is used for patients with a clinical suspicion or diagnosis of Ataxia Telangiectasia presenting with the following symptoms: 
  • Ocular and cutaneous telangiectasia (tiny, red, spider-like veins) 
  • Decreased coordination of movements (ataxia) 
  • Abnormal eye movements 
  • Abnormal head movements 
  • Cerebral palsy 
  • Developmental delay 
  • Growth retardation 
  • Recurrent respiratory infections 

Clinical Utility

The clinical utility of this panel is: 

• The genetic and molecular confirmation for an accurate clinical diagnosis of a symptomatic patient.   
• Early initiation of treatment involving a multidisciplinary team focusing on preventive care of infections and other complications, symptomatic medical care for neurologic symptoms alongside early surveillance for cancer detection.  
• Risk assessment of asymptomatic family members according to the mode of inheritance via genetic counselling and explanation of the multisystem nature of the disease. 
• Improvement of delineation of genotype-phenotype correlation.

Genes & Diseases