About xeroderma pigmentosum

What is xeroderma pigmentosum?

Xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) is a group of rare inherited skin disorders characterized by a heightened reaction to sunlight (photosensitivity) with skin blistering occurring after exposure to the sun. In some cases, pain and blistering may occur immediately after contact with sunlight. Acute sunburn and persistent redness or inflammation of the skin (erythema) are also early symptoms of XP. In most cases, these symptoms may be apparent immediately after birth or occur within the next three years. In other cases, symptoms may not develop until later in childhood or, more rarely, may not be recognized until adulthood. Other symptoms of XP may include discolorations, weakness and fragility, and/or scarring of the skin.

Xeroderma pigmentosum affects the eyes as well as the skin, has been associated with several forms of skin cancer, and, in some cases, may occur along with dwarfism, mental retardation, and/or delayed development.

Several subtypes of XP (i.e., XP complementation groups) have been identified, based upon different defects in the body's ability to repair DNA damaged by ultraviolet light (UV). According to the medical literature, the symptoms and findings associated with the classic form of xeroderma pigmentosum, known as XP, type A (XPA), may also occur in association with the other XP subtypes. These include: XP, type B (XPB); XP, type C (XPC), XP, type D (XPD); XP, type E (XPE); XP, type F (XPF); and XP, type G (XPG). These XP subtypes are transmitted as an autosomal recessive trait. In addition, another subtype of the disorder, known as XP, dominant type, has autosomal dominant inheritance.

In addition to the XP subtypes discussed above, researchers have identified another form of the disorder known as XP, variant type (XP-V). As with the other XP subtypes, symptoms and findings associated with the classic form of XP may also be seen in individuals with XP-V. XP-V cells have a normal or near normal ability to repair UV-induced DNA damage (nucleotide excisional repair), however, they are defective in replicating UV-damaged DNA during the division and reproduction of cells. Although the disorder's mode of inheritance is unknown, most researchers suspect that XP-V is transmitted as an autosomal recessive trait.

What are the symptoms for xeroderma pigmentosum?

Skin cancer (the most common problem) symptom was found in the xeroderma pigmentosum condition

Individuals with XP are particularly sensitive to the DNA damaging effects of UV. Sources of UV include the sun, unshielded florescent light bulbs, mercury vapor lights and halogen light bulbs. Symptoms may differ from person to person, but typically impact the skin, eyes, nervous system. Patients with XP may develop multiple thyroid nodules, premature menopause or leukemia.

Cutaneous (Skin) Effects Approximately half of XP patients develop blistering burns on sun exposed skin after minimal sun exposure (sometimes less than 10 minutes in the sun). These burns evolve over several days and may take greater than a week to heal. Sometimes these burns are so severe, child abuse is suspected. The other 50% of XP patients do not burn, but tan after sun exposure. However, both types of sun reactions result in the early onset of lentigos (freckling) of the skin.

Lentigos, are a patchy freckling of the skin that often appear before the age of two years in XP patients. The lentigos can be visible on all sun exposed skin but are often seen first on the face. Lentigos are a sign of unrepaired UV damage in the skin. Repeated sun exposure also results in xerosis (dry, parchment-like skin) and poikiloderma a mixture of both hyper (increased) and hypo (decreased) skin pigmentation, skin atrophy (thinning of skin tissue), and telangiectasia (a widening of the small blood vessels, which produces red lines and patterns on the skin). In people who do not have XP, poikiloderma is typically seen in older adults, who work outdoors, such as farmers or sailors, with many years of sun exposure.

For people with XP continuous repeated sun exposure has severe effects, resulting in the early development of precancerous skin lesions (such as, actinic keratosis) and skin cancers (see below).

Ocular (Eye) Effects The eyelids and the surface of the eyes exposed to sunlight will usually be affected within the first decade of life.

Photophobia (light sensitivity, or Pain upon seeing light) is common and is often noted in infancy or early childhood. The conjunctiva (the white portion of the eye) may show sunlight induced inflammation. People with XP also develop dry eye. Symptoms of dry eye include a feeling of ‘something being in the eye’, constant irritation and Redness of the eye. Dry eye can result in chronic inflammation and keratitis. Keratitis, or inflammation of the cornea (the clear outer portion of the eye) may also occur in response to sunlight. In severe cases, keratitis can result in corneal opacification (lack of transparency) and vascularization (an increase in blood vessel density). These combined effects may obscure vision, leading to blindness. With repeated sun exposure, the lids of the eyes may atrophy (degenerate) and eyelashes may fall out, leaving the eyes unprotected and contributing to vision loss.

Cancers of the eyelids, tissues surrounding the eyes, cornea and sclera (white part of the eye) can occur very early in life. Surgeries to remove ocular cancers can lead to lid abnormalities resulting in difficulty completely closing the eyes and vision loss. When cancers in or near the eye are large or invasive, the globe of the eye may need to be removed.

Neurologic (Nerve) Effects Approximately 25% of patients with XP develop progressive neurodegeneration. The degeneration can vary in time of onset and rate of progression. Symptoms of neurodegeneration include: acquired microcephaly (a condition marked by smaller head size and structural changes in the brain), diminishing (or absent) deep tendon reflexes, progressive high-frequency sensorineural hearing loss (deafness caused by damage to the nerves of the inner ear), progressive cognitive impairment, spasticity (tightness/rigidity of the skeletal muscles), ataxia (poor muscle control and coordination), seizures, Difficulty swallowing and/or vocal cord paralysis.

These issues are thought to arise due to the loss of nerve cells in the brain. On imaging such as MRI or CT scans, the brains of XP patients with neurologic degeneration show atrophy (shrinkage) with marked dilation of the ventricles (fluid filled spaces in the middle of the brain). It is thought that accumulating unrepaired DNA damage in the brain cells results in their death, however, the source of this damage has not been identified.

Neoplasias (Cancer) Individuals with XP have a much greater chance of developing certain cancers. The risk of acquiring non-melanoma skin cancers (e.g., basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma) is 10,000 times greater than in the general population in patients under 20 years of age. Median age of first non-melanoma cancer for XP patients is 9 years old, which is 50 years earlier than in the general population. For melanoma skin cancer, the risk is 2,000 times greater for those with XP. The median age of onset is 22 years, which is 30 years earlier than in the general population.

Oral cavity neoplasms, specifically squamous cell carcinoma of the tip of the tongue (a non-pigmented sun exposed area), is common especially in XP patients who live in very sunny and warm climates. Internal cancers that have been reported in individuals with XP include: glioblastoma of the brain, astrocytoma of the spinal cord, and cancer of the lung in patients who smoke, and rarely, leukemia (cancer of the white blood cells). Cancers of the thyroid, uterus, breast, pancreas, stomach, kidney, and testicles have also been reported.

What are the causes for xeroderma pigmentosum?

Inheritance XP is an autosomal recessive genetic disorder. Recessive genetic disorders occur when an individual inherits two non-working copies of a gene for the same trait. One gene comes from the mother and the other from the father. If an individual inherits one working gene and one non-working gene for the condition, the person will be a carrier for the condition but usually will not show symptoms. The risk for two carrier parents to both pass the non-working gene and have an affected child is 25% with each pregnancy. The risk for them to have a child who is a carrier like the parents is 50% with each pregnancy. The chance for a child to receive working genes from both parents is 25%. The risk for inheriting the disease is the same for males and females.

Parents who are blood relatives (consanguineous) have a higher chance than unrelated parents to both carry the same non-working gene, increasing their risk to have children with a recessive genetic disorder.

Relevant Genes There are 9 different genes that may be non-working in patients with XP and include: DDB2 (XP-E), ERCC1, ERCC2 (XP-D), ERCC3 (XP-G), ERCC4 (XP-F), ERCC5 (XP-B), POLH (XP-V or variant), XPA and XPC. 

The proteins resulting from normal expression of these genes are involved in DNA repair and serve to recognize damaged DNA, remove the damage and fill in the resulting gap. When a person inherits a pair of non-working XP genes, they are unable to properly repair damage from UV and will exhibit signs of the condition.

What are the treatments for xeroderma pigmentosum?

Prevention Rigorous sun (UV) protection is necessary beginning as soon as the diagnosis is suspected to prevent continued DNA damage and disease progression. Individuals with XP should avoid exposing the skin and eyes to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. This can be done by wearing protective clothing such as hats, hoods with UV blocking face shields, long sleeves, pants, and gloves. High sun-protective factor (SPF) sunscreens, UV-blocking glasses with side-shields, and long hair can also provide protection.

The XP patient’s surroundings (e.g., home, school, and work) should be tested for levels of UV using a UV light meter. The meter can help identify areas of increased UV and sources of damaging UV (e.g., from halogen, and unshielded florescent light bulbs and mercury vapor lamps). These sources of UV should be eliminated from the environment. Since UV can pass through glass, widows in homes, schools, workplaces, and cars of XP patient should be treated with UV blocking film.

Vitamin D is an essential vitamin, which helps maintain healthy bones. Vitamin D is manufactured by the interaction of UV with the skin. Since people with XP avoid UV, oral dietary supplements may be taken as needed to avoid complications of inadequate vitamin D levels.

Certain carcinogens in cigarette smoke damage DNA in ways similar to UV and exposure to secondhand cigarette smoke should be avoided. XP patients who have smoked cigarettes have developed lung cancers.

Dermatologic Care The skin (including the scalp, lips, tongue, and eyelids) should be examined by a dermatologist every 6-12 months (or more often if necessary) to detect precancerous and cancerous lesions. Prompt removal of any skin cancers is necessary to prevent further growth or spread of the lesions. Affected individuals and guardians of children should be instructed in skin examination techniques to aid in the early detection of possible skin cancers.

Individuals should also undergo routine eye exams by an ophthalmologist. The eyelids should be examined for ectropion (drooping and sagging), entropion (inward rotation, which may cause eye irritation), and pterygia/pinguecula (benign growths on the surface of the eyes). The cornea, which covers the eye, should be assessed for clouding, and the eyes should be tested for dryness; in the Schirmer test, a filter paper is placed under the eyelids to measure absorption of tears. A dilated eye exam is important to assess for any changes in the retina (back of the eye).

Basic neurologic examinations including measuring the occipital frontal circumference (to determine the presence of microcephaly) and assessing for the presence of deep tendon reflexes, should be part of the routine care of an XP patient. Hearing exams should be done on a regular basis to assess for early onset hearing loss, which is an indicator of XP with neurologic disease. If hearing loss is detected, hearing aids can be very beneficial in correcting the deficits. If neurologic problems are identified, more in-depth exams by a neurologist are indicated. In addition, MRIs can assess for changes that are commonly seen in the brains of XP patients who have neurodegeneration. XP patients who develop neurologic disease can have a peripheral neuropathy, which may be assessed by testing nerve conduction velocity (speed of electrical transmission) through the nerves of the arms and legs.

Treatment of Skin Cancers Small, premalignant skin lesions, (e.g., actinic keratosis) can be treated by freezing with liquid nitrogen. For larger areas of damaged skin, topical creams such as 5-fluorouracil or imiquimod may be applied. Surgical procedures such as dermatome shaving and dermabrasion have been used for larger areas of skin. Small skin cancers on the trunk and extremities can be treated with electrodessication and curettage, or surgical excision. Deeply invasive skin cancers or skin cancers on the face and areas that require tissue-sparing techniques can be treated with Mohs micrographic surgery. In severe cases, large portions of skin may be re-grafted (or replaced) with sun-protected skin. X-ray therapy can be used to treat inoperable or larger neoplasms or as adjuvant therapy to surgery. Multiple basal cell carcinomas can be treated with oral vismodegib, a sonic hedgehog pathway inhibitor. Recently, new chemotherapy agents called checkpoint inhibitors have been used to treat large skin tumors and metastatic cancers. They have been successful in treating the tumors; however serious side effects can be seen. The oral retinoids isotretinoin or acitretin can be used to prevent new skin neoplasms, but have many side effects including liver toxicity, elevated levels of cholesterol, calcification of the ligaments and tendons, and premature closure of the growing bone shafts. These retinoid drugs are known to cause birth defects and are contraindicated in pregnant women or women who are trying to become pregnant.

Treatment of XP Eye Abnormalities Lubricating eye drops used frequently keep the cornea moist and protects against the inflammatory effects of dry eye. Soft contact lenses can be worn to protect against mechanical trauma caused by deformed eyelids. It is best to start with simpler treatments first.

Neoplasms of eyelids, conjunctiva, and cornea can be treated with surgery. In some cases, corneal transplantation has been attempted to correct UV induced ocular damage and corneal clouding. However, the transplants may not be successful due to immune rejection. Unfortunately, immunosuppressive drugs used to prevent immune rejection may lead to additional skin cancers. Topical chemotherapy agents can be used to treat tumors on the conjunctiva and sclera of the eye.

Treatment of XP Neurologic Abnormalities Neurologic abnormalities are associated with increased high frequency sensory-neural hearing loss. The hearing loss is progressive (gets worse over time) and can be treated with hearing aids. Recently, cochlear implants have been used for some XP patients. Cognitive delays can be seen in childhood and special education classes, physical and occupational therapies along with UV safe accommodations at school are very helpful for XP children. As they get older, people with XP neurologic disease also experience increasing ataxia, dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) and dysarthria (difficulty speaking) as the condition progresses. They may require wheelchairs, feeding tubes and long-term nursing care.

What are the risk factors for xeroderma pigmentosum?

The risk factors for xeroderma pigmentosum are exposure to UV light, a family history of the condition, and a genetic mutation in either of the genes that are involved with repairing DNA.

  • If you have xeroderma pigmentosum, you're more likely to get skin cancer than other people. You can also develop cataracts and neurological problems as you get older.
  • Exposure to UV light - You should avoid sunlight as much as possible and use sunscreen whenever you go outside. You should also wear protective clothing and hats when outdoors.
  • Family history - If someone in your family has been diagnosed with xeroderma pigmentosum, you may be at risk for inheriting the condition.
  • Genetic mutation - If your DNA contains a mutation in either of the genes involved in repairing UV damage, you may have an increased risk for developing xeroderma pigmentosum.

Video related to xeroderma pigmentosum