Genetics of colon cancer: impact of inheritance on colon cancer risk

The genes that are mutated in two of the rare syndromes of hereditary colon cancer were recently identified, and genetic diagnosis is already possible in some cases. Acquired mutations of these same genes also appear to be important in sporadic colon cancers. Familial clustering of sporadic cases is...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inAnnual review of medicine Vol. 46; p. 371
Main Authors Burt, R W, DiSario, J A, Cannon-Albright, L
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States 01.01.1995
Subjects
Adenomatous Polyposis Coli - diagnosis
Adenomatous Polyposis Coli - genetics
Adenomatous Polyposis Coli - prevention & control
Colorectal Neoplasms, Hereditary Nonpolyposis - diagnosis
Colorectal Neoplasms, Hereditary Nonpolyposis - genetics
Colorectal Neoplasms, Hereditary Nonpolyposis - prevention & control
DNA Mutational Analysis
Genes, DCC - genetics
Genes, MCC - genetics
Genetic Testing
Humans
Molecular Biology
Risk Factors
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Summary:The genes that are mutated in two of the rare syndromes of hereditary colon cancer were recently identified, and genetic diagnosis is already possible in some cases. Acquired mutations of these same genes also appear to be important in sporadic colon cancers. Familial clustering of sporadic cases is common and may likewise arise from inherited susceptibility. Screening strategies for both the rare syndromes and the common cases of colon cancer with familial risk have been suggested. Certain clinical features allow stratification of colon cancer risk among common cases. It is anticipated that continued genetic investigation will result in more precise screening and improved diagnostic and therapeutic options for colon cancer.
ISSN:0066-4219
DOI:10.1146/annurev.med.46.1.371