Inherited colon cancer: a new syndrome identified
German researchers have found [significant clinical differences](http://gut.bmjjournals.com/cgi/content/abstract/54/12/1733) in patients with a family history of colorectal cancer and a well-known genetic mutation and those with similar family histories but no mutation.
The team from Munich compared two groups of patients with colorectal cancer, both of which met the Amsterdam criteria for hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer (HNPCC). The first group (25 families) had mutations in either the MLH1 or MSH2 gene as well as high microsatellite instability (MSI) in their tumors.
The second group of 16 families met the Amsterdam criteria for a strong family colorectal cancer history, but did not have MLH1 or MSH2 mutations, and their tumors did not show microsatellite instability.
In addition there were other clinical differences between the two groups:
+ Median age of onset of colorectal cancer was earlier in group 1 than group 2 (41 versus 55)
+ Median age for all tumors was earlier in group 1 (43 versus 56)
+ Group 1 had more additional colorectal tumors found at the same time (synchronous) as well as synchronous tumors outside their colons.
+ Group 1 was more likely to have additional tumors found later (metasynchronous) both in the colon and outside it.
+ Group 2 was more likely to have multiple adenomas, and it appeared that the time it took for adenomas to progress to cancer was longer for them.
+ Tumors in Group 1 were much more likely to be found high in the colon (proximal) versus nearer to the rectum (distal) than those in Group 2. (68% vs. 14%)
The research team concluded:
These data show that HNPCC includes at least two entities with clinical and molecular differences. This will have implications for surveillance programmes and for cancer research
The Amsterdam criteria is used to identify families with a particular inherited pattern of colorectal cancer — HNPCC or Lynch Syndrome.
+ One member diagnosed with colorectal cancer before age 50.
+ Two affected generations.
+ Three affected relatives, one of them a first-degree relative of the other two.
+ Familial adenomatous polyposis should be excluded.
+ Tumors should be verified by pathological examination.
This news article was originally posted on November 26th, 2005 and was accurate at the time of publication. Since then, information may have changed or links may now be outdated. Please call our Answer Line 1-877-427-2111 for the latest information, or talk to your doctor before making any medical decisions.
Posted by Kate Murphy on November 26th, 2005
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Dr. L.M. Fraser
December 14, 2006 at 9:06pm
I have a close family friend with several immediate family members dead or dying from colon cancer. At this writing, my friend is almost 4 weeks post surgical with severe complications following a colon surgery to remove a section of bowel with polyps. The histo repost says they were actually cancerous. If there is anyone who could help explain why, WHY? are his intestines so friable? His abd has not yet been closed and he is awaiting the 10th surgery to try to clear the material that keeps finding new places to leak. URGENTLY need help and wisdom!
Kate Murphy
December 14, 2006 at 10:29pm
Without knowing more about your friend, it is hard to know what is causing the surgical complications. It may be possible that his family’s colon cancers are caused by a genetic mutation leading to FAP or familial adenomatous polyposis. In this disease, there are hundreds of polyps throughout the colon and other abnormalities in the intestinal tract. Very often patients with FAP have their entire colons removed to prevent inevitable cancers from their polyps. If a certified colorectal surgeon is not handling your friends case, it would be important to get one involved.