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Hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer: Revised Bethesda criteria, immunohistochemistry, microsatellite instability, germline analysis, and emerging issues in genetic testing

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Current Colorectal Cancer Reports

Abstract

Clinical criteria aid in the decision to pursue genetic testing for suspected cases of hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer (HNPCC) and continue to be refined. Sequence analysis offers the greatest opportunity for definitive germline mutation testing; however, prescreening through microsatellite instability and/or immunohistochemistry offers a cost effective alternative, and recent studies suggest both are complementary. BRAF mutations and hMLH1 promoter methylation appear to have negative predictive value for identifying individuals with HNPCC, but further studies are needed. We review strategies for the evaluation of suspected HNPCC, as well as emerging issues in testing.

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  1. Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, University of Utah, 30 North 1900 East, SOM 4R118, Salt Lake City, UT, 84132, USA

    Scott K. Kuwada MD

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Doxey, B.W., Kuwada, S.K. Hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer: Revised Bethesda criteria, immunohistochemistry, microsatellite instability, germline analysis, and emerging issues in genetic testing. Curr colorectal cancer rep 3, 10–15 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11888-007-0010-x

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