Skip to main content

Advertisement

Log in

Hereditary colorectal cancer syndromes

  • Published:
Cancer Causes & Control Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to review the genetic colorectal cancer syndromes including Hereditary Nonpolyposis Colorectal Cancer (HNPCC), Family Polyposis (FAP) and the hamartomatous polyposis syndromes. HNPCC is the most common of the hereditary colorectal cancer syndromes, and is the result of defects in the mismatch repair genes. Individuals with HNPCC have an 80 lifetime risk of colorectal cancer, and in females a 30–50% risk of endometrial cancer, as well as predisposition for a number of other malignancies. Early screening and interval surveillance for colorectal and endometrial cancer are recommended. In FAP, mutations in the Adenomatous Polyposis Coli (APC) tumor suppressor gene give rise to hundreds to thousands of colorectal polyps, some of which will inevitably progress to cancer. Early diagnosis and timely prophylactic colectomy prevent this outcome. Chemoprevention with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can reduce adenoma number and size in FAP, but the effect is incomplete. In addtion, surveillance for upper gastrointestinal tract malignancies is necessary. Attenuated forms of FAP may be the result of mutations in the APC gene, or in the recently described MYH gene. Mutations in the MYH gene should be considered in individuals with multiple adenomas whose family history does not reflect an autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance. The hamartomatous polyposis syndromes are uncommon but distinctive disorders in which multiple hamartomatous polyps develop at a young age. Our understanding of the genetic basis of these disorders is improving, and a predisposition for gastrointestinal and other malignancies has recently been recognized. This article summarizes the genetics, clinical manifestations and clinical management of each of these syndromes with an emphasis on genetic testing and prevention.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. LA Aaltonen R Salovaara P Kristo F Canzian A Hemminki P Peltomaki et al. (1998) ArticleTitleIncidence of hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer and the feasibility of molecular screening for the disease N Eng J Med 21 1481–1487 Occurrence Handle10.1056/NEJM199805213382101

    Article  Google Scholar 

  2. WS Samowitz K Curtin HH Lin MA Robertson D Schaffer M Nichols et al. (2001) ArticleTitleThe colon cancer burden of genetically defined hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer Gastroenterology 121 IssueID4 830–838 Occurrence Handle1:CAS:528:DC%2BD3MXnvVyntb8%3D Occurrence Handle11606497

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  3. S Syngal EA Fox C Li M Dovidio C Eng RD Kolodner et al. (1999) ArticleTitleInterpretation of genetic test results for hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer: implications for clinical predisposition testing [see comments] JAMA 282 IssueID3 247–253 Occurrence Handle10.1001/jama.282.3.247 Occurrence Handle1:STN:280:DyaK1MzkvFymtA%3D%3D Occurrence Handle10422993

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  4. SN Thibodeau G Bren D Schaid (1993) ArticleTitleMicrosatellite instability in cancer of the proximal colon Science 260 816–819 Occurrence Handle1:CAS:528:DyaK3sXkt1GlsLs%3D Occurrence Handle8484122

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  5. H Iino L Simms J Young J Arnold IM Winship SI Webb et al. (2000) ArticleTitleDNA microsatellite instability and mismatch repair protein loss in adenomas presenting in hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer Gut 47 IssueID1 37–42 Occurrence Handle10.1136/gut.47.1.37 Occurrence Handle1:CAS:528:DC%2BD3cXlsVGjtrg%3D Occurrence Handle10861262

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  6. HT Lynch P Watson SJ Lanspa J Marcus T Smyrk RJ Fitzgibbons SuffixJr. et al. (1988) ArticleTitleNatural history of colorectal cancer in hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (Lynch syndromes I and II) Dis Colon Rectum 31 IssueID6 439–444 Occurrence Handle1:STN:280:BieB2c3js1E%3D Occurrence Handle3378468

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  7. HF Vasen JP Mecklin P Watson J Utsunomiya L Bertario P Lynch et al. (1993) ArticleTitleSurveillance in hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer: an international cooperative study of 165 families. The International Collaborative Group on HNPCC Dis Colon Rectum 36 IssueID1 1–4 Occurrence Handle1:STN:280:ByyC3crntlc%3D

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  8. M Aarnio R Sankila E Pukkala R Salovaara LA Aaltonen A Chapelle Particlede la et al. (1999) ArticleTitleCancer risk in mutation carriers of DNA-mismatch-repair genes Int J Cancer 81 IssueID2 214–218 Occurrence Handle10.1002/(SICI)1097-0215(19990412)81:2<214::AID-IJC8>3.0.CO;2-L Occurrence Handle1:STN:280:DyaK1M3gt1Kjtg%3D%3D Occurrence Handle10188721

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  9. JR Jass SM Stewart (1992) ArticleTitleEvolution of hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer Gut 33 IssueID6 783–786 Occurrence Handle1:STN:280:By2A38vmsVw%3D Occurrence Handle1624160

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  10. P Watson HF Vasen JP Mecklin H Jarvinen HT Lynch (1994) ArticleTitleThe risk of endometrial cancer in hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer Am J Med 96 IssueID6 516–520 Occurrence Handle10.1016/0002-9343(94)90091-4 Occurrence Handle1:STN:280:ByuB1cfgslI%3D Occurrence Handle8017449

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  11. HFA Vasen J-P Mecklin P Meera Khan HT Lynch (1991) ArticleTitleThe International Collaborative Group on hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (ICG-HNPCC) Dis Col Rectum 34 424–425 Occurrence Handle1:STN:280:By6B3MrpslU%3D

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  12. HFA Vasen P Watson J-P Mecklin HT Lynch (1999) ArticleTitleICG-HNPCC at new clinical criteria for hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC, Lynch Syndrome) proposed by the International Collaborative Group on HNPCC Gastroenterology 116 1453–1456 Occurrence Handle1:STN:280:DyaK1M3nvVamuw%3D%3D Occurrence Handle10348829

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  13. A Bellacosa M Genuardi M Anti A Viel M Ponzde Leon (1996) ArticleTitleHereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer: review of clinical, molecular genetics, and counseling aspects Am J Med Genet 62 IssueID4 353–364 Occurrence Handle10.1002/(SICI)1096-8628(19960424)62:4<353::AID-AJMG7>3.0.CO;2-S Occurrence Handle1:STN:280:BymB1Mfjtl0%3D Occurrence Handle8723065

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  14. P Benatti R Sassatelli L Roncucci M Pedroni R Fante C Di Gregorio et al. (1993) ArticleTitleTumour spectrum in hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) and in families with “suspected HNPCC”. A population-based study in northern Italy. Colorectal Cancer Study Group Int J Cancer 54 IssueID3 371–377 Occurrence Handle1:STN:280:ByyB1crotl0%3D Occurrence Handle8509211

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  15. MA Rodriguez-Bigas CR Boland SR Hamilton DE Henson JR Jass PM Khan et al. (1997) ArticleTitleA National Cancer Institute workshop on hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer syndrome: meeting highlights and Bethesda Guidelines JNCI 89 1758–1762 Occurrence Handle10.1093/jnci/89.23.1758 Occurrence Handle1:STN:280:DyaK1c%2Flt1Gjuw%3D%3D Occurrence Handle9392616

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  16. A Umar CR Boland JP Terdiman S Syngal A Chapelle Particlede la J Ruschoff et al. (2004) ArticleTitleRevised Bethesda Guidelines for hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (Lynch syndrome) and microsatellite instability J Natl Cancer Inst 96 IssueID4 261–268 Occurrence Handle1:CAS:528:DC%2BD2cXhsV2qtLk%3D Occurrence Handle14970275

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  17. W Burke G Petersen P Lynch J Botkin M Daly J Garber et al. (1997) ArticleTitleRecommendations for follow-up care of individuals with an inherited predisposition to cancer. I. Hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer. Cancer Genetics Studies Consortium Jama 277 IssueID11 915–919 Occurrence Handle10.1001/jama.277.11.915 Occurrence Handle1:STN:280:ByiB3MngsVU%3D Occurrence Handle9062331

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  18. SJ Winawer RH Fletcher L Miller F Godlee MH Stolar CD Mulrow et al. (1997) ArticleTitleColorectal cancer screening: clinical guidelines and rationale Gastroenterology 112 594–642 Occurrence Handle1:STN:280:ByiC2snnslI%3D Occurrence Handle9024315

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  19. HJ Jarvinen J-P Mecklin P Sistonen (1995) ArticleTitleScreening reduces colorectal cancer rate in families with hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer Gastroenterology 108 1405–1411 Occurrence Handle1:STN:280:ByqB2cnpslc%3D Occurrence Handle7729632

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  20. HT Lynch J Lynch (2000) ArticleTitleLynch syndrome: genetics, natural history, genetic counseling, and prevention [In process citation] J␣Clin Oncol 18 IssueID21 Suppl 19S–31S Occurrence Handle1:CAS:528:DC%2BD3cXot1ant7s%3D Occurrence Handle11060321

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  21. S Syngal JC Weeks D Schrag JE Garber KM Kuntz (1998) ArticleTitleBenefits of colonoscopic surveillance and prophylactic colectomy in mutation carriers for hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer Ann Intern Med 129 787–796 Occurrence Handle1:STN:280:DyaK1M%2FhsFeitw%3D%3D Occurrence Handle9841584

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  22. S Syngal EA Fox C Eng RD Kolodner JE Garber (2000) ArticleTitleSensitivity and specificity of clinical criteria for hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer associated mutations in MSH2␣and MLH1 [In Process Citation] J Med Genet 37 IssueID9 641–645 Occurrence Handle10.1136/jmg.37.9.641 Occurrence Handle1:CAS:528:DC%2BD3cXnt12rt7o%3D Occurrence Handle10978352

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  23. FM Giardiello JD Brensinger GM Petersen (2001) ArticleTitleAGA technical review on hereditary colorectal cancer and genetic testing Gastroenterology 121 IssueID1 198–213 Occurrence Handle1:CAS:528:DC%2BD3MXlt1yktLs%3D Occurrence Handle11438509

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  24. American Gastroenterological Association medical position statement (2001): hereditary colorectal cancer and genetic testing. Gastroenterology 121(1): 195–197

    Google Scholar 

  25. NM Lindor LJ Burgart O Leontovich RM Goldberg JM Cunningham DJ Sargent et al. (2002) ArticleTitleImmunohistochemistry versus microsatellite instability testing in phenotyping colorectal tumors J Clin Oncol 20 IssueID4 1043–1048 Occurrence Handle10.1200/JCO.20.4.1043 Occurrence Handle1:CAS:528:DC%2BD38XitFOqur8%3D Occurrence Handle11844828

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  26. S Bulow T Faurschou Nielsen C Bulow ML Bisgaard L Karlsen F Moesgaard (1996) ArticleTitleThe incidence rate of familial adenomatous polyposis. Results from the Danish Polyposis Register Int J Colorectal Dis 11 IssueID2 88–91 Occurrence Handle10.1007/BF00342466 Occurrence Handle1:STN:280:BymA3M%2Fht1c%3D Occurrence Handle8739833

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  27. SM Powell GM Petersen AJ Krush S Booker J Jen FM Giardiello et al. (1993) ArticleTitleMolecular diagnosis of familial adenomatous polyposis N Engl J Med 329 IssueID27 1982–1987 Occurrence Handle10.1056/NEJM199312303292702 Occurrence Handle1:CAS:528:DyaK2cXhvVCis70%3D Occurrence Handle8247073

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  28. SM Powell N Zilz Y Beazer-Barclay TM Bryan SR Hamilton SN Thibodeau et al. (1992) ArticleTitleAPC mutations occur early during colorectal tumorigenesis Nature 359 IssueID6392 235–237 Occurrence Handle10.1038/359235a0 Occurrence Handle1:CAS:528:DyaK38XlvV2htbY%3D Occurrence Handle1528264

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  29. RKS SA Phillips JPS Thompson (Eds) (1994) Familial Adenomatous Polyposis and Other Polyposis Syndromes Edward Arnold Publishers London

    Google Scholar 

  30. TS Galle K Juel S Bulow (1999) ArticleTitleCauses of death in familial adenomatous polyposis Scand J Gastroenterol 34 IssueID8 808–812 Occurrence Handle10.1080/003655299750025741 Occurrence Handle1:STN:280:DyaK1Mvislyhug%3D%3D Occurrence Handle10499482

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  31. MH Wallace RK Phillips (1999) ArticleTitlePreventative strategies for periampullary tumours in FAP Ann Oncol 10 IssueIDSuppl 4 201–203 Occurrence Handle10.1023/A:1008323206601 Occurrence Handle10436822

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  32. J Bjork H Akerbrant L Iselius A Bergman Y Engwall J Wahlstrom et al. (2001) ArticleTitlePeriampullary adenomas and adenocarcinomas in familial adenomatous polyposis: cumulative risks␣and APC gene mutations Gastroenterology 121 IssueID5 1127–1135 Occurrence Handle1:CAS:528:DC%2BD3MXpt1Srsb4%3D Occurrence Handle11677205

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  33. JE King RR Dozois NM Lindor DA Ahlquist (2000) ArticleTitleCare of patients and their families with familial adenomatous polyposis Mayo Clin Proc 75 IssueID1 57–67 Occurrence Handle1:STN:280:DC%2BD3c%2FpsVCmtg%3D%3D Occurrence Handle10630758

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  34. YR Parc S Olschwang B Desaint G Schmitt RG Parc E Tiret (2001) ArticleTitleFamilial adenomatous polyposis: prevalence of adenomas in the ileal pouch after restorative proctocolectomy Ann Surg 233 IssueID3 360–364 Occurrence Handle10.1097/00000658-200103000-00009 Occurrence Handle1:STN:280:DC%2BD3M7ps1eltw%3D%3D Occurrence Handle11224623

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  35. MF Catalano JD Linder A Chak MV Sivak SuffixJr. I Raijman JE Geenen et al. (2004) ArticleTitleEndoscopic management of adenoma of the major duodenal papilla Gastrointest Endosc 59 IssueID2 225–232 Occurrence Handle10.1016/S0016-5107(03)02366-6 Occurrence Handle14745396

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  36. G Steinbach PM Lynch RK Phillips MH Wallace E Hawk GB Gordon et al. (2000) ArticleTitleThe effect of celecoxib, a cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor, in familial adenomatous polyposis N Engl J Med 342 IssueID26 1946–1952 Occurrence Handle10.1056/NEJM200006293422603 Occurrence Handle1:CAS:528:DC%2BD3cXltVCnu7Y%3D Occurrence Handle10874062

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  37. FM Giardiello SR Hamilton AJ Krush S Piantadosi LM Hylind P Celano (1993) ArticleTitleTreatment of colonic and rectal adenomas with sulindac in familial adenomatous polyposis N Eng J Med 328 1313 Occurrence Handle1:STN:280:ByyB38ngtVA%3D

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  38. FM Giardiello VW Yang LM Hylind AJ Krush GM Peterson JD Trimbath et al. (2002) ArticleTitlePrimary chemoprevention of familial adenomatous polyposis wtih sulindac N Engl J Med 346 IssueID14 1054–1059 Occurrence Handle1:CAS:528:DC%2BD38XisF2ksrk%3D Occurrence Handle11932472

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  39. OM Sieber L Lipton M Crabtree K Heinimann P Fidalgo RK Phillips et al. (2003) ArticleTitleMultiple colorectal adenomas, classic adenomatous polyposis, and germ-line mutations in MYH N Engl J Med 348 IssueID9 791–799 Occurrence Handle12606733

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  40. P Paul T Letteboer L Gelbert J Groden R White MJ Coppes (1993) ArticleTitleIdentical APC exon 15 mutations result in a variable phenotype in familial adenomatous polyposis Hum Mol Genet 2 IssueID7 925–931 Occurrence Handle1:CAS:528:DyaK3sXms1Olu74%3D Occurrence Handle8395941

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  41. SR Hamilton B Liu RE Parsons N Papadopoulos J Jen SM Powell et al. (1995) ArticleTitleThe molecular basis of Turcot’s syndrome N Engl J Med 332 IssueID13 839–847 Occurrence Handle1:CAS:528:DyaK2MXlt1eltrc%3D Occurrence Handle7661930

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  42. MC Finan MK Ray (1989) ArticleTitleGastrointestinal polyposis syndromes Dermatol Clin 7 IssueID3 419–434 Occurrence Handle1:STN:280:BiaA38vkt1E%3D Occurrence Handle2665979

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  43. A Hemminki D Markie I Tomlinson E Avizienyte S Roth A Loukola et al. (1998) ArticleTitleA serine/threonine kinase gene defective in Peutz–Jeghers syndrome Nature 391 184–187 Occurrence Handle1:CAS:528:DyaK1cXmt1Kjtw%3D%3D Occurrence Handle9428765

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  44. DE Jenne H Reimann J-i Nezu W Friedel S Loff R Jeschke et al. (1998) ArticleTitlePeutz–Jeghers syndrome is caused by mutations in a novel serine threonine kinase Nature Genet 18 38–44 Occurrence Handle1:CAS:528:DyaK1cXivFelsw%3D%3D Occurrence Handle9425897

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  45. FM Giardiello JD Brensinger AC Tersmette SN Goodman GM Petersen SV Booker et al. (2000) ArticleTitleVery high risk of cancer in familial Peutz–Jeghers syndrome Gastroenterology 119 IssueID6 1447–1453 Occurrence Handle1:STN:280:DC%2BD3M%2Fnt1ersw%3D%3D Occurrence Handle11113065

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  46. LA Boardman SN Thibodeau DJ Schaid NM Lindor SK McDonnell LJ Burgart et al. (1998) ArticleTitleIncreased risk for cancer in patients with the Peutz–Jeghers syndrome Ann Intern Med 128 IssueID11 896–899 Occurrence Handle1:STN:280:DyaK1c3osFegsA%3D%3D Occurrence Handle9634427

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  47. IP Tomlinson RS Houlston (1997) ArticleTitlePeutz–Jeghers syndrome J Med Genet 34 IssueID12 1007–1111 Occurrence Handle1:STN:280:DyaK1c%2FptVynsA%3D%3D Occurrence Handle9429144

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  48. JR Howe S Roth JC Ringold RW Summers HJ Jarvinen P Sistonen et al. (1998) ArticleTitleMutations in the SMAD4/DPC4 gene in juvenile polyposis Science 280 IssueID5366 1086–1088 Occurrence Handle1:CAS:528:DyaK1cXjt1egsbs%3D Occurrence Handle9582123

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  49. JR Howe JL Bair MG Sayed ME Anderson FA Mitros GM Petersen et al. (2001) ArticleTitleGermline mutations of the gene encoding bone morphogenetic protein receptor 1A in juvenile polyposis Nat Genet 28 IssueID2 184–187 Occurrence Handle1:CAS:528:DC%2BD3MXktFOrtb0%3D Occurrence Handle11381269

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  50. S Olschwang OM Serova-Sinilnikova GM Lenoir G Thomas (1998) ArticleTitlePTEN germ-line mutations in juvenile polyposis coli Nat Genet 18 IssueID1 12–14 Occurrence Handle1:CAS:528:DyaK1cXivFWhug%3D%3D Occurrence Handle9425889

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  51. JR Howe FA Mitros RW Summers (1998) ArticleTitleThe risk of gastrointestinal carcinoma in familial juvenile polyposis Ann Surg Oncol 5 IssueID8 751–756 Occurrence Handle1:STN:280:DyaK1M%2FosVylug%3D%3D Occurrence Handle9869523

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  52. JR Jass CB Williams HJ Bussey BC Morson (1988) ArticleTitleJuvenile polyposis – a precancerous condition Histopathology 13 IssueID6 619–630 Occurrence Handle1:STN:280:BiaC2s3osFQ%3D Occurrence Handle2853131

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  53. D Liaw DJ Marsh J Li PL Dahia SI Wang Z Zheng et al. (1997) ArticleTitleGermline mutations of the PTEN gene in Cowden disease, an inherited breast and thyroid cancer syndrome Nat Genet 16 IssueID1 64–67 Occurrence Handle1:CAS:528:DyaK2sXivFKhsb8%3D Occurrence Handle9140396

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  54. DM Elston WD James OG Rodman GF Graham (1986) ArticleTitleMultiple hamartoma syndrome (Cowden’s disease) associated with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma Arch Dermatol 122 IssueID5 572–575 Occurrence Handle1:STN:280:BimB3MvhsVM%3D Occurrence Handle3707175

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  55. SC Whitelaw VA Murday IP Tomlinson HJ Thomas S Cottrell A Ginsberg et al. (1997) ArticleTitleClinical and molecular features of the hereditary mixed polyposis syndrome Gastroenterology 112 IssueID2 327–334 Occurrence Handle1:STN:280:ByiC2snnsVM%3D Occurrence Handle9024286

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Sapna Syngal.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Strate, L.L., Syngal, S. Hereditary colorectal cancer syndromes. Cancer Causes Control 16, 201–213 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10552-004-3488-4

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10552-004-3488-4

Keywords

Navigation