title: Application of molecular diagnostics for the detection of Lynch syndrome.
abstract: Lynch syndrome (LS), or hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer, is the most common hereditary colorectal cancer (CRC) syndrome, accounting for approximately 2-5% of all newly diagnosed cases of CRC. Patients with LS have an increased lifetime risk of colorectal (52.2% in women and 68.7% in men) and endometrial cancer (15-70%), as well as certain extra-colonic cancers. Germline mutations in one of several DNA mismatch repair genes underlie LS. Molecular testing has emerged as an indispensable strategy for the diagnosis of LS. The diagnostic work-up of at-risk individuals includes a careful family history evaluation, microsatellite instability, immunohistochemistry and germline DNA analysis. A positive test result can guide clinicians in formulating the appropriate screening, surveillance and management strategies. However, because of the absence of an overt phenotype, such as a diffuse polyposis, it is not always straightforward to recognize LS clinically.
authors.affiliation: Gastrointestinal Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, 50 Blossom Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
authors.forename: Maria S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Pino
authors.forename: Daniel C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Chung
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000032:analysis; D003123:Colorectal Neoplasms, Hereditary Nonpolyposis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D005820:Genetic Testing / Q000379:methods*; D018095:Germ-Line Mutation; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D053842:Microsatellite Instability; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic
chemical_list: D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor