American Society for Clinical Pathology: Molecular Testing in Colorectal Cancer (Lynch Syndrome/MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2/MSI-H/KRAS/BRAF.....)

Blogger's Note: focus (obviously) on colorectal cancer, however, the cancer spectrum of Lynch Syndrome is noted in this paper as well as the shortcomings of the Bethesda Guidelines

 Molecular Testing in Colorectal Cancer

Conclusion

In summary, current standard-of-care molecular testing of CRC is aimed at detecting Lynch syndrome and KRAS mutations. However, with recent rapid development of biological agents targeted against components of the EGFR signaling cascade in the treatment of CRCs, mutational analysis of the genes in the EGFR signaling pathway may become a standard of care for patients with CRC in the near future. Ideally, identifying molecular prognostic and predictive factors may allow us to identify high-risk patients with stage II CRC who will benefit from chemotherapy after surgery. In addition, this may allow us to determine patients’ eligibility for targeted biological therapies.