Cancer genetics and reproduction

Abstract

Cancers of the reproductive organs (i.e., ovaries, uterus and testes), like other cancers, occur as a result of a multi-stage interaction of genetic and environmental factors. A small proportion of cancers of the reproductive organs occur as part of a recognised cancer syndrome, as a result of inheritance of mutations in highly penetrant cancer susceptibility genes (e.g., BRCA1, BRCA2, MLH1 or MSH2). Recognition of individuals and families with inherited cancer predisposition syndromes and individuals at high risk due to familial cancer clustering is fundamentally important for the management and treatment of the current cancer and for future prevention of further cancers for the individual and their extended family

abstract: The inherited genetics of ovarian and endometrial cancer

"Endometrial and epithelial ovarian cancers are the fourth and fifth most common cancers in women in developed countries, after breast, lung, and colorectal cancer. In the United States alone, in 2008 there were about 40000 new diagnoses of endometrial cancer and 7500 disease-related deaths. For ovarian cancer, there were about 22000 new diagnoses and 15000 deaths over the same period. The purpose of this article is to review the recent developments in the inherited genetics of ovarian and endometrial cancer, with particular attention to recent progress in identifying common low-penetrance susceptibility genes and their clinical implications."

Gastroenterology and Endoscopy News - Inherited Colon and Rectal Cancer

"In Part 1 of this four-part series, we examine the clinical pathology and molecular biology of (Lynch Syndrome) hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC). In Part 2, we will discuss screening and treatment, and the roles of the epidemiologist, the diagnostician and the surgeon."

An estimated 150,000 Americans may be carriers of the (Lynch Syndrome) HNPCC mutation(s) and have a 90% lifetime risk for developing some type of cancer. (MSH2/MSH6/MLH1/PMS2)

Candidate gene association studies: successes and failures

Abstract

"Epidemiologic studies of twins indicate that 20-40% of common tumors such as breast, colorectal, and prostate cancers are inherited. However, the effect of high penetrance tumor susceptibility genes such as APC, BRCA1, BRAC2, MSH1, MLH2 and MSH6 only accounts for a small fraction of these cancers. Low to moderate penetrance tumor susceptibility genes likely account for the large remaining proportion of familial cancer risk...."

Inherited Determinants of Ovarian Cancer Survival

"Conclusion: An extensive multiple-pathway assessment found evidence that inherited differences may play a role in outcome of ovarian cancer patients, particularly in genes within the angiogenesis and inflammation pathways. Our work supports efforts to target such mediators for therapeutic gain."