Study of Pancreatic and Colorectal Cancer in a Family
Author Information
Author(s): H.T. Lynch, G.J. Voorhees, S.J. Lanspa, P.S. McGreevy, J.F. Lynch
Primary Institution: Creighton University School of Medicine and The Hereditary Cancer Institute
Hypothesis
Is there a link between hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) and pancreatic cancer in a family?
Conclusion
The study found a family with multiple cases of colorectal and pancreatic cancer, suggesting a possible genetic link.
Supporting Evidence
- All family members with colon cancer had it in the proximal part of the colon.
- Three genetically informative relatives had adenocarcinoma of the pancreas.
- The proband's mother and maternal uncle had multiple primary cancers.
Takeaway
This study looked at a family where many members had cancer, trying to understand if their cancers were connected because of their genes.
Methodology
Family members filled out medical-genetic questionnaires, and their medical histories were corroborated with primary medical documents.
Limitations
The number of affected individuals was not large enough for statistical significance assessment.
Participant Demographics
The proband is a 55-year-old white male.
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