Oral 27: Statewide, Population-Based Lynch Syndrome (LS) Screening by Microsatellite Instability (MSI) in Colorectal Cancer (CRC) Patients Aged ≤50 Years: Frequency, Determinants of Testing, and Result Analysis
Author insight from Jordan J. Karlitz, MD, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA
What’s new here and important for clinicians?
It is important to identify Lynch Syndrome as interventions, including colonoscopy and extended colonic resection, have been demonstrated to decrease colorectal cancer risk and mortality. As the condition is hereditary, identification of Lynch syndrome in colorectal cancer patients will also allow screening of at risk family members. There are a number of cancers outside of the colon that are also associated with Lynch syndrome, further emphasizing the importance of screening for the syndrome.
This is the first population-based, statewide study in the U.S. to quantitate Lynch syndrome screening rates by microsatellite instability and immunohistochemistry and assess the timing of these results in relation to surgery. Our results indicate that in young colorectal cancer patients (age 50 and under) who may be at increased risk, screening rates for Lynch syndrome are low and results are infrequently available prior to colonic resection. Rural location and care at public hospitals are inversely correlated with testing, suggesting disparities in access to specialized services.
What do patients need to know?
Patients with colorectal cancer at any age or other cancers that are associated with Lynch syndrome should have detailed discussions with their healthcare providers regarding potential screening for the condition. Similarly, patients who do not have cancer themselves, but who have a family history of cancers associated with Lynch syndrome should discuss screening options with their providers.
Author Contact
Jordan J. Karlitz, MD, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA
jkarlitz@tulane.edu
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