Molecular genetics of colon cancer

摘要: Colorectal cancer remains a major health problem. Few therapies are effective apart from surgery, and survival has increased little in recent years. This is despite the fact that screening by colonoscopy can potentially remove nearly all colorectal tumours before they become malignant. Molecular genetics identified some inherited mutations (such as at APC mismatch repair loci) predispose to colon somatic p53) cause sporadic tumourr. We review likely role of these other genes tumorigenesis. also highlight areas relative ignorance emphasis many important genes, especially those invasion metastasis, remain be identified. is, however, well characterised tumour, regards both its natural history histopathology; there consequently good prospects for advances genetics, with probable benefits treatment. anticipate: (a) new predisposing tumours, including conferring relatively minor risks, will characterised; (b) proteins metastasis identified; (c) network protein interactions which molecules such involved elucidated; (d) large-scale studies provide accurate predictions prognosis suggest optimal therapeutic regimens; (e) potential targets therapy Whilst molecular no means sufficient progress preventing treating cancer, it necessary central part advances.