| Theme |
Polyposis of the colon and rectum, and other related conditions : hereditary colorectal cancer |
| Title |
Hereditary colorectal cancer -- gene testing and informed consent |
| Author |
Kokichi Sugano |
Oncogene Research Unit / Cancer Prevention Unit, Tochigi Cancer Center Research Institute |
| [ Summary ] |
Advance in molecular cytogenetics elucidated a number of responsible genes for hereditary colorectal cancer syndromes including familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) and hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC). Gene testing for those patients are indicated in clinical settings, not only for those affected but for the unaffected relatives hoping for presymptomatic diagnosis. Several guidelines for genetic analysis are now available both for research and clinical practice related to hereditary disorders. These guidelines all stressed the importance of genetic counseling provided before and after gene testings. This is a review for gene testing for hereditary colorectal cancers and the ethical issues that concern in genetic counseling clinics for hereditary cancer. |