Tests to Assess Risk of Hereditary Colon Cancer

Tests have been developed that detect genetic mutations predictive of hereditary colon cancer. One test detects mutations in the APC gene, which causes familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), a hereditary form of colon cancer that may cause up to 20% of hereditary disease. A second test identifies mutations unassociated with polyp formation.

The test that detects APC mutations is called Colaris AP, and this test also detects a more common variation of FAP known as attenuated FAP (aFAP), which may account for 20% of all colon cancer cases. The second test, for hereditary cancer unassociated with polyp formation, is called Colaris. Together, the two tests may detect about 90% of all hereditary colon cancer, states the developer, Myriad Genetics, Inc. (Salt Lake City, UT, USA). Each test provides a full-sequence DNA analysis to detect genetic mutations. Early detection may prevent the spread of colon cancer.

The average age at diagnosis of colon cancer among FAP patients is 35. Myriad advises that in addition to direct testing for Colaris AP, people with a family history of colon cancer who are negative on this test should consider adding the Colaris test to rule out the other major hereditary colon cancer syndrome. The company has introduced an accelerated turnaround version of Colaris, called Rapid Colaris. This version is designed to help doctors determine the best procedure for patients awaiting surgery following a diagnosis of colon cancer.

"Colaris AP extends our existing franchise with oncologists and cancer centers, providing a one-stop shop for hereditary colon cancer prediction and diagnosis,” said Gregory Critchfield, M.D., president of Myriad Genetic Laboratories, Inc.




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