Ohio Colorectal Cancer Prevention Initiative: Universal Screening for Lynch Syndrome

Lynch Syndrome:

Lynch syndrome (LS), previously known as "hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer", is a hereditary cancer syndrome that causes the majority of hereditary CRC and approximately 3% of all CRC. LS significantly increases the risk for an individual to develop CRC during their lifetime. Individuals with LS also have an increased risk to develop extracolonic cancers, including endometrial, gastric, ovarian, upper urinary tract, small bowel, biliary tract, CNS, and certain types of skin cancer. Tumor studies, including microsatellite instability (MSI) testing and immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis, provide information regarding characteristic features of LS-associated tumors and can help target genetic testing. Given the hereditary nature of this syndrome, screening all patients who are newly diagnosed with CRC for LS can identify additional individuals who are at high-risk of developing cancer.

Study Aims:

By developing a CRC research infrastructure within the state of Ohio, the OCCPI will achieve the following specific aims:

• Establish and implement a statewide universal screening protocol for LS.
• Elucidate the prevalence of hereditary CRC in Ohio.
• Provide screening recommendations for high-risk individuals with CRC and their families, as well as local access to genetic counseling.
• Create a CRC biorepository for future research on the etiology of CRC from the leftover samples of the CRC patients, as well as samples from their relatives.