Περίληψη:
Colorectal cancer (CRC), one of the most common cancers of the world, is
actually a spectrum of several subtypes, with different molecular
profiles, clinicopathological characteristics and possibly separate
pathways of progression. It is estimated that in approximately 25%-35%
of cases, a familial component exists, so they are classified as
familial CRC (fCRC). However the known hereditary CRC syndromes justify
only up to 5%. The rest are attributed to some inherited genetic
predisposition passed to offspring through low-penetrance genes, which
in the proper environmental setting can bring on tumorigenesis.
Furthermore, part of the familial clustering may be attributed to
chance. Because of the complexity regarding the etiology of CRC, the
clinician is sometimes faced with obscure patient data, and cannot be
sure if they are dealing with fCRC or sporadic CRC. The elucidation of
what is going on with the as yet “undefined” portion of CRC will aid
not only in the diagnosis, classification and treatment of CRC, but more
importantly in the proper adjustment of the screening guidelines and in
genetic counselling of patients. (C) 2009 Baishideng. All rights
reserved.
Συγγραφείς:
Zambirinis, Constantinos Pantelis
Theodoropoulos, George and
Gazouli, Maria
