Open Access

Genetics, diagnosis and treatment of Lynch syndrome: Old lessons and current challenges (Review)

  • Authors:
    • Francesca Duraturo
    • Raffaella Liccardo
    • Marina De Rosa
    • Paola Izzo
  • View Affiliations

  • Published online on: January 18, 2019     https://doi.org/10.3892/ol.2019.9945
  • Pages: 3048-3054
  • Copyright: © Duraturo et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of Creative Commons Attribution License.

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Abstract

Lynch syndrome (LS) is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder associated with germline mutations in DNA mismatch repair (MMR) genes. The carriers of pathogenic mutations in these genes have an increased risk of developing a colorectal cancer and/or LS‑associated cancer. The LS‑associated cancer types include carcinomas of the endometrium, small intestine, stomach, pancreas and biliary tract, ovary, brain, upper urinary tract and skin. The criteria for the clinical diagnosis of LS and the procedures of the genetic testing for identification of pathogenetic mutations carriers in MMR genes have long been known. A crucial point in the mutation detection analysis is the correct definition of the pathogenecity associated with MMR genetic variants, especially in order to include the mutation carriers in the endoscopy surveillance programs more suited to them. Therefore, this may help to improve the LS‑associated cancer prevention programs. In the present review, we also report the recent discoveries in molecular genetics of LS, such as the new roles of MMR protein and immune response of MMR repair deficiency in colorectal cancer. Finally, we discuss the main therapeutic approaches, including immunotherapy, which represent a valid alternative to traditional therapeutic methods and extend the life expectancy of patients that have already developed LS‑associated colorectal cancer.
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March-2019
Volume 17 Issue 3

Print ISSN: 1792-1074
Online ISSN:1792-1082

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Spandidos Publications style
Duraturo F, Liccardo R, De Rosa M and Izzo P: Genetics, diagnosis and treatment of Lynch syndrome: Old lessons and current challenges (Review). Oncol Lett 17: 3048-3054, 2019
APA
Duraturo, F., Liccardo, R., De Rosa, M., & Izzo, P. (2019). Genetics, diagnosis and treatment of Lynch syndrome: Old lessons and current challenges (Review). Oncology Letters, 17, 3048-3054. https://doi.org/10.3892/ol.2019.9945
MLA
Duraturo, F., Liccardo, R., De Rosa, M., Izzo, P."Genetics, diagnosis and treatment of Lynch syndrome: Old lessons and current challenges (Review)". Oncology Letters 17.3 (2019): 3048-3054.
Chicago
Duraturo, F., Liccardo, R., De Rosa, M., Izzo, P."Genetics, diagnosis and treatment of Lynch syndrome: Old lessons and current challenges (Review)". Oncology Letters 17, no. 3 (2019): 3048-3054. https://doi.org/10.3892/ol.2019.9945