Treatment of Hereditary Colorectal Cancer Syndromes

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States. Although most colorectal cancers are sporadic, about 25% have a familial predisposition and 5% to 7% are hereditary and occur in genetically distinct high-risk families. Advances in treatment options and management of hereditary colorectal cancer syndromes that have occurred over the past years have been principally due to advances in the understanding of the genetics of these syndromes and in additional options for testing. This has led to the possibility of preclinical diagnosis and early surveillance and treatment. In addition, improvements in medical and surgical management have also occurred. This article focuses on four hereditary colon cancer syndromes: familial adenomatous polyposis, hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer, juvenile polyposis syndrome, and Peutz-Jeghers syndrome.