Familial cancer aggregation in cases of adenocarcinoma corporis uteri

In a detailed prospective interview study, all newly diagnosed cases of adenocarcinoma corporis uteri at Malmö during a 2-year period (n = 51) were analysed with regard to the occurrence of tumors in first-degree relatives. The families of the proband's male consorts were used as controls. Sisters and mothers of probands had tumors (particularly of the corpus uteri or breast) more often than had controls. Colon and prostate cancer also figured in family histories of proband relatives, more often and with earlier age at onset than in controls. Nine patients (18%) either had additional concomitant malignancies, or had had such malignancies previously. Familial cancer predisposition was associated with poorly differentiated anaplastic cancer of the corpus uteri with poor prognosis. Three cases of familial cancer (CFS) observed at Malmö are also described, in which the probands presented with adenocarcinoma corporis uteri. The findings suggest that a hereditary, cancer predisposing factor (gene) is involved in a significant proportion of cancer corporis uteri, and that it is expressed in a heterogeneous tumor pattern, predominantly at sites sensitive to hormonal influences.