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Cancer family syndrome: marker studies
Gastroenterology
|September 1, 1986
Summary
Individuals with cancer family syndrome (CFS) have a higher risk of colon cancer. This study found immune system defects, not proliferation issues, may increase this hereditary cancer risk.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Genetics
Background:
- Cancer Family Syndrome (CFS) is linked to hereditary colon adenocarcinoma.
- Previous research suggested genetic defects in colonic epithelial proliferation or immune surveillance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the roles of colonic epithelial proliferation and immune surveillance in cancer-free individuals from CFS kindreds.
Main Methods:
- Assessed colonic mucosal proliferative activity using in vitro autoradiography.
- Evaluated immune function, including lymphocyte responses to antigens and mitogens, mixed lymphocyte cultures, and natural killer cell cytotoxicity.
Main Results:
- Colonic mucosal proliferative activity was comparable to controls.
- Depressed lymphocyte responses to microbial antigens and reduced natural killer cell cytotoxicity were observed.
- Mixed lymphocyte culture responses improved after Sephadex G10 filtration in some subjects.
Conclusions:
- Cancer-free individuals from CFS kindreds exhibit a range of in vitro cell-mediated immunologic defects.
- These immune defects may impair the recognition and elimination of early tumor cells, contributing to hereditary colon cancer risk.