Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 16, 2025

Detection of a CDH1 Rare Transcript Variant in Fresh-frozen Gastric Cancer Tissues by Chip-based Digital PCR
Published on: February 5, 2018
Hereditary diffuse gastric cancer (HDGC). An overview.
L Taja-Chayeb1, S Vidal-Millán2, C Trejo-Becerril1
1Epigenetics Laboratory, Basic Research Division, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología (INCAN), México.
Hereditary diffuse gastric cancer (HDGC) is a rare, inherited cancer linked to CDH1/CTNNA1 gene mutations. Early identification and genetic testing are crucial for effective management and prevention in at-risk families.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Genetics
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Gastric cancer exhibits familial aggregation in up to 10% of cases, with 1-3% being hereditary.
- Hereditary diffuse gastric cancer (HDGC) is an autosomal dominant condition linked to CDH1 and CTNNA1 gene mutations.
- The multifocal nature and subtle precursor lesions of HDGC complicate endoscopic diagnosis, highlighting the importance of awareness for preventive surgery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive overview of Hereditary Diffuse Gastric Cancer (HDGC).
- To detail the epidemiological, clinical, genetic, and pathological characteristics of HDGC.
- To present updated guidelines for the diagnosis, genetic testing, counseling, surveillance, and management of HDGC.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of existing data on HDGC.
- Analysis of epidemiological trends and genetic underpinnings.
- Compilation of current international guidelines for HDGC management.
Main Results:
- HDGC is characterized by autosomal dominant inheritance involving CDH1 or CTNNA1 gene mutations.
- Early diagnosis is challenging due to multifocal disease and difficulty visualizing precursor lesions.
- Surgical prevention is highly effective if implemented proactively.
Conclusions:
- HDGC is a rare, highly penetrant disease requiring accurate identification for optimal patient and family management.
- Genetic testing is critical for identifying affected individuals and at-risk relatives.
- Adherence to International Gastric Cancer Linkage (IGCL) recommendations is essential for managing HDGC.
Related Concept Videos
Cancer Prevention
Some...
Cancer-Critical Genes I: Proto-oncogenes
When the function of certain critical genes, especially those involved in cell cycle regulation and cell growth signaling cascades, gets disrupted, it upsets the cell cycle progression. Such cells with unchecked cell cycles start proliferating uncontrollably and eventually develop into tumors.
Such genes that act...
Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Gastritis-I: Introduction and Types
Acute gastritis presents as a sudden inflammation triggered by various stressors to the stomach lining, such as exposure to corrosive agents, local irritants like aspirin and other NSAIDs, alcohol consumption, radiation therapy, physical trauma, severe burns, sepsis,...
Cancer-Critical Genes II: Tumor Suppressor Genes
When the function of certain critical genes, especially those involved in cell cycle regulation and cell growth signaling cascades, gets disrupted, it upsets the cell cycle progression. Such cells with unchecked cell cycles start proliferating uncontrollably and eventually develop into tumors.
Such genes that act...
The Retinoblastoma Gene
The first-ever tumor suppressor gene called Rb was identified in retinoblastoma - a rare eye tumor in children. In inherited forms of the disease, a child inherits one defective copy of the Rb gene, which predisposes them to retinoblastoma. However,...

