Increased Colorectal Cancer Incidence in Obligate Carriers of Heterozygous Mutations in MUTYH

Natalie Jones, Stefanie Vogt, Maartje Nielsen, Daria Christian, Petra A. Wark, Diana Eccles, Emma Edwards, D. Gareth Evans, Eamonn R. Maher, Hans F. Vasen, Frederik J. Hes, Stefan Aretz, Julian R. Sampson

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    108 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Background & Aims: MUTYH-associated polyposis (MAP) is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in the MUTYH gene. Patients with MAP are at extremely high risk of colorectal cancer, but the risks of colorectal and other cancers in heterozygous carriers of a single MUTYH mutation are uncertain. We performed a retrospective study of cancer incidence and causes of death among obligate MUTYH heterozygote individuals. 

    Methods: MAP index cases were identified from polyposis registers in Germany, The Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. Cancer incidence, cancer mortality, and all-cause mortality data were collected from 347 parents of unrelated MAP index cases and the spouses of 3 index cases who were also found to be heterozygous for single MUTYH mutations. These data were compared with appropriate national sex-, age-, and period-specific population data to obtain standardized mortality ratios (SMR) and standardized incidence ratios (SIR). 

    Results: There was a 2-fold increase in the incidence of colorectal cancer among parents of MAP cases, compared with the general population (SIR, 2.12; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.30-3.28). Their colorectal cancer mortality was not increased significantly (SMR, 1.02; 95% CI: 0.41-2.10) nor was overall cancer risk (SIR, 0.92; 95% CI: 0.70-1.18), cancer mortality (SMR, 1.12; 95% CI: 0.83-1.48), or overall mortality (SMR, 0.94; 95% CI: 0.80-1.08). 

    Conclusions: The risk of colorectal cancer in heterozygous carriers of single MUTYH mutations who are relatives of patients with MAP is comparable with that of first-degree relatives of patients with sporadic colorectal cancer. Screening measures should be based on this modest increase in risk.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)489-494.e1
    Number of pages6
    JournalGastroenterology
    Volume137
    Issue number2
    Early online date23 Apr 2009
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - Aug 2009

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

    • Gastroenterology

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