Mayo Clinic develops new screening procedure for Lynch syndrome detection

Mayo Clinic develops new screening procedure for Lynch syndrome detection
Published on May 19, 2011 at 12:51 AM

"Probably the most significant result of this research is that it has stimulated our multidisciplinary team of geneticists, pathologists, gastroenterologists and surgeons to develop new clinical pathways that will direct patients at risk to providers experienced with management of Lynch Syndrome," says Eric Dozois, M.D. (http://www.mayoclinic.org/bio/10114947.html) who has organized the multidisciplinary Young Onset Working Group and is the lead researcher on this project. This ensures appropriate evaluation and genetic and surgical counseling before critical treatment decisions are made, thus allowing patients and referring physicians to be fully informed regarding options for treatment, especially risks and benefits.

"The benefit of this testing to the patient and their family is huge," says research fellow Rajesh Pendlimari, M.B.B.S. "If they have Lynch syndrome and will, therefore, be more prone to getting cancer, they can get screened more regularly. Plus, with it being a hereditary condition, family members can also get tested." As a result of this testing, cancer may be caught earlier and physicians may be more proactive in treatment. The testing should be done before surgery, because a diagnosis may change the course of treatment. Testing after surgery also is beneficial; the knowledge gleaned can affect future care for patients and their families.

Source: Mayo Clinic

Mayo Clinic develops new screening procedure for Lynch syndrome detection