Mayo Clinic has developed a screening procedure that could boost testing for Lynch syndrome, a genetic disorder linked to some types of colorectal cancer, according to a report from EndoNurse.
Presenting their findings at the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons Annual Scientific Meeting, Mayo researchers said their protocol could raise testing levels to nearly 90 percent, improving decisions on timing and delivery of care.
Mayo has been testing all newly diagnosed colorectal cancers in patients under age 50. Biopsies of the cancers were submitted to microsatellite instability testing, which looks for certain mutations in genes. Patients in the high group for microsatellite instability were offered additional testing for Lynch syndrome and genetic counseling.
Read the EndoNurse report on colorectal cancer.
Related Articles on Lynch Syndrome:
Study: More Frequent Colonoscopies Suggested for Families With Lynch Syndrome
AGA Releases Revised Cancer Screening Recommendations for IBD Patients