Incidence of BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations in Ashkenazi colorectal cancer patients: Preliminary study

Liat Drucker*, Rodica Stackievitz, Baruch Shpitz, Shai Yarkoni

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

25 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: Mutations in BRCA genes are associated with an elevated incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC). While 20% of CRC patients have a familial history of colonic malignancies, in only 5% is the genetic setting understood. Thus, a majority of these patients lack any known genetic marker. Our aim was to explore the relevance of BRCA mutations to serve as such markers in the genetic screening and counseling of CRC patients. Patients and Methods: 136 consecutive Israeli Jewish patients with sporadic CRC were screened for BRCA 'Ashkenazi mutations': 185delAG, 5382insC and 6174delT. Carrier status was evaluated employing PCR, restriction analysis, SSCP and a Pronto BRCA kit. Results:. We found one 185delAG and two 6174delT carriers, altogether three Ashkenazi carriers out of 87 Ashkenazi patients tested, 3.5%. No carriers were found among the Arabs and non-Ashkenazi Jews surveyed. Conclusions: Our preliminary results show elevated rates of BRCA 'Ashkenari mutations' in Ashkenazi CRC patients, suggesting their involvement in CRC carcinogenesis. An implementation of a wider study will establish the role of these mutations as genetic markers for CRC.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)559-561
Number of pages3
JournalAnticancer Research
Volume20
Issue number1 B
StatePublished - 2000

Keywords

  • Ashkenazi Jews
  • BRCA1
  • BRCA2
  • Colorectal cancer

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