Cancer Genetics: Implications of Risk Assessment for Risk Reduction

The first cancer susceptibility gene, Rb1, was cloned 25 years ago.
Since then, numerous other cancer susceptibility genes have been
identified, and clinical testing for many has been incorporated into
clinical care. Epidemiologic assessments of cancer risks have led to
the development of surveillance strategies. For the more common
syndromes, there are ongoing trials assessing various modalities.
For the rarer syndromes, recommendations are often extrapolations
from existing data on more common conditions. Obtaining support for
adequate clinic trials of surveillance and risk reduction strategies
for rarer syndromes remain challenging. Understanding of
susceptibility gene function should influence the design of
intervention trials for risk reduction. The introduction of cancer
genomics will clearly affect clinical cancer genetics going forward.