Genetic determinants of cancer of the reproductive tract

Abstract

An inherited predisposition is known to be an important risk factor for many malignancies, including breast, ovarian, endoneurial, and colon cancer. In 1994, BRCA1, the first breast-ovarian cancer gene, was identified. Inherited germline mutations in this turnor suppressor arc known to account for nearly half of breast cancer families and the majority of hereditary breast-ovarian and site-specific ovarian cancer families, Since that time, additional genes important in the development of reproductive tract malignancies have been identified. Clearly, the ability to identify women at high risk for ovarian cancer by virtue of their family history provides a unique opportunity to prevent ovarian cancer deaths through screening and prophylactic surgery. More important, as our understanding of the biology of these cancer-causing genes grows, it is hoped that we will be able to identify women who are at high risk for gynecologic cancers and offer them appropriate screening and prevention methods. Armed with this new understanding, we hope to develop novel strategies for the prevention and treatment of cancer of the reproductive tract.