Genetic markers of colonic neoplasia.

Adenomas and polyposis syndromes can be viewed as stages preceding the development of colonic cancer. Genetic markers of these stages have potential value in diagnosis and in investigation of biological mechanisms and consequences of cancer-predisposing genes. No reliable markers for premalignant states are yet available, but unambiguous gene markers for familial polyposis will probably be identified in the near future. They will clarify relationships among the hereditary colon cancer syndromes and possibly help to define the sequence of malignant transformation in sporadic cancers as well.