The U.S. National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) has revamped its guidelines on screening for familial/inherited conditions associated with colorectal cancer, notably Lynch syndrome.
The NCCN published its "Genetic/Familial High-Risk Assessment: Colorectal" oncology clinical practice guidelines on July 21, in a move the organization said was aimed at making the guidance reflective of new technologies and more intuitive for healthcare providers. Guidelines are available with free registration on the NCCN website.
The changes include the following:
- Updated Lynch syndrome section; management recommendations are now separated out according to major causative gene mutations
- Updated principles of testing in the Lynch syndrome section highlighting the use of polymerase chain reaction and next-generation sequencing technology to detect microsatellite instability
- Expanded surveillance/management recommendations for individuals with Lynch syndrome after colonoscopy, and for those who have a family history of colonic adenomatous polyposis of unknown etiology
