Family Ties

A collaborative effort at Baylor delivers advanced colon cancer care

This close collaboration-a level of combined expertise not available at most medical institutions-could ultimately save lives by helping doctors diagnose the disease earlier than ever before.

The importance of early detection
Some forms of colon cancer are heralded by the presence of numerous colon polyps, but others are not, especially two types of hereditary colon cancer. Now, thanks, in part to Baylor's efforts, these forms of hereditary colon cancer can be diagnosed without the presence of polyps. And being able to detect colon cancer in its earliest stage is critical to successful treatment.

"If colon cancer is detected early, you can typically cure it 95 percent of the time," explains C. Richard Boland, M.D., chief of gastroenterology on the medical staff at Baylor Dallas. "But if you find it late, you lose the patient 95 percent of the time. Many tumors fall between the early and late stages, but the difference in outcome is substantial."

Looking in the genes
Since the early 1990s, when scientists first discovered gene mutations that can cause hereditary colon cancer, researchers and physicians on the medical staff at Baylor have been working together to learn more and apply the findings to patient care. Today, a diagnosis often can be made by taking a family history and performing genetic testing-even before polyps appear.

"If someone has a close relative who developed colon cancer at an early age, we can use genetic testing to tell patients and their families if they carry the gene," Dr. Boland says. "Then they know whether they need additional testing or if they can stop worrying about that particular form of colon cancer."

Studying for the future
What's more, Baylor continues to seek an even better understanding of colon cancer through a variety of research studies. As just one example, Baylor is collecting samples from colon cancer tumors during surgery to develop what's expected to be one of the largest collections of tumor material in the country.

"This will permit us to be one of the leading centers in the country-if not the world-in terms of new research in colon cancer," Dr. Boland says. "Our combined clinical and research expertise is one of the real advantages of coming to Baylor."

By Amy Lynn Smith

Baylor Dallas is the only area medical center offering combined expertise in gastroenterology and genetic testing/counseling. To find out more, call 1-800-4BAYLOR. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Boland, call (214) 820-2692.