Recent advances in Lynch syndrome

Lynch syndrome is one of the most common hereditary cancer syndromes and is characterized by the development of many cancers, such as colorectal cancer (CRC), endometrial cancer, ovarian cancer, stomach cancer and many other cancers. Lynch syndrome is caused by pathogenic germline variants in one of four DNA mismatch repair genes (MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, or PMS2) or by an EPCAM deletion. The MLH1 variant is correlated with the highest risk of CRC, while the MSH2 variant is correlated with the highest risk of other cancers. CRC is the most common cancer type that develops in individuals with Lynch syndrome, followed by endometrial cancer. Recent advances have been made to help us further understand the molecular pathogenesis of this disease and help improve diagnostic testing efficiency and surveillance strategies. Moreover, recent advances in immunotherapy provided by clinical trials also provide clinicians with more chances to better treat Lynch syndrome. This study aims to review many advances in the molecular genetics, clinical features, diagnosis, surveillance and treatment of Lynch syndrome.

Automated summary

Lynch syndrome is a common hereditary cancer syndrome characterized by mutations in DNA mismatch repair genes, with colorectal cancer and endometrial cancer being the most common types of cancer associated with this syndrome. Recent advancements have improved our understanding of the disease and have led to more efficient diagnostic and treatment strategies.