GEOLynch Cohort Study on Genetic and Environmental Factors Affecting Tumour Risk in People With Lynch Syndrome

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying people with Lynch syndrome, a genetic condition caused by mutations in certain DNA mismatch repair genes such as MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2, or EPCAM. This condition raises the risk of several cancers, especially colorectal and endometrial cancer. The GEOLynch cohort study aims to understand how genetic, environmental, and other factors influence tumor risk in these individuals. Participants provide detailed information through questionnaires about their diet, supplement use, physical activity, weight, height, and medication. Initially, participants gave buccal swabs for DNA analysis, but since 2012 new participants donate blood samples, which are stored for future research. Medical records and pathology reports are regularly reviewed about every two years to track tumor diagnoses and colonoscopy results. Participants are involved in ongoing follow-up, including repeated questionnaires and sample donations for biomarker and genetic analyses. The study measures colorectal, endometrial, and overall cancer diagnoses by reviewing medical documentation approximately every two years. This long-term observation helps researchers calculate risks and understand how different factors affect tumor development in people with Lynch syndrome.

The GEOLynch Cohort Study