Lindor, Noralane M.

Abstract Background: Genetic and environmental factors influence colorectal cancer (CRC) risk. Previous studies have provided additional etiologic insight by examining multiplicative gene-environment interactions for individual susceptibility loci. However, individual loci confer only modest risks, which may limit statistical power and clinical significance. A genetic risk score comprising known CRC loci may provide a more comprehensive assessment of risk. Further, there is a paucity of data on the role of additive gene-environment interactions, which may have greater public health implications than multiplicative interactions. We thus evaluated both additive and multiplicative interactions between a genetic risk score and 15 key environmental factors on risk of CRC. Methods: We conducted an analysis of 10,491 CRC cases and 10,725 controls of European ancestry in 7 cohort and 6 case-control studies participating in the Genetics and Epidemiology of Colorectal Cancer Consortium (GECCO) or Colon Cancer Family Registry (CCFR). To provide a global measure of genetic predisposition, information across multiple risk variants was combined by calculating a genetic risk score based on 24 polymorphisms near 21 genetic loci identified in previous genome-wide association studies. For the genetic score and environmental factors, the reference category corresponded to that associated with lower CRC risk. We tested for additive interactions by estimating relative excess risk due to interactions (RERIs) using logistic regression; for multiplicative interactions we used an empirical-Bayes approach. Nominal P values ≤ 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: After adjustment for age, sex, center, study, principal components, and total energy, as appropriate, we observed super-additive gene-environment interactions for CRC risk between the genetic risk score and body mass index (RERI=0.15; 95% CI: 0.00-0.31), ever smoking (RERI=0.14; 95% CI: 0.00-0.28), pack-years of smoking (RERI=0.23; 95% CI: 0.05-0.41), postmenopausal hormone therapy use (RERI=0.38; 95% CI: 0.17-0.59), and intake of processed meat (RERI=0.23; 95% CI: 0.06-0.40). Of the 15 environmental risk factors, 12 showed RERIs > 0 – suggesting an overall trend toward super-additive interactions for these factors. In addition, we observed evidence of sub-multiplicative interactions for use of aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. There were no other statistically significant multiplicative interactions. Conclusions: We observed evidence for super-additive effects of genetic predisposition and environmental risk factors on risk of CRC. Our findings suggest that certain environmental risk factors have stronger effects on absolute risk among individuals with higher genetic risk of CRC. If confirmed in future studies, these results may have implications for targeted prevention strategies. Citation Format: Mengmeng Du, Sonja I. Berndt, Hermann Brenner, Bette J. Caan, Peter T. Campbell, Graham Casey, Andrew Chan, Jenny Chang-Claude, Stephen J. Chanock, Nilanjan Chatterjee, David V. Conti, David Duggan, Jane C. Figueiredo, Steven Gallinger, Jian Gong, Robert W. Haile, Tabitha A. Harrison, Richard B. Hayes, Michael Hoffmeister, John L. Hopper, Li Hsu, Thomas J. Hudson, Carolyn M. Hutter, Eric J. Jacobs, Mark A. Jenkins, Shuo Jiao, Laurence N. Kolonel, Peter Kraft, Loic Le Marchand, Mathieu Lemire, Yi Lin, Noralane M. Lindor, Polly A. Newcomb, John D. Potter, Robert E. Schoen, Fredrick R. Schumacher, Daniela Seminara, Martha L. Slattery, Stephen N. Thibodeau, Cornelia M. Ulrich, Aung Ko Win, Emily White, Brent W. Zanke, Ulrike Peters. Additive and multiplicative gene-environment interactions for colorectal cancer risk. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4831. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-4831

Abstract BACKGROUND: Biobanks collect and store biological samples and data from participants for use in research by multiple investigators. The Mayo Clinic Biobank was established by the Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine with a goal to support a wide array of health-related research studies at Mayo Clinic, including cancer studies. The Biobank is not focused on any particular disease, however, through annotation by questionnaires, the Mayo electronic medical record (EMR), and the Mayo Cancer Registry, it is a useful clinical research resource for cancer related studies. METHODS: Recruitment started in April 2009. Our goal is 50,000 enrollees. Eligible subjects are adult Mayo Clinic patients, U.S residents, and able to consent. Mailed invitations were sent to patients with appointments in certain Mayo Clinic departments. Each participant completed a health history questionnaire including a wide variety of health information as well as whether they or their 1st-degree relatives had ever been diagnosed with specific cancers. For self-reported cancers, subjects were asked to provide the age they were first diagnosed. Subjects also provided a blood sample and granted research access to clinically collected specimens and data from their Mayo Clinic record, at enrollment and into the future. All research projects utilizing samples from this resource are required to return to the Biobank the data generated from their projects. RESULTS: In the first three years, 21736 subjects consented to participate (30% response rate). Participants are 58% female, 95% White, and range in age from 18 to 97 with a median age of 62. At enrollment, 74% were residents in Minnesota, 6% in Iowa, 4% in Wisconsin, and 15% in the other states. Twelve percent reported being a current smoker, while 59% were never smokers. The most common self-reported cancers at baseline were non-melanoma skin cancer (n=2950), prostate cancer (n=1107), breast cancer (n=941), melanoma (n=692), colorectal cancer (n=296), cervical cancer (n=240), sarcoma (n=233), urinary/bladder (n=211), lymphoma (n=187), thyroid cancer (n=186), endometrial cancer (n=170), kidney cancer (n=163), lung cancer (n=145). Excluding non-melanoma skin cancer, 16188 (74%) (6516 male, 9672 female) self-reported being cancer free at baseline. Data will be presented on the frequency of incident cancers diagnosed since enrollment in the Biobank. To date, the Biobank has served as a source of controls for 17 cancer related studies on genetic susceptibility, including studies of the breast, colon, myeloma, brain, lung, pancreas, endometrium, and kidneys. CONCLUSIONS: The Mayo Clinic Biobank has quickly been established as a valuable resource for cancer researchers at Mayo Clinic - primarily as a source of controls for genetic studies. As the Biobank continues to grow in sample size and length of follow-up, it will also serve as a cohort study of cancer incidence embedded within an EMR of a large health organization. Citation Format: Janet E. Olson, Euijung Ryu, Kiley J. Johnson, Karen Maschke, Jody A. Morrisette, Mark Liebow, Paul Y. Takahashi, Ruchi G. Sharma, Kari S. Anderson, Matthew A. Hathcock, Jyotishman Pathak, Noralane M. Lindor, Timothy J. Beebe, Stephen N. Thibodeau, James R. Cerhan. The Mayo Clinic Biobank - A growing resource for cancer related studies. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2515. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-2515

Abstract Background: Individuals with a family history of colorectal cancer in first-degree relatives have an elevated risk of developing colorectal cancer themselves, particularly colorectal cancer exhibiting high microsatellite instability (MSI-high). Given that MSI-high colorectal cancer is associated with a favorable prognosis, it is plausible that having a family history of colorectal cancer could, in turn, be favorably associated with colorectal cancer survival. Methods: This study comprised N = 4,284 incident colorectal cancer cases enrolled in the Colon Cancer Family Registry via population-based cancer registries. Using Cox proportional hazards regression, we evaluated the association between family history and both overall and disease-specific survival, accounting for MSI status and tumor site via stratified analyses and statistical adjustment. Results: There was no evidence of association between family history and overall [hazard ratio (HR), 0.92; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.79–1.08] or disease-specific survival (HR, 1.03; 95% CI, 0.85–1.24) for all cases combined, after adjustment for MSI status or tumor site. Only for rectal cancer cases was colorectal cancer family history modestly associated with more favorable overall survival (HR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.56–0.99). Conclusions: Although individuals with a family history of colorectal cancer were more likely to have MSI-high tumors than those with nonfamilial disease, this did not translate to a survival benefit. Impact: Overall, there is no evidence that family history of colorectal cancer is associated with colorectal cancer survival; however, specific mechanisms underlying family history may have prognostic impact and merit further study. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 23(8); 1700–4. ©2014 AACR.

Lynch syndrome was described over a century ago but information on the medical consequences and optimal management of this disorder continue to amass and evolve. This brief overview highlights the gene-specific and site-specific cancer penetrance and management options for those with Lynch syndrome.

Objective To estimate risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) for first-degree relatives of CRC cases based on CRC molecular subtypes and tumour pathology features. Design We studied a cohort of 33 496 first-degree relatives of 4853 incident invasive CRC cases (probands) who were recruited to the Colon Cancer Family Registry through population cancer registries in the USA, Canada and Australia. We categorised the first-degree relatives into four groups: 28 156 of 4095 mismatch repair (MMR)-proficient probands, 2302 of 301 MMR-deficient non-Lynch syndrome probands, 1799 of 271 suspected Lynch syndrome probands and 1239 of 186 Lynch syndrome probands. We compared CRC risk for first-degree relatives stratified by the absence or presence of specific tumour molecular pathology features in probands across each of these four groups and for all groups combined. Results Compared with first-degree relatives of MMR-proficient CRC cases, a higher risk of CRC was estimated for first-degree relatives of CRC cases with suspected Lynch syndrome (HR 2.06, 95% CI 1.59 to 2.67) and with Lynch syndrome (HR 5.37, 95% CI 4.16 to 6.94), but not with MMR-deficient non-Lynch syndrome (HR 1.04, 95% CI 0.82 to 1.31). A greater risk of CRC was estimated for first-degree relatives if CRC cases were diagnosed before age 50 years, had proximal colon cancer or if their tumours had any of the following: expanding tumour margin, peritumoral lymphocytes, tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes or synchronous CRC. Conclusions Molecular pathology features are potentially useful to refine screening recommendations for first-degree relatives of CRC cases and to identify which cases are more likely to be caused by genetic or other familial factors.

Abstract Background: Individuals with a strong family history of colorectal cancer have significant risk for colorectal cancer, although adherence to colonoscopy screening in these groups remains low. This study assessed whether a tailored telephone counseling intervention can increase adherence to colonoscopy in members of high-risk families in a randomized, controlled trial. Methods: Eligible participants were recruited from two national cancer registries if they had a first-degree relative with colorectal cancer under age 60 or multiple affected family members, which included families that met the Amsterdam criteria for hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer (HNPCC), and if they were due for colonoscopy within 24 months. Participants were randomized to receive a tailored telephone intervention grounded in behavioral theory or a mailed packet with general information about screening. Colonoscopy status was assessed through follow-up surveys and endoscopy reports. Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess intervention effect. Results: Of the 632 participants (ages 25–80), 60% were female, the majority were White, non-Hispanic, educated, and had health insurance. Colonoscopy adherence increased 11 percentage points in the tailored telephone intervention group, compared with no significant change in the mailed group. The telephone intervention was associated with a 32% increase in screening adherence compared with the mailed intervention (HR, 1.32; P = 0.01). Conclusions: A tailored telephone intervention can effectively increase colonoscopy adherence in high-risk persons. This intervention has the potential for broad dissemination to healthcare organizations or other high-risk populations. Impact: Increasing adherence to colonoscopy among persons with increased colorectal cancer risk could effectively reduce incidence and mortality from this disease. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 23(4); 601–10. ©2014 AACR.

AbstractBackground: It is widely accepted that chronic inflammation plays a role in the etiology of colorectal cancer. Using a two-stage design, we examined the associations between colorectal cancer and common variation in 37 key genes in the inflammation and innate immunity pathways.Methods: In the discovery stage, 2,322 discordant sibships (2,535 cases, 3,915 sibling controls) from the Colorectal Cancer Family Registry were genotyped for more than 600 tagSNPs and 99 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) were selected for further examination based on strength of association. In the second stage, 351 SNPs tagging gene regions covered by the 99 SNPs were tested in 4,783 Multiethnic Cohort subjects (2,153 cases, 2,630 controls).Results: The association between rs9858822 in the PPARG gene and colorectal cancer was statistically significant at the end of the second stage (OR per allele = 1.36, Bonferroni-adjusted P = 0.045), based on the “effective” number of markers in stage II (n = 306). The risk allele C was common (frequency 0.3) in African Americans but rare (frequency < 0.03) in whites, Japanese Americans, Latinos, and Native Hawaiians. No statistically significant heterogeneity of effects across race/ethnicity, body mass index (BMI) levels, regular aspirin use, or pack-years of smoking was detected for this SNP. Suggestive associations were also observed for several SNPs in close vicinity to rs9858822.Conclusions: Our results provide new evidence of association between PPARG variants and colorectal cancer risk.Impact: Further replication in independent samples is warranted. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 22(11); 2094–101. ©2013 AACR.

Objective Genome-wide association studies have identified a large number of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with a wide array of cancer sites. Several of these variants demonstrate associations with multiple cancers, suggesting pleiotropic effects and shared biological mechanisms across some cancers. We hypothesised that SNPs previously associated with other cancers may additionally be associated with colorectal cancer. In a large-scale study, we examined 171 SNPs previously associated with 18 different cancers for their associations with colorectal cancer. Design We examined 13 338 colorectal cancer cases and 40 967 controls from three consortia: Population Architecture using Genomics and Epidemiology (PAGE), Genetic Epidemiology of Colorectal Cancer (GECCO), and the Colon Cancer Family Registry (CCFR). Study-specific logistic regression results, adjusted for age, sex, principal components of genetic ancestry, and/or study specific factors (as relevant) were combined using fixed-effect meta-analyses to evaluate the association between each SNP and colorectal cancer risk. A Bonferroni-corrected p value of 2.92×10 −4 was used to determine statistical significance of the associations. Results Two correlated SNPs—rs10090154 and rs4242382—in Region 1 of chromosome 8q24, a prostate cancer susceptibility region, demonstrated statistically significant associations with colorectal cancer risk. The most significant association was observed with rs4242382 (meta-analysis OR=1.12; 95% CI 1.07 to 1.18; p=1.74×10 −5 ), which also demonstrated similar associations across racial/ethnic populations and anatomical sub-sites. Conclusions This is the first study to clearly demonstrate Region 1 of chromosome 8q24 as a susceptibility locus for colorectal cancer; thus, adding colorectal cancer to the list of cancer sites linked to this particular multicancer risk region at 8q24.

Abstract Background: The Colorectal Cancer Family Registry (Colon CFR) has served as an international resource for studies of the genetics and epidemiology of colorectal cancer (CRC) since 1997. It is the largest family-based resource in the world for the study of CRC and other cancers, such as endometrial cancer, that occur in CRC families. The Colon CFR has recruited participants via six institutions: Cancer Care Ontario, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Mayo Clinic, University of Hawaii, University of Southern California Consortium, and University of Melbourne. Methods: CRC cases were recruited from both population-based cancer registries and family cancer clinics. Controls were recruited from population-based sources. Relatives were recruited via cases and controls. Participants were asked to: donate a blood sample; give permission to access any tumor tissue; complete a detailed personal and family history of cancer including degree of relationship, site of cancer and age of diagnosis; and complete a detailed baseline lifestyle questionnaire that was administered across all recruitment sites, which included items on established and suspected risk factors for colorectal cancer: personal characteristics including age, sex, height and weight, country of birth, ethnicity, race and religion; history of exercise, alcohol consumption and smoking; medication use including NSAIDs, cholesterol-lowering agents, diabetes medication and post- menopausal hormone use; history of colorectal cancer screening including fecal occult blood test, sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy; personal history of surgery including polypectomy, other bowel surgery and hysterectomy; frequency of meat consumption and method of cooking; reproductive history (for women). Participants were also asked for detail information on the frequency of food consumption and portion size using a food frequency questionnaire. Follow-up of participants has been conducted every five years, by questionnaire, to update vital status, surgery, cancer screening, polypectomy, and personal and family history of cancer history. Participants have been characterized for major known predisposing CRC gene mutations and have undergone a genome-wide SNP testing and tested for known CRC SNPs. Results: The Colon CFR has enrolled 35,297 participants (11,635 affected with CRC, 3,629 affected with other cancers, and 20,033 unaffected) who have completed baseline questionnaires. We have 5-year follow-up data on 24,692 participants (6,329 affected with CRC, 2,261 affected with other cancers, and 16,102 unaffected) and 10-year follow-up data on 10,467 (3,654 affected with CRC, 1,182 affected with other cancers, and 5,631 unaffected). We have GWAS data on 3,830 participants, candidate SNP data on 18,000 participants, and mismatch repair gene mutation data on 2,697 participants (and observed 1,697 carriers with a deleterious mutation). Conclusion: This largest and best characterized CRC cohort in the world will facilitate post-GWAS research to provide insight into the role of environmental factors, and how they interact with genetic factors on CRC risk. Researchers are encouraged by the National Cancer Institute (USA) and the Colon CFR investigators to apply for access to this unique resource of data and biospecimens for collaborative research. Citation Format: Aung Ko Win, Daniel D. Buchanan, Noralane M. Lindor, Robert W. Haile, Polly A. Newcomb, Loic Le Marchand, Steven Gallinger, Hopper L. John, Casey Graham, Mark A. Jenkins. The Colon Cancer Family Registry: A major resource for post-GWAS gene-environment studies. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Post-GWAS Horizons in Molecular Epidemiology: Digging Deeper into the Environment; 2012 Nov 11-14; Hollywood, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2012;21(11 Suppl):Abstract nr 43.