Publication
Concordant colon tumors in monozygotic twins previously treated for prostate cancer
Journal Paper/Review - Jan 1, 2009
Templeton Arnoud, Marra Giancarlo, Valtorta Emanuele, Heinimann Karl, Müller Hansjakob, Köberle Dieter, Gillessen Sommer Silke
Units
PubMed
Doi
Citation
Type
Journal
Publication Date
Issn Electronic
Pages
Brief description/objective
This report describes the quasi-simultaneous occurrence of colon cancers in monozygotic twin brothers (age 63 years) who had undergone androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancers 4 years earlier. Concordance among male twins for both of these cancers has never been reported. Although the family history suggested possible genetic predispositions to both cancers, the twins have no evidence of the genetic alterations associated with hereditary colorectal tumors. We explore the possibility that colorectal tumorigenesis in these twins was fuelled by a combination of genetic and iatrogenic factors, in particular the androgen deprivation therapy used to treat their prostate cancers.