As we grow older, small growths called polyps appear in the large bowel or colon. There are two main types; adenomas and serrated polyps.

Occasionally, a person will develop a specific type of serrated polyp. These are generally known as advanced serrated polyps and are associated with an increased risk of cancer of the colon. In some cases, these advanced serrated polyps can run in families. In others, they are associated with cigarette smoking.

The aim of our project is to understand how these polyps form in members of a family. To do this we will look for alterations in genes which may be inherited from your parents. An understanding of how genes act to make some of us susceptible to advanced serrated polyps will contribute significantly to prevention of colon cancer in families.

The genetics of serrated neoplasia (GSN) project started in 2005. During this time we have formed a collaboration with investigators from several countries including Australia, New Zealand, Canada, United States and United Kingdom, and have begun to enrol patients with advanced serrated polyps and their relatives.

We have obtained funding for the study from both Australian and United States Government-based research bodies, as well as from the Cancer Council Queensland.

Our activities include tumour characterisation through immunohistochemistry, molecular analysis and pathology review, family pedigree analysis, linkage studies, and candidate gene sequencing.