Using a multistage genetic association approach comprising 7,480 affected individuals and 7,779 controls, we identified markers in chromosomal region 8q24 associated with colorectal cancer. In stage 1, we genotyped 99,632 SNPs in 1,257 affected individuals and 1,336 controls from Ontario. In stages 2-4, we performed serial replication studies using 4,024 affected individuals and 4,042 controls from Seattle, Newfoundland and Scotland. We identified one locus on chromosome 8q24 and another on 9p24 having combined odds ratios (OR) for stages 1-4 of 1.18 (trend; P = 1.41 x 10(-8)) and 1.14 (trend; P = 1.32 x 10(-5)), respectively. Additional analyses in 2,199 affected individuals and 2,401 controls from France and Europe supported the association at the 8q24 locus (OR = 1.16, trend; 95% confidence interval (c.i.): 1.07-1.26; P = 5.05 x 10(-4)). A summary across all seven studies at the 8q24 locus was highly significant (OR = 1.17, c.i.: 1.12-1.23; P = 3.16 x 10(-11)). This locus has also been implicated in prostate cancer.

Background & Aims-The revised Bethesda guidelines for Lynch syndrome recommend microsatellite instability (MSI) testing all colorectal cancers in patients diagnosed before age 50 years and colorectal cancers diagnosed in patients between ages 50 and 59 years with particular pathology

We sought to evaluate whether early (24 to 28 weeks gestation) hospitalization of monoamniotic twins, with close fetal surveillance, and delivery at 32 to 34 weeks gestation, would significantly improve the perinatal morbidity and mortality compared with an outpatient management strategy. A multicenter, retrospective record review was undertaken. Records of all monoamniotic twins were collected for a 10-year period. Monoamniotic twins were identified using intensive care nursery, ultrasound, and pathology records. Data were collected on inpatient versus outpatient management strategies and the perinatal/maternal outcomes and complications. Twenty-three sets of monoamniotic twins were included in the study. Eleven sets were managed using an inpatient strategy and 12 sets were managed using an outpatient strategy. There were no fetal deaths in the inpatient group and there were three fetal deaths in the outpatient group. Inpatient management of monoamniotic twins should be considered.

Neither pathological features nor immunohistochemistry could predict the MYH mutation status of CRCs in this study.

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