DF/HCC Program Affiliation

Gastrointestinal Malignancies
Cancer Genetics

Research Abstract

Dr. Syngal's research is devoted to the study of genetics, screening and primary prevention of gastrointestinal tumors. The major focus is on hereditary colorectal cancer syndromes, notably hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) and familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), and pancreatic cancer. She runs several large family registries of patients and families at high risk of cancer, where detailed medical histories and DNA samples are collected for research purposes. These registries form the nidus of several projects aimed at gene-finding, evaluation of genotype-phenotype relationships in mutation carriers, as well as the clinical impact of genetic testing on patients and their families.
Dr. Syngal also directs several studies aimed at early cancer detection (particularly at discovery and validation of serum biomarkers for colorectal and esophageal cancer) and is a funded investigator of the NCI-supported Early Detection Research Network.
Finally, her group is involved in several studies evaluating novel approaches to cancer screening, including fecal DNA tests, chromoendoscopy, and imaging.

Publications

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