APC and APC-dependent genes, such as c-Myc and ODC, may be useful as genetic markers of risk and as targets for chemoprevention and therapy for colorectal cancer.
ODC activity and polyamine levels are significantly elevated in gene carriers of FAP before the development of polyposis, suggesting a role for these compounds in tumorigenesis of FAP.
Our study suggests that ornithine decarboxylase activity in colonic mucosa may reflect the abnormal proliferative state in familial polyposis and identify clinically normal family members who carry the genotype.