Familial adenomatous polyposis: from bedside to bench and vice versa - A tribute to the somatic cell geneticist P. Meera Khan

Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is characterized by the presence of nu merous adenomatous polyps in the colorectum, as well as an autosomal domina nt mode of inheritance. This syndrome will inevitably lead to colorectal ca ncer when left untreated, and it is estimated that 1 % of all colorectal ca ncer cases are due to it. Over the past 20 years molecular genetic studies on FAP patients have laid down the basis for the elucidation of the genetic phenomena that ultimately result in the development of colorectal cancer. Professor P. Meera Khan was one of the leading authorities in the world of molecular genetics of colorectal cancer in general and of FAP in particular . His scientific contributions from the pre-DNA era up to the recent implem entation of molecular genetic research in daily clinical practice have help ed revolutionize our approach and management of FAP patients and their rela tives.