Cancer develops as a result of a series of mutations in key genes. Most of these mutations occur spontaneously in somatic cells. When the mutation is present in a germline cell, subsequent progeny may inherit a genetic predisposition to cancer.
The Division of Human Genetics, at UCT, has been integrally involved in the study of Familial Hereditary Non Polyposis Colorectal Cancer (HNPCC) since 1987. As a result of research on this cohort, we have developed and provide a diagnostic test for predisposition to HNPCC. More recently, we have broadened our research into the pharmacogenomics of cancer.
Project Leader: Prof. Raj Ramesar
Project Associate: A/Prof. Paul Goldberg
Sr. Ursula Algar (Familial colorectal cancer clinical service at Groote Schuur Hospital)