Conditions We Treat: APC I1307K and Colorectal Cancer

In 1997, a Johns Hopkins research team found an inherited genetic mutation called APC I1307K. Adenomatous polyposis coli, or APC, is a gene that suppresses tumor growth. If the APC gene is defective, it makes the gene unstable and more susceptible to additional changes that may lead to colorectal cancer.

The APC I1307K mutation is primarily found in people of Ashkenazi Jewish heritage (Jews of Eastern European or Russian ancestry). Researchers believe that six percent of Ashkenazi Jews carry this gene mutation, making them at a significantly higher risk for developing colorectal cancer.

APC I1307K: What You Need to Know

If you are of Ashkenazi Jewish descent, talk to your doctor about getting tested for this genetic mutation.
The Johns Hopkins Colon Cancer Risk Assessment Clinic evaluates patients who are at increased risk for developing colorectal cancer.
If you test positive for the gene, your doctor will want to perform regular colonoscopies to detect signs of early cancer.
If your doctor finds cancer during the diagnosis phase, he or she may recommend surgery as a course of treatment.

Patient Resources

Learn more about APC I1307K in our Health Library

Read a more in-depth article about APC I1307K, written by Johns Hopkins gastroenterologists, which details the anatomical description of the causes of APC I1307K.

Read our FAQs about APC I1307K.

Request an Appointment