Inheriting a mutation in the APC gene leads to a lifetime risk of nearly 100% colorectal cancer. While colon cancer can be kept at bay by elimination of the large intestine, these patients also have a risk of up to 15% developing cancer in the small intestine, which is the leading cause of cancer death in this group of patients.

A new study has identified a preventive treatment for these individuals, a combination of two drugs that significantly reduces the number and size of precancerous polyps in the small intestine. More information.