Familial adenomatous polyposis

By Mayo Clinic Staff
May 12, 2026

Research

Mayo Clinic doctors and scientists are involved in research to improve understanding, screening and care for people with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). Mayo Clinic maintains a Colon Cancer Family Registry that collects data and biospecimens from thousands of families to help identify genes linked to colorectal cancer risk and to understand how genetic changes lead to disease. Researchers examine genetic interactions, biomarkers and other factors that may influence cancer development and prevention.

Mayo Clinic researchers also have studied the incidence and risk factors for gastric cancer in people with FAP, aiming to refine surveillance strategies and guide early intervention in rare but serious outcomes. These findings may help shape future recommendations for screening beyond the colon in high-risk patients.

Clinical trials at Mayo Clinic have explored potential therapies for FAP, such as study of erlotinib to reduce polyp burden in the upper gastrointestinal tract and investigations into novel agents such as guselkumab to evaluate effects on polyp number and growth. Participation in these trials offers access to emerging approaches under scientific study.

Publications

See a list of publications about familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) by Mayo Clinic doctors on PubMed, a service of the National Library of Medicine.

  1. Adam MP, et al. APC-associated polyposis conditions. In: GeneReviews. University of Washington, Seattle; 1993-2026. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK1116. Accessed April 3, 2026.
  2. Burt RW. Gardner syndrome. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed April 3, 2026.
  3. Chung DC, et al. Clinical manifestations and diagnosis of familial adenomatous polyposis. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed April 3, 2026.
  4. Gardner syndrome. VisualDx. https://www.visualdx.com/visualdx/diagnosis/?moduleId=101&diagnosisId=51603. Accessed April 3, 2026.
  5. Elsevier Point of Care. Clinical Overview: Familial adenomatous polyposis and Gardner syndrome. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed April 3, 2026.
  6. Chung RT, et al., eds. Cellular growth and neoplasia. In: Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, Management. 12th ed. Elsevier; 2026. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed April 3, 2026.
  7. Ferri FF. Familial adenomatous polyposis and Gardner syndrome. In: Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2026. Elsevier; 2026. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Dec. 11, 2025.
  8. 2025 guidelines: Genetic/familial high-risk assessment: Colorectal, endometrial, and gastric. National Comprehensive Cancer Network. https://www.nccn.org/guidelines/guidelines-detail?category=2&id=1544. Accessed April 3, 2026.
  9. Poylin VY, et al. The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons clinical practice guidelines for the management of inherited polyposis syndromes. Diseases of the Colon and Rectum. 2024. doi:10.1097/DCR.0000000000003072.