Moffitt’s CDH1 Clinic Brings Expert Knowledge, Care to Reduce Risk of Hereditary Diffuse Gastric Cancer
Moffitt Cancer Center’s Gastrointestinal Oncology Program is home to the CDH1 clinic. The purpose of this clinic is to coordinate multidisciplinary care between Genetics, Gastroenterology (both endoscopy and surgery) and the Breast departments to ensure that all the needs of our patients are met appropriately in concordance with standards of national guidelines.
We sat down with Dr. Andrew Sinnamon, a surgical oncologist in the Gastrointestinal Oncology Department to learn more about this novel clinic.
What is CDH1?
CDH1 is the gene that – when mutated – is most commonly responsible for causing hereditary diffuse gastric cancer. Patients who inherit a mutation in the CDH1 gene at birth are at significantly increased risk of gastric (stomach) cancer or a type of breast cancer known as lobular breast cancer. The risk of stomach and breast cancer is high enough that prophylactic surgery to reduce the risk of developing these cancers is generally recommended after complete genetic counseling and assessment.
Who is mostly affected by the CDH1 gene?
- Patients who are diagnosed with a type of breast cancer known as lobular breast cancer
- Patients with a strong family history of breast and/or gastric cancer
- Patients diagnosed with breast or gastric cancer at a young age
- Patients with known family history of CDH1 mutation
What services/treatments are provided at the clinic?
Patients will receive a multidisciplinary evaluation by Genetics, Gastroenterology, GI Surgery, Breast Surgery. Patients receiving the prophylactic surgery will be under the care of both the GI Department and Breast departments. Additionally, patients seen at this clinic will receive surveillance endoscopy.
Who is leading these efforts at Moffitt?
The team includes GI surgeons, Dr. Jose Pimiento and Dr. Andrew Sinnamon; Genetics counselor, Laura Barton; Gastroenterologist, Dr. Luis Pena, and members of the Breast Surgical Oncology team.
What are the advantages for eligible patients to be seen at this clinic?
Patients who are seen at this clinic will be provided exceptional patient care by Moffitt’s multispecialty medical professionals. Additionally, these patients will have the ability to undergo major prophylactic surgery in a high-volume center with minimally invasive technique and excellent outcomes.
If you'd like to refer a patient to Moffitt Cancer Center, complete our online form or contact a physician liaison for assistance. As part of our efforts to shorten referral times as much as possible, online referrals are typically responded to within 24 - 48 hours.
