Leading expert in colorectal cancer and Lynch syndrome, Dr. C. Richard Boland, MD, details his pivotal research on hereditary colon cancer, career spanning over 40 years, and influential leadership roles including presidency of the American Gastroenterological Association, providing essential insights for patients and families affected by genetic cancer syndromes.
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Lynch Syndrome Research and Hereditary Colorectal Cancer: Expert Gastroenterology Insights
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- Lynch Syndrome Discovery & Early Research
- Hereditary Cancer Pioneering Work
- Medical Education & Gastroenterology Career
- Academic Leadership & Institutional Roles
- Scientific Publications & Research Impact
- Personal Family Cancer History Exploration
- Current Gastroenterology Research Focus
- Full Transcript
Lynch Syndrome Discovery & Early Research
Dr. C. Richard Boland, MD made groundbreaking contributions to Lynch syndrome research beginning during his medical training at Yale University in 1972. His MD thesis focused on hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC), now known as Lynch syndrome, a genetic condition significantly increasing colorectal cancer risk. This foundational work established Dr. Boland's expertise in familial cancer syndromes decades before genetic testing became clinically available.
The gastroenterologist's early research identified patterns of inheritance in families affected by multiple cancer cases, paving the way for modern genetic screening protocols. Dr. Boland's investigations revealed how Lynch syndrome follows autosomal dominant inheritance, meaning children of affected parents have a 50% chance of inheriting the cancer-predisposing mutation.
Hereditary Cancer Pioneering Work
Dr. C. Richard Boland, MD dedicated over 40 years to advancing hereditary colorectal cancer research, receiving international recognition for discoveries in molecular diagnostics and cancer prevention. His work transformed Lynch syndrome from a poorly understood family pattern to a clinically actionable diagnosis with life-saving surveillance implications. Through rigorous investigation of tumor biology, Dr. Boland helped establish microsatellite instability (MSI) as a key diagnostic marker for Lynch syndrome.
This pioneering gastroenterologist demonstrated how DNA mismatch repair deficiencies drive cancer development in hereditary syndromes, enabling targeted screening approaches. Dr. Boland's research significantly improved early detection rates for high-risk individuals, with current guidelines recommending colonoscopy every 1-2 years starting at age 20-25 for Lynch syndrome patients.
Medical Education & Gastroenterology Career
Dr. C. Richard Boland, MD completed his residency and gastroenterology fellowship at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), developing specialized expertise in digestive cancers. Following fellowship training, Dr. Boland joined UCSF as Assistant Professor, launching his academic career focused on gastrointestinal oncology. His early faculty position provided essential research infrastructure for investigating colorectal cancer pathogenesis.
Dr. Boland's career trajectory demonstrates exceptional commitment to translating laboratory discoveries into clinical practice. The gastroenterologist's specialized training positioned him to become one of the foremost authorities on hereditary cancer syndromes affecting the digestive tract.
Academic Leadership & Institutional Roles
Dr. C. Richard Boland, MD served as Chief of Gastroenterology at Ann Arbor VA Hospital and faculty member at University of Michigan before becoming Professor of Medicine and Gastroenterology Division Chief at UC San Diego. Since 2003, Dr. Boland has directed the Gastroenterology Cancer Research Laboratory at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas, Texas. His leadership extends beyond institutional roles to national prominence as former President of the American Gastroenterological Association.
As Division Chief at major academic medical centers, Dr. Boland developed comprehensive gastrointestinal cancer programs integrating research, clinical care, and education. The gastroenterologist's leadership at Baylor established a premier referral center for complex hereditary cancer cases.
Scientific Publications & Research Impact
Dr. C. Richard Boland, MD authored more than 400 peer-reviewed scientific publications focused on colorectal cancer pathogenesis, early detection, and prevention strategies. His extensive publication record in high-impact journals established foundational knowledge about molecular mechanisms in hereditary gastrointestinal cancers. Dr. Boland's research significantly influenced national screening guidelines for high-risk individuals with family cancer histories.
The gastroenterologist's publications consistently address clinically relevant questions about cancer risk stratification, surveillance intervals, and preventive interventions for Lynch syndrome patients. This substantial body of work has been cited thousands of times, reflecting its transformative impact on gastroenterology practice worldwide.
Personal Family Cancer History Exploration
Dr. C. Richard Boland, MD authored the profound book "Cancer Family: The Search for the Cause of Hereditary Colon Cancer," exploring multiple generations of his own family's experience with Lynch syndrome. This personal and historical account documents how hereditary cancer shaped both individual lives and collective family identity across pivotal 20th-century events. Dr. Boland's narrative provides unique insights into the psychosocial dimensions of living with cancer predisposition.
Through his family's journey, the gastroenterologist illuminates the evolution of genetic cancer knowledge from anecdotal observations to evidence-based management. This work humanizes the statistical risks associated with Lynch syndrome, offering valuable perspective for patients navigating genetic testing decisions.
Current Gastroenterology Research Focus
Dr. C. Richard Boland, MD continues leading innovative research at Baylor University Medical Center's Gastroenterology Cancer Research Laboratory, investigating molecular pathways in colorectal carcinogenesis. His current work focuses on translating basic science discoveries into clinical applications for early cancer detection and prevention. Dr. Boland remains actively involved in developing improved screening methodologies for high-risk populations.
The gastroenterologist mentors emerging investigators in hereditary cancer research, ensuring continuity of expertise in this specialized field. Dr. Boland's ongoing contributions advance precision medicine approaches for families affected by Lynch syndrome and other hereditary gastrointestinal cancer syndromes.
Full Transcript
Dr. Anton Titov, MD: Dr. C. Richard Boland is the former president of the American Gastroenterological Association. Dr. Boland had a crucial role in the research of Lynch syndrome. It is a major familial colorectal cancer.
Hello! We are joined by eminent American gastroenterologist and colon cancer specialist, Dr. C. Richard Boland, MD. He is Chief of Gastroenterology Section at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas, Texas. Dr. Boland is the former president of the American Gastroenterological Association.
Dr. Anton Titov, MD: Dr. Boland is internationally known for his role in the description and research of Lynch syndrome. It is a major familial colorectal cancer. Dr. C. Richard Boland, MD began his work on colorectal cancer as a medical student, when he independently discovered hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer in 1972 in pursuit of his MD thesis at Yale University.
Dr. Boland continued to work on familial colorectal cancer for more than 40 years. He received worldwide recognition for his colon cancer research and discoveries.
Dr. Anton Titov, MD: Dr. C. Richard Boland, MD completed his residency and gastroenterology fellowship at the University of California in San Francisco. He then became Assistant Professor at UCSF.
Dr. Boland also served as chief of Gastroenterology at the Ann Arbor VA hospital and as a faculty member at the University of Michigan School of Medicine. He then served as Professor of Medicine and Gastroenterology Division Chief at the University of California in San Diego.
Dr. Anton Titov, MD: Since 2003, Dr. C. Richard Boland, MD has run the Gastroenterology Cancer Research Laboratory at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas, Texas. Dr. Boland has published more than 400 scientific articles focusing on colorectal cancer and familial colon cancer.
Recently, Dr. Boland published an extensive book, "Cancer family: The search for the cause of hereditary colon cancer". This profound book is about many generations of his own family struggling with familial colorectal cancer. But more than that, it's a poignantly written account of a large prominent Irish American family living through all major historical events of the twentieth century.
Dr. Anton Titov, MD: Dr. Boland, hello and welcome.
Dr. C. Boland, MD: Thank you, Dr. Titov.