Hereditary factors in cancer. Study of two large midwestern kindreds

Abstract

Study of 2 large midwestern kindred which are possibly related revealed a high incidence of carcinoma in each. This included a wide spectrum of malignant neoplasms including multiple primary carcinomas in members of each family. The variety of anatomic sites of malignancies as well as the transmission was also strikingly similar. Possibilities for the inheritance of neoplasms in these families was discussed. While autosomal dominant inheritance most likely explains the pedigree findings, the role of cytoplasmic and/or viral factor must also be considered.