Cancer Survivor Praises Lynch Syndrome Diagnosis for Saving His Life

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Dennis Massimo, a 42-year-old construction estimator, was diagnosed with stage III colorectal cancer after a research project using samples from the Penn Medicine BioBank found an MSH2 gene mutation in his DNA, indicating he had Lynch syndrome. Massimo's sister, Lauren Massimo, PhD, CRNP, had encouraged him to sign up for the BioBank in 2016 when he was getting his tonsils removed. The early detection of Massimo's cancer likely saved his life, as it would not have been discovered for years otherwise.

Why it matters

This story highlights the importance of genetic testing and biobanking in early cancer detection. Lynch syndrome is an inherited condition that increases the risk of various cancers, and identifying it can allow for proactive screening and treatment. Massimo's case demonstrates how a simple biobank sample can lead to life-saving discoveries.

The details

In 2016, Dennis Massimo signed up for the Penn Medicine BioBank at his sister Lauren's urging when he was getting his tonsils removed. Nine years later, a research project using samples from the BioBank found that Massimo had an MSH2 gene mutation, indicating he had Lynch syndrome. This led to the discovery of Massimo's stage III colorectal cancer, which likely would not have been found for years otherwise.

• In 2016, Dennis Massimo signed up for the Penn Medicine BioBank.
• In April 2025, the BioBank contacted Massimo about the MSH2 gene mutation found in his DNA sample.
• Massimo was diagnosed with stage III colorectal cancer in April 2025.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Massimo will continue to undergo regular cancer screenings and monitoring due to his Lynch syndrome diagnosis.