In this context, this study makes several important contributions, particularly as PTEN mutations in CRC have been less studied, given the greater abundance of somatic PTEN mutations in other tumor types (including brain and endometrial), and the fact that germline mutations have a greater effect in elevating the risk for other cancer types (e.g., breast, renal, and thyroid)59. Here, PTEN is linked to colorectal carcinoma.