Genes of the Fanconi complementation groups [Fanconi anemia (FA) genes] are 
suggested to be involved in homologous DNA recombination and produce FA when two 
allelic mutations are inherited. BRCA2 is an FA gene and additionally conveys an 
inherited risk for breast, ovarian, and pancreatic cancer for individuals 
carrying a single mutated allele [N. G. Howlett et al., Science (Wash. DC), 297: 
606-609, 2002]. Here we report inherited and somatic mutations of FANCC and 
FANCG present in young-onset pancreatic cancer. This may imply a general 
involvement of Fanconi genes with an inherited risk of cancer. The known 
hypersensitivity of Fanconi cells to mitomycin and other therapeutic agents [M. 
S. Sasaki, Nature (Lond.), 257: 501-503, 1975] suggests a therapeutic utility 
for a more complete characterization of the DNA repair defects and their 
causative genetic mutations in pancreatic cancer.