Over 250 genes that play a role in bowel cancer development have been identified in a new study.
Bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer (CRC), is the third most frequently diagnosed cancer worldwide, yet the genetic changes causing it to develop are not fully understood. This UK study, a collaboration between the University of Oxford, the Institute of Cancer Research, London, the University of Manchester and the University of Leeds, used data from 2023 CRC cases to investigate its genetic causes. Their findings include the discovery of 250 genes implicated in CRC that had not been previously associated with the disease, as well as novel sub-groups of the cancer and genetic mutations across different areas of the colorectum.
Co-lead researcher from the University of Oxford, Professor Ian Tomlinson, said: 'Our findings represent a significant advancement in understanding colorectal cancer. By better understanding the genetic changes in CRC, we can better predict patient outcomes and identify new treatment strategies, quite possibly including the use of anti-cancer drugs that are not currently used for CRC.'
Published in Nature, this research used genetic data from CRC patients collected for the 100,000 genomes project. This project involved undertaking whole-genome sequencing for rare disease and cancer patients, and has provided diagnoses and treatment for thousands of participants, with analysis of these genomes still ongoing.
'This is the first really large study to come out of the 100,000 Genomes Project led by Genomics England and NHS England,' explained Professor David Wedge, from the University of Manchester and co-lead researcher. 'In the coming months and years, I expect it to be followed by many more studies of different types of cancer as well as combined studies across all types of cancer, fuelled by the fantastic data resource provided by Genomics England.'
Recent developments in colorectal cancer therapies have focused on personalised medicine, which tailors treatments to an individual's genetics. A vaccine currently in clinical trials, which is adapted to the individual patient's tumour genetics aims to provide a permanent cure for CRC (see BioNews 1241). Authors of this study hope that their results will also be used in precision treatments for CRC, in line with the aim of the 100,000 genomes project to bring the benefits of personalised medicine to the NHS.
'This research is a great insight into the biology of colorectal cancer, uncovering the clues as to how it develops, grows, and responds to treatments,' said Professor Richard Houlston, from the Institute of Cancer Research, who also co-led the study. 'I look forward to seeing future studies use these findings to develop tailored treatments for people with colorectal cancer, based on their genetics.'
This study provides a foundation for future research, as mutations identified could potentially be targeted by existing cancer treatments. The results are available to other researchers who have been invited to build on the data through more specific projects.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.