A new study undertaken by the Universities of Leeds, Oxford and Manchester, and the Institute of Cancer Research (ICR), has revealed the genetics that play a crucial role in the development of colorectal cancer (CRC).
More than 250 key genes were identified in the study, which was the most comprehensive analysis of the genetic makeup of CRCs to date.
Colorectal cancer is a major cause of death worldwide. While many cancers develop partly through genetic abnormalities within the cells of the body, the genetic changes which cause them to grow are not yet widely understood.
Utilising data from 2,023 bowel cancers from the 100,000 Genomes Project led by Genomics England and NHS England, the research team also identified new CRC cancer sub-groups – categories of cancer with specific genetic characteristics that affect how cancer behaves and responds to treatment.
This new study found some of the causes of genetic mutation, offering an unparalleled view of the genetic landscape of CRC and its responses to current treatments. These insights could pave the way for new treatments, using methods which currently treat other cancers.
Dr Henry Wood, Lecturer in Translational Bioinformatics from Pathology in the University of Leeds’ School of Medicine, said: “This study is the first to provide in-depth, whole-genome sequencing and characterisation of the microbiome – the community of bacteria and viruses that live in the gut – in a large number of cases of bowel cancer. This means that we are now in a position to investigate the importance of the microbiome in the development of these cancers, and whether we can change it to influence the tumour and improve patient outcomes.”
Professor Richard Houlston, co-lead researcher and Professor of Cancer Genomics at The Institute of Cancer Research, London, said: “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. I look forward to seeing future studies use these findings to develop tailored treatments for people with colorectal cancer, based on their genetics.”
