Molecular profiling of signet ring cell colorectal cancer provides a strong rationale for genomic targeted and immune checkpoint inhibitor therapies

Alvi, M. A. et al. (2017) Molecular profiling of signet ring cell colorectal cancer provides a strong rationale for genomic targeted and immune checkpoint inhibitor therapies. British Journal of Cancer, 117(2), pp. 203-209. (doi: 10.1038/bjc.2017.168) (PMID:28595259) (PMCID:PMC5520517)

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Abstract

Background: Signet ring cell colorectal cancer (SRCCa) has a bleak prognosis. Employing molecular pathology techniques we investigated the potential of precision medicine in this disease. Methods: Using test (n=26) and validation (n=18) cohorts, analysis of mutations, DNA methylation and transcriptome was carried out. Microsatellite instability (MSI) status was established and immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to test for adaptive immunity (CD3) and the immune checkpoint PDL1. Results: DNA methylation data split the cohorts into hypermethylated (n=18, 41%) and hypomethylated groups (n=26, 59%). The hypermethylated group predominant in the proximal colon was enriched for CpG island methylator phenotype (CIMP), BRAF V600E mutation and MSI (P<0.001). These cases also had a high CD3+ immune infiltrate (P<0.001) and expressed PDL1 (P=0.03 in intra-tumoural lymphoid cells). The hypomethylated group predominant in the distal colon did not show any characteristic molecular features. We also detected a common targetable KIT mutation (c.1621A>C) across both groups. No statistically significant difference in outcome was observed between the two groups. Conclusions: Our data show that SRCCa phenotype comprises two distinct genotypes. The MSI+/CIMP+/BRAF V600E+/CD3+/PDL1+ hypermethylated genotype is an ideal candidate for immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy. In addition, one fourth of SRCCa cases can potentially be targeted by KIT inhibitors.

Item Type:Articles
Additional Information:This work has been carried out with financial support from Cancer Research UK (grant: C11512/A18067), Experimental Cancer Medicine Centre Network (grant: C36697/A15590 from Cancer Research UK and the NI Health and Social Care Research and Development Division), the Sean Crummey Memorial Fund and the Tom Simms Memorial Fund. The Northern Ireland Biobank is funded by HSC Research and Development Division of the Public Health Agency in Northern Ireland and Cancer Research UK through the Belfast CRUK Centre and the Northern Ireland Experimental Cancer Medicine Centre; additional support was received from Friends of the Cancer Centre. The Northern Ireland Molecular Pathology Laboratory which is responsible for creating resources for the Northern Ireland Biobank has received funding from Cancer Research UK, Friends of the Cancer Centre and Sean Crummey Foundation.
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Wilson, Professor Richard
Authors: Alvi, M. A., Loughrey, M. B., Dunne, P., McQuaid, S., Turkington, R., Fuchs, M.-A., McGready, C., Bingham, V., Pang, B., Moore, W., Maxwell, P., Lawler, M., James, J. A., Murray, G. I., Wilson, R. H., and Salto-Tellez, M.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Cancer Sciences
Journal Name:British Journal of Cancer
Publisher:British Journal of Cancer
ISSN:0007-0920
ISSN (Online):1532-1827
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2017 The Authors
First Published:First published in British Journal of Cancer 117(2):203-209
Publisher Policy:Reproduced under a Creative Commons License

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