8213 results for "canc*"

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• Genetic characterization patients affected by Cancer of Unknown Primary

  The genetic changes sustaining the development of human Cancers of Unknown Primary (CUP) remain elusive. Here we report the genomic profiling of 14 rigorously selected CUP samples. Although no specific recurring mutation in known driver genes was found, a comparison of the mutational landscape of CUPs with that of most other human tumor types revealed a consistent change in diverse genes belonging to the axon guidance KEGG pathway.

  Study EGAS00001006621

• Long-read sequencing of diagnosis and post-therapy medulloblastoma reveals complex rearrangement patterns and epigenetic signatures (Hipo_021)

  Cancer genomes harbor a broad spectrum of structural variants (SV) driving tumorigenesis, a relevant subset of which escape discovery using short-read sequencing. We employed Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) long-read sequencing in a paired diagnostic and post- therapy medulloblastoma to unravel the haplotype-resolved somatic genetic and epigenetic landscape. We assemble complex rearrangements and such associated with telomeric sequences, including a 1.55 Megabasepair chromothripsis event. We uncover a complex SV pattern termed ‘templated insertion thread’ (TI thread), characterized by short (mostly <1kb) insertions showing prevalent self-concatenation into highly amplified structures of up to 50kbp in size. TI threads occur in 3% of cancers, with a prevalence ranging to 74% in liposarcoma, and frequent colocalization with chromothripsis. We also perform long-read based methylome profiling and discover allele-specific methylation (ASM) effects, complex rearrangements exhibiting differential methylation, and differential promoter methylation in cancer-driver genes. Our study shows the advantage of long-read sequencing in the discovery and characterization of complex somatic rearrangements.

  Study EGAS00001006629

• The Genetic Landscape of Ocular Adnexa MALT Lymphoma Reveals Frequent Aberrations in NFAT and MEF2B Signaling Pathways

  A comprehensive constellation of somatic non-silent mutations and copy number (CN) variations in ocular adnexa marginal zone lymphoma (OAMZL) is unknown. By utilizing whole-exome sequencing in 69 tumors we define the genetic landscape of OAMZL. Mutations and CN changes in CABIN1 (30%), RHOA (26%), TBL1XR1 (22%), and CREBBP (17%) and inactivation of TNFAIP3 (26%) were among the most common aberrations. Candidate cancer driver genes cluster in the B-cell receptor (BCR), NFkB, NOTCH and NFAT signaling pathways. One of the most commonly altered genes is CABIN1, a calcineurin inhibitor acting as a negative regulator of the NFAT and MEF2B transcriptional activity. CABIN1 deletions enhance BCR-stimulated NFAT and MEF2B transcriptional activity, while CABIN1 mutations enhance only MEF2B transcriptional activity by impairing binding of mSin3a to CABIN1. Our data provide an unbiased identification of genetically altered genes that may play a role in the molecular pathogenesis of OAMZL and serve as therapeutic targets.

  Study EGAS00001006631

• Identification of neoantigen from MSI-CRC patient derived organoids and its application for targeting by autologous T cells

  Targeting neoantigens expressed only by tumor cells enable tumor destruction without unexpected damages to healthy tissues. Here, we identified neoantigens from microsatellite instable (MSI) colorectal cancer (CRC) patient-derived organoids by genomics and immunopeptidomics approches. The neoantigens in this study were predicted from frame-shift mutation by whole-genome sequencing and confirmed its presentation on organoids surface class I HLA molecules by mass spectrometry. We utilized these neoantigens to isolate neoantigen-specific CD8 T cells from autologous PBMC, and proved tumor organoids killing ability of the CD8 T cells, whereas it did not attack normal organoids. This study provides a platform to identify neoantigen from patient-derived cancer organoids and a model to validate T cell recognition, which could be useful for adoptive CD8 T cell transfer treatment for MSI-CRC patient.

  Study EGAS00001006633

• The clinical utility of genomics in childhood cancer extends beyond targetable mutations - Cancer Panel data

  We deeply sequenced 864 cancer-associated genes and the complete genomes and transcriptomes for 300 pediatric and adolescent/young adult (AYA) patients with poor prognosis or rare tumors. Using integrative somatic-germline analyses, we assessed the clinical utility of cancer genomics in this population. Clinically actionable variants were identified in 56% of patients. Improved diagnostic accuracy led to modified management in a subset. Therapeutically targetable variants, found in 54% of patients, were of unanticipated timing and type, with over 20% of these derived from the germline. Enrichment in corroborating mutational signature 3 (‘BRCAness’) in patients with germline homologous recombination defects suggests they are drivers of pediatric cancers and potential targets for PARP inhibition. Comprehensive somatic-germline cancer genomic profiling is useful at multiple points in the care trajectory for pediatric/AYA patients, supporting its integration into early clinical management. Re-biopsy at the time of relapse should be considered, and specific attention to the mutational burden is indicated. Defective DNA repair genes in the germline may represent important targetable drivers.

  Study EGAS00001006642

• Germline sequencing

  Detection of SNV/indels in the germline of pediatric cancer patients with a focus on CHEK2 germline variants. Included in this EGA upload are the parents of the children in EGA uplodad EGAD00001008763.

  Study EGAS00001006651

• Whole genome analysis of pediatric patients with medulloblastoma

  Cancer genomes often contain structural variations (SVs) in non-coding regions, while its impact on tumorigenesis is still unclear. Our goal is to discover genome folding changes resulted from SVs using InfoGenomeR and InfoHiC frameworks, which may reveal novel therapeutic targets. We applied our frameworks to five pediatric patients with medulloblastoma, revealing 3D genome changes of medulloblastoma driver genes.

  Study EGAS00001006653

• Exome sequencing from cfDNA blood samples. 159 samples at 2x101bp Illumina reads in Fastq format.

  Differential presence of exons (DPE) by next generation sequencing (NGS) is a method of interpretation of whole exome sequencing. This method has been proposed to design a predictive and diagnostic algorithm with clinical value in plasma from patients bearing colorectal cancer (CRC). The aim of the present study was to determine a common exonic signature to discriminate between different clinical pictures, such as non-metastatic, metastatic and non-disease (healthy), using a sustainable and novel technology in liquid biopsy. Through DPE analysis, we determined the differences in DNA exon levels circulating in plasma between patients bearing CRC vs. healthy, patients bearing CRC metastasis vs. non-metastatic and patients bearing CRC metastasis vs. healthy comparisons. We identified a set of 510 exons (469 up and 41 down) whose differential presence in plasma allowed us to group and classify between the three cohorts. Random forest classification (machine learning) was performed and an estimated out-of-bag (OOB) error rate of 35.9% was obtained and the predictive model had an accuracy of 75% with a confidence interval (CI) of 56.6-88.5. In conclusion, the DPE analysis allowed us to discriminate between different patho-physiological status such as metastatic, non-metastatic and healthy donors. In addition, this analysis allowed us to obtain very significant values with respect to previous published results, since we increased the number of samples in our study. These results suggest that circulating DNA in patient’s plasma may be actively released by cells and may be involved in intercellular communication and, therefore, may play a pivotal role in malignant transformation (genometastasis).

  Study EGAS00001006656

• DNA methylation landscape of prostate cancer

  Metastases from primary prostate cancers to rare locations, such as the brain, are becoming more common due to longer life expectancy thanks to improved treatments. Epigenetic dysregulation is a feature of primary prostate cancer, and distinct DNA methylation profiles are associated with the mutually exclusive SPOP mutant or TMPRSS2-ERG fusion genetic backgrounds. Using a cohort of 42 patients with prostate cancer brain metastases (PCBM), with matched primary samples available for 17 patients, we carried out DNA methylation analysis using Illumina EPIC array. We examined the epigenetic distinction between primary PCa and PCBM, the association between epigenetic alterations and mutational background, and particular epigenetic alterations that may be associated with PCBM in particular. Multiregion sampling of PCBM revealed epigenetic heterogeneity in metastases. We found aberrant methylation in PCBM is associated with mutational background, PRC2 complex activity and upregulation of EZH2, an effect that is particularly pronounced in SPOP mutant PCBM. While we detected a hypermethylator phenotype in PCBM, we also observed hypomethylation occurring at the promoters of genes involved in neuroactive ligand-receptor interactions or the calcium signalling pathway, such as GABRB3 and GRM5, a change not observed in non-brain prostate cancer metastases.

  Study EGAS00001006670

• DERMATLAS__Myopericytoma

  IVirtually no other tumour type is associated with so many different forms as skin cancer. Histologically, tumours of the skin may arise from epithelium, including epidermis, hair follicle, sebaceous or sweat gland, melanocytes, dermal-associated mesenchymal structures or tissue resident immune cells, making for a diversity of clinical presentations. Importantly, many skin tumour types have an extremely poor prognosis. Many skin tumour subtypes have never undergone molecular profiling, or if they have, targeted sequencing has been used and the number of cases analyzed has been so limited that deriving firm conclusions about the profile of driver genes, DNA mutational signatures and germline alleles has not been possible For 70 key skin tumour subtypes defined by the World Health Organization, that have not undergone extensive genetic analysis previoulsy, we propose to perform whole exome and transcriptome sequencing, from a range of body sites, to build a genomic atlas of dermatological tumours, including detailed maps of SNVs, copy number alterations, genome-wide methylation and expression profiles. The cases in this cohort are myopericytomas.

  Study EGAS00001006676

• Longitudinal evaluation of serum microRNAs as biomarkers for neuroblastoma burden and therapeutic p53 reactivation

  Accurate assessment of treatment response and residual disease is indispensable for the evaluation of cancer treatment efficacy. However, performing tissue biopsies for longitudinal follow-up poses a major challenge in the management of solid tumours like neuroblastoma. In the present study, we evaluated whether circulating miRNAs are suitable to monitor neuroblastoma tumour burden and whether treatment-induced changes of miRNA abundance in the tumour are detectable in serum. We performed small RNA sequencing on longitudinally collected serum samples from mice carrying orthotopic neuroblastoma xenografts that were exposed to treatment with idasanutlin or temsirolimus. We identified 57 serum miRNAs to be differentially expressed upon xenograft tumour manifestation, out of which 21 were also found specifically expressed in the serum of human high-risk neuroblastoma patients. The murine serum levels of these 57 miRNAs correlated with tumour tissue expression and tumour volume, suggesting potential utility for monitoring tumour burden. In addition, we describe serum miRNAs that dynamically respond to p53 activation following treatment of engrafted mice with idasanutlin. We identified idasanutlin-induced serum miRNA expression changes upon one day and 11 days of treatment. By limiting to miRNAs with a tumour-related induction, we put forward hsa-miR-34a-5p as a potential pharmacodynamic biomarker of p53 activation in serum.

  Study EGAS00001006678

• Identification of genomic aberrations in low-grade serous ovarian cancer

  Low-grade serous ovarian cancer (LGSOC) is a rare disease that occurs more frequently in younger women compared with high-grade disease. The current treatment is suboptimal, and better understanding of molecular pathogenesis of this disease is needed. In this study, we compared the whole genome sequences of LGSOCs from short-term and long-term survivors (defined as <40 and >60 months, respectively). Our goal was to identify novel genomic aberrations in LGSOC, especially in short-term survivors.

  Study EGAS00001006679

• DERMATLAS__Myopericytoma_RNAseq

  IVirtually no other tumour type is associated with so many different forms as skin cancer. Histologically, tumours of the skin may arise from epithelium, including epidermis, hair follicle, sebaceous or sweat gland, melanocytes, dermal-associated mesenchymal structures or tissue resident immune cells, making for a diversity of clinical presentations. Importantly, many skin tumour types have an extremely poor prognosis. Many skin tumour subtypes have never undergone molecular profiling, or if they have, targeted sequencing has been used and the number of cases analyzed has been so limited that deriving firm conclusions about the profile of driver genes, DNA mutational signatures and germline alleles has not been possible For 70 key skin tumour subtypes defined by the World Health Organization, that have not undergone extensive genetic analysis previoulsy, we propose to perform whole exome and transcriptome sequencing, from a range of body sites, to build a genomic atlas of dermatological tumours, including detailed maps of SNVs, copy number alterations, genome-wide methylation and expression profiles. The cases in this cohort are myopericytomas.

  Study EGAS00001006684

• DERMATLAS__Tubular_adenoma_RNAseq

  IVirtually no other tumour type is associated with so many different forms as skin cancer. Histologically, tumours of the skin may arise from epithelium, including epidermis, hair follicle, sebaceous or sweat gland, melanocytes, dermal-associated mesenchymal structures or tissue resident immune cells, making for a diversity of clinical presentations. Importantly, many skin tumour types have an extremely poor prognosis. Many skin tumour subtypes have never undergone molecular profiling, or if they have, targeted sequencing has been used and the number of cases analyzed has been so limited that deriving firm conclusions about the profile of driver genes, DNA mutational signatures and germline alleles has not been possible For 70 key skin tumour subtypes defined by the World Health Organization, that have not undergone extensive genetic analysis previoulsy, we propose to perform whole exome and transcriptome sequencing, from a range of body sites, to build a genomic atlas of dermatological tumours, including detailed maps of SNVs, copy number alterations, genome-wide methylation and expression profiles. The cases in this cohort are tubular adenomas.

  Study EGAS00001006685

• DERMATLAS__Tubular_adenoma

  IVirtually no other tumour type is associated with so many different forms as skin cancer. Histologically, tumours of the skin may arise from epithelium, including epidermis, hair follicle, sebaceous or sweat gland, melanocytes, dermal-associated mesenchymal structures or tissue resident immune cells, making for a diversity of clinical presentations. Importantly, many skin tumour types have an extremely poor prognosis. Many skin tumour subtypes have never undergone molecular profiling, or if they have, targeted sequencing has been used and the number of cases analyzed has been so limited that deriving firm conclusions about the profile of driver genes, DNA mutational signatures and germline alleles has not been possible For 70 key skin tumour subtypes defined by the World Health Organization, that have not undergone extensive genetic analysis previoulsy, we propose to perform whole exome and transcriptome sequencing, from a range of body sites, to build a genomic atlas of dermatological tumours, including detailed maps of SNVs, copy number alterations, genome-wide methylation and expression profiles. The cases in this cohort are tubular adenomas.

  Study EGAS00001006686

• Pre-neoplastic liver colonization by 11p15.5 altered mosaic cells in young children with hepatoblastoma

  In children, liver tumors are a heterogeneous group representing 1-2% of all cancers with the most common diagnosis being hepatoblastoma (HB). While HBs are predominantly sporadic, around 15% of cases develop as part of predisposition syndromes such as familial adenomatous polyposis (APC mutation) or Beckwith-Wiedemann (BWS; 11p15.5 locus altered). Here, we identified a mosaic genetic alteration of 11p15.5 locus in the liver in 17% of HB patients without a clinical diagnosis of BWS syndrome. These mosaic 11p15.5 alterations were never found in children with other types of liver tumor (hepatocellular carcinoma or adenoma, fibrolamellar carcinoma). Bulk transcriptomic analysis revealed the abundance of extracellular matrix, angiogenesis, and progenitor gene signatures in mosaic livers. In situ hybridization assay RNAscope allowed for the detection of 11p15.5 altered hepatocytes mosaicism in liver FFPE sections of HB patients presenting IGF2 overexpression and H19 downregulation together with an alteration of the zonal architecture of the liver. Spatial transcriptomics analysis revealed an overexpression of the IGF2 pathway, lipogenesis, and platelet activation in 11p15.5 altered hepatocytes. These data provide insights for 11p15.5 mosaicism detection as well as functional consequences of these alterations during the early steps of carcinogenesis.

  Study EGAS00001006692

• Tissue DNA, WBC DNA and cfDNA (deep-)sequencing of mCRC patients treated with doublet chemotherapy and anti-EGFR in the CAIRO5 study

  This study assessed whether ctDNA based treatment response monitoring could be performed in a tumor tissue-independent manner by combining ultra-deep targeted sequencing analyses of cfDNA with patient-matched white blood cell (WBC) derived DNA. In total, 183 cfDNA and 49 WBC samples, along with 28 tissue samples, from 52 metastatic colorectal cancer patients participating in the prospective phase III CAIRO5 clinical trial (NCT02162563) were analyzed using the PGDx elio plasma resolve assay.

  Study EGAS00001006695

• Characterization of chromatin accessibility in metastatic prostate cancer

  The development of resistance to second-generation AR-signaling inhibitors (ARSIs) and progression to metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) represents a huge obstacle to the improvement of patients’ clinical outcomes. Lineage plasticity is a common mechanism that drives the development of mCRPC by changing chromatin conformation at regulatory elements affecting downstream gene activity. ATAC-seq is a popular technique that measures accessible chromatin regions. To better understand of potential epigenomic mechanisms of ARSI resistance in prostate cancer, in this study, we performed ATAC-seq on 70 mCRPC tissue biopsies from the SU2C/PCF West Coast Dream Team (WCDT) cohort.

  Study EGAS00001006698

• Characterization of MCSP+ melanoma DCC and MelDCC lines

  To dissect the sequence of genotypic and phenotypic progression during early metastatic colonization, we searched for the earliest detectable disseminated cancer cells (DCC) and identified MCSP+ melanoma cells as strong candidates for metastasis founder cells (MFC) in lymph nodes. We isolated MCSP+ DCC from various stages of metastatic colony-formation, performed scRNA-seq and unravelled their phenotypic progression. Further we performed bulk sequencing on patient-derived DCC models (MelDCC) and showed that they exhibit an immunosuppressive activity on CD8 T cells.

  Study EGAS00001006702

• Germline sequencing

  Detection of SNVs/ indels in the germline of pediatric cancer patients with a focus on CHEK2 germline variants

  Study EGAS00001006705

• The University of Hong Kong Colon Cancer GCV Study

  Background: Ganciclovir (GCV) is widely used in solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplant patients for prophylaxis and treatment of cytomegalovirus. It has long been considered a mutagen and carcinogen. However, the contribution of GCV to cancer incidence and other factors that influence its mutagenicity remains unknown. Methods: This retrospective cohort study analysed genomics data for 121,771 patients who had undergone targeted sequencing compiled by the Genomics Evidence Neoplasia Information Exchange (GENIE) or Foundation Medicine (FM). A statistical approach was developed to identify patients with GCV-associated mutational signature (GCVsig) from targeted sequenced data of tumour samples. Cell line exposure models were further used to quantify mutation burden and DNA damage caused by GCV and other antiviral and immunosuppressive drugs. Results: Mutational profiles from 22 of 121,771 patient samples in the GENIE and FM cohorts showed evidence of GCVsig. A diverse range of cancers was represented. All patients with detailed clinical history available had previously undergone solid organ transplantation and received GCV and mycophenolate treatment. RAS hotspot mutations associated with GCVsig¬¬ were present in 9 of the 22 samples, with all samples harbouring multiple GCV-associated protein-altering mutations in cancer driver genes. In vitro testing in cell lines showed that elevated DNA damage response and GCV¬sig are uniquely associated with GCV but not acyclovir, a structurally similar antiviral. Combination treatment of GCV with the immunosuppressant, mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), increased the misincorporation of GCV in genomic DNA and mutations attributed to GCVsig in cell lines and organoids. Conclusions: In summary, GCV can cause a diverse range of cancers. Its mutagenicity may be potentiated by other therapies, such as mycophenolate, commonly co-prescribed with GCV for post-transplant patients. Further investigation of the optimal use of these drugs could help reduce GCV-associated mutagenesis in post-transplant patients.

  Study EGAS00001006707

• GENOMIC MUTATION LANDSCAPE OF SKIN CANCERS FROM DNA REPAIR-DEFICIENT XERODERMA PIGMENTOSUM PATIENTS

  Xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) is a genetic disorder caused by mutations in genes of the Nucleotide Excision Repair (NER) pathway (groups A-G) or in Translesion Synthesis (TLS) DNA polymerase η (group V). XP is associated with an increased skin cancer risk, reaching, for some groups, several thousand-fold compared to the general population. Here, we analyzed 38 skin cancer genomes from five XP groups. We found that the activity of NER determines heterogeneity of the mutation rates across skin cancer genomes and that transcription-coupled NER extends beyond the gene boundaries reducing the intergenic mutation rate. Mutational profile in XP-V tumors revealed the role of polymerase η in the error-free bypass of (i) rare TpG and TpA DNA lesions, (ii) 3’ nucleotides in pyrimidine dimers, and (iii) TpT photodimers. Our study unravels the genetic basis of skin cancer risk in XP and provides insights into the mechanisms reducing UV-induced mutagenesis in the general population.

  Study EGAS00001006732

• GOSH_Tumour_Embryology_Paediatric_Behjati_RNA_Managed_Access

  The aim of the study is to study thyroid development and function, and how this is altered in Down Syndrome and Thyroid Cancer.

  Study EGAS00001006737

• Structural Expression of BMMF in tissues of colorectal, lung and pancreatic cancer patients

  Chronic inflammation, linked to the presence of bovine milk and meat factors (BMMF) and specific subsets of macrophages, results in oxygen radical synthesis and induction of mutations in DNA of actively replicating cells and replicating single stranded DNA (zur Hausen et al., 2017). Cancers arising from this process have been characterized as indirect carcinogenesis by infectious agents (without persistence of genes of the agent in premalignant or cancers cells). Here we investigate structural properties of pleomorphic vesicles, regularly identified by staining peritumour tissues of colorectal, lung and pancreatic cancer for expression of BMMF Rep. The latter represents a subgroup of BMMF1 proteins involved in replication of small single-stranded circular plasmids of BMMF, but most likely also contributing to pleomorphic vesicular structures found in the periphery of colorectal, lung and pancreatic cancers. Structurally dense regions are demonstrated in preselected areas of colorectal cancer, after staining with monoclonal antibodies against BMMF1 Rep. Similar structures were observed in human embryonic cells (HEK293TT) overexpressing Rep. These data suggest that Rep or Rep isoforms contribute to the structural formation of vesicles.

  Study EGAS00001006744

• Targeted therapy of advanced parathyroid carcinoma guided by genomic and transcriptomic profiling (hipo_021)

  Parathyroid carcinoma (PC) is an orphan malignancy with a high risk of recurrence after surgery. Tumor-directed systemic treatments for PC are not established. We used whole-genome and RNA sequencing in four patients with advanced PC to identify molecular alterations that could guide clinical management. In two cases, the genomic and transcriptomic profiles provided targets for experimental therapies that resulted in biochemical response and prolonged disease stabilization: (i) immune checkpoint inhibition with pembrolizumab based on high tumor mutational burden and a single-base substitution signature associated with APOBEC (apolipoprotein B mRNA editing enzyme, catalytic polypeptide-like) overactivation; (ii) multi-receptor tyrosine kinase inhibition with lenvatinib due to overexpression of FGFR1 and RET and, later in the course of disease, PARP inhibition with olaparib prompted by signs of defective homologous recombination DNA repair. In addition, our data provided new insights into the molecular landscape of PC with respect to the genome-wide footprints of specific mutational processes and pathogenic germline alterations. These data underscore the potential of comprehensive molecular analyses to improve care for patients with ultra-rare cancers based on insight into disease biology.

  Study EGAS00001006747

• Human pan-cancer plasma cfRNA study - raw data

  This study contains mRNA capture sequencing data from plasma of 266 different human donors. The first, pan-cancer, cohort covers 25 high-grade to metastatic cancer types (8 cancer patients per type) and a control group (8 healthy donors). The validation cohort comprises additional plasma samples from ovarian, prostate and uterine cancer patients (12 per type) as well as additional samples from controls (22 new and 8 repeated). Samples were sequenced on a NovaSeq 6000 and are provided in FASTQ format.

  Study EGAS00001006755

• Enrichment of oral-derived bacteria in inflamed colorectal tumors and distinct associations of Fusobacterium in the mesenchymal subtype

  The association between colorectal cancer (CRC) clinical variables and Fusobacterium, but not other intra-tumoral bacteria, has been extensively studied. Here we leveraged whole-transcriptome sequencing from 807 CRC tumor samples from the AVANT phase III trial to dually characterize tumor gene expression and intra-tumoral bacteria. After stringent filtering, 74 high-confidence taxa were identified. 17 of these species, including 4 Fusobacterium spp., were classified as orally-derived and had a robust signal within right-sided, MSI-H, and BRAF mutant tumors. Across consensus molecular subtypes (CMS), integration of Fusobacterium animalis presence and tumor gene expression revealed that F. animalis had the greatest number of associations in mesenchymal CMS4 tumors, despite an overall lower prevalence than in immune CMS1 tumors. Pathway analysis within CMS4 revealed that F. animalis, but not other highly prevalent species, was uniquely associated with pathways for collagen degradation and formation as well as IL-6 and IL-1 cytokine signaling. These associations could explain in part why Fusobacterium has been previously associated with reduced survival in mesenchymal populations. Overall, this study identified oral-derived bacteria, including Fusobacterium, as broadly more prevalent in inflamed CRC tumors compared to the other subtypes, and the association of intra-tumoral bacteria on tumor gene expression is context- and species-specific.

  Study EGAS00001006757

• Single-cell transcriptomics identifies pathogenic T-helper 17.1 cells and pro-inflammatory monocytes in ICI-related pneumonitis

  ICI-pneumonitis is a frequent serious adverse event of cancer immunotherapy hinging on a cell-mediated immune response, though the exact pathophysiology is currently unknown. Using single-cell transcriptomics, an enrichment of pathogenic (TBX21, RORC, IFNG, IL17A, CSF2 expressing) T-helper 17.1 cells and pro-inflammatory (TNF, IL1B, IL6, IL23A expressing) monocytes was identified in ICI-pneumonitis bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, putatively engaging in a feedforward inflammatory loop. This finding yields several novel therapeutic targets for the treatment of ICI-pneumonitis. Most notably repurposing anti-IL-23 merits further research as a potential efficacious and safe treatment for ICI-pneumonitis.

  Study EGAS00001006762

• MutWP1__CRUK_Grand_Challenge__matched_blood_Nanoseq

  The Mutographs project aims to advance our understanding of the causes of cancer through studies of mutational signatures. Led by Mike Stratton, together with Paul Brennan, Ludmil Alexandrov, Allan Balmain, David Phillips and Peter Campbell, this large-scale international research endeavour was awarded a Cancer Research UK Grand Challenge. Different patterns of somatic mutation are generated by the different environmental, lifestyle and genetic factors that cause cancer, many of them are still unknown. Within Mutographs, the International Agency for Research on Cancer is coordinating the recruitment of 5000 individuals with cancer (colorectal, renal, pancreatic, oesophageal adenocarcinoma or oesophageal squamous cancers) across 5 continents to explore whether different mutational signatures explain marked variation in incidence. In brief, through an international network of collaborators around the world, biological materials are collected, along with demographic, histological, clinical and questionnaire data. Whole genome sequences of tumour-germline DNA pairs are generated at the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute. Non-tumour DNA is also studied for some cancer types. Somatic mutational signatures are subsequently extracted by non-negative matrix factorisation methods and correlated with risk factors data. Through an enhanced understanding of cancer aetiology, Mutographs unprecedented effort is anticipated to outline modifiable risk factors, lead to new approaches to prevent cancer, and provide opportunities to empower early detection, refine high-risk groups and contribute to further therapeutic development.

  Study EGAS00001006774

• Whole Genome Sequencing Data of High Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer

  Longitudinal whole genome sequencing data to study chemoresponse in ovarian cancer. These samples belong to an ongoing sample collection and the data already includes hundreds of samples from over 200 patients. Samples are from primary and metastatic tissues and ascites. All patients have been treated with platinum-taxane based chemotherapy and majority of them are diagnosed with high-grade serous ovarian cancer.

  Study EGAS00001006775

• PDAC organoid genomic heterogeneity

  The establishment of patient-derived pancreatic cancer organoid culture in recent years creates an exciting opportunity for researchers to perform a wide range of in vitro studies on a model that closely recapitulates the tumor. Among the outstanding questions in pancreatic cancer biology are the causes and consequences of genomic heterogeneity observed in the disease. However, to use pancreatic cancer organoids as a model to study genomic variations, we need to first understand the degree of genomic heterogeneity and its stability within organoids. Here, we used single-cell whole-genome sequencing to investigate the genomic heterogeneity of two independent pancreatic cancer organoids, as well as their genomic stability with extended culture. Clonal populations with similar copy number profiles were observed within the organoids, and the proportion of these clones was shifted with extended culture, suggesting the growth advantage of some clones. However, sub-clonal genomic heterogeneity was also observed within each clonal population, indicating the genomic instability of the pancreatic cancer cells themselves. Furthermore, our transcriptomic analysis also revealed a positive correlation between copy number alterations and gene expression regulation, suggesting the “gene dosage” effect of these copy number alterations that translates to gene expression regulation.

  Study EGAS00001006782

• Integrative analysis of exome-seq, RNA-seq, ATAC-seq (bulk and single-cell), and Hi-C data generated from 3-D spatially mapped samples acquired during surgical resection from 10 patients diagnosed with IDH-WT glioblastoma

  Glioblastoma (GBM), the most common primary brain cancer in adults, remains incurable with no targeted therapies approved despite decades of investigation into its molecular landscape. Treatment failure is attributed to intratumoral heterogeneity in the GBM genome and epigenome, which foster tumor evolution and selection of resistant clones. However, tumor evolution and intratumoral heterogeneity remain poorly understood on the level of the whole tumor as most studies are based on single samples per patient and lack spatial context. Here, we have used 3-D neuronavigation during surgical resection for 10 primary IDH-WT GBM patients to collect 102 samples representing maximal tumor diversity, each mapped by 3-D spatial coordinates. We have applied a strategic set of genomic and epigenomic assays spanning multiple levels of resolution to discover, orthogonally validate, and functionally assess drivers of tumor evolution and intratumoral heterogeneity. These include extrachromosomal DNA amplifications, chromothripsis events, inversions, and translocations that disrupt both the GBM genome and epigenome while generating fusion transcripts and opportunities for therapeutic intervention. We define epigenomic programs that contribute to GBM evolution and intratumoral heterogeneity, revealing their 3-D spatial patterning within whole tumors and their cell type(s) of origin in single-cell data from the same tumor samples. Notably, we distinguish neuronal, glial, and immune programs aberrantly active in tumor cells from their counterparts in normal cells and discover NEUROD1, JUN/FOS, and NF1 transcription factors as key drivers of GBM evolution and growth. Collectively, these data provide unprecedented insight into GBM evolution and intratumoral heterogeneity from single-cell to whole-tumor resolution, redefining current understanding and providing a rich resource of targets for therapeutic investigation.

  Study EGAS00001006785

• The molecular landscape of homologous recombination deficient, end-stage, high grade serous ovarian cancer

  High grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSC) is frequently characterized by homologous recombination (HR) DNA repair deficiency, and while most such tumors are sensitive to initial treatment, acquired resistance is common. We undertook a multi-omics approach to interrogating mechanisms of resistance, using multiple autopsy samples collected from 15 women with HR-deficient HGSC.

  Study EGAS00001006789

• Molecular heterogeneity and commonalities in pancreatic cancer precursors with gastric and intestinal phenotype

  Due to the limited number of modifiable risk factors, secondary prevention strategies based on early diagnosis represent the preferred route to improve the prognosis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Here, we provide a comparative morphogenetic analysis of PDAC precursors aiming at dissecting the process of carcinogenesis and tackling the heterogeneity of preinvasive lesions.

  Study EGAS00001006793

• Detection of isoforms and genomic alterations by high-throughput full-length single-cell RNA sequencing in HGSOC

  Understanding the complex background of cancer requires genotype-phenotype information in single-cell resolution. Long-read single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), capturing full-length transcripts, lacked the depth to provide this information so far. Here, we increased the PacBio sequencing depth to 12,000 reads per cell, leveraging multiple strategies, including artifact removal and transcript concatenation, and applied the technology to samples from three human ovarian cancer patients. Our approach captured 152,000 isoforms, of which over 52,000 were novel, detected cell type- and cell-specific isoform usage, and revealed differential isoform expression in tumor and mesothelial cells. Furthermore, we identified gene fusions, including a novel scDNA sequencing-validated IGF2BP2::TESPA1 fusion, which was misclassified as high TESPA1 expression in matched short-read data, and called somatic and germline mutations, confirming targeted NGS cancer gene panel results. With multiple new opportunities, especially for cancer biology, we envision long-read scRNA-seq to become increasingly relevant in oncology and personalized medicine.

  Study EGAS00001006807

• FFPE, buffycoat and cell free DNA from N. German esophagus cancer patients - 2021

  We recruited 28 patients and sequenced samples from their FFPE tissue, full blood buffy coat and plasma cell free DNA from diagnosis and other, longitudinal time points. The cell free DNA was sequenced ultra-deeply. The IDT PanCancer panel was used for targeted enrichment. Aims: detection of primary tumor mutations in cell free DNA, overlap and difference in mutation profiles between primary tumor, metastases and cell free DNA.

  Study EGAS00001006813

• Dynamics of sequence and structural cell-free DNA landscapes in small-cell lung cancer

  Patients with small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) have an exceptionally poor prognosis, calling for improved real-time non-invasive biomarkers of therapeutic response. We performed targeted error-correction sequencing on 171 serial plasmas and matched white blood cell (WBC) DNA from 33 patients with metastatic SCLC who received systemic treatment with chemotherapy or immunotherapy-containing regimens. Tumor-derived sequence alterations and plasma aneuploidy were evaluated serially and combined to assess changes in total cell-free tumor load (cfTL). Longitudinal dynamic changes in cfTL were monitored to determine circulating cell-free tumor DNA (ctDNA) molecular response during therapy. Combined tiered analyses of tumor-derived sequence alterations and plasma aneuploidy allowed for assessment of ctDNA molecular response in all patients. Molecular responses captured the therapeutic effect and long-term clinical outcomes in a more accurate and rapid manner compared to radiographic imaging. Patients with sustained molecular responses had longer overall (log-rank p=0.0006) and progression-free (log-rank p<0.0001) survival, with molecular responses detected on average 4 weeks earlier than imaging. ctDNA analyses provide a rapid approach for the assessment of early on-therapy molecular responses and have important implications for the management of patients with SCLC, including the development of improved strategies for real-time tumor burden monitoring.

  Study EGAS00001006831

• Orphan_Tumour_Study_NB_sNuc_WGS

  The aim of this study is to investigate the genomic landscape of human cancer.

  Study EGAS00001006837

• Influence of Genomic Landscape on Cancer Immunotherapy for Newly Diagnosed Ovarian Cancer: Biomarker Analyses from the IMagyn050 Randomized Clinical Trial

  The IMagyn050 trial (NCT03038100), which evaluated the efficacy of Atezo vs placebo (Pla) with carboplatin, paclitaxel and bevacizumab (CPB) in front line ovarian cancer patient (pts), did not meet its co-primary endpoints of PFS in ITT or PD-L1+ (Moore et al. JCO 2021). The aim of this exploratory study was to evaluate whether patients with BRCA1/2-mutated or homologous recombination-deficient (HRD) ovarian cancers benefitted from atezolizumab in the phase III IMagyn050 (NCT03038100) trial. Methods: Patients with newly diagnosed ovarian cancer were randomized to either atezolizumab or placebo with standard chemotherapy and bevacizumab. PD-L1 status of tumor-infiltrating immune cells was determined centrally (VENTANA SP142 assay). Genomic alterations, including deleterious BRCA1/2 alterations, genomic loss of heterozygosity (gLOH), tumor mutation burden (TMB), and microsatellite instability (MSI), were evaluated using the FoundationOne assay. HRD was defined as gLOH ≥16%, regardless of BRCA1/2 mutation status. Potential associations between progression-free survival (PFS) and genomic biomarkers were evaluated using standard correlation analyses and log-rank of Kaplan-Meier estimates. Results Among biomarker-evaluable samples, 22% (234/1050) harbored BRCA1/2 mutations and 46% (446/980) were HRD. Median TMB was low irrespective of BRCA1/2 or HRD. Only 3% (29/1024) had TMB ≥10 mut/Mb and 0.3% (3/1022) were MSI-high. PFS was better in BRCA2-mutated versus BRCA2-non-mutated tumors and in HRD versus proficient tumors. PD-L1 positivity (≥1% expression on immune cells) was associated with HRD but not BRCA1/2 mutations. PFS was not improved by adding atezolizumab in BRCA2-mutated or HRD tumors; there was a trend toward enhanced PFS with atezolizumab in BRCA1-mutated tumors. Conclusion Most ovarian tumors have low TMB despite BRCA1/2 mutations or HRD. Neither BRCA1/2 mutation nor HRD predicted enhanced benefit from atezolizumab. This is the first randomized double-blind trial in ovarian cancer demonstrating that genomic instability triggered by BRCA1/2 mutation or HRD is not associated with improved sensitivity to immune checkpoint inhibitors.

  Study EGAS00001006838

• TK-EPN862 - Patient-dervied xenograft model of Posterior Fossa A Ependymoma - RNAseq

  Ependymomas (EPN) are the third most common malignant brain cancer in children. Treatment strategies for pediatric EPN have remained unchanged over recent decades, with 10-year survival rates stagnating at just 67% for children aged 0-14 years. Moreover, patients who survive treatment for the most common subtype of pediatric EPN (posterior fossa A (PFA)), often suffer long-term neurological side effects as a result of therapy. It is evident that there is a need for safer, more effective treatments for pediatric EPN patients. There are ten distinct subgroups of EPN, each with their own molecular and prognostic features. To identify and facilitate the testing of new treatments for EPN, in vivo laboratory models representative of the diverse molecular subtypes are required. Here, we describe the establishment of a patient-derived orthotopic xenograft (PDOX) model of PFA EPN, derived from a metastatic cranial lesion. Patient and PDOX tumors were analyzed using immunohistochemistry, DNA methylation profiling, whole genome sequencing (WGS) and RNA sequencing. Both patient and PDOX tumors classified as PFA EPN by methylation profiling, and shared similar histological features consistent with this molecular subgroup. RNA sequencing revealed that gene expression patterns were maintained across the primary and metastatic tumors, as well as the PDOX. Copy number profiling revealed gains of chromosomes 7, 8 and 19, and loss of chromosomes 2q and 6q in the PDOX and matched patient tumor. No clinically significant single nucleotide variants were identified, consistent with the low mutation rates observed in PFA EPN. Overexpression of EZHIP RNA and protein, a common feature of PFA EPN, was also observed. Despite the aggressive nature of the tumor in the patient, this PDOX was unable to be maintained past two passages in vivo. Others who have successfully developed PDOX models report some of the lowest success rates for EPN compared to other pediatric brain cancer types attempted, with loss of tumorigenicity not uncommon, highlighting the challenge in propagating these tumors in the laboratory. Here, we discuss our collective experiences with PFA EPN PDOX model generation and propose potential approaches to improve future success in establishing preclinical EPN models

  Study EGAS00001006844

• cfDNA dataset from extracelular vesicles and paired non-fractionated samples

  Liquid biopsies contain multiple analytes that can be mined to improve the detection and management of cancer. Beyond cell-free DNA (cfDNA), mutations have been detected in DNA associated with extracellular vesicles (EV-DNA). The genome-wide composition and structure of EV-DNA remains poorly characterized, and whether circulating EVs are enriched in tumor signal compared to unfractionated cfDNA is still unclear. Here, using whole genome sequencing from selected lung cancer patients with a relatively high cfDNA tumor content >5%, we determined that the tumor fraction and heterogeneity are comparable between DNA associated with small (<200 nm) EVs and matched plasma cfDNA. DNA in EV fractions, obtained with standardized size-exclusion chromatography, are comprised of short ~150-180 bp fragments and long >1000 bp fragments that are poor in tumor signal. Other fractions only exhibit short fragments with similar tumor DNA content. The composition in bases at the end of EV-DNA fragments, as well as their fragmentation patterns are similar to total plasma cfDNA. Mitochondrial DNA however is relatively enriched in EV fractions. Our results suggests that cfDNA in plasma may be of dual nature, either bound to proteins (including the nucleosome) but also associated to EVs. cfDNA associated to small EV (including exosomes) is however not preferentially enriched in tumor signal.

  Study EGAS00001006848

• Multiregion Whole Exome and Smart-Seq3 single cell RNA sequencing of Breast Tumors

  Multiple regions were cut out of each tumor extracted form breast cancer patients and two experiments were run: - Whole exome sequencing on each of the regions plus an adjacent normal tissue sample - Smart-Seq3 Single cell RNA sequencing on EPCAM+ CD45- sorted cells from different tumor regions

  Study EGAS00001006851

• Early on-treatment changes in circulating tumor DNA fraction and response to enzalutamide or abiraterone in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer

  On-treatment circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) quantification is touted as a surrogate biomarker for understanding metastatic cancer response to systemic therapy, but there is relatively little supporting data from standardized patient cohorts. Here, in a prospective observational cohort, we demonstrate that 4-week on-treatment changes in plasma ctDNA levels can accurately identify metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer that will progress within 6 months of initiating first-line abiraterone or enzalutamide treatment. On-treatment ctDNA measurements outperformed existing clinical variables for predicting disease response and were also closely associated with differential overall survival. Although optimal timing of blood collections and thresholds for ctDNA detection will require further testing, our data highlights the potential for sequential ctDNA measurements to provide an early and reliable read-out for therapy response. The high accuracy of this information suggests that ctDNA could be useful for guiding clinical trials of therapy changes in initially non-responsive metastatic cancers.

  Study EGAS00001006856

• Smart-seq3 scRNA-seq of cells from primary (OV2295) and metastatic (OV2295R2) high-grade serous ovarian cancer cell-line

  In this project, single cells extracted from two high-grade serous ovarian cancer cell-lines, one primary (OV2295) and one metastatic (OV2295R2), where split into two 384 well plates and libraries were prepared using Smart-seq3 single cell RNA sequencing (Hagemann-Jensen et al, 2020).

  Study EGAS00001006868

• WGS of MAPKi acquired resistant samples from patients and PDX models

  Blocking cancer genomic instability, which generates diverse variants that enable rapid adaptations, may prevent tumor escape from therapies. We show that, after MAPK inhibitor (MAPKi) therapy in patients and patient-derived xenografts, acquired-resistant genomes of metastatic cutaneous melanoma accumulate amplicons of resistance-driver, non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ), and homologous recombination repair (HRR) genes within complex genomic rearrangements (CGRs) and extrachromosomal circular DNAs (ecDNAs). Also, chromothriptic genomic regions enrich for mutations and may engender ecDNAs and CGRs. Overall, somatic mutations within ecDNA- and CGR-amplicons enrich for HRR signatures, and, in acquired resistance, ecDNA (versus CGR) mutations enrich for APOBEC3 signatures. Breakpoint-sequence analysis suggests NHEJ as critical to double-stranded DNA break repair underlying CGR and ecDNA formation. In vivo, NHEJ-targeting by a DNA-PKCS inhibitor prevented acquired MAPKi-resistance by reducing the size of ecDNAs and CGRs early on combination treatment. Thus, targeting the cause(s), as opposed to the consequences, of genomic instability prevents acquired resistance.

  Study EGAS00001006874

• Kings_Hepatoblastoma_Behjati_RNA_Managed_Access

  A study of the development of liver based tumours.

  Study EGAS00001006876

• Kings_Hepatoblastoma_Behjati_Nanoseq_Managed_Access

  A study of the development of liver based tumours.

  Study EGAS00001006877

• ctDNA to predict risk of progression and death after trifluridin/tipiracil therapy

  Background. Late-line treatment in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) can improve the prognosis. However, not every patient has a benefit and may experience severe side effects. Thus, predictive/prognostic biomarkers are urgently needed. Despite many promising results, the role of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) analysis in trifluridin/tipiracil (FTD/TPI) treated mCRC patients is so far still elusive. Study design. This prospective non-interventional translational biomarker phase II study enrolled 30 metastatic CRC patients treated with FTD/TPI. The primary study aim was to identify a molecular biomarker to predict overall survival (OS) benefit upon FTD/TPI treatment. Methods. mCRC patients (60% male, 40% female) with FTD/TPI therapy were included. Molecular profiling in cell-free DNA from plasma was performed prior to treatment and on average 4, 8 and 12 weeks after FTD/TPI initiation. Tumor levels were assessed as the highest variant allele frequency (hVAF) and correlated with OS. Uni- and multivariate analyses for survival were performed with clinical variables. Multivariate analyses for survival and treatment efficacy were adjusted to age, gender and ECOG performance status. Results. Compared to previous data, our disease control rate of 30% was lower with a median OS of 8.1 months and a median PFS of 3.2 months. At baseline (BL) and the first two follow-ups (FU), a hVAF cut-off of 7.5% was most discriminative (BL HR 0.39 95% CI 0.16 - 0.98 P=0.0212, FU1 HR 0.30 95% CI 0.12 -0.77 P=0.0021, FU2 HR 0.23 95% CI 0.08-0.70 P=0.0004) whereas at the last follow-up the stratification was most pronounced at a 15% cut-off. An elevated hVAF trajectory over time was associated with a higher risk of death. Conclusion. ctDNA is detectable in a high proportion of mCRC patients. Changes in ctDNA levels are associated with survival among FTD/TPI therapy and may identify patients who benefit most from treatment in these late-stage disease.

  Study EGAS00001006883

• One-step generation of tumor models by base editor multiplexing in adult stem cell-derived organoids

  Recent optimization of CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome engineering has resulted in the development of base editors that can efficiently mediate C>T and A>G transitions. Combining these genome engineering tools with human adult stem cell (ASC)-derived organoid technology holds promise for disease modeling. Here, we demonstrate the application of base editors for the generation of complex tumor models in human ASC-derived hepatocyte, endometrial and intestinal organoids. First, using conventional and evolved Cas9-variants, we show efficacy of both cytosine and adenine base editors and use them to model four hot-spot point mutations in CTNNB1 in hepatocyte organoids. Next, we apply C>T base editors in endometrial organoids to insert nonsense mutations in PTEN and demonstrate tumorigenicity even in the heterozygous state. Furthermore, we use cytosine base editors for simultaneous oncogene activation (PIK3CA) and tumor-suppressor inactivation (APC and TP53). To increase the flexibility of base editor multiplexing, we then combine SpCas9 and SaCas9 base editors for simultaneous C>T and A>G editing at individual target sites. Finally, we show the power of base editor multiplexing by modeling colorectal tumorigenesis in a single step by simultaneously transfecting sgRNA’s targeting four cancer genes. Seven clonal organoid lines and one bulk wild-type control sample were paired-end whole-genome sequenced using the Illumina Novaseq 6000 system. We sequenced four clonal intestinal organoid lines harbouring engineered TP53 and FBXW7 mutations as well as three lines targeted for oncogenic APC/TP53/PIK3CA/SMAD4 mutations. This WGS showed, as previously reported, a genome-wide increase in C>T mutations due to C>T base editor off-target activity, which is not enriched in predicted off-target regions based on the sgRNA sequences. Furthermore, we confirmed the absence of editing-induced driver mutations and lack of off-target mutational hotspots created by the genomic engineering.

  Study EGAS00001006886

• Tracing early predictors of glioma evolution under therapy

  Clonal evolution drives cancer progression and therapeutic resistance. Recent studies revealed divergent longitudinal trajectories in gliomas, but early molecular traits steering post-treatment cancer evolution remain unclear. We analyzed sequencing data of 544 initial-recurrent adult diffuse glioma pairs to identify genomic and transcriptomic early predictors of tumor evolution in each molecular subtype.

  Study EGAS00001006894