This project aims to characterise the tumour cell and tumour microenvironment of colorectal cancer peritoneal metastases, understand molecular changes leading to colorectal peritoneal metastasis, identify potential biomarkers and novel treatment strategies.
The peritoneum is the second most common site for recurrence in colorectal cancer (CRC). Cancer spread to the peritoneum (colorectal cancer peritoneal metastases, CRPM) cause severe symptoms in patients and lead to shortened survival. The only definitive treatment available is a complex and aggressive surgical procedure involving radical removal of organs and the internal lining of the abdomen. The biology of CRPM and correlations with clinical outcomes has been reported in small numbers of patients. There has been limited research on how extended cancer mutations lead to metastases and how this can affect treatment or survival. Understanding how genetic mutations evolve in CRPM and the role of the tumour microenvironment are important for optimising treatment and prevent the spread of cancer. This study proposes completing cancer genetic profiling on archived tissue removed routinely from patients who previously have had surgery for CRPM. High through-put laboratory techniques for analysing the genetic profile of CRC and CRPM has the power to identify mutation patterns than might predict for treatments and survival outcomes. The results of genetic tests can then be compared to clinical characteristics, such as survival and treatments received. Genes in primary colorectal cancer can be compared to those in CRPM to describe what changes during the metastatic process. This study will help make progress towards better and personalised treatment options, identifying predictors of treatment success and long-term survival. Improved treatments and better selection of patients may ultimately improve quality of life and help patients live longer.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
200
Archival formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tumour tissue from colorectal cancer peritoneal metastasis and paired primary tumours, where available - taken as standard care
Christie Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Manchester, United Kingdom
RECRUITINGProportion of genetic mutations
Descriptive analysis of the proportion of genetic mutations identified in colorectal cancer and their matched peritoneal metastases: concordance and discordance rates.
Time frame: 24 months
Proportion differences of genetic mutations
The descriptive difference in proportion of genetic mutations identified in primary colorectal tumours compared to mutations in colorectal cancer peritoneal metastases. Generate hypotheses about changes that occur during the metastatic process.
Time frame: 24 months
Correlations of results
Correlation of results from genetic tests with clinical patient data. Identification of genetic mutations which are associated with differences in survival.
Time frame: 24 months
Association with molecular subtypes and categorical variables
Association between molecular subtypes and categorical variables to be measured by Fisher's exact or X2 tests. Associations with continuous variables will be evaluated by Kruskal-Wallis tests or ANOVA. Kaplan-Meier methods will calculate survival outcomes. Univariate and multivariate cox proportional hazard regression models stratified by tumour subtype will identify predictive factors of clinical outcomes. Results with a p-value \<0.05 will be considered statistically different.
Time frame: 24 months
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