Genetic puzzles: How colon cancer in the brain metastasized

Genetic puzzles: How colon cancer in the brain metastasized

annually, around 60,000 people in Germany develop colon cancer, a colorectal carcinoma that is responsible for around 10% of cancer -related deaths worldwide. Despite a decline in the mortality rate in recent decades, the disease remains one of the most common types of tumor and its danger is underlined in particular by metastasis formation in the lung of lungs, lungs and less frequently in the brain. Dr. Dr. Björn Sander and his research team at the Hannover Medical School (MHH) have made significant progress in the understanding of the genetic changes in colon cancer that control metastasis formation. The results were recently published in the journal Nature Communications

Research aimed to decipher the biological mechanisms behind the metastasis and to develop new therapeutic approaches. Metastases often arise from benign polyps of the intestinal mucosa, which can develop into malignant tumors. An investigation of over 3,800 cases showed that the tumors have complex genetic changes that vary individually. In particular, the brain metastases were characterized by a variety of chromosomal imbalances, which it lifts off metastases in the liver and lungs.

genetic changes and their role

The Kras gene plays a central role in the development of colon cancer. Mutations in this gene are common and promote tumor growth. Particularly noticeable is a high frequency of combinations of crasmutations and duplication of the crashing gene in brain metastases. Scientists under the direction of Prof. Dr. Monika Golas at the University of Augsburg and the University Hospital Augsburg also found that specific changes in this gene are associated with more aggressive behavior of the tumor.

These complex genetic patterns enable metabolic conversion of the tumor cells to glycolysis, which favors their survival and spread to specific organs. It turned out that these patterns develop later on brain metastases than with those in the liver and lungs, which indicates different biological mechanisms.

perspectives for future therapies

The comprehensive analysis of the genetic data not only offers insights into the mechanisms of metastasis, but also identifies potential points of attack that could be used for personalized treatment strategies. The study uses modern technologies such as Next generation sequencing and molecular cytogenetics to examine the amplification of chromosome 12p that carries the crashing gene.

The results of this research could play a crucial role in predicting metastasis processes and developing new, targeted therapy approaches. The findings expand the understanding of the biological mechanisms behind the metastasis and could ultimately help to revolutionize the treatment of colon cancer patients.