DR-501 The stem or differentiated nature of the cell-of-origin of colon cancer

According to the current dogma, colon cancer originates from stem cells. However, we have shown in mouse models that differentiated cells can initiate intestinal tumorigenesis in the context of inflammation. This was confirmed in patient-derived tumors based on the genomic landscape of each case (https://doi.org/10.1038/s41588-024-01801-y). By taking advantage of the WGS data from the Hartwig Medical Foundation, we will extend our analysis of colon cancer to determine whether the cell-of-origin is relevant for disease progression, age-of-onset, and response to treatment. If confirmed, the cell-of-origin could be a useful predictor for disease progression and treatment outcomes.

Riccardo Fodde, Erasmus MC, The Netherlands