DR-397 Genomic and transcriptional determinants of chromosomal instability (CIN) in the tumor evolution and progression of GIST and genomically simple sarcomas

Unlike normal cells, cancer cells frequently display chromosomal instability (CIN), causing genetic material loss or rearrangement during cell division. Our research challenges the historical view of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GIST) as sarcomas with simple genomes. We have discovered that CIN occurs early in GIST development and intensifies in metastatic disease, reshaping the perception of GIST as a genomically simple sarcoma subtype. We anticipate that these findings also apply to other genomically simple sarcomas. Additionally, we aim to unravel the molecular causes of CIN in GIST and identify the Achilles heel associated with this genome complexity to design new therapies.

César Serrano,  Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Spain