Description

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.