Deciphering Tumour Heterogeneity: From Tissue to Liquid Biopsy.

Fiche publication


Date publication

mars 2022

Journal

Cancers

Auteurs

Membres identifiés du Cancéropôle Est :
Pr HARLE Alexandre, Pr MERLIN Jean-Louis, Dr GILSON Pauline


Tous les auteurs :
Gilson P, Merlin JL, Harlé A

Résumé

Human solid malignancies harbour a heterogeneous set of cells with distinct genotypes and phenotypes. This heterogeneity is installed at multiple levels. A biological diversity is commonly observed between tumours from different patients (inter-tumour heterogeneity) and cannot be fully captured by the current consensus molecular classifications for specific cancers. To extend the complexity in cancer, there are substantial differences from cell to cell within an individual tumour (intra-tumour heterogeneity, ITH) and the features of cancer cells evolve in space and time. Currently, treatment-decision making usually relies on the molecular characteristics of a limited tumour tissue sample at the time of diagnosis or disease progression but does not take into account the complexity of the bulk tumours and their constant evolution over time. In this review, we explore the extent of tumour heterogeneity with an emphasis on ITH and report the mechanisms that promote and sustain this diversity in cancers. We summarise the clinical strikes of ITH in the management of patients with cancer. Finally, we discuss the current material and technological approaches that are relevant to adequately appreciate ITH.

Mots clés

circulating tumour DNA, liquid biopsy, multi-region sampling, next-generation sequencing, single-cell approaches, treatment resistance, tumour heterogeneity

Référence

Cancers (Basel). 2022 Mar 8;14(6):