[Microsatellite instability and cancer: from genomic instability to personalized medicine]

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Molecular Biology
• Genetics

Background:

• Microsatellite Instability (MSI) is a tumor phenotype linked to inactivating alterations in Mismatch Repair (MMR) genes.
• MSI was initially identified in inherited Lynch syndrome cancers and subsequently in sporadic colon, gastric, and endometrial cancers.
• MSI tumors exhibit genetic instability in microsatellite DNA sequences across the genome.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize over two decades of research activity in the MSI cancer field by French researchers and physicians.
• To consolidate findings that enhance the understanding of the MSI cancer model.
• To establish a foundation for the development of personalized medicine approaches for MSI tumors.

Main Methods:

• Review of long-term research findings and clinical observations in MSI cancer.
• Analysis of molecular pathways associated with microsatellite instability.
• Synthesis of data contributing to personalized oncology.

Main Results:

• Significant contributions to the knowledge base of MSI cancer biology.
• Identification of key genetic and molecular characteristics of MSI tumors.
• Evidence supporting a distinct molecular pathway for MSI tumor development.

Conclusions:

• Decades of research have deepened the understanding of Microsatellite Instability (MSI) in cancer.
• The distinct molecular pathway of MSI tumors is better elucidated.
• Findings provide a basis for personalized medicine strategies targeting MSI tumors.