Bulk and Single-Cell Next-Generation Sequencing: Individualizing Treatment for Colorectal Cancer

Area of Science:

• Genomics and Transcriptomics
• Oncology
• Biomedical Research

Background:

• Colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence is rising globally, with stagnant early diagnosis and mortality rates, necessitating innovative tools.
• Minor survival improvements in industrialized nations highlight the need for advanced screening, predictive, and therapeutic strategies.
• Conventional research and clinical practices require a shift towards novel approaches for CRC management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the latest advancements and future perspectives of integrated sequencing systems for genome and transcriptome exploration.
• To highlight the role of next-generation sequencing (NGS) in characterizing intra-tumor heterogeneity (ITH).
• To discuss the potential of NGS in developing novel prognostic, predictive, and therapeutic tools for precision oncology.

Main Methods:

• Integration of next-generation sequencing (NGS) systems in basic, translational, and basket trials.
• Characterization of intra-tumor genetic, genomic, and transcriptional heterogeneity (ITH) using multi-regional bulk tissue NGS.
• Application of single-cell transcriptomics and NGS of circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA).
• Exploration of spatiotemporal clonal evolution through genomic/transcriptomic studies.

Main Results:

• NGS is transforming biomedical and cancer research, paving the way for clinical implementation.
• Characterizing ITH via multi-regional NGS and single-cell transcriptomics reveals novel strategies for predicting therapeutic response.
• NGS of cfDNA offers insights into tumor evolution and potential therapeutic targets.
• Genomic and transcriptomic studies exploring clonal evolution are expected to yield prognostic and predictive tools.

Conclusions:

• Integrated sequencing systems are crucial for overcoming unmet research and clinical challenges in precision oncology.
• Understanding tumor heterogeneity through advanced sequencing techniques is key to developing personalized cancer therapies.
• Future genomic and transcriptomic studies hold significant promise for discovering novel tools to improve colorectal cancer outcomes.