Actionability evaluation of biliary tract cancer by genome transcriptome analysis and Asian cancer knowledgebase

Yuki Okawa1,2, Nobutaka Ebata1,2, Nayoung K D Kim3,4

  • 1Laboratory for Cancer Genomics, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Japan.

Oncotarget
|July 28, 2021
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

This study identified actionable genes and drugs in biliary tract cancer (BTC) patients, finding that 49.7% had potential for targeted or immune therapies, paving the way for personalized BTC treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Genomics
  • Cancer Research

Background:

  • Biliary tract cancer (BTC) has limited treatment options.
  • Investigating actionable genes and candidate drugs is crucial for personalized therapy.
  • Characterizing BTC immunologically aids in evaluating molecular and immune treatments.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify actionable genes and candidate drugs in BTC using a comprehensive knowledgebase (KB).
  • To analyze predictive biomarkers for immune checkpoint inhibitors in BTC.
  • To evaluate the actionability of molecular and immune therapies for BTC patients.

Main Methods:

  • Genomic and transcriptome data from 219 BTC patients were analyzed.
  • Actionable mutations and drugs were annotated using the CancerSCAN® KB.
  • Predictive biomarkers for immune checkpoint inhibitors were assessed via DNA and RNA sequencing.

Main Results:

  • 22 actionable genes and 43 candidate drugs were identified in 33.8% of patients.
  • PTEN, CDKN2A, and KRAS were the most frequent actionable genes.
  • 49.7% of BTC cases showed potential for molecular or immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy.

Conclusions:

  • Utilizing a KB to identify actionable genes and drugs advances therapeutic development for BTC.
  • This approach supports the creation of personalized treatment strategies for biliary tract cancer.