Reconciliation of classification systems defining molecular subtypes of colorectal cancer: Interrelationships and clinical implications

Anguraj Sadanandam, Xin Wang, Felipe De Sousa E Melo, Joe W. Gray, Louis Vermeulen, Douglas Hanahan, Jan Paul Medema

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

61 Scopus citations

Abstract

Recently we published two independent studies describing novel gene expression-based classifications of colorectal cancer (CRC). Notably, each study stratified CRC into a different number of subtypes: one reported 3 subtypes, whereas the second highlighted 5. Given that each ascribed clinical significance, distinctive biology, and therapeutic prognosis to the different subtypes, we sought to reconcile this apparent incongruity in subtype stratification of CRC, and to interrelate the results. To do so, we each evaluated the other's data sets and analytical methods and discovered that the subtypes and their classifiers are, in fact, clearly related to each other; indeed, the 5 subtype outcomes can be coalesced into the same three. In addition to presenting this clarification, we briefly discuss how both classification methods can be viewed within the broader literature on CRC subtypes, and potentially applied.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)353-357
Number of pages5
JournalCell Cycle
Volume13
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 1 2014
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • CIMP
  • Cancer subtypes
  • Cetuximab
  • Colorectal cancer
  • Consensus clustering
  • MSI
  • Serrated pathway
  • Therapy resistance

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Molecular Biology
  • Developmental Biology
  • Cell Biology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Reconciliation of classification systems defining molecular subtypes of colorectal cancer: Interrelationships and clinical implications'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this