Genomic and micro-environmental insights into drug resistance in colorectal cancer liver metastases

Abstract Background Colorectal cancer (CRC) is known for its high heterogeneity, with liver metastases significantly impairing survival outcomes. Understanding the tumor microenvironment (TME) and genomic alterations in metastatic sites is crucial for developing personalized therapies that overcome...

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Main Authors: Junjie Kuang, Jun Li, Siwei Zhou, Yi Li, Jinbo Lin, Weizhen Huang, Xia Yuan
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Springer 2025-02-01
Series:Discover Oncology
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1007/s12672-025-01976-8
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author Junjie Kuang
Jun Li
Siwei Zhou
Yi Li
Jinbo Lin
Weizhen Huang
Xia Yuan
author_facet Junjie Kuang
Jun Li
Siwei Zhou
Yi Li
Jinbo Lin
Weizhen Huang
Xia Yuan
author_sort Junjie Kuang
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Background Colorectal cancer (CRC) is known for its high heterogeneity, with liver metastases significantly impairing survival outcomes. Understanding the tumor microenvironment (TME) and genomic alterations in metastatic sites is crucial for developing personalized therapies that overcome drug resistance and improve prognosis. Methods We profiled 54 CRC liver metastases, comparing them with 198 other metastatic lesions and normal liver tissues. By analyzing immune cell infiltration, stromal interactions, and key genomic alterations, we constructed an 11-gene prognostic model to predict survival and immunotherapy outcomes. Results CRC liver metastases with high-risk profiles demonstrated enriched follicular helper T cells, activated dendritic cells, and M2 macrophages in the TME. Frequent mutations in APC, TP53, KRAS, and PIK3CA were identified, alongside altered EGFR signaling. The 11-gene model effectively stratified patients by prognosis and predicted immunotherapy responses, emphasizing the therapeutic potential of targeting resistance mechanisms. Conclusions This study reveals how genomic and TME-driven factors contribute to drug resistance in CRC liver metastases. Integrating these insights with clinical data could advance precision therapies, addressing the evolving challenge of tumor drug resistance in CRC.
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series Discover Oncology
spelling doaj-art-d70bce9ff00b4522998b38b6f2d850da2025-08-20T03:04:12ZengSpringerDiscover Oncology2730-60112025-02-0116111310.1007/s12672-025-01976-8Genomic and micro-environmental insights into drug resistance in colorectal cancer liver metastasesJunjie Kuang0Jun Li1Siwei Zhou2Yi Li3Jinbo Lin4Weizhen Huang5Xia Yuan6The Second Department of Oncology, Cancer Center, Huizhou First HospitalThe Second Department of Oncology, Cancer Center, Huizhou First HospitalThe Second Department of Oncology, Cancer Center, Huizhou First HospitalThe Second Department of Oncology, Cancer Center, Huizhou First HospitalThe Second Department of Oncology, Cancer Center, Huizhou First HospitalThe Second Department of Oncology, Cancer Center, Huizhou First HospitalThe Second Department of Oncology, Cancer Center, Huizhou First HospitalAbstract Background Colorectal cancer (CRC) is known for its high heterogeneity, with liver metastases significantly impairing survival outcomes. Understanding the tumor microenvironment (TME) and genomic alterations in metastatic sites is crucial for developing personalized therapies that overcome drug resistance and improve prognosis. Methods We profiled 54 CRC liver metastases, comparing them with 198 other metastatic lesions and normal liver tissues. By analyzing immune cell infiltration, stromal interactions, and key genomic alterations, we constructed an 11-gene prognostic model to predict survival and immunotherapy outcomes. Results CRC liver metastases with high-risk profiles demonstrated enriched follicular helper T cells, activated dendritic cells, and M2 macrophages in the TME. Frequent mutations in APC, TP53, KRAS, and PIK3CA were identified, alongside altered EGFR signaling. The 11-gene model effectively stratified patients by prognosis and predicted immunotherapy responses, emphasizing the therapeutic potential of targeting resistance mechanisms. Conclusions This study reveals how genomic and TME-driven factors contribute to drug resistance in CRC liver metastases. Integrating these insights with clinical data could advance precision therapies, addressing the evolving challenge of tumor drug resistance in CRC.https://doi.org/10.1007/s12672-025-01976-8Colorectal cancerLiver metastasisTumor microenvironmentGenomic alterationsDrug resistanceImmune therapy response
spellingShingle Junjie Kuang
Jun Li
Siwei Zhou
Yi Li
Jinbo Lin
Weizhen Huang
Xia Yuan
Genomic and micro-environmental insights into drug resistance in colorectal cancer liver metastases
Discover Oncology
Colorectal cancer
Liver metastasis
Tumor microenvironment
Genomic alterations
Drug resistance
Immune therapy response
title Genomic and micro-environmental insights into drug resistance in colorectal cancer liver metastases
title_full Genomic and micro-environmental insights into drug resistance in colorectal cancer liver metastases
title_fullStr Genomic and micro-environmental insights into drug resistance in colorectal cancer liver metastases
title_full_unstemmed Genomic and micro-environmental insights into drug resistance in colorectal cancer liver metastases
title_short Genomic and micro-environmental insights into drug resistance in colorectal cancer liver metastases
title_sort genomic and micro environmental insights into drug resistance in colorectal cancer liver metastases
topic Colorectal cancer
Liver metastasis
Tumor microenvironment
Genomic alterations
Drug resistance
Immune therapy response
url https://doi.org/10.1007/s12672-025-01976-8
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