Tumor Microenvironment Gene Signature as a Prognostic Classifier and Therapeutic Target
Abstract
We identified a tumor microenvironment-based activated fibroblast gene signature that correlates with poor survival in ovarian cancer patients. We are refining this gene signature to develop biomarkers for the identification of patients with adverse outcomes on standard treatment. In the first part of this project, we have analyzed a gene signature for the identification of patients who are unlikely to benefit from standard surgery and/or chemotherapy and should be considered for clinical trials targeting specific pathways in the tumor microenvironment. Specifically, we found that suboptimal surgical outcome is associated with a molecularly aggressive subtype of ovarian cancer characterized by the presence of activated fibroblasts, which likely contributes to chemotherapy resistance. In the current part of the project, we focused on the molecular characterization of activated cancer fibroblasts. First, we defined COL11A1 as a highly specific biomarker of activated fibroblasts. Second, using COL11A1 as a seed to identify coexpressed genes, we demonstrated that activated fibroblasts express a highly conserved gene signature across genetically different epithelial cancer types. In the last part of the project (no-cost extension), we will validate the gene signature in patient samples and develop a preliminary quantitative assay for use in the clinical setting.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2016
- Accession Number
- AD1021666
Entities
People
- Sandra Orsulic
Organizations
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center