Genomic landscape of colorectal carcinoma in sub-Saharan Africa

J Clin Pathol. 2023 Jan;76(1):5-10. doi: 10.1136/jcp-2022-208482. Epub 2022 Sep 1.

Abstract

Our understanding of the molecular classification of colorectal carcinoma (CRC) has evolved significantly over the past two decades. Tumours can be broadly categorised as microsatellite stable (MSS), microsatellite instability (MSI) or CpG island-methylator phenotype. Prognostic and predictive information is provided by these categories. The overwhelming majority of the data on which these categories are based have originated from Europe and North America. There is a dearth of information represented from Africa and indigenous African patients. However, some small studies and preliminary data have shown significant differences in all of these groups. The prevalence of MSI in Africa is consistently reported as almost double that of European and North American data. Interestingly, BRAF V600E mutations and MLH1 promotor hypermethylation seem to be uncommon in Africa. The high proportion of MSI tumours is only partly accounted for by germline mutations in mismatch repair genes (Lynch syndrome), suggesting that there are likely to be other mechanisms at play. Within the MSS group, preliminary data suggest that the typical molecular pathways (Wingless/Integrated pathway activation) may not be as dominant in Africa. The purpose of this review is to summarise the current state of the molecular genetic landscape of CRC in Africa and provide insights into areas for further study.

Keywords: colorectal neoplasms; genetics; molecular biology.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Africa South of the Sahara
  • Colorectal Neoplasms* / genetics
  • Colorectal Neoplasms* / metabolism
  • Colorectal Neoplasms, Hereditary Nonpolyposis* / epidemiology
  • Colorectal Neoplasms, Hereditary Nonpolyposis* / genetics
  • DNA Methylation
  • Genomics
  • Humans
  • Microsatellite Instability
  • Mutation
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins B-raf / genetics

Substances

  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins B-raf