Comprehensive genomic characterization of sporadic synchronous colorectal cancer: Implications for treatment optimization and clinical outcome

Sporadic synchronous colorectal cancer (SCRC) refers to multiple primary CRC tumors detected simultaneously in an individual without predisposing hereditary conditions, which accounts for the majority of multiple CRCs while lacking a profound understanding of the genomic landscape and evolutionary dynamics to optimize its treatment. In this study, 103 primary tumor samples from 51 patients with SCRC undergo whole-exome sequencing. The germline and somatic mutations and evolutionary and clinical features are comprehensively investigated. Somatic genetic events are largely inconsistent between paired tumors. Compared with solitary CRC, SCRCs have higher prevalence of tumor mutation burden high (TMB-H; 33.3%) and microsatellite-instability high (MSI-H; 29.4%) and different mutation frequencies in oncogenic signaling pathways. Moreover, neutrally evolving SCRC tumors are associated with higher intratumoral heterogeneity and better prognosis. These findings unveil special molecular features, carcinogenesis, and prognosis of sporadic SCRC. Strategies for targeted therapy and immunotherapy should be optimized accordingly.