Molecular characteristics of young-onset colorectal cancer in Vietnamese patients.

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancer globally. Understanding the genetic characteristics of CRC is essential for appropriate treatment and genetic counseling.

Methods: The genetic profile of CRC tumor tissues was identified using next-generation sequencing of 17 target genes (MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2, EPCAM, APC, SMAD4, BMPR1A, MUTYH, STK11, PTEN, TP53, ATM, CDH1, CHEK2, POLE, and POLD1) in a cohort of 101 Vietnamese patients diagnosed with young-onset CRC. Corresponding germline genetic alterations of determined somatic mutations were subsequently confirmed from patients' blood samples.

Results: Somatic mutations were determined in 96 out of 101 CRC patients. Two-thirds of the tumors harbored more than two mutations, and the most prevalent mutated genes were TP53 and APC. Among confirmed germline mutations, 10 pathogenic mutations and 11 variants of unknown significance were identified.

Conclusions: Given the burden of CRC and the gradually reducing cost of genetic testing, multigene panel screening can benefit young-onset CRC patients as well as their relatives.