Dynamic clonal equilibrium and predetermined cancer risk in Barrett's oesophagus

Pierre Martinez, Margriet R. Timmer, Chiu T. Lau, Silvia Calpe, Maria Del Carmen Sancho-Serra, Danielle Straub, Ann-Marie Baker, Sybren L. Meijer, Fiebo J. W. ten Kate, Rosalie C. Mallant-Hent, Anton H. J. Naber, Arnoud H. A. M. van Oijen, Lubbertus C. Baak, Pieter Scholten, Clarisse J. M. Böhmer, Paul Fockens, Jacques J. G. H. M. Bergman, Carlo C. Maley, Trevor A. Graham, Kausilia K. Krishnadath

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Abstract

Surveillance of Barrett's oesophagus allows us to study the evolutionary dynamics of a human neoplasm over time. Here we use multicolour fluorescence in situ hybridization on brush cytology specimens, from two time points with a median interval of 37 months in 195 non-dysplastic Barrett's patients, and a third time point in a subset of 90 patients at a median interval of 36 months, to study clonal evolution at single-cell resolution. Baseline genetic diversity predicts progression and remains in a stable dynamic equilibrium over time. Clonal expansions are rare, being detected once every 36.8 patient years, and growing at an average rate of 1.58 cm(2) (95% CI: 0.09-4.06) per year, often involving the p16 locus. This suggests a lack of strong clonal selection in Barrett's and that the malignant potential of 'benign' Barrett's lesions is predetermined, with important implications for surveillance programs
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)12158
JournalNature communications
Volume7
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2016

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