Abstract
BackgroundSurgery is entering a new phase with the revolution in genomic technology. Cheap, mass access to next‐generation sequencing is now allowing the analysis of entire human genomes at the DNA and RNA level. These data sets are being used increasingly to identify the molecular differences that underlie common surgical diseases, and enable them to be stratified for patient benefit.MethodsThis article reviews the recent developments in the molecular biology of colorectal, oesophagogastric and breast cancer.ResultsThe review specifically covers developments in genetic predisposition, next‐generation sequencing studies, biomarkers for stratification, prognosis and treatment, and other 'omics technologies such as metabolomics and proteomics.ConclusionThere are unique opportunities over the next decade to change the management of surgical disease radically, using these technologies. The directions that this may take are highlighted, including future advances such as the 100 000 Genomes Project.
Highlights
The field of molecular biology has undergone rapid advancement in the past 5 years, with exciting consequences for the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of surgical patients.A series of enabling technologies and projects have expanded the knowledge of how basic molecular biology can assist in the management of surgical disease
Because proteins are modified after they are produced by transcription, study of both the protein and RNA involved in tissues allows a fuller appreciation of the changes that may be occurring in a particular disease
A well designed, UK-based trial of methylated biomarkers, the ENDCaP-C study (Enhanced Neoplasia Detection and Cancer Prevention in Chronic Colitis) is under way[19], examining their value in the detection of dysplasia in a screened population of patients with ulcerative colitis. Another rich field of developing interest in colorectal cancer is sequencing of the microbial genomes that exist within the colon
Summary
P. Document Version Publisher's PDF, known as Version of record Citation for published version (Harvard): Beggs, AD & Dilworth, MP 2015, 'Surgery in the era of the 'omics revolution', British Journal of Surgery, vol 102, no.
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