The Mutographs biorepository: a unique genomic resource to study cancer around the world

Scientists from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and partner institutions describe the scientific scope, ongoing research, and future aims of the Mutographs biorepository in a new perspective article published in the journal Cell Genomics.

The Mutographs biorepository is a large genomic dataset and sample repository of more than 7800 cancer cases from 30 countries across 5 continents. It includes extensive demographic, lifestyle, environmental, and clinical information.

Researchers are using the data to generate mutational signatures and additional genomic descriptive analyses to investigate the causes of large international variations in incidence and mortality for eight poorly understood cancer types: oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma, renal cell carcinoma, colorectal cancer, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, gastro-oesophageal junction adenocarcinoma, head and neck cancer, urinary bladder cancer, and gallbladder cancer.

Scientists involved with the Mutographs study form an international research network working on cancer genomic epidemiology and promoting scientific inclusion and equity through international collaboration. The Mutographs study is an example of the novel genomic initiatives being undertaken to further the understanding of the causes and processes related to cancer onset, which could later guide tailored prevention strategies and aid in the global reduction of the burden of cancer.

Perdomo S, Abedi-Ardekani B, de Carvalho AC, Ferreiro-Iglesias A, Gaborieau V, Cattiaux T, et al.
The Mutographs biorepository: a unique genomic resource to study cancer around the world
Cell Genom, Published online 6 February 2024;
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.xgen.2024.100500

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