Introduction: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer death worldwide, representing a significant public health challenge. Epigenetic DNA modifications play a critical role in the pathogenesis and progression of CRC. However, the underlying mechanisms driving these alterations remain poorly understood, highlighting the need for further investigation. Objectives: We aimed to perform an integrative epigenetic analysis to identify methylation signatures in primary colon cancer tissues. Methods: Data from the TCGA-COAD project were downloaded using the TCGAbiolinks package, including RNA-seq expression profiles from 481 tumor and 41 normal tissue samples, and DNA methylation data generated with the Illumina 450K platform, comprising 312 tumor and 38 normal samples. The ELMER tool was employed to identify differentially methylated distal regions, map nearby target genes, detect enriched DNA motifs, and associate them with potential transcription factors (TFs). Probes that presented an adjusted False Discovery Rate (FDR) < 0.01, minimum methylation difference (?-value) of 0.4, p-value < 0.01 and that were present in at least 20% of the samples of the evaluated group were considered as differentially methylated. Pairs between hypomethylated distal probes and nearby genes were identified using significance thresholds of raw p-value (< 0.05) and empirical p-value (Pe < 0.05). Motifs enriched in regulatory regions were identified based on an odds ratio (lower OR) > 1.1. Results: Regulatory TFs were identified by correlating their expression with motif methylation in an unsupervised analysis, considering a p-value < 0.05. A total of 154,053 probes showed significant hypomethylation in tumor samples from CRC patients, according to the defined thresholds. Among the highlighted pairs, there are genes such as ASCL2, CYCSP6, AL009178.3, AL009178.3, SLC6A6 and PPP2R2C associated with probes cg11328661, cg14802742, cg10132767, cg03850936, cg07438246, cg10516057, respectively. Among the 331 enriched motifs, FOSL2 emerged as one of the most frequently enriched in hypomethylated distal regions (953 probes and lower OR = 2.19), and further correlation analyses identified three potential regulatory transcription factors: NKRF, FEZF1, and TLX1, which were significantly associated with FOSL2 motif methylation (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Our results revealed hypomethylation in six potentially regulatory regions and their respective target genes. Furthermore, we identified a frequently enriched motif in these regions and their associated TFs, highlighting potential molecular targets in colon cancer patients.
It is with great enthusiasm that we present the Annals of the Oncology International Symposium 2025, an event that continues to solidify its significance in the oncology landscape of northern Brazil. Held in Belém, Pará, Oncology 2025 centered around the theme "The cancer control challenge: better knowing it to best facing it," dedicating itself to exploring the latest frontiers in cancer treatment and prevention.
This year, the symposium provided a deep dive into the essential role of knowledge in the fight against cancer, presenting new perspectives and scientific advancements across various areas of oncology. Renowned global experts gathered to share their most recent research and innovative approaches, offering participants a comprehensive view of the challenges faced by healthcare professionals and patients worldwide.
Presentations and discussions during the event focused on critical topics such as the use of new technologies, advancements in personalized therapies, and more effective prevention strategies. Additionally, particular attention was given to the unique challenges faced by the Amazon region, with efforts aimed at developing region-specific solutions to meet local needs.
Beyond being a high-caliber academic event, Oncology 2025 stood out as a moment for integration and professional networking, with the warm hospitality of the city of Belém offering participants a unique experience. This event became a platform for exchanging ideas, where science, culture, and humanity came together in pursuit of a common goal: to improve cancer control both in Brazil and globally.
This collection of abstracts and articles presented during the event reflects the ongoing dedication to research and the development of innovative solutions, highlighting the importance of collaboration and shared knowledge in the fight against cancer.
General Submission Guidelines:
The presenting author, who does not have to be the first author, must be registered for Oncology 2025.
Each abstract may have up to 10 authors, including the main author and co-authors.
Only original, unpublished work will be accepted.
Submissions must be related to oncology. However, project descriptions, work proposals, experience reports, and literature reviews will not be considered.
Clinical case reports are allowed, provided the abstract addresses scientific questions, details clinical observations, and includes primary scientific data.
The abstract must be written in English, but presentations may be given in Portuguese.
Abstracts must be between 300 and 500 words.
Comissão Organizadora
Comissão Científica
See Annals of Oncology 2023 at:
https://www.even3.com.br/anais/oncology-2023-international-symposium/
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