The omega-3 PUFAs eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) have been shown to have anticancer activity, both in vitro and in human tumor xenograftsClinical studies have shown that patients with different types of cancer may have beneficial effects of omega-3 PUFAs alone or in combination with chemo- and radiotherapy. These findings suggest omega-3 fatty acids as potent adjuvants to traditional cancer therapy. Different mechanisms behind the anti-cancer effects of omega-3 PUFAs have been proposed, but much is still unknown. In-depth understanding of intra- and inter-tumor heterogeneity and the interactions with tumor microenvironments influenced by genomic variation, dietary, lifestyle and environmental factors, is essential in order to improve personalized diagnostics and treatment.

By combining basal and clinical research, this project is highly relevant for translational medicine. Although nutrigenomics is a science still in its infancy, there is tremendous potential for the application of nutrition in cancer prevention and management.

This project aims to identify biomarkers (single nucleotide variants (SNVs)) for beneficial PUFA treatment of colorectal cancer. Translation of this knowledge may lead to development of a personalized diet for patients that could benefit from omega-3 PUFA-treatment in addition to conventional treatment. We have identified PUFA-targeted genes in colorectal cancer cell lines. We are currently working to establish a SNV profile by whole-exome sequencing in genes correlating with sensitivity towards omega-3 PUFAs in colorectal cancer cells.

We are also establishing a tumor xenograft model in mice using human colorectal cancer tumor material to perform pre-clinical tests for beneficial effect of a PUFA-diet alone or in combination with conventional treatment. Tumor- and healthy tissue from patients with colorectal cancer will be exome sequenced, and the level of omega-3 PUFAs and relevant proteins measured in blood from these patients. This opens the opportunity to correlate mutation status with diagnosis and personalize future treatment given to different groups of patients with colorectal cancer.