Italian-led study links colorectal cancer in youth to placental biology

An international research group led by Italian scientists has identified a biological connection between colorectal cancer in young patients and placental development mechanisms. The study, published in Cell Press Blue, reveals that tumors in younger individuals exhibit a “placental signature,” which consists of a specific set of proteins associated with embryonic and placental development.

These placental proteins perform three primary functions: interacting with the immune system, facilitating the invasion of surrounding tissues, and responding to DNA replication issues. Additionally, researchers found that Hervh sequences, which are derived from ancient viruses integrated into human DNA, become reactivated in the tumors of younger patients.

The researchers emphasized that the placenta itself does not cause cancer, nor is there a direct link to previous pregnancies; rather, the similarity lies in the cellular functions being reactivated. While this discovery provides new insights into why colorectal cancer is increasing among adults under 50, current patient therapies remain unchanged.