Exploring the Utility of Expanded Clinical Exome Sequencing in Cancer Patients with Pesticide Exposure: Insights from Blood Samples

Abstract

Abstract Brazil is a major pesticide consumer with evident problems in regulation and supervision of such products. Thus, evaluating the impact of pesticides on human health is pivotal to understanding their relationship with disease development and progression. In this context, we aimed to assess a panel of molecular pathways associated with cancer susceptibility, as well as the exposure and lifestyle profile of a group of Brazilian farmers occupationally exposed to pesticides. We performed a clinical exome sequencing in 31 farmers diagnosed with cancer presenting a history of pesticide exposure. Using the Emedgene software (Illumina), we categorized a compilation of candidate disease-related genes and evaluated them to discern crucial pathways associated with carcinogenesis. Consequently, we successfully pinpointed a group of genes that should be regarded as potential risk factors when exposed to a carcinogenic environment. Our analysis suggests an important role of extracellular matrix related pathways in cancer susceptibility, along with some classical findings such as genes related to DNA repair mechanisms. The tumor microenvironment emerges as a promising area of investigation and, future studies should consider its impact on cancer development and progression.