SINGAPORE, May 18, 2026
Researchers from National University of Singapore have developed a new open-access genomic analysis tool after identifying eight new DNA gain-and-loss signatures linked to breast cancer progression and patient outcomes. The study, led by Dr. Jason Pitt at the Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, analyzed nearly 2,800 breast cancer genomes to better understand how structural DNA alterations contribute to tumor development, treatment response, and survival outcomes.
The findings, published in the journal Cancer Research on May 14, 2026, could support the development of more accurate cancer diagnostics and improve patient selection for targeted therapies such as PARP inhibitors.
Researchers Identify Eight New Breast Cancer DNA Signatures
The research team examined genomic data from two major open-access cancer databases, The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and METABRIC, focusing specifically on structural DNA copy number alterations in breast cancer. Unlike previous studies that relied on broad genomic instability patterns across multiple cancer types, the NUS-led study identified breast cancer-specific DNA signatures, providing deeper insights into the biological mechanisms driving tumor behavior.
Researchers discovered eight previously unidentified genomic signatures related to DNA gains and losses. The study also revealed distinct genomic effects associated with BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations, two major genetic drivers linked to hereditary breast cancer risk.
Importantly, patients with more genetically stable or “quiet” tumor genomes and lower levels of macrophage immune cell infiltration demonstrated better survival outcomes. These findings suggest that interactions between genomic instability and the tumor immune microenvironment may significantly influence disease progression and treatment response.
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Open-Access CNA Visualizer Tool Released for Global Researchers
To support broader cancer research efforts, the team launched the CNA Visualizer, a publicly accessible web-based platform that allows scientists to explore and analyze large genomic datasets interactively. The tool enables researchers worldwide to visualize structural DNA alterations across cancer genomes and study relationships between genomic instability and clinical outcomes.
According to the researchers, the platform provides an important framework for future studies investigating cancer biology, genomic instability, and personalized medicine approaches across multiple cancer types.
The study also highlighted the potential clinical value of these new DNA signatures in improving the detection of homologous recombination deficiency (HRD), a genomic feature commonly used to identify patients who may benefit from targeted treatments such as PARP inhibitors.
Future Research to Focus on Clinical Validation
Dr. Jason Pitt and his team stated that the next stage of research will focus on validating the newly identified genomic signatures in clinical settings to determine how effectively they predict patient responses to targeted therapies. The researchers also plan to investigate how interactions between genomic instability and the tumor microenvironment affect long-term treatment outcomes.
The study underscores the growing role of genomic profiling, bioinformatics, and open-access cancer research tools in advancing precision oncology and personalized treatment strategies for breast cancer patients worldwide.
Source: NUS press release
