Comprehensive Genomic and Transcriptomic Analysis of Three Synchronous Primary Tumours and a Recurrence from a Head and Neck Cancer Patient

Synchronous primary malignancies occur in a small proportion of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients. Here, we analysed three synchronous primaries and a recurrence from one patient by comparing the genomic and transcriptomic profiles among the tumour samples and determining the recurrence origin. We found remarkable levels of heterogeneity among the primary tumours, and through the patterns of shared mutations, we traced the origin of the recurrence. Interestingly, the patient carried germline variants that might have predisposed him to carcinogenesis, together with a history of alcohol and tobacco consumption. The mutational signature analysis confirmed the impact of alc…