SNAG - Sinonasal adenocarcinoma genomics (IRAS 372093)

A rare cancer of the nose and sinuses that can be aggressive, difficult to treat, and is still poorly understood. We will study DNA changes in tumour and nearby healthy tissues from people with sinonasal adenocarcinoma collected around the world. By examining the genetic changes linked to this disease, we hope to uncover why it develops and identify clues that could lead to better treatments, earlier diagnosis, and improved prevention. What we learn could help patients in the future and provide new insights into a cancer that has received little research attention.

Sinonasal adenocarcinoma (SNAC) is a rare and often aggressive cancer of the nose and sinus cavities for which there is currently no standard treatment. Limited understanding of the genetic changes that drive this disease has hindered progress in improving diagnosis, prevention, and treatment.

We will analyse DNA from SNAC tumour samples and adjacent healthy tissues using genome sequencing to identify the genetic changes associated with disease development. The study will use previously collected anonymous tissue samples identified by specialist head and neck pathologists from around the world. By improving our understanding of the genetic basis of SNAC, this work may help inform future approaches to risk assessment, early detection, prevention, and treatment.

Rationale

Sinonasal adenocarcinoma (SNAC) is a rare cancer of the nose and sinuses that is often difficult to diagnose and treat, and outcomes for many patients remain poor. Because the disease is uncommon, relatively little is known about the genetic changes that cause it, and previous studies have been limited in size and scope.

To improve understanding of SNAC, researchers will analyse DNA and RNA from stored tumour samples and matched normal tissues. The study will examine genetic changes linked to cancer development, including inherited factors, environmental exposures, and potential targets for future treatments. By studying around 100 cases and comparing findings with similar naturally occurring cancers in animal models, the research aims to build a more complete picture of the disease and support the development of more effective approaches to diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.

Aims

The study aims to:

• improve understanding of the genetic changes involved in Sinonasal adenocarcinoma (SNAC)
• help explain how this cancer develops and to identify possible new treatment options.

Primary Outcome

Create a detailed catalogue of the genetic changes found in sinonasal adenocarcinoma (SNAC). This includes both genetic changes that occur in the tumour itself and inherited genetic changes that may increase the risk of developing the cancer.

Key Secondary outcome(s)

Generate a comprehensive catalogue of the genetic alterations found in sinonasal adenocarcinoma (SNAC), including both tumour-related and inherited genetic changes.

Study Type

Observational

Participant and Sample Information

Populations involved:

Samples of sinonasal adenocarcinoma

Countries of recruitment:

International

Approximate participant or sample numbers (if applicable):

100

Key inclusion criteria:

Participants could be included in the study if they met all of the following criteria:

• A diagnosis of sinonasal adenocarcinoma (SNAC).
• Suitable tissue samples were available for analysis, including paraffin tissue blocks with enough material for
  diagnosis and genetic sequencing, and/or tumour tissue from the primary tumour, regional disease or metastasis.
• The samples were collected while the participant was alive.
• The samples were anonymous to the research team, either coded (pseudonymised) or fully anonymous.

Key exclusion criteria:

Participants would be excluded from the study if any of the following applied:

• They had a type of SNAC that was not one of the histological subtypes being collected for the study.
• They had a relevant tumour diagnosis but there was not enough material available for analysis.
• The samples had been collected after the participant had died

Recruitment status:

Non-recruiting: Pre-collected samples only.

Governance and Ethical Approval

Governance and oversight:

Study Sponsor: Wellcome Sanger Institute

All work conducted at the Wellcome Sanger Institute is reviewed and overseen by institutional Research Governance processes, ensuring compliance with ethical, legal, and regulatory requirements.

Ethical approval:

This study has been reviewed by the London – Surrey Borders NHS Research Ethics Committee. The study received REC approval on 25 June 2026.

IRAS 372093

REC reference: 26/PR/0720

Data and Sample Use

Data sharing:

Anonymised DNA sequence data are stored in the European Genome-Phenome Archive (EGA) and made available to bonafide researchers via managed access, subject to data access agreements. Anonymised samples and cultured cells may also be shared with other legitimate research organisations under appropriate legal agreements.

IPD sharing statement

Deidentified individual participant-level data (IPD) will not be shared as part of this study.

Completion date

In set up

Further Information

For enquiries about the scientific aims of this study or potential collaboration, please contact the relevant scientific programme at lvdw@sanger.ac.uk.

For enquiries relating to research governance, ethics, or regulatory oversight, please contact the Research Governance team at researchgovernance@sanger.ac.uk.