While the previously identified pattern had been detected in large cancer-genome data sets before, researchers had interpreted it as a combination of other, already known mutation patterns. When the researchers took a closer look, they found that the pattern was not associated with the known processes to which it had been attributed.

They also found the same pattern in three independent colorectal cancer data sets, together comprising 2,616 tumors, providing evidence that it is a genuine and recurring feature of some colorectal cancers.

The paper is published in the journal Nature Communications.