Mini Review - Journal of Translational Research (2023) Volume 7, Issue 2

Cancer genomics: Unlocking the secrets of cancer through genetics.

Department of public health, Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India

*Corresponding Author:

Mbamalu ON
Department of public health
Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
E-mail: atticus.o123@gmail.com

Received: 23-Feb-2023, Manuscript No. AATR-23-91125; Editor assigned: 27-Feb-2023, Pre QC No. AATR-23-91125 (PQ); Reviewed: 11-Mar-2023, QC No. AATR-23-91125; Revised: 17-Mar-2023, Manuscript No. AATR-23-91125 (R); Published: 23-Mar-2023, DOI:10.35841/aatr-7.2.136

Citation: Atticus O. Cancer genomics: Unlocking the secrets of cancer through genetics. Am J Transl Res. 2023;7(2):136

Cancer is a complex and heterogeneous disease that arises from the accumulation of genetic and epigenetic alterations in cells. While advances in cancer diagnosis and treatment have improved survival rates, cancer remains a leading cause of death worldwide. One area of research that holds promise for improving cancer treatment and prevention is cancer genomics, which involves the study of the genetic basis of cancer.

Cancer genomics encompasses a range of techniques and approaches to analyse the genetic changes that occur in cancer cells. These techniques include whole genome sequencing, targeted sequencing, transcriptomics, epigenomics, and proteomics. The goal of cancer genomics is to identify the genetic and molecular changes that drive cancer development and progression, as well as to identify potential targets for therapy [1].

One of the key findings of cancer genomics research is that cancer is not a single disease but a collection of diseases that are defined by specific genetic alterations. For example, some cancers are driven by mutations in specific genes such as BRCA1 or BRCA2, which are associated with breast and ovarian cancer. Other cancers, such as lung cancer, are driven by mutations in multiple genes. In addition to identifying specific genetic alterations that drive cancer, cancer genomics research has also led to the development of new therapies that target these alterations. For example, drugs that target specific genetic alterations in cancer cells, such as BRAF inhibitors for melanoma or HER2 inhibitors for breast cancer, have been developed and are now used in clinical practice [2].

Cancer genomics research has also led to advances in cancer prevention and screening. For example, genetic testing can identify individuals who are at increased risk for certain types of cancer, allowing for earlier screening and detection. In addition, cancer genomics research has led to the development of new screening tests, such as liquid biopsies, which can detect cancer-related genetic alterations in the blood. While cancer genomics research holds great promise, there are still many challenges that must be overcome. For example, analysing the large amounts of genomic data generated by cancer genomics research requires specialized computational and bioinformatics tools. In addition, identifying the functional significance of genetic alterations in cancer cells is a complex process that requires the integration of multiple data types [3].

Despite the progress made in cancer genomics, there are still challenges that must be addressed. One major challenge is the development of strategies to effectively target the heterogeneity of cancer. Even within a single tumour, there can be multiple subclones with different genetic alterations. Developing therapies that can effectively target all of these subclones is a major challenge. Another challenge is the ethical implications of cancer genomics research. As genomic sequencing becomes more accessible, there are concerns about privacy and the potential for discrimination based on genetic information. Additionally, there are concerns about the potential for over diagnosis and overtreatment based on genetic information [4].

Cancer genomics has revolutionized our understanding of cancer and has led to the development of new therapies and screening tests. As the field continues to advance, it has the potential to further improve cancer diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. It has made significant contributions to our understanding of cancer biology and has led to the development of personalized cancer therapies. The field continues to advance, and holds promise for further improving cancer diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. However, challenges remain, and continued research is necessary to overcome these challenges and to fully realize the potential of cancer genomics [5].

References

1. Robinson JG, Nedergaard BS, Rogers WJ, et al. Effect of evolocumab or ezetimibe added to moderate-or high-intensity statin therapy on LDL-C lowering in patients with hypercholesterolemia: The LAPLACE-2 randomized clinical trial. Jama. 2014;311(18):1870-83.

Indexed at, Google scholar, Cross ref

2. Paciullo F, Petito E, Falcinelli E, et al. Pleiotropic effects of PCSK9-inhibition on hemostasis: Anti-PCSK9 reduce FVIII levels by enhancing LRP1 expression. Thromb Res. 2022;213:170-2.

Indexed at, Google scholar, Cross ref

3. Park SW, Moon YA, Horton JD. Post-transcriptional regulation of low density lipoprotein receptor protein by proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9a in mouse liver. JBC. 2004;279(48):50630-8.

Indexed at, Google scholar, Cross ref

4. Freiberg JJ, Tybjaerg-Hansen A, Jensen JS, et al. Nonfasting triglycerides and risk of ischemic stroke in the general population. Jama. 2008;300(18):2142-52.

Indexed at, Google scholar, Cross ref

5. Koopal C, Marais AD, Westerink J, et al. Effect of adding bezafibrate to standard lipid-lowering therapy on post-fat load lipid levels in patients with familial dysbetalipoproteinemia. A randomized placebo-controlled crossover trial. JLR. 2017;58(11):2180-7.

Indexed at, Google scholar, Cross ref