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Molecular epidemiology: recent advances and future directions
1Division of Environmental Health Science, Joseph L.Mailman School of Public Health at Columbia University, and Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA. fppl@columbia.edu
Carcinogenesis
|February 26, 2000
Summary
Molecular cancer epidemiology has advanced understanding of environment-susceptibility interactions for cancer prevention. Further research is needed on novel carcinogenesis mechanisms and validated biomarkers for early risk identification.
Area of Science:
- Molecular epidemiology
- Cancer prevention
- Carcinogenesis mechanisms
Background:
- The concept of molecular cancer epidemiology was proposed in 1982.
- This review covers 17 years of progress in applying this approach to cancer prevention.
- Major advances include understanding environment-susceptibility interactions in human cancer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review progress in molecular cancer epidemiology over 17 years.
- To identify urgent research needs in carcinogenesis mechanisms.
- To highlight the potential of molecular epidemiology in cancer prevention.
Main Methods:
- Review of major findings in molecular cancer epidemiology.
- Analysis of advances in understanding carcinogen mechanisms.
- Exploration of new technologies like genomics and microassays.
Main Results:
- Significant progress in understanding environment-susceptibility interactions.
- Carcinogens act through direct DNA damage or by altering gene expression.
- Aberrant DNA methylation, oxidative damage, and metabolic alterations are key mechanisms.
- Genomics and microassays show promise for identifying genetic factors influencing susceptibility.
- Nutrition and dietary factors, modulated by genetic polymorphisms, are emerging areas.
Conclusions:
- Validated biomarkers are crucial for detecting molecular mechanisms in various samples.
- Individual cancer risk is influenced by inherited and acquired factors.
- Molecular epidemiology has immense potential for early risk identification and intervention assessment.
- Success hinges on validated biomarkers and sound epidemiologic/ethical principles.