Sequencing approaches in cancer treatment
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Updated: Apr 25, 2026

Integration of Wet and Dry Bench Processes Optimizes Targeted Next-generation Sequencing of Low-quality and Low-quantity Tumor Biopsies
Published on: April 11, 2016
D Sekar1, K Thirugnanasambantham, V I Hairul Islam
1Pondicherry Centre for Biological Sciences, Pondicherry, 605 005, India.
Abstract:
Use of sequencing approaches is an important aspect in the field of cancer genomics, where next-generation sequencing has already been utilized for targeting oncogenes or tumour-suppressor genes, that can be sequenced in a short time period. Alterations such as point mutations, insertions/deletions, copy number alterations, chromosomal rearrangements and epigenetic changes are encountered in cancer cell genomes, and application of various NGS technologies in cancer research will encounter such modifications. Rapid advancement in technology has led to exponential growth in the field of genomic analysis. The $1000 Genome Project (in which the goal is to sequence an entire human genome for $1000), and deep sequencing techniques (which have greater accuracy and provide a more complete analysis of the genome), are examples of rapid advancements in the field of cancer genomics. In this mini review, we explore sequencing techniques, correlating their importance in cancer therapy and treatment.
Insights
Next-generation sequencing (NGS) advances cancer genomics by enabling rapid analysis of oncogenes and tumor suppressors. This review explores sequencing techniques crucial for understanding cancer alterations and guiding therapy.
Area of Science:
- Genomics
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Cancer genomics relies heavily on sequencing approaches to identify genetic alterations.
- Next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies have revolutionized the rapid analysis of oncogenes and tumor-suppressor genes.
- Various genomic alterations, including point mutations, copy number variations, and epigenetic changes, are critical in cancer development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current sequencing techniques in cancer genomics.
- To highlight the importance of these techniques in cancer therapy and treatment strategies.
- To discuss the impact of technological advancements on genomic analysis in oncology.
Main Methods:
- Exploration of various next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies.
- Review of deep sequencing techniques for comprehensive genomic analysis.
- Analysis of advancements like the $1000 Genome Project.
Main Results:
- NGS enables efficient sequencing of key cancer-related genes.
- Technological progress has led to increased accuracy and depth in genomic analysis.
- Sequencing data provides insights into diverse cancer-related genomic modifications.
Conclusions:
- Sequencing techniques are fundamental tools in cancer genomics research.
- Advancements in sequencing are critical for personalized cancer therapy and treatment.
- Understanding genomic alterations through sequencing drives progress in oncology.
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