Genomic approaches to accelerate cancer interception

Jennifer Beane1, Joshua D Campbell1, Julian Lel1

  • 1Department of Medicine and BU-BMC Cancer Center, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA.

The Lancet. Oncology
|August 1, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Genomic big data approaches offer new strategies for cancer prevention and early detection. These tools, developed through multicenter collaborations, promise to revolutionize cancer interception and improve patient outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Genomics
  • Computational Biology

Background:

  • Recent advances in targeted and immune-based therapies have improved late-stage cancer treatment.
  • A critical need exists for improved cancer prevention and early detection strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight emerging big data genomic approaches for cancer prevention, screening, and early detection.
  • To discuss the challenges in translating these genomic tools for clinical application.

Main Methods:

  • Leveraging advances in genomics and computational biology.
  • Analyzing big data to understand early molecular events in carcinogenesis.
  • Coordinated multicenter consortia for tool development.

Main Results:

  • Genomic approaches provide opportunities to intercept cancer development.
  • These methods have the potential to accelerate progress in early cancer detection across tumor types.

Conclusions:

  • Emerging big data genomic strategies are poised to transform cancer interception.
  • Clinical implementation of these tools requires addressing inherent challenges.

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