Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 4, 2026

Development of Compendium for Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Published on: April 12, 2024
Text mining‑based drug discovery in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma
Yuyan Pan1, Yong Zhang1, Jiaqi Liu1
1Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China.
Abstract:
Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is one of the most common skin cancers. However, the efficacy and utility of the available drug therapies are limited. The objective of the present study was to determine the genes and molecular pathways associated with cSCC by using computational tools and publicly available data, and to explore drugs targeting the relevant molecular pathways for cSCC treatment. In this study, we used text mining and GeneCodis to mine genes which were highly related to cSCC. Protein‑protein interaction (PPI) analysis was performed by using STRING and Cytoscape. By using the data analytical tool cBioPortal, we analyzed the characteristics of candidate genes for the purpose of drug selection. Based on the drug‑gene interaction analysis of the final genes, candidate drugs were then derived. Our analysis identified 121 genes related to cSCC from the text mining searches. Gene enrichment analysis yielded 11 genes representing 10 pathways, targetable by a total of 55 drugs as possible drug treatments for cSCC. The final list included 25 chemotherapy agents, 21 tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), 7 PI3K/AKT/mTOR inhibitors, 2 MAPK inhibitors, 2 cyclin‑dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitors, 1 histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor, 3 nonsteroidal anti‑inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and 3 other drugs, which directly affect the most enriched pathways. In conclusions, drug discovery using in silico text mining and pathway analysis tools may be a method of exploring candidate drugs which target the genes/pathways relevant to cSCC, to identify potential treatments.
Insights
This study used computational tools to identify 121 genes and 10 molecular pathways linked to cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC). Researchers found 55 potential drugs, including chemotherapy agents and tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), for cSCC treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Computational Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is a prevalent skin cancer with limited therapeutic options.
- Existing drug therapies for cSCC show restricted efficacy and utility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify genes and molecular pathways associated with cSCC using computational approaches.
- To explore potential drug treatments targeting identified molecular pathways for cSCC.
Main Methods:
- Text mining and GeneCodis were employed to identify cSCC-related genes.
- Protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis was conducted using STRING and Cytoscape.
- cBioPortal was utilized for gene characteristic analysis and drug selection, followed by drug-gene interaction analysis.
Main Results:
- A total of 121 genes associated with cSCC were identified through text mining.
- Gene enrichment analysis revealed 11 key genes involved in 10 distinct molecular pathways.
- Fifty-five drugs, including chemotherapy agents, tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), and others, were identified as potential treatments targeting these pathways.
Conclusions:
- In silico text mining and pathway analysis offer a viable method for discovering candidate drugs for cSCC.
- This approach can identify drugs targeting specific genes and pathways relevant to cSCC, paving the way for novel treatment strategies.
Related Concept Videos
Drug Discovery: Overview
Cardiovascular Drugs: Classification based on Therapeutic Indications
Antiasthma Drugs: Mast Cell Stabilizers and Anti-IgE Drugs
Mast cell stabilizers, such as cromolyn (also known as sodium cromoglycate) and nedocromil (Tilade), are effective drugs in asthma management. These stabilizers hinder histamine release by skillfully obstructing the activation of mast cells and other cellular entities. Notably, they navigate this task without...
Drug Dosing in Renal Diseases: Dose Adjustments Based on Drug Clearance and Elimination Rate Constant
Pharmacokinetics: Drug–Drug Interactions
Bioequivalence of Drugs: Drugs with Multiple Indications

