Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 9, 2025
Author Spotlight: Investigating Immune Cell Dynamics in the Tumor Microenvironment — Challenges and Innovations in Cancer Prognosis
Published on: April 12, 2024
Oncogenetics: Unraveling the Genetic Underpinnings of Cancer for Improved Immunotherapeutic Outcomes
Stuti Dwivedi1, Praveencumar R2, T Sivakumar3
1PSIT-Pranveer Singh Institute of Technology (Pharmacy), Kalpi Road, Bhauti, Kanpur, India.
Abstract:
In this review article we will highlight the evidences that how oncogenes are formed due to the physical genetic variations in proto-oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes and various planned immunotherapies which will include- The immune checkpoint inhibitor-opposing antibodies, adoptive cell treatments, and biologic modifiers (cytokines and vaccines). We will make an effort to provide guidance and potential fixes for these issues, along with pertinent sources for foundational research. For suitable studies, a literature search was undertaken from various database sources such as PubMed, EMBASE, and Google Scholar. One type of gene known as an oncogene-a cellular gene that becomes dysfunctional owing to mutation and overexpression-is the cause of cancer. Certain oncogenes seem to inhibit the homeostatic mechanism by limiting the single cell lineage of leukemia stem cells. According to the clonal theory of oncogenes, tumors are thought to begin in a single cell, Moreover, the growth of tumors is closely linked to the prevention of apoptosis, or programmed cell death. These activities of oncogene can be minimized by some immunological therapies.
Insights
Cancer arises from genetic variations in proto-oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes, forming oncogenes. Immunotherapies like immune checkpoint inhibitors and adoptive cell treatments can target these oncogenes to combat cancer growth.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Genetics
- Immunology
Background:
- Cancer develops from genetic alterations in proto-oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes, leading to oncogene formation.
- Oncogenes can disrupt cellular homeostasis and promote uncontrolled cell proliferation, often by inhibiting apoptosis.
- Tumorigenesis is frequently linked to the dysregulation of cell death pathways.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the mechanisms of oncogene formation through genetic variations.
- To highlight various immunotherapeutic strategies for targeting oncogenes.
- To provide guidance and potential solutions for managing oncogene-driven cancers.
Main Methods:
- Literature search conducted across PubMed, EMBASE, and Google Scholar.
- Review of studies focusing on oncogene formation and immunotherapy.
- Analysis of evidence linking genetic variations to cancer and the efficacy of immunotherapies.
Main Results:
- Oncogenes result from mutations and overexpression of cellular genes, driving cancer development.
- Specific oncogenes can inhibit homeostatic mechanisms, such as limiting leukemia stem cell lineage.
- Tumor growth is associated with the prevention of programmed cell death (apoptosis).
Conclusions:
- Immunotherapies, including immune checkpoint inhibitors, adoptive cell treatments, cytokines, and vaccines, show potential in minimizing oncogene activity.
- Understanding oncogene formation is crucial for developing targeted cancer therapies.
- Targeted immunotherapies offer a promising approach to counteract the effects of oncogenes and prevent tumor progression.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Tumor Immunotherapy
01:30Cancer Vaccines
Cancer vaccines come in two categories: preventive (prophylactic) and treatment (active). Preventive vaccines, such as the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, protect against viruses that cause certain...
02:50Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine
The combination of the drug acetazolamide and sulforaphane is a good example of combination therapy to treat cancer. The cells in the interior of a large tumor often die due to the hypoxic and...
02:57Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
01:05Cancer-Critical Genes II: Tumor Suppressor Genes
When the function of certain critical genes, especially those involved in cell cycle regulation and cell growth signaling cascades, gets disrupted, it upsets the cell cycle progression. Such cells with unchecked cell cycles start proliferating uncontrollably and eventually develop into tumors.
Such genes that act...
02:53Adaptive Mechanisms in Cancer Cells
Some of the advantages that cancer cells have on normal cells include - enhanced ability to divide without terminally differentiating, induce new blood vessel formation,...