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Updated: May 10, 2025
11:15
Next Generation Sequencing for the Detection of Actionable Mutations in Solid and Liquid Tumors
Published on: September 20, 2016
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Cancer Genetics in the Arab World
Waleed S Al Amri1, Muna Al Jabri2, Aisha Al Abri1
1Department of Histopathology & Cytopathology, Royal Hospital, Muscat, Oman.
Technology in Cancer Research & Treatment
|April 22, 2025
Summary
Cancer genomics in the Arab world reveals distinct patterns, with higher rates of early-onset breast and colorectal cancers. Localized genetic studies are crucial for personalized medicine and improving outcomes in this underrepresented population.
Area of Science:
- Genomic epidemiology
- Cancer research
- Population genetics
Background:
- Cancer incidence is rising globally, with distinct epidemiological and genetic profiles observed in Arab populations compared to Western cohorts.
- The Arab world remains underrepresented in cancer literature, necessitating focused research on regional cancer characteristics.
- Lung, breast, and colorectal cancers are prevalent in the Arab region, exhibiting unique genetic alterations and hereditary patterns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review key genomic studies on cancer in the Arab world, focusing on lung, breast, and colorectal cancers.
- To delineate the epidemiological and genetic landscape of these cancers within Arab populations.
- To identify regional disparities, significant mutations, and hereditary/early-onset cancer profiles.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of GLOBOCAN 2022 data for incidence trends.
- Review of published genomic studies focusing on Arab populations.
- Assessment of mutation frequencies (e.g., EGFR, BRCA1/2, BRAF) and epigenetic characteristics.
Main Results:
- Breast, lung, and colorectal cancers are dominant, with significant variations in genetic alterations compared to global data.
- Lung cancer shows heterogeneous EGFR mutation frequencies across MENA ethnicities.
- Breast cancer exhibits distinct regional genetic traits, including BRCA1/2 mutation variations and founder mutations.
- Colorectal cancer presents unique profiles, such as low BRAF mutation rates and specific epigenetic features.
- Early-onset breast and colorectal cancers are more frequent than in Western populations, often with divergent germline mutation patterns.
Conclusions:
- Localized genetic studies are vital for advancing personalized medicine and public health strategies in the Arab region.
- Understanding the genetic basis of cancer in Arab populations is essential for improving diagnosis and treatment.
- Significant research gaps persist, particularly concerning early-onset and hereditary cancers, requiring further investigation in these underrepresented groups.
Keywords:
cancer geneticscancer genomicscancer in underrepresented populationscancers in Arab worldthe Arab worldMore Related Videos
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