Molecular Biology on Cancer Genomics, Precision Medicine and Public Health

Dear Colleagues,

Cancer genomics is a rapidly growing field that enables researchers to identify the genetic alterations driving tumor growth, paving the way for personalized treatment options. By studying tumor samples at a molecular level, doctors can identify unique mutations predictive of response to targeted drugs. As a result of this effort, precision medicine has revolutionized cancer treatment, making it possible to match the right drug and the right dose with the right patients. Furthermore, genomic evaluation will, from a precision medicine viewpoint and due its acknowledged roles in disease prevention, cancer screening, treatment and management, lead to significant impacts on public health perspectives.

1. Tumor heterogeneity: the presence of diverse cell populations within a single tumor that can lead to treatment resistance and disease recurrence—understanding tumor heterogeneity is crucial for developing more effective treatment strategies;
2. Cancer stem cells: a small population of cells within a tumor that possess stem cell properties and drive tumor growth and metastasis— targeting cancer stem cells could provide a novel approach to eradicating tumors;
3. Metabolism reprogramming: cancer cells undergo metabolic reprogramming to support their growth and survival—understanding the unique metabolic signatures of different cancers may provide new avenues for therapeutical intervention;
4. Tumor microenvironment and immune regulation: the tumor microenvironment refers to the cellular and molecular environment surrounding tumor cells, which has a significant impact on tumor growth, metastasis, and drug resistance; immune regulation refers to the process of controlling tumor growth and progression by regulating the function of the immune system—studying the tumor microenvironment and immune regulation can help scientists develop more effective treatment strategies;
5. Tumor cell signaling: tumor cell signaling refers to the process of information transmission within and between tumor cells, which has a significant impact on tumor growth, metastasis, and drug resistance—studying tumor cell signaling can help scientists identify new therapeutic targets and develop more effective drugs;
6. Cancer genomics and epigenetics: cancer is a complex disease that involves multiple (epi)genetic and signaling pathway alterations during its development and progression—by studying cancer genomics and epigenetics, scientists can better understand the molecular mechanisms of cancer and identify new therapeutic targets;
7. Liquid biopsy: a non-invasive method that involves analyzing body fluids (blood, urine, saliva, cerebrospinal fluid, pleural effusions, or ascites, among others) to search for cancer biomarkers, allowing for earlier cancer detection, monitoring of disease progression, and assessing treatment response—liquid biopsy has the potential to revolutionize cancer diagnosis and management;
8. Cancer immunotherapy: a type of treatment that harnesses the immune system to attack cancer cells—groundbreaking immunotherapy approaches currently revolutionizing cancer treatment include immune checkpoint inhibitors, CAR T-cell therapy, and bispecific antibodies;
9. Precision medicine and public health impact.

We welcome the submission of original articles, reviews, and communications by experts in this field. This Special Issue is supervised by Prof. Dr. Rui Medeiros, who is assisted by our Topical Advisory Panel Member: Dr. Valéria Tavares (University of Porto).

Prof. Dr. Rui Medeiros
Guest Editor

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• liquid biopsy
• cancer genomics
• epigenetics
• tumor microenvironment
• regulation of immunity
• tumor cell signaling
• targeted therapy
• drugs for cancer
• precision medicine