Genetic Complexity of Hormone Sensitive Cancers

Dear Colleagues,

The most common cancers of men and women i.e. breast and prostate cancers are well known to be dependent on hormones. Hormones have also been implicated in the genesis of uterine, ovarian, testicular, thyroid and bone as well as few other human cancers recently discovered to be hormone sensitive (e.g. lung, liver). In addition to hormones, environmental and genetic risk factors concur and mutually influence both the development of these malignancies and their progression, as well as response to treatment and the risk of recurrence. By understanding this complex interaction, we can progress means to more specifically identify the disease early, treat and ideally prevent hormone-dependent/sensitive cancers, which is of critical importance given the significant impact these malignancies have on human health.

In the recent era, our understanding of the Interplay of multiple genetic and phenotypic parameters has significantly advanced due to novel technologies that permit multiparametric analyses in the same (tissue) sample and identify molecular correlations by high-dimensional data mining. The recent advent in next-generation-sequencing and high-throughput functional genomics techniques such as single-cell sequencing, digital pathology including 4D image & tissue cytometry to retrieve spatiotemporal information about molecular interactions in regulatory networks and our ability to determine the 3D architecture of the genome in context to cellular phenotypes, permit extensive genetic fingerprinting as well as molecular profiling of the tumor cells. Similarly, high-throughput technologies such as CRISPR has skyrocketed the new knowledge in the field of molecular genetics of hormone-sensitive cancers. These recent advancements inaugurate a promising era to decipher the genetic and epigenetic basis of hormone–sensitive cancers, to help better understand their Mechanistics and histopathology and thereby, hopefully, leading to personalized and preventative medicine.

An in depth understanding of interaction of genetics as well as hormone action in regulating diverse cellular processes, cancer phenotypes and drug responsiveness is essential for the development of effective and well-tolerated treatment strategies. In this special issue of Genes, we welcome reviews, mini-reviews, new methods, and original research articles that advance our understanding of hormone-sensitive cancers using the current and emerging high-throughput approaches. While the interaction of hormones and genetics/epigenetics will be of special interest, we will also be open to any advancement exploring the genetic interactions and pleiotropy of multiple cancers.

Prof. Jyotsna Batra
Dr. Rupert Ecker
Guest Editors

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