Cancer assessment is of paramount importance as it encompasses understanding the nature of cancer, risk evaluation, prevention strategies, and health management. A tumor denotes an abnormal proliferation of cells lacking functional purpose and without the potential to metastasize to adjacent cells, organs, or distant parts of the body; hence, not all tumors are malignant, with benign tumors exhibiting non-invasive characteristics. The etiology of benign tumors remains somewhat elusive; however, genetic predispositions, poor dietary choices, exposure to radiation or toxins, occupational stress, infections, or inflammation are known factors contributing to their development. Consequently, cells capable of metastasis must be clearly distinguished from others, a crucial factor influencing treatment modalities.
As epigenetic mechanisms exert direct control over gene expression, research in this field has witnessed a surge. While certain epigenetic mechanisms silence genes by converting chromatin into heterochromatin, others activate genes by transforming them into euchromatin. Chromatin modification mechanisms facilitating epigenetic alterations encompass DNA methylation, nucleosome reorganization, histone methylation, modulation of nucleosome density, regulation of nuclear architecture, among others. These mechanisms are under scrutiny in cancer research, aided by advancements in technology, to unravel their role in oncogenic processes.
Oncogenes play crucial roles in both the initiation and progression of human carcinogenesis, converting healthy cells into cancerous ones. Alongside oncoproteins or tumor suppressor gene products, they contribute to the development of human cancers by stimulating proliferation, disrupting cell cycle regulation, or inhibiting apoptosis. These mechanisms also influence the duration of disease-related survival.
Molecular biomarkers utilized in decision-making processes within oncology are categorized as prognostic or predictive, with ongoing efforts to understand their significance in elucidating cancer mechanisms. Prognostic biomarkers enable the classification of cancer based on the risk of disease progression or mortality, facilitating tailored treatment strategies for individual patients. Such biomarkers serve as indicators of patient survival, reflecting the intrinsic aggressiveness of the tumor. Hence, early diagnosis holds pivotal importance in the cancer trajectory. In solid tumors, clinically significant molecular biomarkers aid in delineating the mechanisms underlying cancer initiation, progression, and response to treatment, thereby influencing therapeutic success.
The objective of this chapter is to underscore that understanding cancer mechanisms can pave the way for enhanced early diagnosis and treatment. There exist crucial connections between research, technological advancements, and the formulation of innovative approaches in the diagnosis and treatment of oncological malignancies. Leveraging current knowledge to develop novel strategies holds significant promise in extending survival rates.