Future oncology explores role of biomarkers and next generation sequencing

"This special issue comes at a critical time, as both cancer research and the clinical approach to treatment move from conventional classification of cancers to their molecular subtyping," said Franco M. Buonaguro, guest editor and director of the Molecular Biology and Viral Oncogenesis Unit, at the Istituto Nazionale Tumori "Fond. G. Pascale" Naples, Italy. "Biomarkers and next generation sequencing are enabling a much more precise picture of cancer, and helping define the most effective treatments and the discovery of new therapeutic targets. Treatments can also be more targeted, with reduced toxicity and less overtreatment for those who respond better and have a better prognosis."

The Biomarkers in Cancer issue includes a series of in-depth reviews written by leading scientists of each field, covering current critical issues. It is primarily dedicated to biomarkers in the developmental stage not yet fully established and validated in human clinical studies. Articles explore cellular prognostic markers in liver cancer, the identification of melanoma initiating cells, EGFR mutations in lung cancer, SUMO pathway components as possible biomarkers, and an overview of new biomolecular pathways in pathogen related cancer.

"This themed issue aims to highlight this evolving field and the continuing applications and importance of biomarkers in the detection and treatment of cancer," said Nick Ward, Commissioning Editor. "Hopefully the articles can generate discussion, aid future research and accelerate our growing understanding of cancer's biological pathways and genetic characteristics."