Cancer Genetics and Epigenetics 2024, Vol.12, No.3, 125-136 http://medscipublisher.com/index.php/cge 125 Review Article Open Access Prospects of Precision Treatment for Liver Cancer Based on Genome-Wide Association Studies ManmanLi Hainan Institute of Biotechnology, Haikou, 570206, Hainan, China Corresponding email: manman.li@hibio.com Cancer Genetics and Epigenetics, 2024, Vol.12, No.3 doi: 10.5376/cge.2024.12.0015 Received: 26 Mar., 2024 Accepted: 05 May, 2024 Published: 18 May, 2024 Copyright © 2024 Li, This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Li M.M., 2024, Prospects of precision treatment for liver cancer based on genome-wide association studies, Cancer Genetics and Epigenetics, 12(3): 126-136 (doi: 10.5376/cge.2024.12.0015) Abstract Liver cancer remains a significant global health challenge, necessitating advanced treatment strategies such as precision medicine. This study explores the potential of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) to enhance precision treatment for liver cancer. It provides a comprehensive study of the progress in liver cancer research, highlighting advancements in molecular profiling, identification of molecular subtypes, and genomic alterations. It delves into the genetic insights gained from GWAS, including significant genetic variants and epigenetic factors. The study also discusses how to integrate GWAS findings into clinical practice, emphasizing translational research, personalized treatment plans, and clinical implementation. Case studies and clinical trials are presented to showcase successful implementations, ongoing trials, and lessons learned. Current challenges in precision treatment, such as tumor heterogeneity, drug resistance, and data interpretation, are examined. Additionally, the study studys advances in technology and methodology, including next-generation sequencing (NGS), CRISPR and genome editing, and bioinformatics. Future perspectives, including emerging therapies, the role of artificial intelligence, and the importance of collaborative research, are discussed. This study underscores the transformative potential of GWAS in liver cancer treatment and highlights the need for continued research and technological innovation. Keywords Liver cancer; Precision medicine; Genome-wide association studies (GWAS); Personalized treatment; Genetic variants 1 Introduction Liver cancer is a significant global health concern, ranking as the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide (Nakagawa et al., 2019). The disease is characterized by its high heterogeneity and poor prognosis, with various etiological factors such as hepatitis B and C infections, aflatoxin exposure, alcohol consumption, and metabolic diseases contributing to its development (Yi and Sahni, 2017). Despite advances in understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying liver cancer, early diagnosis remains challenging, and the survival rate is notably low due to rapid disease progression and limited effective treatment options. Precision medicine represents a paradigm shift in cancer treatment, moving away from one-size-fits-all approaches to more personalized strategies that consider individual genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors (Zugazagoitia et al., 2016). This approach has shown promise in improving treatment outcomes by targeting specific molecular alterations within tumors. Precision oncology, a subset of precision medicine, involves the use of genomic and molecular profiling to guide the selection of targeted therapies and immunotherapies, thereby optimizing treatment efficacy and minimizing adverse effects (Sicklick et al., 2019). However, challenges such as tumor heterogeneity, acquired resistance, and the complexity of interpreting large genomic datasets remain significant hurdles. Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) have emerged as a powerful tool in identifying genetic variants associated with various diseases, including liver cancer. By analyzing the genomes of large populations, GWAS can uncover common genetic markers that contribute to disease susceptibility and progression (Tsimberidou et al., 2020). In liver cancer, GWAS have identified several driver genes and mutations, such as those involved in the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, TP53/cell-cycle pathways, and telomere maintenance, which are crucial for hepatocarcinogenesis. These findings provide valuable insights into the molecular underpinnings of liver cancer and offer potential targets for precision treatment (Qiu et al., 2019).
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