Cancer Genetics and Epigenetics 2024, Vol.12, No.3, 137-143 http://medscipublisher.com/index.php/cge 140 progression of cancer. The application of these genomic technologies offers valuable information for the precise diagnosis and treatment of cancer. 3.3 Identification of tumor driver genes Tumor driver genes are genes that play key roles in the development of cancer. These genes are typically mutated, leading to abnormal cell proliferation and survival. Through molecular biology and genomic technologies, researchers can identify these tumor driver genes. Once identified, these genes become potential therapeutic targets. Some drugs have already been developed to target specific tumor driver genes, thereby inhibiting tumor growth. This personalized treatment strategy has achieved significant success in clinical settings, providing better treatment options for cancer patients. 4 Precision in Cancer Diagnosis and Staging 4.1 Early cancer diagnosis methods Early cancer diagnosis has always been a significant challenge in the medical field because, in the early stages of cancer, there are usually no apparent symptoms or signs, leading to cancers often being detected at advanced stages. However, early cancer diagnosis is crucial for treatment and survival rates since, at this stage, the cancer has typically not spread to other tissues or organs, and the chances of successful treatment are higher. In the context of personalized and precision medicine, researchers and doctors continually strive to improve early cancer diagnosis methods. Tumor markers are a class of biomolecules, such as specific proteins or metabolites, that typically change in the blood or bodily fluids of cancer patients (Faria et al., 2019). By detecting the levels of these markers, doctors can suspect the presence of cancer. Common tumor markers include PSA (prostate-specific antigen), CA-125 (ovarian cancer marker), and CEA (carcinoembryonic antigen). Although tumor markers can provide clues, they are not 100% specific and sensitive, so other tests are usually needed to confirm the diagnosis. Medical imaging technologies such as computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and positron emission tomography (PET-CT) (Figure 2) play a crucial role in early cancer diagnosis. These technologies can be used to detect the size, location, and spread of tumors, helping doctors determine whether the tumor is in its early stage. With continuous technological advancements, the accuracy of imaging in early cancer diagnosis has significantly improved. Figure 2 Positron emission and computer tomography system In recent years, the application of genomic technologies has made it possible to diagnose early-stage cancers by detecting circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) or circulating tumor cells (CTC). These technologies allow doctors to detect genetic changes in tumors from blood samples, enabling diagnosis even when the tumors are very small or in early stages. This non-invasive approach shows great promise for early cancer screening and diagnosis. Tissue
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ4ODYzNQ==