Importance of transcriptomics in Oncology

By: Valeria Punzo Mora

30/05/2023

Article referred:

 Supplitt, S.; Karpinski, P.;Sasiadek, M.; Laczmanska, I. CurrentAchievements and Applications

ofTranscriptomics in PersonalizedCancer Medicine.Int. J. Mol. Sci.2021,22, 1422.
https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms22031422

Transcriptomics is a scientific discipline that focuses on the study of RNA transcripts in a

specific cell or tissue at a given time. It is a crucial tool in oncology research, as it provides
detailed information on gene expression patterns in cancer and normal cells.

It has been used throughout research and has given way to the characterization of cancer
subtypes, because it allows the identification and classification of different cancer subtypes
based on gene expression profiles. It is especially relevant in cancer, since each subtype can
have different molecular and clinical characteristics, which has implications for diagnosis,
prognosis, and selection of the most appropriate treatment.

In addition, new biomarkers have been discovered thanks to transcriptomic analysis that
can reveal genes or gene signatures associated with certain types of cancer or therapeutic
responses. These genes can serve as biomarkers for early diagnosis, patient stratification, or
prediction of response to treatment. The identification of precise biomarkers is essential to
improve the precision and efficacy of cancer treatments.

Nevertheless, it helps to understand the molecular mechanisms of cancer, because it allows

studying the changes in gene expression that occur in cancer cells compared to normal
cells. This provides insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying cancer development
and progression. Identification of altered signaling pathways or specific genes involved in
carcinogenesis may reveal potential therapeutic targets.

Finally, it allows an evaluation of the response to a specific treatment to assess its

effectiveness. Changes in the expression of genes related to resistance or sensitivity to
treatment can be identified, which can guide therapeutic decisions and allow personalized
medicine.

In summary, transcriptomics plays a critical role in oncology by providing detailed

information about gene expression in cancer. This has important implications for diagnosis,
prognosis, treatment selection, and development of more effective therapies. Understanding
gene expression profiles in cancer is essential to advancing precision medicine and
improving outcomes for cancer patients.

From my experience, I was not informed that thanks to transcriptomics, the classification of
the different types of breast cancer that depend on hormone receptors was carried out;
example: luminal A, triple negative, etc. This has made each one a standard and that it has
its specific chemical-biological characteristics, and that within a human being with specific
tests it can be detected how aggressive it is, in order to take action and make a complete
diagnosis.