Digestive cancer is a prevalent fatal illness, which accounts for about 20% of deaths caused by cancer worldwide. The most commonly occurring types of digestive cancers are stomach, colorectal, and liver cancer.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 4.1 million new cases of digestive cancer are diagnosed yearly, and 40% of these cases result in mortality. The cause of digestive cancer is not yet clear, and various environmental, genetic, and lifestyle factors may contribute to its development.

What are molecular tests?

Molecular tests are diagnostic procedures that involve the analysis of the molecular and genetic characteristics of cells, tissues, or biological fluids.

These tests use state-of-the-art technologies to identify specific nucleic acids (DNA or RNA) that are present in the sample. Molecular tests are more accurate, sensitive, and specific than traditional diagnostic methods and can detect diseases at an early stage.

Genetic Markers for Digestive Cancer Revealed by Molecular Tests

A study conducted by researchers from the University of Hong Kong and the Chinese University of Hong Kong identified genetic markers for digestive cancer using molecular tests.

The team performed a genomic analysis of more than 3,700 patients of Chinese descent affected by digestive cancer. The analysis involved testing cancerous tissues and comparing them with normal tissues from the same individual to identify genetic variations and mutations that contribute to the development of cancer.

Stomach Cancer Markers

The researchers found that genetic markers on chromosomes 8 and 10 are associated with an increased risk of developing stomach cancer.

Chromosome 8 contains genes that regulate the immune response and inflammation, while chromosome 10 contains genes involved in cell growth and division. These findings suggest that genetic variations in these regions may contribute to the development of stomach cancer by altering these important biological processes.

Colorectal Cancer Markers

Molecular tests also identified genetic markers associated with an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer. The team found that genetic variations on chromosomes 1, 5, 7, and 18 are associated with the development of colorectal cancer.

Chromosome 1 contains genes that regulate cell proliferation and differentiation, while chromosome 5 contains genes involved in DNA repair and cell death. Chromosome 7 contains genes involved in immune regulation, and chromosome 18 contains genes related to the Wnt signaling pathway, which is involved in colon cancer development.

Liver Cancer Markers

The study also identified genetic markers associated with an increased risk of developing liver cancer. The team found that genetic variations on chromosomes 1, 8, 13, and 16 are associated with the development of liver cancer.

Chromosome 1 contains genes involved in cell growth and division, while chromosome 8 contains genes that regulate immune response and inflammation. Chromosome 13 contains genes associated with liver fibrosis, and chromosome 16 contains genes related to lipid metabolism.

Implications of the Study

The identification of genetic markers associated with an increased risk of developing digestive cancer provides important insights into the pathophysiology of the disease.

The results of the study can be used to develop new diagnostic tools and therapeutic strategies that target specific genetic variations and mutations. Furthermore, the findings may help identify individuals at increased risk of developing digestive cancer, enabling them to undergo regular surveillance and screening to detect cancer at an early stage when treatment is more effective.

Conclusion

Digestive cancer is a fatal illness that is caused by various genetic and environmental factors.

The identification of genetic markers associated with an increased risk of developing digestive cancer using molecular tests provides important insights into the pathophysiology of the disease. The findings of the study can be used to develop new diagnostic tools and therapeutic strategies and to identify individuals at increased risk of developing digestive cancer.

Regular surveillance and screening are essential for early detection and effective treatment of digestive cancer.