Viral-associated carcinomas are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Chronic infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) increases the risk of liver cancer, while human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a major cause of cervical cancer and a growing cause of head and neck cancers. Despite progress in prevention, early detection, and treatment, these cancers remain a major public health challenge. Understanding the gene-driven and gene-regulatory networks underlying the pathogenesis of viral-associated carcinomas is essential for developing new prevention and treatment strategies. In recent years, advances in high-throughput sequencing technologies and bioinformatics have allowed for the identification of key molecular drivers and regulatory pathways in these cancers, providing new insights into their pathogenesis. In this Research Topic, we aim to explore the latest research findings in this field and highlight potential new therapeutic targets for the treatment of viral-associated carcinomas.
In this research topic, we want to showcase recent advances in the pathogenesis of viral-associated carcinomas: we will focus on the role of specific genes and gene-regulatory networks in the development and progression of viral-associated carcinomas and explore their molecular mechanisms of action. we aim to address these specific issues:
1. Identify potential biomarkers for prognosis and diagnosis: The research topic will focus on potential biomarkers, such as genetic variants or changes in gene expression, that may be useful for predicting the prognosis of patients with viral-associated carcinomas, as well as diagnosing these cancers at early stages.
2. Explore new therapeutic approaches: Here the focus is on potential of targeting specific genes or gene-regulatory networks as a therapeutic approach for viral-associated carcinomas. Additionally, the clinical efficacy and molecular mechanisms of existing therapeutic agents, as well as natural products (plant or fungal extracts and isolated metabolites), for the treatment of these cancers can be covered.
3. Explore the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies based on gene-driven and gene-regulatory networks involved in viral-associated carcinomas, with a focus on precision medicine approaches that take into account individual variations in genetic and molecular profiles.
The scope of this research topic is to explore the recent advances in the pathogenesis of viral-associated carcinomas. Specifically, we welcome articles or review manuscripts on the following subtopics, but are not limited to:
• Investigating gene-driven and gene-regulatory networks in viral-associated carcinomas: This theme focuses on exploring the key genes and regulatory factors that contribute to the pathogenesis of viral-associated carcinomas, including liver cancer, cervical cancer, and head and neck cancer.
• Developing novel therapeutic strategies: This theme aims to discover new therapeutic strategies for viral-associated carcinomas, including targeted therapies, immunotherapies, and novel gene therapies.
We welcome original research articles, reviews, mini-reviews, and perspectives related to the above topics. We encourage authors to include figures and tables to support their findings and to clearly state the implications and significance of their research.
Please note:1) Re-analysis of limited, previously available data series without experimental validation or additional large-scale data support does not generally match the criteria set for publication in this journal. However, exceptions can be made for analyses combining multiple datasets and novel in silico methodologies.
2) Manuscripts focused on natural product research and pharmacological approaches derived from traditional medicine should be submitted through the Section Ethnopharmacology pathway only.
And these manuscripts will be peer-reviewed and need to fully comply with the Four Pillars of Best Practice in Ethnopharmacology
Four Pillars of Best Practice in Ethnopharmacology (you can freely download the full version
here). Importantly, please ascertain that the ethnopharmacological context is clearly described (pillar 3d) and that the material investigated is characterized in detail (
pillars 2 a and b).