In the field of genetic epidemiology, Mendelian Randomization (MR) has surfaced as a robust tool for assessing causal relationships between various exposures and disease outcomes. With cancer being a leading cause of mortality worldwide, the elucidation of its genetic underpinnings and causal pathways is imperative. Recent studies leverage MR to unearth causal risk factors specific to cancer, focusing on prevention strategies, innovative treatments, and precision medicine for managing the disease. Using genetic variation as an instrumental variable to simulate randomized controlled trials can evaluate the causal relationship between drug targets and diseases and reduce the risk of bias. While significant progress has been made, challenges remain, including the need to address genetic interactions, pleiotropy, and ethical considerations within MR applications to cancer research.

This Research Topic aims to deepen our comprehension of Mendelian randomization's potential to enhance our understanding of cancer biology. The primary objective is to identify causal risk factors and validate them using MR approaches. Essential questions include determining how genetic factors influence various cancer subtypes and uncovering modifiable risk factors for cancer prevention and early detection. Further, the topic seeks to explore the methodological advancements of MR in the discovery of drug targets and analytical processes specific to cancer research. Analyzing ethical concerns related to the interpretation and application of genetic evidence in MR studies also remains a priority.

To gather further insights in the intersection of MR and cancer research, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

o Identifying causal cancer risk factors using Mendelian randomization

o Application of MR in genetic epidemiology across different cancer subtypes

o Utilizing MR for cancer prevention and early detection through modifiable risk factors

o Exploring genetic interactions and pleiotropy within cancer pathways through MR

o Innovative methodological advancements in MR design and analysis for cancer

o Ethical considerations and challenges in interpreting genetic evidence through MR studies

o Identification of new druggable targets and drug screening using MR

Re-analyses of existing datasets will be considered only if they include appropriate experimental validation or introduce a novel analysis methodology that is validated using an independent dataset.

Mendelian randomization (MR) studies must be submitted with a completed STROBE-MR checklist. For studies with multiple comparisons, authors must apply and report an appropriate multiple-testing correction (e.g., Bonferroni or Benjamini–Hochberg false discovery rate).

We encourage high-quality, novel contributions that bridge the disciplines of genetics, epidemiology, and cancer prevention, aiming to inform and improve clinical strategies.

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Advancing cancer research through Mendelian randomization methodologies