Molecular Oncology
Molecular Oncology - Related Videos
11:18
Generation of Comprehensive Thoracic Oncology Database - Tool for Translational Research
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Cited by 5 •
2011
A thoracic oncology database was developed to serve as a comprehensive repository for clinical and laboratory data for the purposes of translational research. The database will serve translational cancer researchers within the Thoracic Oncology Research Program. This database is adaptable to other cancer models, as well as other human diseases.
06:37
Multispectral Real-time Fluorescence Imaging for Intraoperative Detection of the Sentinel Lymph Node in Gynecologic Oncology
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Cited by 41 •
2010
Fluorescence imaging is a promising innovative modality for image-guided surgery in surgical oncology. In this video we describe the technical procedure for detection of the sentinel lymph node using fluorescence imaging as showcased in gynecologic oncologicy. A multispectral fluorescence camera system, together with the fluorescent agent indocyanine green, is applied.
06:54
MR Molecular Imaging of Prostate Cancer with a Small Molecular CLT1 Peptide Targeted Contrast Agent
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Cited by 3 •
2013
To demonstrate MR cancer molecular imaging with a small peptide targeted MRI contrast agent specific to clotted plasma proteins in tumor stroma in a mouse prostate cancer model.
09:55
Molecular Cloning
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2023
Molecular cloning is a set of methods, which are used to insert recombinant DNA into a vector - a carrier of DNA molecules that will replicate recombinant DNA fragments in host organisms. The DNA fragment, which may be a gene, can be isolated from a prokaryotic or eukaryotic specimen. Following isolation of the fragment of interest, or insert, both the vector and insert must be cut with restriction enzymes and purified. The purified pieces are joined together though a technique called...
12:02
Molecular Evolution of the Tre Recombinase
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Cited by 4 •
2008
Here we report the generation of Tre recombinase through directed, molecular evolution. Tre recombinase recognizes a pre-defined target sequence within the LTR sequences of the HIV-1 provirus, resulting in the excision and eradication of the provirus from infected human cells. While still in its infancy, directed molecular evolution will allow the creation of custom enzymes that will serve as tools of molecular surgery and molecular medicine.
FAQs
Genetic alterations can disrupt growth control, apoptosis, and genome stability, while epigenetic changes alter gene expression without changing the underlying DNA sequence. Together, these changes may shift cells toward persistent proliferation, survival, invasion, or other tumor-associated behaviors. Studying both layers helps molecular oncology connect altered cellular regulation with differences in tumor development and biological activity.
Signaling pathways transmit information that regulates cell proliferation, survival, and interactions with surrounding cells. When cancer-associated alterations disrupt these controls, cells may receive persistent or inappropriate growth and survival signals. Mapping the affected pathways helps investigators explain how molecular changes produce tumor phenotypes and provides a basis for developing treatments directed at specific signaling abnormalities.
Genomic instability increases the likelihood that tumor cells acquire additional genetic alterations over time. This changing molecular landscape can contribute to differences among tumor cells, influence invasion and other cancer-related behaviors, and complicate treatment response. Its study helps researchers understand how tumors evolve and why a single tumor may contain biologically distinct subpopulations.
Cancer cells do not function in isolation; their behavior is shaped by interactions with the tumor microenvironment. These surrounding interactions can influence proliferation, invasion, survival, and responses to treatment. Including microenvironmental effects in molecular oncology provides a broader biological view than examining tumor-cell alterations alone and helps explain why similar molecular changes may produce different outcomes in different tumor settings.
A molecular investigation typically examines tumor-associated genetic alterations, gene-expression changes, epigenetic regulation, signaling abnormalities, and relevant interactions with the microenvironment. Researchers then relate these findings to tumor classification, prognosis, or treatment response. This integrated approach connects molecular measurements with clinically meaningful patterns rather than interpreting a single alteration without its biological and disease context.
Molecular biomarkers are measurable features that can help identify tumor subtypes, estimate prognosis, or indicate how a tumor may respond to treatment. Researchers evaluate biomarker patterns alongside tumor biology and clinical outcomes to determine their relevance. Their use supports more precise classification and can help monitor therapeutic response or investigate why treatment effectiveness changes over time.
Precision medicine applies molecular information to match a patient’s tumor characteristics with potentially appropriate treatment strategies. The relevant information may include tumor-specific genetic, epigenetic, expression, or pathway alterations. This approach can distinguish biologically different tumors that appear similar by other classifications, while also supporting response monitoring and evaluation of molecular changes associated with resistance.
Molecular oncology investigates resistance by examining changes that allow tumor cells to persist despite treatment. These changes may involve altered gene expression, signaling pathways, genomic instability, or interactions with the tumor microenvironment. Comparing molecular features before and after treatment can reveal mechanisms associated with reduced response, guiding research into improved therapies and more informative monitoring strategies.