Abstract
During the last century, cancer biology has been arguably one of the most investigated research fields. To gain deeper insight into cancer mechanisms, scientists have been attempting to integrate multi omics data in cancer research. Cancer genomics, transcriptomics, metabolomics, proteomics, and metagenomics are the main multi omics strategies used currently in the diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, and biomarker discovery in cancer. In this review, we describe the use of different multi omics strategies in cancer research in the African continent and discuss the main challenges facing the implementation of these approaches in African countries such as the lack of training programs in bioinformatics in general and omics strategies in particular and suggest paths to address deficiencies. As a way forward, we advocate for the establishment of an “African Cancer Genomics Consortium” to promote intracontinental collaborative projects and enhance engagement in research activities that address indigenous aspects for cancer precision medicine.
Highlights
Cancer is essentially a multifactorial disease triggered by the interaction of multiple genes and numerous factors namely age, lifestyle, environmental toxins, and genetic syndromes [1]
The results showed that African American compared to white patients were enriched in the clear cell type B molecular subtype that has worse prognosis and were significantly less susceptible to have Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) mutations
Comparative studies conducted on ethnically diverse populations, mainly in Africa, are crucial to investigate the genetic basis of complex disease and phenotypic adaptation
Summary
Cancer is essentially a multifactorial disease triggered by the interaction of multiple genes and numerous factors namely age, lifestyle, environmental toxins, and genetic syndromes [1]. “Omics” sciences including transcriptomics, genomics, metabolomics, proteomics, metagenomics, and epigenomics include several implementations and aim to significantly enhance our knowledge of cancer growth and progression processes [4] These omics approaches represent an essential part in influencing diagnosis, prognosis, and patients’ treatment [4, 5]. The African population is expected to rise by 60 percent overall between 2010 and 2030 and by 90 percent for those 60 and older, the age at which cancer occurs most commonly, as per the United Nations population projections [8] Facing this rising burden, cancer keeps receiving a relatively low public health priority in Africa, with few exceptions [8].
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