Chapter 23 - Systems biology of cancer

Abstract

Focusing on the detection of molecular divergence arising with cancer progression, cancer-based research has demonstrated the involvement of highly complex network of signal transduction pathway. Complex tumor ecosystem houses variety of cell populations including normal healthy cells along with populations of subclonal tumors, which tend to coexist and evolve in a simultaneous manner. These complexities are progressively being embraced by cancer researchers globally and are regulated by combining systems biology approaches with integrated analyses to understand and model the activity of tumors. Approaches involving systems biology are serving to identify tumor progression mechanisms and propose increasingly efficient therapies against cancer and implementing successful approach to deliver personalized therapeutics for cancer treatment. Patients most likely to be benefitted from precision medicine will be significantly assisted by systems biology approaches. Employing the accumulated data collected via technological advancements, bioinformatics models can predict deregulated processes, establish predictive biomarkers, and optimize therapeutic strategies. Systems biology can enhance the efficacy of cancer therapeutics and exhibit durable responses in patients by lowering the emergence of resistance, ultimately improving the patient's well-being and provide enhanced remedy.