Breast Cancer: Epidemiology, Pathophysiology and Diagnostic Modalities | Chapter 9 | Medical Science: Recent Advances and Applications Vol. 12

 

Background: Breast cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. HER2-enriched and triple-negative—that differ in receptor status (ER, PR, HER2), prognosis, and treatment options. Disease risk arises from a mix of non-modifiable factors (age, genetics, reproductive history), modifiable factors (lifestyle, hormonal exposures), and strong environmental and hormonal influences. Early detection and characterisation of tumours—including imaging and biopsy to establish molecular subtype—are critical for guiding therapy.

 

Methods: This review synthesises existing literature on breast cancer epidemiology, risk factors, pathophysiology, diagnostic modalities, and treatment strategies. Sources include peer-reviewed studies on genetic mutations (e.g. BRCA1/2, TP53), hormonal and reproductive risk studies, lifestyle and environmental exposure reports, and clinical trials of therapies such as HER2-directed treatments. Diagnostic and surgical & radiation therapy approaches are compared in the context of evidence for outcomes and side effect profiles.

 

Results: Molecular subtype classification has proven essential: Genetic mutations such as BRCA1/2 significantly increase risk and are associated with more aggressive disease in some subtypes. Modifiable risk factors—such as obesity, alcohol use, late first childbirth, and hormone replacement therapy—also substantially impact incidence. Diagnostic imaging modalities (mammography, ultrasound, MRI) and biopsy allow earlier detection. Treatments combining surgery, radiation, and systemic (targeted, hormonal, or chemotherapy) therapies improve survival and reduce recurrence, especially when matched to the specific subtype. However, aggressive subtypes and late diagnosis continue to challenge outcomes.

 

Conclusions: Breast cancer is not a single disease but rather a collection of subtypes with distinct biology, risks, and treatment responses. Advances in molecular understanding and diagnostics have enabled more personalised treatment. Still, substantial work remains: reducing incidence via prevention, improving early detection in all populations, and developing more effective therapies for aggressive subtypes. Overall, integrating genetic, lifestyle, and clinical data is key to reducing the burden of breast cancer globally.

 

 

Author(s) Details

Kurupatha Menatha Jayasree
Seven Hills College of Pharmacy, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, India.

 

Alagala Anitha
Seven Hills College of Pharmacy, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, India.

 

Chantimalla Narendra Reddy
Seven Hills College of Pharmacy, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, India.

 

M. Puspha
Seven Hills College of Pharmacy, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, India.

 

R. Charith
Seven Hills College of Pharmacy, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, India.

 

S. Hema
Seven Hills College of Pharmacy, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, India.

 

Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/msraa/v12/6449

Revolutionising Lung Cancer Diagnostics: The Role of Liquid Biopsy and Tumour-Derived Biomarkers | Chapter 11 | Medical Science: Recent Advances and Applications Vol. 9

 

Cigarette smoking is the primary cause of lung cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. Lung cancer ranks second among cancer diagnoses for both genders in the US and is the primary cause of cancer-related deaths. The study aims to assess the role of liquid Biopsy and tumour-derived biomarkers in diagnostic lung cancer. Numerous body fluids and tissues include tumour-derived biomarkers for lung cancer, which offer important information for diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment monitoring. These biomarkers consist of tumour-derived exosomes, microRNAs (miRNAs), circulating tumour cells (CTCs), and circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA). This study found that CTCs are tumour cells that separate from primary or metastatic lesions and enter the peripheral circulation on their own or as a consequence of a diagnosis or therapeutic procedure. Moreover, Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are lipid-bound, nanoscale particles secreted into the extracellular space by cells. Microvesicles (MVs), exosomes, and apoptotic bodies are the three primary subtypes of extracellular vesicles (EVs). Along with the cfDNA fraction contains DNA produced by tumour cells after apoptosis, necrosis, or active secretion. With ongoing advancements, liquid biopsy represents a transformative step toward precision oncology, offering hope for improved outcomes through earlier detection, better monitoring, and tailored therapy in lung cancer.

 

 

Author(s) Details

Gyanendra Singh
Department of Pathology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Rajkot, Gujarat, India.

 

Tarang Patel
Department of Pathology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Rajkot, Gujarat, India.

 

Kesha Rachani
Department of Pathology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Rajkot, Gujarat, India.

 

Vishal Tayade
Grant Medical College and Sir J.J Group of Hospitals, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400008, India.

 

 

Please see the book here:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/msraa/v9/6037

A Comprehensive Review on The Value of Circulating Tumor DNA in Biliary Tract Cancer: Enhancing Cancer Management and Predicting Patient Outcomes | Chapter 1 | Medicine and Medical Research: New Perspectives Vol. 7

 

Circulating Tumor Cells (CTCs) refer to malignant cells that have separated from the main tumor and disseminated throughout the circulation. Circulating tumor DNA is specifically derived from the tumor and discharged into the bloodstream. Nowadays, scientists are devising instruments and methodologies to capture and detect these malignant cells more precisely and delicately from the blood of individuals with cancer, through the implementation of both physical and immunoaffinity-based methodologies, as well as positive and negative enrichment approaches all through separation. BTC encompasses a wide range of malignant neoplasms that are typically classified according to their anatomic location, including intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, gallbladder cancer, and cancer of the ampulla of Vater. Biliary Tract Cancer (BTC) is a malignant tumor that displays a high degree of ferocity and carries an unfavorable outcome. BTCs are the second most frequent type after Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC). Despite the challenges posed by BTC, there have been significant advances in identifying genetic mutations that can be targeted in affected patients. These breakthroughs have led to the creation of novel targeted therapies, with promising results in recent studies. Utilizing liquid biopsy, a non-intrusive technique for detecting tumor biomarkers from samples can provide valuable assistance in diagnosing and molecularly characterizing the tumor. Liquid biopsy has garnered mounting interest as a potential instrument for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer in recent times. The utilization of ctDNA analysis has the capability of providing timely identification of oncogenic mutations, timely detection, treatment surveillance, and identification of treatment resistance pathways in cancer management. This article presents a comprehensive review of the existing literature on the use of ctDNA in patients with BTC, with an emphasis on the latest innovative methodologies and future prospects for managing this extremely malignant disorder.

 

Author (s) Details

Ajay K. Khanna
Department of General Surgery, Banaras Hindu University, India.

 

Rohit Kumar Singh
Department of General Surgery, Baba Kinaram Autonomous State Medical College, India.

 

Sweta Singh
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Maharshi Devraha Baba Medical College, India.

 

Soumya Khanna
Department of Anatomy, Institute of Medical Sciences, India.

 

S. K. Tiwary
Department of General Surgery, Banaras Hindu University, India.

 

Puneet
Department of General Surgery, Banaras Hindu University, India.

 

 

Please see the book here:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/mmrnp/v7/1223