SPECTRUM OF BRAF MUTATIONS IN PAKISTANI COHORT
Published in Cancer and Biomedical Research
Colorectal cancer remains a major cause of cancer-related morbidity and mortality worldwide, yet genomic profiling and personalized oncology are far from being a clinical reality in many underdeveloped countries. Our motivation stemmed from a deep concern over this disparity. Despite a growing burden of colorectal cancer in our region, there was a notable absence of local molecular data, particularly regarding actionable mutations such as KRAS and BRAF, which guide prognosis and therapy.
We aimed to generate baseline genomic data regarding BRAF mutations for our local population and identify associated molecular events. Genetic testing services in our country are accessible only to a privileged few, and targeted therapy options are virtually non-existent in public-sector hospitals. This reality adds urgency to our efforts, as the lack of infrastructure perpetuates a cycle of late diagnosis, suboptimal treatment, and poor outcomes.
We hope our work not only contributes to colorectal cancer research but also highlights the need for greater investment in molecular oncology infrastructure in under-resourced settings.
Follow the Topic
-
BMC Cancer
This is an open access, peer-reviewed journal that considers articles on all aspects of cancer research, including the pathophysiology, prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancers.
Related Collections
With collections, you can get published faster and increase your visibility.
Cancer-associated cachexia
Cancer-associated cachexia is a multifaceted syndrome characterized by involuntary weight loss, muscle wasting, and a decline in overall health, impacting a significant proportion of cancer patients. It arises from complex interactions between tumor metabolism, systemic inflammation, and the host's physiological response to cancer. This condition not only diminishes patients' quality of life but can also adversely affect treatment outcomes and survival rates. As our understanding of cachexia evolves, it becomes clear that addressing this syndrome is crucial for improving patient care and therapeutic strategies.
Recent advances in the understanding of the underlying mechanisms of cachexia have opened new avenues for potential therapeutic interventions. Research has revealed the role of inflammatory cytokines, metabolic dysregulation, changes in muscle biology, and cross-talk between multiple organs and tissues in cachexia pathology, highlighting the need for integrated treatment approaches. By identifying biomarkers and developing targeted therapies, healthcare professionals can better manage cachexia and improve patient outcomes.
Continued research in this field may pave the way for groundbreaking therapies that not only halt the progression of cachexia but also reverse its effects. This could lead to improved nutritional support strategies and personalized interventions that address the specific needs of cancer patients with cachexia. As we deepen our understanding of cachexia's biological underpinnings, there is potential for significant advancements in patient care, ultimately transforming the landscape of cancer treatment.
Topics welcome to the Collection include, but are not limited to:
- Molecular and cellular mechanisms of cachexia in cancer patients and pre-clinical models
- Nutritional, pharmacological and exercise-based interventions for cancer cachexia
- Impact of cachexia on treatment outcomes and patient survival
- Biomarkers for early detection and prognosis of cachexia
- Novel therapeutic strategies targeting muscle wasting and systemic inflammation
- Rehabilitation and physical activity strategies in cachexia management
This Collection supports and amplifies research related to SDG 3: Good Health & Well-Being and SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities.
All manuscripts submitted to this journal, including those submitted to collections and special issues, are assessed in line with our editorial policies and the journal’s peer-review process. Reviewers and editors are required to declare competing interests and can be excluded from the peer review process if a competing interest exists.
Publishing Model: Open Access
Deadline: Dec 05, 2025
Antibody-based cancer therapeutics
Antibody-based therapeutics have emerged as a transformative approach in the treatment of cancers, leveraging the specificity of antibodies to target and eliminate cancer cells via different modes of action while sparing healthy tissues. This Collection aims to explore the design, manufacture, and clinical aspects of diverse antibody-based therapies, including monoclonal antibodies, antibody-drug conjugates, bispecific antibodies, and novel formats such as nanobodies and antibody fragments. These innovative treatments have shown promise in improving patient outcomes and have become integral components of modern cancer treatment regimens.
Enhancing our understanding of antibody-based cancer therapeutics is crucial for optimizing their efficacy and safety. Significant strides have been made in recent years, including the development of next-generation antibody-drug conjugates that enhance the targeted delivery of cytotoxic agents, as well as bispecific antibodies that engage multiple targets simultaneously. These advances have not only improved treatment responses but have also provided insights into overcoming resistance mechanisms. Continued research in this area will facilitate the identification of novel targets and the development of more effective therapeutic strategies.
As research in antibody-based cancer therapeutics progresses, we can anticipate exciting innovations, such as the integration of personalized medicine approaches that tailor therapies to individual patient profiles. Future advancements may also include the development of combination therapies that synergize the effects of antibody-based treatments with other modalities, such as chemotherapy, or other cancer medications, ultimately leading to improved survival rates and quality of life for cancer patients.
The Collection welcomes manuscripts in the areas of research including but not limited to:
- Development of (novel) antibody formats
- Biology and mechanisms of action
- Challenges associated with the manufacture and analytics
- Preclinical and clinical outcomes
- Efficacy and safety of antibody-based therapies
- Combination in therapies in combating cancers
- Mechanisms of resistance and clinical implications
- (Computer-assisted) target discovery and antibody design
Publishing Model: Open Access
Deadline: Oct 31, 2025
Please sign in or register for FREE
If you are a registered user on Research Communities by Springer Nature, please sign in