Bioinformatics challenges in molecular epidemiology of cancers

Abstract

Molecular epidemiology is the integration of molecular biologic techniques into epidemiologic study. With the advances in understanding of carcinogenesis and the human genome, there has been an evolution in the field of cancer epidemiology. However, traditional analyses of single genetic variants often fail to identify susceptibility genes for cancer risk. In particular, recent technological evolution has enabled high-throughput analyses for a number of genetic variants and driven accumulation of unprecedentedly large genome data, imposing bioinformatics challenges. These studies aim to inte grate the genetic basis of complex diseases including cancers in which the interplay of multiple genetic and environmental risk factors may play an important role. Here we outline currently available approaches for detecting variants of cancer risk. We also review upcoming bioinformatics challenges and technical aspects in the field of molecular epidemiology, and discuss their future impact on the understanding of carcinogenesis and personalized strategies for cancer prevention and therapy.