PreCancer Atlas: Present and Future

Abstract

Precancer atlases have the potential to revolutionize how we think about the topographic and morphologic structures of precancerous lesions in relation to cellular, molecular, genetic, and pathophysiologic states. This mini review uses the Human Tumor Atlas Network (HTAN), established by the National Cancer Institute (NCI), to illustrate the construction of cellular and molecular three-dimensional atlases of human cancers as they evolve from precancerous lesions to advanced disease. We describe the collaborative nature of the network and the research to determine how and when premalignant lesions progress to invasive cancer, regress or obtain a state of equilibrium. We have attempted to highlight progress made by HTAN in building precancer atlases and discuss possible future directions. It is hoped that the lessons from our experience with HTAN will help other investigators engaged in the construction of precancer atlases to crystallize their thoughts on logistics, rationale, and implementation.

Advances and challenges in cancer immunoprevention and immune interception

“…In order to understand the cellular and molecular changes that occur from normal tissue to invasive disease across the spectrum of tumor development, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Human Tumor Atlas Network is developing a precancer atlas with several centers across the country focusing on different premalignant tumor types. [49][50][51] Bulk RNA sequencing of 150 bronchial biopsies indicated that precancer dysplastic lesions can be grouped into four molecular subtypes: proliferative, inflammatory, secretory, and normal. Notably, similar subtype-specific gene expression patterns were seen in matched distant areas of the lung that were grossly pathologically normal, consistent with a field effect on the entire lung.…”