Sexual dimorphism in cancer

Abstract

The incidence of many cancer types is significantly higher in the male than female populations, with associated differences in survival. Occupational and/or behavioral factors are well known underlying determinants. However, cellular/molecular differences between the two sexes are also likely to be important. We are focusing here on the complex interplay that sexual hormones and sex chromosomes can have in intrinsic control of cancer initiating cell populations, tumor microenvironment and systemic determinants of cancer development like the immune system and metabolism. A better appreciation of these differences between the two sexes could be of substantial value for cancer prevention as well as treatment.3 Introduction (Epidemiology)

Sexual dimorphism in glioma glycolysis underlies sex differences in survival

“…In general, males have a higher incidence and mortality relative to females in cancers throughout the body, with the exception of a few cancers (e.g., gallbladder and anorectal cancers) (6)(7)(8). Similar patterns are present in intracranial tumors.…”

Gender Dimorphism Creates Divergent Cancer Susceptibilities

“…Such studies suggested that sex hormones and sex chromosomes could intrinsically contribute to tumorigenesis [2], cancer genome instability [3], and tumor microenvironment ( Figure 1) [2,4]. However, despite these important observations, molecular signatures based on pan-omics profiles [5] across various cancer types have not yet been systematically explored in the post-genomics era.…”

“…Previous studies focused on tumorigenesis and outcomes of treatments have highlighted sex-biased genetic and epigenetic features, and this was explained by the exclusive consideration of individual genes and single types of molecular data rather than employing a comprehensive system [2]. Such studies suggested that sex hormones and sex chromosomes could intrinsically contribute to tumorigenesis [2], cancer genome instability [3], and tumor microenvironment ( Figure 1) [2,4].…”

“…For example, regarding colon, lung, and liver cancers, women are significantly less affected than men and generally have a better chance of surviving the disease [2]. However, despite such divergences, the cellular and molecular origins of sexual dimorphism in cancer susceptibilities and treatment responses remain unclear.…”

“…In addition, loss of the entire Y chromosome has been observed in both sex-specific (e.g., prostate cancer for male individuals) and non sex-specific (e.g., colon, pancreas, etc.) cancers [2]. For instance, several Y chromosome-linked genes, such as SRY, RBMY, and TSPY1, have been reported to play potential oncogenic roles in hepatocellular carcinoma [2,10].…”