Source: Photo.com
Cancer is a significant cause of human death. For decades, scientists have been searching for important genes, such as tumor suppressor or proto-oncogenes, in an attempt to pinpoint the mechanism by which cancer occurs.
Recently, the latest research in Nature will turn our perception upside down. Scientists from France's National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) and the University of Montpellier have found that even if there is no mutation in the driver gene – that is, a variation in the DNA sequence – an epigenetic mutation alone is enough to cause a cell to become cancerous.
"This is the first time scientists have shown that genetic mutations are not necessary for the onset of cancer. "This finding forces us to reconsider the theory that cancer is primarily a genetic disorder that has been held for more than 30 years," the study authors noted in a press release. ”
The researchers focused on a class of epigenetic factors that can alter gene activity: polycomb (polycomb protein). Through experiments, it has been known that the reversible depletion of Polycomb protein can induce cancer in the absence of driver gene mutations. "This suggests that tumors can emerge through alterations in cell fate triggered by epigenetic dysregulation." ”
Based on the results of the Drosophila experiment, the researchers speculated that in mammals, epigenetic events may also play an important role in the early stages of cancer onset or progression. To that end, researchers have begun surveying a database of patients involved in different cancer types. It is expected that the new discoveries will open up new avenues for cancer treatment.
The number of new cancer cases and deaths continues to rise globally
According to information released by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) under the World Health Organization (WHO), the number of new cancer cases worldwide continues to rise, from 18.079 million in 2018 to 19.965 million in 2022.
As the number of new cancer cases rises, the number of cancer deaths worldwide is also on the rise, but the growth rate is lower than the growth rate of new cancer cases. In 2022, there were 9.737 million cancer deaths worldwide.
Proportion of new cases of various types of cancer in China
From 2016 to 2022, the number of new cancer cases in China showed a year-on-year increasing trend. In 2022, the number of new cancer cases in China reached 4.825 million, a year-on-year increase of 2.9%. According to preliminary estimates, the number of new cancer cases in China will exceed 4.9 million in 2023.
In terms of the number of new cases of different cancers, the number of new cases of lung cancer was 1,060,600, accounting for about 22%, ranking first among cancers in China and becoming the most common type of cancer. This is followed by colorectal cancer, thyroid cancer, liver cancer, and gastric cancer.
Global classification of antineoplastic drugs
According to the list of "Top 20 Global Anti-tumor Drug Sales in 2023" disclosed by Pharmaceutical Intelligence Data, targeted drugs have become the mainstream in the global demand for anti-tumor drug products in 2023, and all the top 20 sales drugs are targeted drugs. In terms of specific drug types, there are 11 small molecule targeted drugs, 7 monoclonal antibodies, and 2 antibody drug conjugates (ADCs) in the Top 20.
Forecast of the market size of China's anti-tumor drug industry
With the rapid development of medical technology and the improvement of public awareness of cancer prevention, the cancer detection rate has also increased correspondingly. The aging population and the increasing awareness of cancer prevention among the public are driving the market size of anti-tumor drugs to rise. It is estimated that by 2029, the market size of China's anti-tumor drug industry is expected to reach 559 billion yuan, with a compound growth rate of about 19% from 2024 to 2029.
At present, through the data of Qichamao and forward-looking smart investment promotion system, most of the listed companies in the domestic anti-tumor drug industry are located in East China, Central China, North China and other regions, and a few leading enterprises are deployed at home and abroad. In terms of product layout, anti-tumor drug representative companies rely on the market advantages of existing products to accelerate technology research and development and carry out product upgrades. In addition, leading enterprises such as Hengrui Pharmaceutical have realized their expansion plans through engineering construction.
In addition, experts emphasize that according to clinical case data, 70% of lung cancers diagnosed are in stage III, but if the possibility of cancer can be identified at an early stage through screening, it will bring more treatment options and more hope for a cure for patients.
Prospective Economist APP Information Group
For more research and analysis of this industry, please refer to the "Market Prospect and Investment Strategic Planning Analysis Report of China's Anti-tumor Drug Industry" by Qianzhan Industry Research Institute
At the same time, the Prospective Industry Research Institute also provides solutions such as industrial big data, industrial research reports, industrial planning, park planning, industrial investment, industrial mapping, smart investment promotion system, industry status certificate, IPO consulting/fundraising and investment feasibility study, and specialized and special new small giant declaration. To quote the content of this article in any public information disclosure such as prospectus and annual report, formal authorization from Qianzhan Industry Research Institute is required.
More in-depth industry analysis is available in the [Prospective Economist APP], and you can also communicate and interact with 500+ economists/senior industry researchers. More enterprise data, enterprise information, and enterprise development are all in the [Qichamao APP], the most cost-effective and most comprehensive enterprise query platform.