How is single-cell RNA sequencing contributing to the advancement of cancer therapeutics?

Abstract

The study of Tang et al investigated the distribution and dynamic changes of cell populations in the tumor microenvironment of gastric cancer (GC) patients using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq). This comprehensive analysis highlights key interactions within the tumor microenvironment across different GC stages. Discussing applications of scRNA-seq data in clinical settings could pave the way for developing promising and personalized therapeutic strategies for GC patients. Therefore, further exploration of selecting anticancer drug candidates through gene screening derived from scRNA-seq will provide deeper insights into GC care.

Keywords: Gastric cancer; Single-cell RNA sequencing; Tumor microenvironment; Clinical trial; Anticancer drug candidate

Core Tip: Tang et al explored the distribution and dynamic changes of cell populations within tumor and adjacent tissues of gastric cancer patients using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq). In addition to this study, deeper insight into the potential of scRNA-seq will be possible by incorporating information about selecting anticancer drug candidates with gene screening identified by scRNA-seq and their clinical applications.