Editorial: Reshaping the Diagnostic Process in Oncology: Science Versus Technology

The notion that carcinogenesis is a multi-faceted process has now been widely accepted. Nonetheless, only in more recent times have we been able to elucidate a substantial range of molecular circuits that govern the onset and subsequent advancement of human malignancies. Following twenty-five years of accelerated progress, the field of oncology has amassed a complex corpus of data, confirming the idea that cancer is characterized by genomic alterations (1). Despite these significant strides in molecular and cellular comprehension, our grasp of the physical principles that underpin human carcinogenesis remains notably limited (2–4). In recent years, our understanding of the mechanisms behind tumorigenesis, the progression of cancer, and clinical treatments for various types of malignancies has undergone substantial transformations (5). Nevertheless, despite these advancements, considerable challenges still appear large for researchers and oncologists alike. These challenges span a broad spectrum, encompassing the decoding of intricate molecular and cellular processes, the formulation and development of therapeutic strategies and biomarkers, as well as addressing issues related to the quality-of-life following treatment regimens (6). There is no doubt that technological advancements hold a pivotal position in combating cancer. Such innovations have not only transformed the very definition of cancer but have also led to leaps forward in cytological, morphological, and genotypic phenotyping. These developments have consequently given rise to an exponentially expanding array of cancer types and associated care pathways, delineated by their prognostic classifications (7). Indeed, the enhancements in various medical fields, including surgery, radiotherapy, pathology, and imaging, correlated with earlier detection and more effective screening protocols, have served as cornerstones for the betterment of outcomes on a population scale.