Preface

The human body is made up of trillions of cells, that are normally in a constant state of renewal and death. The characteristic behavior of each cell in our bodies is intricately controlled by its genetic material within a nucleus. Cancer arises from a normal cell after genetic mutations and epigenetic changes over time, which can alter critical cellular processes from the rate of cell division, phenotypic plasticity, lifespan to spread. Cancer initiation, development, and progression are strongly influenced by dynamic interactions among cancer cells and numerous factors in their microenvironment. Cancers can occur anywhere from different tissues and organs in the body and are classified according to the tissue and cell type from which they arise. There are several hundred types of distinct cancers, and every cancer is unique that requires different treatments because of substantial differences in a patient’s genetic profile. Thus, cancer is a complex genetic disease with multifaceted processes, and the fight against cancer is not easy. Over the past decade, remarkable progresses against cancer have been made with precision medicine, cell and gene therapy, and immunotherapy, but major hurdles remain in overcoming acquired drug resistance, immunotherapy failures, and immune-mediated severe toxicities. Cancer continues to be one of the leading causes of death worldwide, accounting for nearly 10 million deaths in 2022. Delayed detection of cancer progression or recurrence after treatment contributes to increased morbidity and rapid death, and diversity or heterogeneity among cancer cells within and between tumors is a major cause of treatment resistance. Rapid advancements across the continuum of cancer research and patient care have highlighted the gaps in our knowledge that require further investigation. At Cohnps Co., we focus on innovative medical discoveries and clinical strategies to deliver a portfolio of new biological therapies for patients with unmet medical needs.