How many types of cancer disease
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Consensus Meter
Types of Cancer: An Overview
Introduction to Cancer Types
Cancer is a complex and multifaceted disease characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. It is not a single disease but a collection of over 200 distinct types, each with unique characteristics and behaviors. These types are generally classified based on the tissue or organ of origin, as well as their molecular and genetic profiles .
Molecular Classification of Cancer
Genomic and Proteomic Insights
Recent advancements in genomic and proteomic analyses have enabled a deeper understanding of cancer subtypes. For instance, a comprehensive study involving 3,527 specimens from 12 cancer types identified 11 major molecular subtypes. These subtypes often transcend traditional tissue-of-origin classifications, revealing common genetic alterations and molecular pathways across different cancers. Similarly, another study classified 10,224 cancers from 32 types into 10 molecular-based classes, highlighting the shared molecular features across various cancer types.
Cell-of-Origin Patterns
The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) project has provided extensive data on approximately 10,000 tumors from 33 cancer types. This data underscores the dominant role of cell-of-origin patterns in the molecular classification of cancers. Integrative clustering based on various molecular data types, such as DNA methylation and mRNA expression, revealed that histology and tissue type significantly influence cancer classification.
Epidemiology and Prevalence
Global Cancer Statistics
Cancer is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with an estimated 18 million new cases diagnosed in 2018. The most common types include lung, breast, and prostate cancers, each accounting for over 2 million cases annually. Cancer also poses a significant economic and social burden, being the second leading cause of death globally, with projections suggesting it may become the leading cause by 2060.
Specific Cancer Types
Different types of cancer exhibit unique epidemiological patterns. For example, lung cancer is the most common and deadliest cancer globally, while prostate and thyroid cancers have relatively high survival rates. In contrast, cancers like pancreatic and liver cancer have poor prognoses, with five-year survival rates typically below 20%.
Molecular Subtypes and Clinical Outcomes
Gastric Cancer Subtypes
Gastric cancer, a major cause of cancer-related deaths, exemplifies the heterogeneity within cancer types. Molecular analysis has identified four distinct subtypes of gastric cancer, each associated with different clinical outcomes. These subtypes include mesenchymal-like, microsatellite-unstable, TP53-active, and TP53-inactive tumors, each with unique molecular alterations and prognostic implications.
Pan-Cancer Molecular Classes
Pan-cancer analyses have further refined our understanding of cancer subtypes. For instance, certain molecular classes, such as those expressing neuroendocrine markers or immune checkpoint pathways, span multiple cancer types. These classes provide insights into the shared biological processes and potential therapeutic targets across different cancers.
Conclusion
Cancer encompasses a diverse array of diseases, with over 200 distinct types identified based on their tissue of origin and molecular characteristics. Advances in genomic and proteomic technologies have revolutionized our understanding of cancer subtypes, revealing common molecular features across different cancers. This knowledge is crucial for developing targeted therapies and improving clinical outcomes for cancer patients. As research continues, the classification and treatment of cancer will become increasingly precise, offering hope for better management and eventual cures for this complex disease.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic