Introduction: The Role of Pathogens Associated with Human Cancer and the Concept of Omics–An Overview

Pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, and parasites, are key contributors to cancer development and progression by inducing genetic and epigenetic changes in host cells. These changes can cause uncontrolled cell growth, evasion of the immune system, and metastasis, playing a significant role in the pathogenesis of various cancers. Omics studies, which cover genomics, transcriptomics, epigenomics, proteomics, and metabolomics, have greatly enhanced our understanding of cancer. They allow researchers to analyze multiple molecular levels simultaneously. By integrating omics data with research on cancer-associated pathogens, we can uncover complex molecular interactions and pathways involved in cancer development. Furthermore, omics studies have revealed the epigenetic alterations triggered by oncogenic viruses, highlighting how these viruses alter the host epigenome to facilitate cancer progression.