With the occurrence of a mysterious pneumonia in the Hubei province (Wuhan) of China in December 2019, a different coronavirus, the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has commanded global awareness and has been named by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a public health emergency of international concern. Two other coronavirus infections (SARS and MERS) were also characterized by severe respiratory distress in 2002-2003. In addition to the new coronavirus, the emerging infectious diseases resulting in universal spread are caused by the β-coronavirus strains. Even though coronaviruses typically target the upper and/or lower respiratory tract, viral shedding into the plasma or serum is frequent, and the human coronavirus (CoV) represents 15%–30% of respiratory syndromes, including common colds. Based on a recent hypothesis, SARS-CoV-2 has been shown to induce lung injury by inhibiting the angiotensin converting enzyme-2 (ACE-2) and could possibly attack organs with high expression. With the lack of a vaccine or major treatment for the disease, palliative care is provided for individuals already infected with the virus. The aim of this review is to discuss the influence and relationship of the coronavirus, particularly SARS-CoV-2, on the respiratory system with a proposed mechanism of action in lung injury and pathogenesis.

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide and a major global public health concern, especially in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Recent advances in the five pillars of cancer treatment: surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy have enhanced the treatment of cancers, with immunotherapy leading as a frontier in the treatment of cancers. However, in SSA, there are limitations to the application of this frontier treatment due to minimal or no representation of Africans in most clinical trials involving cancer immunotherapy. To achieve desired treatment successes in SSA, special attention needs to be paid to how these advances can be applied in SSA settings. In this chapter, we examine major barriers to the adoption of immunotherapy, such as high treatment costs, a lack of biomarker testing and genomic sequencing, underrepresentation in clinical trials, and insufficient healthcare infrastructure. We concluded with strategic proposals for overcoming these constraints, including greater funding for cancer research in SSA, extension of local clinical trials, capacity training, and policy reforms. Addressing these disparities is critical for ensuring equitable access to immunotherapy and improving cancer outcomes throughout SSA.

Purpose of Review: Genomic profiling has significantly advanced precision oncology; however, relying solely on genome-driven approaches is often insufficient to capture the full molecular complexity of cancer. Proteogenomics integrates proteomics, transcriptomics, and genomic analyses to provide a more holistic view of tumor biology by revealing how genetic alterations translate into functional consequences at the protein level. Recent Findings: This multidimensional framework enhances the ability to identify clinically actionable biomarkers, uncover dysregulated pathways, and understand tumor heterogeneity with greater precision. By advancing tumor molecular profiling, proteogenomics offers the potential to refine tumor classification, improve diagnostic accuracy, and better tailor therapeutic strategies to individual patient needs. This review examines the expanding role of proteogenomics as an essential tool in personalized cancer management. Key analytical platforms, including mass spectrometry–based proteomics and phosphoproteomics, next-generation sequencing, and integrative computational pipelines, are discussed. Summary: We also highlight illustrative applications across diverse malignancies, including melanoma and hepatocarcinoma (HCC), where proteogenomic insights have informed therapeutic decision-making, revealed novel drug targets, and improved understanding of treatment resistance mechanisms; challenges and future prospects were also discussed. These advancements collectively highlight the increasing significance of proteogenomics in the evolution of precision oncology and the centrality of integrated molecular profiling in personalized cancer treatment.