Cancer Biology: Foundations for Gastrointestinal Oncology  Nursing Practice

Wesam Ibrahim; Aya Abu Dabbous; Khader Kokash; Souad Al-Maalouf; Moath Dayah; Intisar Al-Nasri; Fatima Al-Sadi; Lama Al-Nablisi; Aref Zribi; Saud Alzahrani; Omar Ayaad

doi:10.31557/apjcb.2025.10.4.1095-1106

Authors

Wesam Ibrahim Nursing Department, Sultan Qaboos Comprehensive Cancer Care and Research Centre, University Medical City, Muscat, Oman.
Aya Abu Dabbous Nursing Department, Sultan Qaboos Comprehensive Cancer Care and Research Centre, University Medical City, Muscat, Oman.
Khader Kokash Nursing Department, Sultan Qaboos Comprehensive Cancer Care and Research Centre, University Medical City, Muscat, Oman.
Souad Al-Maalouf Nursing Department, Sultan Qaboos Comprehensive Cancer Care and Research Centre, University Medical City, Muscat, Oman.
Moath Dayah Nursing Department, Sultan Qaboos Comprehensive Cancer Care and Research Centre, University Medical City, Muscat, Oman.
Intisar Al-Nasri Nursing Department, Sultan Qaboos Comprehensive Cancer Care and Research Centre, University Medical City, Muscat, Oman.
Fatima Al-Sadi Nursing Department, Sultan Qaboos Comprehensive Cancer Care and Research Centre, University Medical City, Muscat, Oman.
Lama Al-Nablisi Nursing Department, Sultan Qaboos Comprehensive Cancer Care and Research Centre, University Medical City, Muscat, Oman.
Aref Zribi Medical Oncology Department, Sultan Qaboos Comprehensive Cancer Care and Research Centre University Medical City, Muscat, Oman.
Saud Alzahrani Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Rabigh, Saudi Arabia.
Omar Ayaad Quality and Accreditation Department, Sultan Qaboos Comprehensive Cancer Care and Research Centre University Medical City, Muscat, Oman.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31557/apjcb.2025.10.4.1095-1106

Keywords:

Gastrointestinal cancer, cancer biology, oncology nursing, precision oncology, genetic alterations, epigenetics, tumor microenvironment, immune evasion, metastasis, nursing education

Abstract

Background: Gastrointestinal cancers including malignancies of the colon, rectum, stomach, pancreas, liver, and esophagus represent a significant global health burden with high morbidity and mortality. Advances in molecular oncology reveal that these cancers arise through complex genetic, epigenetic, microenvironmental, and metastatic processes. Understanding these mechanisms is essential for oncology nurses to support precision medicine and deliver effective, patient-centered care.

Methods: This literature review employed a structured thematic analysis to synthesize knowledge on cancer biology concepts relevant to gastrointestinal oncology nursing. Comprehensive database searches (PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, Google Scholar) targeted publications from 2000 to 2024 addressing genetic mutations, epigenetics, tumor microenvironment, metastasis, and nursing education. Eligible articles were critically reviewed and thematically coded to identify major themes and subthemes with clinical and nursing practice relevance.

Results: Three primary themes emerged: (1) Genetic and Epigenetic Alterations, including oncogene activation, tumor suppressor inactivation, microsatellite instability, and DNA methylation; (2) Tumor Microenvironment and Immune Evasion, encompassing stromal barriers, angiogenesis, immune suppression, and intercellular signaling; and (3) Mechanisms of Metastasis, detailing local invasion, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, circulation, colonization, dormancy, and reactivation. Each theme includes nursing roles in patient education, decision-making support, therapy monitoring, and psychosocial care.

Conclusion: Integrating cancer biology knowledge into nursing practice is essential for anticipating patient needs, supporting shared decision-making, and managing advanced therapies in gastrointestinal oncology. Nurses must engage in ongoing education and interdisciplinary collaboration to navigate the evolving landscape of precision oncology and improve outcomes and quality of life for patients facing these complex cancers.