Interview with Prof. Hailin Tang: Insights into Tumor Heterogeneity, Molecular Mechanisms, and Future Therapeutic Strategies
On February 27, 2025, Journal of Cancer Metastasis and Treatment (JCMT) had the honor of interviewing Prof. Hailin Tang, an Editorial Board Member of JCMT and a researcher at the Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China. In this in-depth conversation, Prof. Tang discussed his pioneering research on the intratumoral heterogeneity of breast cancer, with a particular focus on liver and brain metastases, and discussed its implications for treatment and prognosis.
Prof. Tang's team has identified distinct cellular subtypes within metastatic breast tumors. These subpopulations influence both disease progression and therapeutic response, offering potential pathways for more precise prediction and treatment of metastasis.
In addition, Prof. Tang shared recent insights into the molecular mechanisms driving metastasis, including the role of circular RNA KIF4A (circKIF4A) in promoting brain metastasis in triple-negative breast cancer, as well as the influence of G protein-coupled receptor class C group 5 member A (GPRC5A) methylation and docetaxel resistance.
Beyond his research, Prof. Tang reflected on his scientific journey and offered valuable advice for young oncologists and researchers. He also shared his perspective on future trends in cancer metastasis research and treatment.
Watch the following video for expert insights from Prof. Hailin Tang:
Interview Questions:
Q1: Your study on the intratumoral heterogeneity of breast cancer in liver and brain metastases identified multiple distinct cellular "subtypes" that influence metastatic progression and treatment response. Do these findings suggest that, in the future, we may be able to predict metastatic risk or develop more effective treatments based on these patterns?
Q2: In your studies on brain metastases from triple-negative breast cancer, you reported that circKIF4A plays an important role in promoting metastasis. Could you explain how this molecule contributes to cancer cell dissemination and metastatic growth?
Q3: Another of your studies found that methylation of GPRC5A promotes liver metastasis and resistance to docetaxel in triple-negative breast cancer. How does this methylation process affect cancer cells?
Q4: As a distinguished scientist in the field of breast cancer, you have made significant contributions and accumulated a wealth of experience. Looking back on your career, what key lessons or advice would you like to share with young researchers entering the field of oncology?
Q5: As a member of the JCMT Editorial Board, you are familiar with the evolving landscape of cancer research. What major trends do you anticipate in the future of cancer metastasis research and treatment?
About the Interviewee:
Prof. Hailin Tang, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China.
Prof. Tang has long been dedicated to elucidating the molecular mechanisms of the pathogenesis and metastasis of malignant tumors. With an H-index of 62, he has consecutively ranked among the top 2% of global scientists in the "Annual Scientific Impact Ranking" for 2023 and 2024. He has presided over six projects funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC), one key project of the Guangdong-Foshan Joint Fund, one key Research and Development Program of Guangzhou City, one project by the "Xiangjiang Scholars" Program, and more than ten additional provincial and ministerial-level projects. His contributions to cancer research have been recognized with two second prizes of the Hunan Science and Technology Award and one third prize of the Guangxi Science and Technology Award, China. He also holds seven authorized national invention patents.
Editor: Frida Zhai
Language Editor: Catherine Yang
Production Editor: Ting Xu
Respectfully Submitted by the Editorial Office of Journal of Cancer Metastasis and Treatment
