# Sexual dimorphism in cancer: molecular mechanisms and precision oncology perspectives

**Authors:** Zhen Wang, Hanwen Hu, Yunjia Bao, Guohong Ren, Chenghui Yang

PMC · DOI: 10.1186/s13293-026-00843-7 · Biology of Sex Differences · 2026-02-03

## TL;DR

This paper reviews how biological sex differences affect cancer development and treatment, highlighting the need for sex-specific approaches in precision oncology.

## Contribution

The paper systematically reviews molecular mechanisms behind cancer disparities between sexes and emphasizes the importance of incorporating sex differences in precision oncology.

## Key findings

- Sex differences in chromosomes, hormones, metabolism, and immunity influence tumor behavior.
- Current cancer treatments do not adequately consider sex-based differences in tumor response.
- Understanding these differences could lead to more effective cancer prevention and treatment strategies.

## Abstract

Sex differences play a crucial role in determining tumor incidence, treatment sensitivity, and prognosis among men and women. However, current clinical cancer treatment strategies fail to account for these differences. Furthermore, the underlying mechanisms of tumor disparities between sexes remain elusive. Sex differences in sex chromosomes, hormone levels, metabolism, and immunity synergistically contribute to tumor-related disparities. As the demand for precision medicine escalates, there is an urgent need to conduct further exploration and research to address the tumor differences between sexes. In this review, we discuss the impact of biological sex differences on tumor cells and the tumor microenvironment, aiming to identify more effective strategies for tumor prevention and treatment.

## Linked entities

- **Diseases:** cancer (MONDO:0004992)

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** cancer (MESH:D009369)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606]

## Full text

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## Figures

3 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12958634/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12958634