Advancing Brain Cancer Care – Chapter 12: Population insights and big data in brain cancer research and patient care

Brain cancer poses a major global health challenge owing to its molecular heterogeneity, highly aggressive phenotype, and limited effectiveness of current therapeutic interventions. This chapter explores the transformative role of population-level insights and big data analytics in advancing brain cancer research and improving patient outcomes. Researchers can identify patterns, discover biomarkers, and develop precision oncology strategies tailored to diverse populations by leveraging large-scale datasets, including genomic, clinical, and epidemiological records. Cutting-edge methodologies, such as multiomics integration, artificial intelligence, and federated learning, which have paved the way for innovations in early diagnosis, personalized treatment, and targeted prevention, will be discussed. Moreover, it highlights the critical contributions of low-income and middle-income countries in addressing disparities in brain cancer care through collaborative initiatives, biobanks, and mobile health technologies. Challenges in data standardization, ethical considerations, and the need for equitable access were also addressed, underscoring the importance of global partnerships and interdisciplinary collaboration. This comprehensive exploration emphasizes the potential of data-driven approaches in reshaping the landscape of brain cancer research and care.