Breast Cancer Genomics: Challenges in Interpretation and Application

Abstract

Section Editors' Note: 'If you design a perfect key for a door, don't be surprised if it will not work in any other door'…This article highlights the problems of overfitting and multiple testing in genomics and the resultant exponential increase in statistical interactions, which were recently discussed at an International Breast Cancer Research Meeting held in Dublin (September 2012).

Interpreting Cancer Biology: Refining Our Therapeutic Algorithm in Breast Cancer

“…Appropriate statistical analysis of 'omics data is also of paramount importance. In this instalment of European Perspectives, Kelly et al emphasise that the undoubted increased power of gene expression profiling brings its own unique challenges and the application of appropriate statistical rigour is essential to ensure accurate interpretation of results [11]. It should be stressed that defining precise molecular algorithms that interpret the complex biology of breast cancer and translating this knowledge into new therapeutic approaches using molecular stratification require extensive bioinformatics expertise and capacity.…”