Predictive and prognostic molecular markers for cancer medicine

Abstract

Over the last 10 years there has been an explosion of information about the molecular biology of cancer. A challenge in oncology is to translate this information into advances in patient care. While there are well-formed routes for translating new molecular information into drug therapy, the routes for translating new information into sensitive and specific diagnostic, prognostic and predictive tests are still being developed. Similarly, the science of using tumor molecular profiles to select clinical trial participants or to optimize therapy for individual patients is still in its infancy. This review will summarize the current technologies for predicting treatment response and prognosis in cancer medicine, and outline what the future may hold. It will also highlight the potential importance of methods that can integrate molecular, histopathological and clinical information into a synergistic understanding of tumor progression. While these possibilities are without doubt exciting, significant challenges remain if we are to implement them with a strong evidence base in a widely available and cost-effective manner.

Global profiling of alternative RNA splicing events provides insights into molecular differences between various types of hepatocellular carcinoma

“…More recently, an important number of profiles based on the expression levels of mRNAs have been used as predictors of prognosis in various cancers [49]. For instance, the mRNAs levels of hnRNP K, a member of the hnRNP family of proteins which are involved in transcription, RNA splicing, and translation, has previously been shown to be aberrantly increased in numerous cancers [50, 51].…”

When diagnostic testing leads to harm: a new outcomes-based approach for laboratory medicine

“…In the past, laboratory tests were used to identify organ and system dysfunctions or diseases. While this is still true, testing nowadays is used to diagnose disease subtypes, as occurs when pathology reports of cancer are accompanied by tumour-specific and patient-specific molecular analyses, data which help physicians determine optimum therapies and a patient's likely response to treatment 6 7. Laboratory testing is also increasingly being used to diagnose treatment failures associated with newer measures of effective care, such as reduced hospital readmissions 8.…”

Imaging genomics in cancer research: limitations and promises

“…14 The objective of this study was to provide a comprehensive review of radiogenomic research in tumour characterization.…”