New Report Recommends Classifying Cancer by Genetic and Molecular Type

(August 21, 2014) A research network in the US proposes that cancer should be classified according to genetic and molecular features rather than by the type of tissue in which the tumor arises. While more work is needed to confirm and build on the findings, the scientists say such a system would be better for patients because it would help tailor treatment to their individual needs.  The findings were published this month in Cell.

This latest study found even across tissue types (for instance, breast, bladder and kidney), what we currently regard as different cancers have tumors that are more similar at the molecular and genetic level than at the tissue level.

or the study, the scientists compared the DNA, RNA and proteins of 3,527 specimens of 12 different tumor types by analyzing them with six different “platform technologies.” The results showed…

>> Continue Reading