Arch Pathol Lab Med. 2011 Aug;135(8):967-8.
Genomic pathology: challenges for implementation.
Currently, the practice of pathology is undergoing a transition in which the focus is on individual
molecular tests for specific predictive biomarkers for various types of cancers.1 This current model is predominantly based on single tests for 1 or more biomarkers to predict possible response to 1 or more distinct targeted therapies for a cancer. However, an even more powerful technology looms on the horizon and is expected to eventually replace individual tests as the standard for personalized health care. During the past several years, the ability to map or sequence the entire genome of a cancer in a matter of minutes for a reasonable cost has become an increasingly realistic goal that could make this technology available for routine use in the evaluation of patients’ cancers. Known as whole genome sequencing or analysis or mapping, this global approach would provide a tremendous wealth of information—essentially disclosing
the full picture of possible therapeutic targets for a patient’s tumor—in contrast to limited testing for a few
separate genes, which might or might not prove of value as targets in a given case.2–5
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