The relevance of genetics and molecular pathology in mesenchymal tumours

Genetic and molecular analyses of soft tissue tumours have provided a great amount of valuable information over the past ten years. One of the most useful diagnostic application is tumour types. Technical advances in techniques such as FISH as well as RT-PCR permit, now, the analysis of archival material, expanding further the practical usefulness of genetic analysis. Genetics has also proved useful as a tool for validating current classification schemes, which still represent a source of endless debate. On the basis of cytogenetic data, relevant subsets of mesenchymal neoplasms are now categorised more rationally. Molecular pathology has greatly contributed to a better understanding of the mechanisms involved in both the pathogenesis and the progression of soft tissue sarcomas. Furthermore, the analysis of distinct subsets of tumours has shown that abberations involving the control of the cell cycle machinery exhibit a certain degree of tumour specificity. This wealth of information provides the necessary scientific background for both innovative therapeutic approaches and epidemiologic strategies for tumour prevention.