Up close and personal: molecular diagnostics in oncology

The almost overwhelming volume of information and new technological developments that has demanded so much of our scientific attention over the last decade will shortly revolutionize clinical diagnostics. Some of these developments are already affecting the working lives of scientists and clinicians alike, but will eventually require a greater understanding and acceptance from a much wider audience. Therefore it is important in our current scientific endeavor and commercial enthusiasm for molecular diagnostics that we maintain some awareness of the significant obstacles that must be overcome if we are to see an appropriate, timely and widespread adoption of molecular diagnostic testing in oncology. This article presents a brief commentary on the current state of the art in molecular diagnostics in oncology and how this relates to a more personalized approach to treatment.