Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 15, 2026
Identifying, Diagnosing, and Grading Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumors in Genetically Engineered Mouse Models
Published on: May 17, 2024
A molecular map of mesenchymal tumors
Stephen R Henderson1, David Guiliano, Nadege Presneau
1Cancer Research UK, Viral Oncology Group, Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research, Gower Street, University College London, London, WC1E 6BT, UK. s.henderson@ucl.ac.uk
Background:
Bone and soft tissue tumors represent a diverse group of neoplasms thought to derive from cells of the mesenchyme or neural crest. Histological diagnosis is challenging due to the poor or heterogenous differentiation of many tumors, resulting in uncertainty over prognosis and appropriate therapy.
Results:
We have undertaken a broad and comprehensive study of the gene expression profile of 96 tumors with representatives of all mesenchymal tissues, including several problem diagnostic groups. Using machine learning methods adapted to this problem we identify molecular fingerprints for most tumors, which are pathognomonic (decisive) and biologically revealing.
Conclusion:
We demonstrate the utility of gene expression profiles and machine learning for a complex clinical problem, and identify putative origins for certain mesenchymal tumors.
