Recent developments in molecular profiling of bladder cancer

Profiling bladder tumors using high-density microarrays has recently become possible. We review recent reports on the use of profiling for the prediction of various clinical courses in bladder cancer. We also stress the methods and materials needed to translate such molecular profiles into clinically useful tests.

Using gene expression microarrays, it has been possible to identify signatures that predict various properties of bladder cancer such as stage, grade, progression, and likelihood of metastases. Using arrays for genomic instability, similar properties have been examined, but the effectiveness seems to be less than that of gene expression. Some of genes identified also work as predictors using immunohistochemistry.

The signatures or molecular profiles for some of these arrays are now being tested in multicenter studies with the purpose of introducing these into the clinic, for planning of follow-up and treatment selection.