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Published on: April 11, 2016
Molecular diagnostics in urologic malignancies: a work in progress
1Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Building, 401 N Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21231-2410, USA. gnetto1@jhmi.edu
Context:
Molecular diagnostic applications are now an integral part of the management algorithms of several solid tumors, such as breast, colon, and lung. In stark contrast, the current clinical management of urologic malignancies is lagging behind. Clinically robust molecular tests that can identify patients who are more likely to respond to a given targeted agent or even those in need of a more aggressive treatment based on well-validated molecular prognosticators are still lacking. Several promising biomarkers for detection, prognosis, and targeted therapeutics are being evaluated.
Objective:
To discuss candidate biomarkers that may soon make the transition to clinical assay for patients in urologic oncology.
Data Sources:
Selected original articles published in the PubMed service of the US National Library of Medicine.
Conclusions:
Recent understanding of the complex molecular alterations involved in the development and progression of urologic malignancies is yielding novel diagnostic and prognostic molecular tools and opening the doors for experimental targeted therapies in these prevalent, frequently lethal solid tumors.
Insights
Urologic oncology lacks molecular diagnostics, unlike other cancers. This review highlights promising biomarkers for improved detection, prognosis, and targeted therapies in urologic malignancies.
Area of Science:
- Urologic Oncology
- Molecular Diagnostics
- Cancer Biomarkers
Background:
- Molecular diagnostics are standard in managing breast, colon, and lung cancers.
- Urologic oncology clinical management lags in molecular test integration.
- There's a need for molecular tests for targeted therapy response and prognostic assessment in urologic cancers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review candidate biomarkers for urologic oncology.
- To discuss biomarkers nearing clinical assay transition.
Main Methods:
- Literature search of original articles from PubMed.
- Focus on biomarkers for urologic malignancies.
Main Results:
- Several promising biomarkers are under evaluation for detection, prognosis, and targeted therapeutics.
- Understanding molecular alterations in urologic cancers is advancing.
Conclusions:
- Novel molecular tools are emerging for diagnosis and prognosis in urologic oncology.
- Experimental targeted therapies are becoming feasible for urologic malignancies.
