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Updated: Aug 3, 2026
Microarray-based Identification of Individual HERV Loci Expression: Application to Biomarker Discovery in Prostate Cancer
Published on: November 2, 2013
[Molecular tumor board in uro-oncology-from a pathologist's view]
N T Gaisa1, G Kristiansen2, S Perner3,4
1Institut für Pathologie, Uniklinikum RWTH Aachen, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074, Aachen, Deutschland. ngaisa@ukaachen.de.
Abstract:
Besides evidence- and guideline-based tumor therapy, personalized targeted therapies within study settings or individual experimental settings in advanced cancers without further therapeutic options are emerging. A comprehensive molecular analysis of the tumor in a molecular pathology laboratory is important for all targeted therapy approaches. However, the interpretation of the molecular results is crucial and potential therapeutic conclusions can only be drawn by considering the clinical situation and within a setting of oncological experience. Therefore, the molecular results and their potential impact have to be discussed at a molecular tumor board, an interdisciplinary expert team consisting of clinicians, oncologists, (molecular) pathologists, systems physicians, study teams and where required geneticists. If the molecular tumor board decides a targeted therapeutic approach is appropriate, patients should be enrolled in studies or registries with controlled settings and documentation in order to evaluate the therapeutic concepts. Furthermore, molecular-based individual experimental therapies are possible within extreme clinical situations.
Insights
Personalized targeted cancer therapies require comprehensive molecular analysis. Discussing these results in a molecular tumor board ensures appropriate treatment strategies for advanced cancers.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Pathology
- Genetics
Background:
- Emerging personalized targeted therapies offer new options for advanced cancers lacking standard treatments.
- Comprehensive molecular analysis of tumors is essential for guiding targeted therapy approaches.
- Interpreting molecular results requires clinical context and oncological expertise.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the importance of molecular tumor boards in interpreting complex molecular data.
- To emphasize the role of interdisciplinary expert teams in personalized cancer therapy.
- To outline the process for implementing targeted and experimental therapies in oncology.
Main Methods:
- Conducting comprehensive molecular analysis of tumor samples.
- Establishing and utilizing molecular tumor boards for interdisciplinary case discussion.
- Enrolling patients in controlled studies or registries for targeted therapeutic evaluation.
Main Results:
- Molecular analysis provides crucial data for personalized cancer treatment selection.
- Molecular tumor boards facilitate informed decision-making regarding targeted therapies.
- Controlled studies and registries are vital for evaluating novel therapeutic concepts.
Conclusions:
- Personalized targeted therapies are a growing field in advanced cancer care.
- Molecular tumor boards are essential for translating molecular findings into clinical action.
- Careful patient selection and controlled settings are necessary for evaluating experimental therapies.
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