Copy Number Analysis in Cancer Diagnostic Testing

Accurate detection of copy number alterations (CNAs) has become increasingly important in clinical oncology for the purpose of diagnosis, prognostication, and disease management. Cytogenetic approaches for the detection of CNAs, including karyotype, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and chromosomal microarray, remain mainstays in clinical laboratories. Yet, with rapidly decreasing costs and improved accuracy of CNA detection using emerging technologies such as next-generation sequencing and optical genome mapping, we are approaching a new era of cytogenomics and molecular oncology. The aim of this review is to describe the benefits and limitations associated with the routine clinical application of available classic, emerging, and projected future technologies for the detection of CNAs in oncology.