Cancer Molecular Testing and Clinical Applications

Abstract

Cancer  is  a multifactorial disease in  which  both genetic and environmental factors

are involved. It is a life-threatening  illness  especially  in the advanced stage. The underlying

molecular events are complex due to genomic instability during cancer progression.  Rapid  and

reliable identification of tumor derived or associated molecules are urgently required for cancer

screening.  Molecular   testing is  now  being  used  for  cancer  assessment as  it  allows  early

diagnosis, therefore reduces waiting times for the primary care. This review focuses on the roles

and clinical  applications of molecular testing toward various cancer types. Information from

many  kinds  of  common  cancers,  namely,  breast,  lung,  colorectal,  prostate,  together with

leukemia, were collected. Data suggested that molecular testing plays an important role in cancer

management. It makes cancer diagnosis and classification more approachable when combined

with clinical  and histological  data. Several  molecular  test results  have a significant  impact on

treatment decisions. Those tests, moreover, are used to evaluate treatment efficacy. Additionally,

genetic information  of individual  patients can be used for risk  assessment of cancer  in their

family  members. Cancer  surveillance  including  specific  early  detection programs  and

prophylactic  recommendations are then advised for mutation carriers.