Predictive Values for Molecular Diagnostics: Converting Unknown Unknowns to Known Unknowns.

The authors focus on the recent advancements in molecular diagnostics for predictive mutation testing in the field of oncology and pathology. Topics discussed include mathematical approach for the calculation of predictive value of a molecular assay, mutation testing of BRAF gene and mechanism involved in epidermal growth factor receptor signaling pathway. A diagram illustrating the effect of disease prevalence and assay sensitivity and specificity is presented.