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Tumour heterogeneity poses a significant challenge to cancer biomarker research.
- Source :
- British Journal of Cancer; 7/25/2017, Vol. 117 Issue 3, p367-375, 9p, 2 Diagrams, 3 Charts, 1 Graph
- Publication Year :
- 2017
-
Abstract
- <bold>Background: </bold>The high degree of genomic diversity in cancer represents a challenge for identifying objective prognostic markers. We aimed to examine the extent of tumour heterogeneity and its effect on the evaluation of a selected prognostic marker using prostate cancer as a model.<bold>Methods: </bold>We assessed Gleason Score (GS), DNA ploidy status and phosphatase and tensin homologue (PTEN) expression in radical prostatectomy specimens (RP) from 304 patients followed for a median of 10 years (interquartile range 6-12). GS was assessed for every tumour-containing block and DNA ploidy for a median of four samples for each RP. In a subgroup of 40 patients we assessed DNA ploidy and PTEN status in every tumour-containing block. In 102 patients assigned to active surveillance (AS), GS and DNA ploidy were studied in needle biopsies.<bold>Results: </bold>Extensive heterogeneity was observed for GS (89% of the patients) and DNA ploidy (40% of the patients) in the cohort, and DNA ploidy (60% of the patients) and PTEN expression (75% of the patients) in the subgroup. DNA ploidy was a significant prognostic marker when heterogeneity was taken into consideration. In the AS cohort we found heterogeneity in GS (24%) and in DNA ploidy (25%) specimens.<bold>Conclusions: </bold>Multi-sample analysis should be performed to support clinical treatment decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 00070920
- Volume :
- 117
- Issue :
- 3
- Database :
- Complementary Index
- Journal :
- British Journal of Cancer
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 124298555
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1038/bjc.2017.171