Molecular Diagnostics in the Management of Cancer

DiagnoCure focuses on molecular diagnostics for cancer management.
ARTICLE:
Molecular Diagnostic Assays: Leading a High Value Evolution
J. C. Schafer, Biotechnology Focus,
Oct. 2007

Prior to the recent development of molecular methods for clinical diagnostics, cancer was identified by classifying cells according to their appearance under a microscope. Molecular diagnostics categorize cancer using mass spectrometry and gene expression technology. Gene chips or microarrays enable researchers to examine hundreds of thousands of expression patterns of genes at the same time to locate irregular gene and protein activity patterns. These unique patterns are the molecular signatures that we use to identify cancer.

The mapping of the human genome is an accomplishment of unparalleled significance in the field of medicine, which will forever change the way disease is diagnosed and treated. Understanding the behaviour of specific genes will not only help us detect cancer earlier, but it will provide important clues as to how to better manage the disease.

In the fight against cancer, molecular diagnostics are not just early detection tools. They are disease management tools. In line with scientists' view, DiagnoCure believes that molecular diagnostics will permanently transform the way cancer is managed at every stage of the disease continuum.

Potential uses of molecular diagnostics

With the emergence of new molecular technologies, physicians will soon be able to answer several clinical questions that are left incompletely answered today, and provide more effective treatment to their patients in the process.

To learn more about molecular diagnostics for cancer, you may consult Understanding Cancer Series: Molecular Diagnostics, a document published by the National Cancer Institute.