Mutation status alone is not specific enough when predicting effectiveness of drugs against cancers

Mutation status alone is not specific enough when predicting effectiveness of drugs against cancers

http://www.nature.com/articles/ncomms14262

Excerpt: "If a group of tumours could be successfully treated using a drug, the scientists looked for typical biomarkers for this tumour type. Up to now, doctors have decided for and against the use of a drug directed against the EGF receptor mainly based on gene mutations. However, the mutation status alone is not specific enough.

This means that rather than relying on the mutation status alone, we now have much more information on which to base decisions about treatment," explains Yaspo. The scientists now know the molecular profile of the tumours, which are more likely to be successfully treated with these drugs."

My comment: Only 5–10% of all cancer cases can be attributed to genetic defects. Successful cellular differentiation is based on epigenetic control of gene expression. Cancer means unsuccessful cellular differentiation. That's why the reasons for them can be found in elements regulating gene expression, such as non coding RNA molecules.

Genetic mutations are just results of epigenetic factors, not reasons for cancers. That's why they are not leading to any kind of evolution. Use your logic.

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