Abstract
Background: The completion of the Human Genome Project (HGP) has paved the way for new, more detailed and accurate molecular diagnostic classification of cancer. With the information from the HGP, cancers can be categorized not only on the morphology or limited immunohistological markers, but also according to their ‘molecular fingerprints’, such as gene expression profiles. Technologies detecting these signatures have been developed to measure simultaneously multiple genes or proteins in one assay with high sensitivity and specificity. Objective: To evaluate potential innovative new methods of diagnosis and prognosis in pediatric cancers. Methods: A variety of promising new diagnostic technologies was selected using molecular signatures that harness the results from HGP, including DNA microarray, bead-based detection system, multiplexed real-time polymerase chain reaction, MesoScale Discovery and isotope-coded affinity tag, as well as their applications in biomarker discovery for pediatric tumors. Label-free detection technologies and the obstacles for taking these new diagnostic technologies from the bench to the bedside are also discussed. Conclusion: The use of molecular signatures is gaining acceptance in clinical practice. However, technical challenges need to be addressed before incorporating these new technologies into current diagnostic and prognostic schema.
Acknowledgment
The authors thank S Hewitt for comments on the protein array. The content of this publication does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Department of Health and Human Services, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the US government.