Molecular diagnostics of cancers – practical approach

Abstract

Introduction of targeted therapies based on monoclonal antibodies or small-cell kinase inhibitors in cancer treatment led to major improvements of treatment outcomes in selected patients. However, achievement of prolonged progression-free survival or overall survival involves necessity to test a range of molecular markers at the diagnostic stage. Their number is determined by provisions of drug programmes and leads to serious problems with the right selection of individual markers. It is also an important challenge in the process of financial settlement of the performed tests. The present paper summarises the major aspects of molecular cancer diagnosis recommended and available in clinical practice in Poland