Shifting from binary markers to whole-genome signatures in cancer
Classifying tumors by mutational patterns across the whole genome could enable more predictive patient stratification and drug matching
An algorithm built on Genomics England’s data troves is bringing tumor mutational signatures closer to replacing a gene-by-gene view of patient stratification.
The approach, published in Science by a University of Cambridge team, relies on growing access to whole-genome sequencing (WGS), which at about $600 is becoming comparable to standard-of-care approaches like CT scans, said principal investigator Serena Nik-Zainal. “I think there will be a paradigm shift, moving toward having the complete profile.”...