Molecular tumor features

Molecular tumor features refer to the comprehensive set of genetic, epigenetic, and proteomic characteristics that define a specific malignancy. These features include somatic mutations, gene fusions, copy number alterations, and changes in protein expression or methylation patterns that drive cancer progression (National Cancer Institute, 2023). Rather than representing a single therapeutic target, molecular tumor features serve as a diagnostic and prognostic framework in precision oncology, allowing for the categorization of tumors based on their underlying molecular drivers (Nature Reviews Cancer, 2021). By identifying specific alterations within these features, such as EGFR mutations or high microsatellite instability, clinicians can select targeted therapies or immunotherapies tailored to the individual patient (PubMed, 2022). Understanding the landscape of these features is also essential for identifying mechanisms of drug resistance and monitoring the clonal evolution of the disease over time.

Other names

Molecular profilingTumor molecular signatureGenomic landscape of cancerCancer molecular characteristics

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