Molecular pathology--translating research into clinical practice: an expanding frontier in surgical oncology.
Molecular assays have now become essential to the pathologist and clinician alike in diagnosing and managing disease. This article highlights the techniques and molecular targets no longer ancillary to basic research. Ripe for discussion are the likely future impact of genetics on clinical care, the potential models for service provision, and the broader ethical, legal, and social issues related to the use of genetic information for nonmedical purposes. Molecular methods are forecasted to increase in assisting in the diagnosis of human diseases. The author's mission is to embrace this discipline and use these technologies in clinical practice.
Nordberg
Mary Lowery
ML
Department of Pathology, LSUHSC/Feist-Weiller Cancer Center, Room C2-26, 1501 Kings Highway, Shreveport, LA 71130-3932, USA. mlower@lsuhsc.edu
D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D025202:Molecular Diagnostic Techniques; D010338:Pathology, Clinical / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends; D010340:Pathology, Surgical / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends; D013964:Thyroid Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology; D014571:Urologic Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology