title: New approach to cancer therapy based on a molecularly defined cancer classification.
abstract: Translational and clinical cancer research, as well as clinical trials and treatment of cancer, are essentially structured based on the organ in which tumors originate. However, the recent explosion of knowledge about the molecular characteristics of tumors is opening a new way to tackle cancer. This article proposes a different approach to the classification of cancer with important implications for treatment and for basic, translational, and clinical research. The authors postulate that cancers from diverse organs of origin with similar molecular traits should be managed together. The common molecular features observed in different tumors determine clinical actions in a better way than organ-based classification. Thus, comparisons between tumors residing in different locations but with shared molecular characteristics will improve the therapeutic approach and the understanding of the biology of cancer.
authors.affiliation: Head of the Breast Cancer and Melanoma Programs, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain; Medical Oncologist, Medica Scientia Innovation Research (MedSIR), Barcelona, Spain.
authors.forename: Javier
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Cortés
authors.forename: Emiliano
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Calvo
authors.forename: Ana
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Vivancos
authors.forename: Jose
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Perez-Garcia
authors.forename: Juan Angel
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Recio
authors.forename: Joan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Seoane
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D009154:Mutation; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000145:classification / Q000235:genetics / Q000628:therapy*
keywords: clinical trials; medical oncology; molecular biology; molecularly targeted therapy