Predictive markers in cancer patient diagnosis, classification and prediction of therapy outcome using leukaemia as a model

Abstract

The characterisation of the molecular mechanism of disease allows classification of patients into subtypes and potentially identifies specific targets for therapeutic intervention. Tyrosine kinase mutations are central to specific targeted therapy. Investigation of kinase deregulation within particular patient groups, has led to identification of mutant tyrosine kinases associated with disease progression and therapy modulation. Biomarker-specific therapies emerged, taking a leading role in guided-therapy. The extensive use of the specific kinase inhibitors and the longevity of the treatment protocols due to the uncertainty of residual disease, gave rise to new challenges, namely secondary resistance to therapy. Although there are various mechanisms of acquired resistance, mutations in the drug target itself play a dominant role.