Cancer classification
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Traditional Cancer Classification: Histology, Site, and Morphology
Cancer classification has historically relied on the tumor’s histological type, site of origin, morphological grade, and extent of spread. Internationally recognized systems, such as those developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), form the basis for cancer diagnosis and management. These systems have evolved to include not only traditional pathological features but also, since 2000, biological and molecular-genetic characteristics, reflecting the growing impact of genomics on cancer classification and treatment decisions 19.
Molecular and Genomic Approaches in Cancer Classification
Gene Expression Profiling and Microarrays
The introduction of DNA microarray technology enabled the simultaneous monitoring of thousands of gene expressions, providing a systematic and objective approach to cancer classification. Gene expression-based methods have been shown to accurately distinguish between cancer types and subtypes, sometimes even discovering new classes without prior biological knowledge. These approaches have improved diagnostic precision and facilitated the identification of cancer-specific marker genes, which are crucial for both diagnosis and targeted therapy 5678.
Multiplatform and Pan-Cancer Molecular Classification
Recent studies have used integrative analyses across multiple genomic and proteomic platforms to classify cancers. These analyses reveal that while some molecular subtypes align closely with tissue of origin, others cut across traditional boundaries, grouping cancers from different tissues into common molecular subtypes. This pan-cancer approach provides additional information for predicting clinical outcomes and can uncover shared therapeutic targets among seemingly distinct cancers .
Machine Learning and Deep Learning in Cancer Classification
Classical and Ensemble Machine Learning Methods
Machine learning (ML) algorithms, including support vector machines, k-nearest neighbors, decision trees, and ensemble methods, have been widely applied to gene expression data for cancer classification. These methods have demonstrated high accuracy in distinguishing between cancer types and subtypes, and ensemble approaches often improve both performance and confidence in classification results 6810.
Deep Learning and Graph Convolutional Neural Networks
Deep learning, particularly convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and graph convolutional neural networks (GCNNs), has further advanced cancer classification. These models can handle complex, high-dimensional gene expression data and have achieved classification accuracies above 94% across multiple cancer types. GCNNs, in particular, can identify cancer-specific marker genes and are robust to tissue-of-origin differences, making them powerful tools for both diagnosis and research 34.
Evolving Pathologic and Molecular Classifications in Clinical Practice
The integration of molecular and genetic information into traditional pathology has led to significant changes in cancer classification, especially for specific cancers like lung and breast cancer. For example, new lung cancer classifications now emphasize molecular testing for actionable mutations, and breast cancer classification increasingly relies on molecular subtypes to guide treatment. These changes ensure that classification systems remain relevant for both clinical care and research, supporting precision medicine approaches 1910.
Conclusion
Cancer classification has transitioned from purely histological and anatomical systems to sophisticated molecular and computational approaches. Integrating gene expression profiling, multiplatform molecular data, and advanced machine learning techniques has greatly improved the accuracy, objectivity, and clinical relevance of cancer classification. These advances support more precise diagnoses, better prognostic predictions, and the development of targeted therapies, ultimately improving patient outcomes 12345678+2 MORE.
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