Feature

Tumor Tell-All

Unraveling complex genetic stories in cancer cells may lead to personalized treatment

By Tina Hesman Saey

- More than 2 years ago

Tumors are ugly. But the staff at Massachusetts General Hospital takes a snapshot of almost every one that crosses the doorstep.

Michael Morgenstern

TUMOR TESTING DREAMS | Though some patients do benefit from drugs that target specific cancer-causing mutations, in most cases a tumor’s underlying mutations are unknown. Someday, researchers hope, comprehensive genetic tumor testing (steps depicted below) will become cheap and fast enough to influence patient care, providing every cancer sufferer with personalized treatment.