Tumor profiling turmoil

Tumor profiling aims to determine gene expression signatures that can discriminate between different sub-types of tumors. We have recently discovered a signature that can reliably detect which primary head-neck tumors have metastasized to local lymph nodes. This signature has great potential for clinical application and also offers unique insights into how metastasis occurs. Despite these obvious advances, discussed here alongside several other findings, such tumor profiling studies are currently receiving harsh criticism. We make clear that such evaluations can themselves also be critically evaluated. The separation between the two factions actually shows that it is too early to either dismiss or exalt tumor profiling studies. Final judgment requires waiting for the results of larger prospective studies carried out in parallel with current clinical practice.