How Does Sample Variability Impact Cancer Diagnosis?
Sample variability can significantly impact the accuracy of cancer diagnosis. For example, a biopsy from one part of a tumor may not represent the entire tumor's genetic landscape. This can lead to under- or over-estimation of the tumor's aggressiveness and potential response to treatment. Advanced diagnostic techniques like liquid biopsy and next-generation sequencing aim to mitigate these issues by providing a more comprehensive analysis of the tumor's genetic profile.