What are the Challenges in Studying Somatic Mutations?
Despite advances, there are several challenges in studying somatic mutations:
- Tumor Heterogeneity: Different cells within the same tumor can have different mutations, making it hard to target all cancer cells effectively. - Detection Sensitivity: Some mutations occur in only a small fraction of cells, requiring highly sensitive techniques to detect. - Interpretation: Not all mutations are relevant to cancer progression. Distinguishing between driver mutations (which contribute to cancer) and passenger mutations (which do not) is essential.
