What are the Clinical Implications of Tumor Heterogeneity?
The clinical implications of tumor heterogeneity are profound. It affects diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment planning. For instance, a biopsy from one region of a tumor may not represent the entire tumor's genetic landscape, potentially leading to incomplete or inaccurate diagnoses. Heterogeneity also complicates the development of targeted therapies, as different subpopulations may have distinct therapeutic targets. Understanding tumor heterogeneity can help in developing biomarkers that predict treatment response and disease progression.
