Mutational signatures are crucial for several reasons:
1. Understanding Etiology: They help in identifying the factors responsible for causing mutations, thus providing insights into cancer etiology. 2. Therapeutic Targeting: Certain mutational processes can be targeted with specific therapies, potentially leading to personalized treatment plans. 3. Prognostication: Some mutational signatures are associated with clinical outcomes and can help in predicting prognosis. 4. Preventive Strategies: Knowledge of mutational signatures can guide preventive measures by identifying risk factors.
