Clustering is crucial in cancer research for several reasons:
Subtype Identification: Cancer is not a single disease but a collection of related diseases. Clustering can help identify molecular subtypes of cancer, which can lead to more targeted therapies. Biomarker Discovery: By grouping patients based on their molecular profiles, researchers can identify potential biomarkers that are associated with specific cancer subtypes. Patient Stratification: Clustering can be used to stratify patients into different risk groups, which can help in personalizing treatment plans.