Dear Colleagues,

In recent years, the molecular pathology of cancers, including common and rare subtypes, has been largely explored, leading to innovative contributions. This led to a more refined comprehension of their pathogenesis, better classification systems (also in the light of normal counterparts’ recognition), and more effective diagnostics. Several tests are now approved and recommended in most cancer subtypes in order to define the diagnosis or refine the prognosis or predict treatment responses. In many Centers, next generation sequencing panel are used to ensure, in a single analysis, all these information.

On the other hand, next generation high throughput genomics highlighted new transcriptional as well as genetic patterns associated to better or worse prognosis, or on which new clinical approaches can be tailored. Intriguingly, gene expression profiling was shown to be effective in supporting/guiding differential diagnosis of cancers with different biology masked by similar morphology, as in the case of breast cancer and diffuse large B-cell lymphomas. Of interest, similarly, micro-RNA expression profiling could support entities distinction and prognostication.

Based on the tremendous knowledge derived from molecular analyses, targeted and more efficient treatments have been introduced in the clinical setting. Particularly, agents interfering with tyrosine kinases, epigenetic regulation (namely methylation and, specially, acetylation), surface antigens, and, not least, immune check points have become part of the therapeutic portfolio for several cancer patients.

In this Special Issue, Authors are invited to describe the most recent advances and future perspectives on molecular diagnostics, including the application of conventional as well as innovative, “next generation” techniques, covering diagnostic, prognostic and predictive assays. Commoner, as well as rarer entities, can be discussed, highlighting the basis of most recent targeted therapies.

Prof. Dr.  Pier Paolo Piccaluga
Guest Editor