A new study, published online in the journal Cell, looked at classification of cancers and suggested that a new classification system may be more appropriate. Cancers are typically classified using pathologic criteria that rely heavily on the tissue site of origin. However, there are new, large-scale projects based on genomics that are now producing detailed molecular characterizations of thousands of tumors. This molecular data can be used to reclassify cancers.

According to SF Gate, the current classification uses the original location of the cancer, such as the breast or bladder tissue, to identify the cancer. In contrast, the study argues that molecular structure of the tumors may provide better information for treatments, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes. In this analysis, researchers found that the use of genomic sequencing would have reclassified at least 10 percent, and as high as 50 percent of tumors. This would have affected diagnoses and may have changed treatment.

One of the senior authors of the study contends that the previous system of classification is outdated. In existence for over 100 years, genomics technology was not available at that time. The current system does not accurately capture the true nature of cancer and may be detrimental to patients suffering from the disease.

The Telegraph notes that genomes do have a strong potential for guiding medicine and therapeutics. Understanding the risk of a certain disease for a person and how he or she may respond to a certain treatment can be life-saving. In particular, cancer is a disease of genetics. Mutations in the DNA cause cells to divide unchecked. By better understanding and targeting the source of the cancer growth, the medical professional will be better able to fight cancer.