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In order to improve prognostic and predictive markers of breast cancer, assessment of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue is important. However, there are problems associated with the use of paraffin-embedded tissue for gene-expression profiling, especially when analyzing older samples. Paiket al. discuss the advantages of using real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for gene-expression level quantification and describe how the Oncotype DX™ RT-PCR assay, among others, has helped to circumvent some of these challenges.
International consensus has not yet been reached for the use of preoperative chemotherapy for localized esophageal cancer. Chong and Cunningham give an overview of the latest trials and meta-analyses, discussing possible reasons for discrepant findings, and giving their interpretation of best clinical practice for this disease.