NCT/DKFZ MASTER handbook of interpreting whole-genome, transcriptome, and methylome data for precision oncology

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributed

Contributors

  • Andreas Mock - , National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) Heidelberg, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) (Author)
  • Maria-Veronica Teleanu - , National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) Heidelberg, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) (Author)
  • Simon Kreutzfeldt - , National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) Heidelberg, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) (Author)
  • Christoph E Heilig - , National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) Heidelberg, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) (Author)
  • Jennifer Hüllein - , Computational Oncology Group (Author)
  • Lino Möhrmann - , National Center for Tumor Diseases (Partners: UKD, MFD, HZDR, DKFZ), University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) (Author)
  • Arne Jahn - , Institute of Clinical Genetics (Author)
  • Dorothea Hanf - , University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden (Author)
  • Irina A. Kerle - , National Center for Tumor Diseases (Partners: UKD, MFD, HZDR, DKFZ), University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) (Author)
  • Hans Martin Singh - , National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) Heidelberg, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) (Author)
  • Barbara Hutter - , Computational Oncology Group (Author)
  • Sebastian Uhrig - , Computational Oncology Group (Author)
  • Martina Fröhlich - , Computational Oncology Group (Author)
  • Olaf Neumann - , University Hospital Heidelberg (Author)
  • Andreas Hartig - , Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden (Author)
  • Sascha Brückmann - , University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden (Author)
  • Steffen Hirsch - , University Hospital Heidelberg (Author)
  • Kerstin Grund - , University Hospital Heidelberg (Author)
  • Nicola Dikow - , University Hospital Heidelberg (Author)
  • Daniel B Lipka - , National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) Heidelberg, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) (Author)
  • Marcus Renner - , National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) Heidelberg, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) (Author)
  • Irfan Ahmed Bhatti - , National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) Heidelberg, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) (Author)
  • Leonidas Apostolidis - , National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) Heidelberg, University Hospital Heidelberg (Author)
  • Richard F Schlenk - , Heidelberg Unversity Hospital (Author)
  • Christian P Schaaf - , University Hospital Heidelberg (Author)
  • Albrecht Stenzinger - , University Hospital Heidelberg (Author)
  • Evelin Schröck - , Institute of Clinical Genetics (Author)
  • Daniel Hübschmann - , Computational Oncology Group (Author)
  • Christoph Heining - , National Center for Tumor Diseases (Partners: UKD, MFD, HZDR, DKFZ), University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (Author)
  • Peter Horak - , National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) Heidelberg, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) (Author)
  • Hanno Glimm - , National Center for Tumor Diseases (Partners: UKD, MFD, HZDR, DKFZ), University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) (Author)
  • Stefan Fröhling - , National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) Heidelberg, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) (Author)

Abstract

Analysis of selected cancer genes has become an important tool in precision oncology but cannot fully capture the molecular features and, most importantly, vulnerabilities of individual tumors. Observational and interventional studies have shown that decision-making based on comprehensive molecular characterization adds significant clinical value. However, the complexity and heterogeneity of the resulting data are major challenges for disciplines involved in interpretation and recommendations for individualized care, and limited information exists on how to approach multilayered tumor profiles in clinical routine. We report our experience with the practical use of data from whole-genome or exome and RNA sequencing and DNA methylation profiling within the MASTER (Molecularly Aided Stratification for Tumor Eradication Research) program of the National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) Heidelberg and Dresden and the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ). We cover all relevant steps of an end-to-end precision oncology workflow, from sample collection, molecular analysis, and variant prioritization to assigning treatment recommendations and discussion in the molecular tumor board. To provide insight into our approach to multidimensional tumor profiles and guidance on interpreting their biological impact and diagnostic and therapeutic implications, we present case studies from the NCT/DKFZ molecular tumor board that illustrate our daily practice. This manual is intended to be useful for physicians, biologists, and bioinformaticians involved in the clinical interpretation of genome-wide molecular information.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Article number109
Journal npj precision oncology : a natureresearch journal
Volume7
Issue number1
Publication statusPublished - 26 Oct 2023
Peer-reviewedNo

External IDs

PubMedCentral PMC10603123
Scopus 85174915031

Keywords

Sustainable Development Goals

Library keywords