Estimation of tumor heterogeneity using CGH array data
2009

Estimating Tumor Heterogeneity Using CGH Array Data

Sample size: 29 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Wang Kai, Li Jian, Li Shengting, Bolund Lars, Wiuf Carsten

Primary Institution: Institute of Human Genetics, University of Aarhus

Hypothesis

Can a statistical method be developed to reveal the heterogeneity of tumors containing a mixture of different-stage cells?

Conclusion

A new method for CGH array analysis allows classification of tumor samples according to their heterogeneity, facilitating identification of copy number alterations in cancer development.

Supporting Evidence

  • The method was validated on simulated data and applied to real tumor samples.
  • Calibration experiments showed high correlation between observed and fitted values.
  • The average percentage of normal cells in tumors was estimated to be around 60%.

Takeaway

This study created a way to see how different types of cells in a tumor can be mixed together, helping doctors understand cancer better.

Methodology

The study developed a statistical method to analyze CGH array data from individual tumors, estimating the number of dominant subpopulations and their copy number profiles.

Limitations

The method's accuracy may be affected by the complexity of tumor evolution and the assumptions made about the data.

Participant Demographics

The study involved 29 pairs of breast primary tumors and their matched lymph node metastases.

Statistical Information

Confidence Interval

(0.5542,0.6556)

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2105-10-12

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