Clinical use of SNP-microarrays for the detection of genome-wide changes in haematological malignancies

• Published in: Critical reviews in oncology/hematology Vol. 142; pp. 58 - 67
• Main Authors: Berry, Nadine K., Scott, Rodney J., Rowlings, Philip, Enjeti, Anoop K.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier B.V 01.10.2019
• Subjects: Haematological malignancies; Haematology; Microarray; SNP-microarray; Haematology; Microarray; Haematological malignancies; SNP-microarray
• ISSN: 1040-8428; 1879-0461
• DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2019.07.016

Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) microarrays are commonly used for the clinical investigation of constitutional genomic disorders; however, their adoption for investigating somatic changes is being recognised. With increasing importance being placed on defining the cancer genome, a shift in technology is imperative at a clinical level. Microarray platforms have the potential to become frontline testing, replacing or complementing standard investigations such as FISH or karyotype. This ‘molecular karyotype approach’ exemplified by SNP-microarrays has distinct advantages in the investigation of several haematological malignancies. A growing body of literature, including guidelines, has shown support for the use of SNP-microarrays in the clinical laboratory to aid in a more accurate definition of the cancer genome. Understanding the benefits of this technology along with discussing the barriers to its implementation is necessary for the development and incorporation of SNP-microarrays in a clinical laboratory for the investigation of haematological malignancies.