Next-Generation Sequencing

Next-generation sequencing (NGS) has revolutionized our knowledge about tumours and cancers over the last couple of decades. It has generated huge amounts of data that have given us a better idea of the landscape of tumours and cancers, thus improving patient management and setting the stage for personalized medicine in oncology. Whole-exome and -genome data on thousands of tumours have already been published and stored in public databanks. It is an exciting time for NGS, as its enormous potential for oncology research is making inroads into cancer diagnostic practice and care. This special topic issue on NGS examines the use of this technology for genetic profiling and as a diagnostic tool in cancer research and treatment, particularly concerning cancers of the digestive system, gynaecological tumours, and bone and soft-tissue tumours. In the area of diagnostic pathology, it also looks at the principles behind NGS technologies, discusses important things to remember when interpreting data, and provides a glossary of NGS terms.