The potential of molecular screening

Impressive results have been reported for several molecular screening tests for a number of human cancers and clearly demonstrate the potential of these assays at detecting cancer. However, before the introduction of these assays into clinical use, further studies are clearly needed. A prospective comparison between conventional screening methods and the newer molecular techniques documenting improved detection rates in patients with early stage cancers is required before these assays are adapted into clinical practice. In addition, broad technical improvements in molecular detection assays and high throughput automation are necessary for eventual clinical implementation. In the not-too-distant future, surgeons may be called on to identify and eradicate clinically occult disease in patients with a positive molecular screen.