Fusion genes as diagnostic and predictive biomarkers for tumor

Abstract

Structural variants, including chromosomal rearrangements and translocations, may result in the formation of fusion genes. Glioma is the most frequent brain tumor among adults. Due to complex tumor classifications, characterization of recurrence, inadequate sample size and controversial mechanisms of tumor malignancy, clinical strategies have not been developed for almost 30 years. Fusion gene is one of the strong driver events in glioma tumorigenesis and has provided fundamental insights into the disease mechanisms. This review elucidates the literature on the discovery of fusion genes, the development of detection techniques, and their clinical implementations. In conclusion, fusion genes are important diagnostic and predictive biomarkers for brain tumors.