Although these T1a tumors can be ablated nonoperatively, their genetic makeup offers a rich source of information about their subsequent behavior, Dr. Kratz said.
"Despite the popularity and endorsement of our radiology colleagues for techniques such as stereotactic radiation for small T1aN0M0 tumors, we should remember that these techniques don’t provide us with potentially important lung tissue that can provide prognostic and predictive information," he commented.
Dr. Kratz disclosed that he has been a consultant for Pinpoint Genomics, the company that developed the assay, and is a consultant for Life Technologies, which has acquired Pinpoint Genomics.