Definition

A broad term that refers to using molecular markers, including DNA, RNA, and proteins, to determine the genetic characteristics of cells or tissues. In cancer, molecular characterization may provide information about the presence of certain biomarkers or genetic changes in tumor tissue, such as gene mutations, patterns of gene expression, and other changes in tumor DNA or RNA. Molecular characterization can play an important role in how diseases, such as cancer, are diagnosed and treated and how they respond to treatment. Genomic sequencing, molecular profiling, and liquid biopsy are all types of molecular characterization.