The Potential Value of Pairing Computational Genome With Clinical Observations

The study used mutational signatures as temporal barcodes that permit dating of chromosomal gains relative to a specific mutagenic event in a patient's history. If a chemotherapy-related mutation was gained along with a chromosomal gain, then chemotherapy exposure preceded the gain and vice versa. Future studies should clarify the mechanisms by which chemotherapy selects for mutations and facilitates clonal evolution. The report demonstrates the great potential value of pairing computational genomics with clinical observations.