What is a bladder cancer molecular subtype? – Counterpoint

Abstract

In an accompanying paper, Mattias Hoglund discusses on what is a bladder cancer molecular subtype. He emphasizes the need to consider the aim of tumor classification, which is obviously critical to the approach. He also focuses on considering primarily the identity features of the neoplastic cells. Here, we provide a counterpoint. While largely agreeing with his views, we underline that other parameters that may vary in a spatial or temporal scale, and the tumor microenvironment, can also provide relevant information to render tumor classifications clinically useful. Furthermore, tumor heterogeneity and evolution during the disease course - natural or under therapeutic pressure - should be considered.