Gene expression analysis and immunohistochemistry in evaluation of cancer of unknown primary: time for a patient-centered approach.

Molecular medicine is rapidly changing the diagnosis and management of cancer of unknown primary. The science, business, and economics of the genomic revolution have moved at such a pace that coordinating practical application of all available tools, such as gene expression analysis and immunohistochemistry, often seems to clash. In fact, very little work has been done to actively coordinate use of these techniques, each of which can be very resource-intensive. The Institute of Medicine proposed the STEEEP principles, a basic set of guidelines that maintain that the best patient care is safe, timely, effective, efficient, equitable, and patient-centered. Application of these principles will help lead to a better understanding of the most appropriate use of modern diagnostic modalities.