
It is currently possible to analyze the entire genetic code of the tumor cells. Because there are different mutations in different LMS tumors, it might be possible to genetically profile your LMS tumor and compare it with other tumors.  There would be a history attached to those other tumors, of which drugs and treatments worked.  This would replace random choice treatment decisions with information on what did work for this particular set of LMS genes on other people in the past.  [1]   {For example, in GIST patients it is known that response to Gleevec is better with some mutations than with others.  Genetic profiling can identify those GIST patients who are cKit positive, but who will not respond well to Gleevec, as well as identifying those who will have a marked therapeutic response.}

Gene expression profiles could possibly predict which patients would fail therapy, who would remain disease free and who would relapse. Gene expression profiling may also yield information that would prove useful in identifying targets for new therapeutic agents.  Profiling might also indicate which patients were more likely to develop serious late effects from treatment. [1]  

