Microsatellite Instability (MSI) in Cancer:
A White Paper Series
Microsatellite instability (MSI) has become a central biomarker in cancer biology, driven by defects in the DNA mismatch repair system that lead to increased genomic instability and a high mutational burden. This molecular signature plays a critical role in tumor development, immune recognition, and therapeutic response — particularly to immunotherapy — making MSI a cornerstone of modern precision oncology.
To help clinicians, molecular biologists and researchers navigate this fast-evolving field, we are launching a dedicated MSI White Paper Series. This 4-step educational series is designed as a step-by-step journey, from the fundamentals of MSI biology to its practical applications in diagnostics, treatment decisions, and hereditary cancer risk assessment.
Part 1: Understanding MSI : Insights and Implications
This first publication lays the groundwork. It offers a clear overview of what MSI is, why it matters, and how this biomarker reveals crucial insights into tumor biology and DNA repair mechanisms. It introduces the core concepts needed to understand how MSI is detected, interpreted, and integrated into clinical decision-making — preparing the ground for the next three parts of the series.
Part 2: Diagnostics and Detection (coming soon)
An overview of evolving MSI testing technologies — from PCR and IHC to NGS — and the role of standardization in ensuring reliable interpretation.
💊 Part 3: Therapeutic Implications (coming soon) An exploration of how MSI status guides immunotherapy selection and influences patient outcomes across multiple cancer types.
🧬 Part 4: Hereditary Insights (coming soon) A discussion of the link between MSI and Lynch syndrome, hereditary cancer risk, and implications for screening and prevention.
Download White Paper
