(Journal of the National Cancer Institute) -- DNA microarrays are increasingly being used for analyzing gene expression in human cancers. However, converting the thousands of data points from these microarrays into clear interpretable information has been challenging.

In a commentary in the January 1 issue of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, Richard Simon, D.Sc., of the National Cancer Institute, and his colleagues discuss the validity and effectiveness of methods for designing DNA microarray experiments and analyzing microarray data. They say that investigators should be aware of the potential pitfalls of using DNA microarray data if gene expression profiles are to be used to build predictors of patient prognosis.