Researchers improve accuracy of complex cancer genome analysis

An international study involving researchers from University College London and the Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB) has identified inaccuracies in current computational methods used to analyze cancer genomes. The research highlights that standard software can misestimate ‘ploidy’—the amount of DNA present in cancer cells—in up to 38% of tumors with complex genomes.

Because ploidy is critical for understanding cancer evolution, identifying genetic alterations, and determining patient prognosis, the study suggests a more accurate approach. By combining genome sequencing data with direct measurements from flow cytometry, researchers can better detect major evolutionary events, such as whole-genome doubling, providing a more faithful view of cancer biology.