Commonality but Diversity in Cancer Gene Fusions

Recent findings of gene fusions in carcinomas recapitulate the discovery of chromosomal abnormalities in leukemias and sarcomas decades ago. A recurring feature of carcinoma gene fusions, in contrast to those in hematopoietic and mesenchymal malignancies, is that they result in aberrant cell signaling. This may reflect differences in the differentiation programs of these tissues.