Glossary
Tumor mutational burden
(TOO-mer myoo-TAY-shuh-nul BUR-den)
The total number of mutations (changes) found in the DNA of cancer cells. Knowing the tumor mutational burden may help plan the best treatment. For example, tumors that have a high number of mutations appear to be more likely to respond to certain types of immunotherapy. Tumor mutational burden is being used as a type of biomarker. Also called TMB.
Definition from the National Cancer Institute’s NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms.