[2][3] More broadly, it seeks to establish understanding of how the interactions between genetic traits and environmental exposures result in disease.
Studies to examine the relationship between an exposure and molecular pathologic signature of disease (particularly, cancer) became increasingly common throughout the 2000s.
However, the use of molecular pathology in epidemiology posed unique challenges including lack of standardized methodologies and guidelines as well as paucity of interdisciplinary experts and training programs.
Molecular epidemiological studies are able to provide additional understanding of previously-identified risk factors and disease mechanisms.
[15] Limitations of molecular epidemiological studies are similar in nature to those of generic epidemiological studies, that is, samples of convenience - both of the target population and genetic information, small sample sizes, inappropriate statistical methods, poor quality control, and poor definition of target populations.