Graying anatomy? Toward molecular tumor characterization

Will anatomical tumor classification become history as we make way for molecular characterization in oncology? Howard McLeod, Fred Eshelman Distinguished Professor of Pharmacy and Professor of Medicine at the University of North Carolina (NC, USA), is internationally recognized for his work on the pharmacogenomic analysis of cancer treatments. Here, he offers Pharmacogenomics his perspectives on the prospects for practical implementation of PGx in clinical care and the corresponding timescales. He and colleagues have already identified specific genetic components of several drugs that have lead to the US FDA changing the drug package inserts to identify patient groups that are genetically predisposed to risk of severe side effects or inadequate benefit. He is currently working with the large national clinical trials groups--such as Cancer and Leukemia Group B--to confirm that findings from small institutional studies will actually translate into better therapy across the USA.