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Updated: May 1, 2026
MicroRNA Based Liquid Biopsy: The Experience of the Plasma miRNA Signature Classifier MSC for Lung Cancer Screening
Published on: October 26, 2017
Molecular markers to predict clinical outcome and radiation induced toxicity in lung cancer
Joshua D Palmer1, Nicholas G Zaorsky1, Matthew Witek1
11 Department of Radiation Oncology, Kimmel Cancer Center and Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA ; 2 Department of Radiation Oncology, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
Abstract:
The elucidation of driver mutations involved in the molecular pathogenesis of cancer has led to a surge in the application of novel targeted therapeutics in lung cancer. Novel oncologic research continues to lead investigators towards targeting personalized tumor characteristics rather than applying targeted therapy to broad patient populations. Several driver genes, in particular epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and ALK fusions, are the earliest to have made their way into clinical trials. The avant-garde role of genomic profiling has led to important clinical challenges when adapting current standard treatments to personalized oncologic care. This new frontier of medicine requires newer biomarkers for toxicity that will identify patients at risk, as well as, new molecular markers to predict and assess clinical outcomes. Thus far, several signature genes have been developed to predict outcome as well as genetic factors related to inflammation to predict toxicity.
Insights
Targeted therapies for lung cancer are advancing by focusing on individual tumor mutations, like EGFR and ALK. New biomarkers are needed to predict treatment outcomes and identify patients at risk of toxicity.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Genomics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Cancer research is increasingly focused on molecular pathogenesis and personalized medicine.
- Targeted therapies are revolutionizing lung cancer treatment by focusing on specific genetic alterations.
- Driver mutations, such as EGFR and ALK fusions, are key targets in lung cancer therapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the shift towards personalized tumor characteristics in oncologic research.
- To discuss the challenges and needs for new biomarkers in personalized lung cancer care.
- To emphasize the importance of predicting treatment outcomes and toxicity.
Main Methods:
- Genomic profiling to identify driver mutations.
- Analysis of clinical trial data for targeted therapies.
- Development of predictive biomarkers for outcome and toxicity.
Main Results:
- Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and ALK fusions are among the first driver genes successfully targeted in clinical trials.
- Genomic profiling has become crucial for adapting treatments to individual patients.
- Signature genes and genetic factors related to inflammation are being developed to predict outcomes and toxicity.
Conclusions:
- Personalized medicine in lung cancer requires advanced genomic profiling.
- New biomarkers are essential for predicting patient outcomes and managing treatment toxicity.
- The future of lung cancer treatment lies in tailoring therapies to individual molecular profiles.
