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Precision cancer medicine: the future is now, only better
Apostolia M Tsimberidou1, Alexander M M Eggermont1, Richard L Schilsky1
1From the MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX; Institute Gustave-Roussy, Paris, France; American Society of Clinical Oncology, Alexandria, VA.
Abstract:
The promise of precision medicine for cancer is already being realized with the recent introduction of many targeted therapies, some with companion diagnostic tests that identify patients most likely to benefit from treatment. The utility of molecular profiling of cancer to identify actionable aberrations has been suggested by several small clinical trials conducted in patients with advanced cancer and by many anecdotes but is yet to be proven in well-designed, prospective, randomized trials. Several trials that will definitively test this strategy are now underway or soon to be launched. Melanoma, a disease once largely untreatable when metastatic, may be a paradigm for understanding how the molecular drivers of a disease can lead to highly effective targeted therapies, as well as for realizing the enormous therapeutic potential of unleashing the immune system against cancer to produce long-term disease control. Looking to the future, advanced omics technologies and computational techniques will enable assessment of not only genomic variants, as performed today, but also of pathway and network aberrations that will greatly facilitate selection of drug combinations likely to benefit specific patients. As our deepening understanding of tumor biology converges with rapid advances in measurement science and technology and computational analysis, we have an enormous opportunity to create a future for precision medicine in oncology that provides for highly specific, minimally toxic, and dramatically effective treatment for each patient.
Insights
Precision medicine in cancer uses targeted therapies and companion diagnostics. Future advancements in omics and computational analysis will enable highly effective, personalized cancer treatments.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Genomics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Precision medicine is revolutionizing cancer care with targeted therapies and companion diagnostics.
- Molecular profiling of cancer shows promise but requires validation through rigorous clinical trials.
- Melanoma serves as a model for targeted therapy and immunotherapy in advanced cancer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the current state and future potential of precision medicine in oncology.
- To emphasize the need for prospective, randomized trials to validate molecular profiling strategies.
- To discuss the role of advanced omics and computational techniques in personalized cancer treatment.
Main Methods:
- Review of current targeted therapies and companion diagnostics in cancer treatment.
- Discussion of ongoing and upcoming clinical trials for molecular profiling.
- Exploration of advanced omics technologies and computational methods for future applications.
Main Results:
- Targeted therapies are increasingly effective, particularly in specific cancer types like melanoma.
- Companion diagnostics are crucial for identifying patients who will benefit from targeted treatments.
- Advanced molecular profiling holds promise for selecting optimal drug combinations.
Conclusions:
- Precision medicine offers a path towards highly specific, minimally toxic, and effective cancer treatments.
- Continued research and technological advancements are essential for realizing the full potential of precision oncology.
- Integrating genomic, pathway, and network analyses will enhance treatment selection for individual patients.
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