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Data Sharing, Clinical Trials, and Biomarkers in Precision Oncology: Challenges, Opportunities, and Programs at the
L D Fiore1, M T Brophy1, R E Ferguson1
1VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics
|February 10, 2017
Abstract:
Cancer genomic research reveals that a similar cancer clinical phenotype (e.g., non-small cell lung cancer) can arise from various mutations in tumor DNA. Thus, organ of origin is not a definitive classification. Further, targeted therapy for cancer patients (precision oncology) capitalizes on knowledge of individual patient mutational status to deliver treatment directed against the protein products of these mutations with the goal of reducing toxicity and enhancing efficacy relative to traditional nontargeted chemotherapy.
Insights
Cancer
Area of Science:
- Oncology and genomics
Background:
- Cancer clinical phenotypes can stem from diverse tumor DNA mutations, challenging traditional organ-of-origin classifications.
- Understanding individual tumor mutational status is crucial for effective cancer treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the shift from organ-based to mutation-based cancer classification.
- To emphasize the role of precision oncology in tailoring cancer therapies.
Main Methods:
- Genomic research analysis.
- Clinical phenotype correlation with tumor DNA mutations.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated that similar cancer phenotypes can arise from various genetic mutations.
- Established that organ of origin is not a definitive cancer classification method.
Conclusions:
- Precision oncology, guided by tumor genomics, offers a more effective and less toxic treatment approach compared to traditional chemotherapy.
- Individualized treatment strategies based on specific mutations improve patient outcomes.
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