Precision oncology in the age of integrative genomics

Chandan Kumar-Sinha1,2, Arul M Chinnaiyan1,2,3,4,5,6

  • 1Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.

Nature Biotechnology
|January 11, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Precision oncology uses molecular tumor analysis for better cancer diagnosis and treatment. Integrative genomics offers potential clinical benefits despite adoption challenges, improving patient management.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Genomics
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Precision oncology leverages tumor molecular profiling for enhanced cancer care.
  • It involves tracking treatment response and identifying drug resistance mechanisms.
  • Integrative genomics includes sequencing gene panels, exomes, or germline/tumor/transcriptome triads.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the role and potential of precision oncology in cancer treatment.
  • To discuss the capabilities and limitations of integrative genomics in clinical settings.

Main Methods:

  • Genomic and molecular analyses of tumor biopsies.
  • Sequencing of gene panels, exomes, and comprehensive patient trios (germline, tumor exome, tumor transcriptome).

Main Results:

  • Precision oncology identifies therapeutic options and resistance mechanisms.
  • Sequencing technologies are advancing, but clinical adoption faces hurdles.
  • Integrative clinical sequencing programs show promise for patient management.

Conclusions:

  • Widespread clinical adoption of genomics-driven precision oncology is hindered by logistical, regulatory, financial, and ethical factors.
  • Integrative clinical sequencing at the point of care holds potential to significantly improve cancer patient management.

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