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Published on: April 11, 2016
[Precision medicine in oncology : where do we stand ?]
1Service de Radiothérapie, CHU Liège, Belgique.
Abstract:
The «one size fits all» approach is seriously challenged by rapid progression of medical knowledge, especially in the field of individual genome expression. It is currently known that the anti-tumour effect of a given treatment and possible side effects at the level of healthy tissues, can at least partly be predicted and explained by individual variations of gene expression. However, most of us realize that these differences in response are also linked to a variety of other individual characteristics, such as for example the environment and socio-economic factors. Without any possible doubt, there are multiple problems (technical, administrative, financial, cultural and ethical) to be solved, before we witness the real irruption of precision medicine and its holistic individualized approach in our daily oncological practice. It has to start with an international effort, disregarding borders of individual countries, in order to obtain very large amounts of data (with a high degree of variability to avoid bias). This holistic approach, at both societal and individual levels, is the entrance door for a personalized approach in care, whether this is curative, predictive or preventive.
Insights
Precision medicine, using individual gene expression, offers personalized cancer treatment, moving beyond the "one size fits all" approach. Realizing its full potential requires international collaboration to overcome technical and ethical challenges.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Genomics
- Personalized Medicine
Background:
- The traditional "one size fits all" medical approach is increasingly insufficient due to advances in understanding individual gene expression.
- Individual variations in gene expression can predict cancer treatment efficacy and side effects on healthy tissues.
- Treatment response is also influenced by environmental and socio-economic factors, highlighting the need for a holistic view.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss the challenges and requirements for implementing precision medicine in daily oncological practice.
- To emphasize the importance of a holistic and individualized approach to cancer care.
- To advocate for international collaboration in data collection for precision medicine.
Main Methods:
- Review of current knowledge on individual gene expression and its impact on cancer treatment.
- Analysis of the technical, administrative, financial, cultural, and ethical barriers to precision medicine adoption.
- Discussion of the necessity for large-scale, diverse data collection through international efforts.
Main Results:
- Individual gene expression significantly influences anti-tumour treatment effects and side effects.
- Environmental and socio-economic factors also play a crucial role in treatment response.
- Significant challenges impede the widespread adoption of precision medicine in oncology.
Conclusions:
- Precision medicine offers a personalized approach to cancer care, moving beyond generalized treatments.
- Overcoming implementation barriers requires addressing technical, administrative, financial, cultural, and ethical issues.
- International cooperation and large-scale data acquisition are essential for advancing precision medicine and personalized cancer treatment.
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