Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 22, 2025

Author Spotlight: Advancing Personalized Medicine in Ovarian Cancer
Published on: February 23, 2024
Personalized cancer care
1Columbia University School of Nursing, New York City, New York.
Abstract:
The completion of the Human Genome Project in 2003 has led to the development of molecular profiling platforms that have changed the trajectory of cancer care. These technologies continue to advance, and with the development of next-generation sequencing, targeted gene panels are now commercially available to analyze DNA, RNA, and protein biomarkers and can detect germline (inherited) and somatic (acquired) mutations through genomic profiling of tumor tissue and/or blood. These targeted panels are useful in practice and can affect clinical decision making. The results of molecular profiling can lead to an increasing number of FDA approved treatment options and/or clinical trial opportunities with novel drugs linked to these alterations, most notably in more advanced disease. This ability to individualize treatment options has led to precision medicine, providing a more personalized approach to cancer care.
Insights
Molecular profiling advances cancer care by analyzing genetic mutations. This enables personalized precision medicine, improving treatment decisions and outcomes for patients.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Genomics
- Biotechnology
Background:
- The Human Genome Project completion spurred molecular profiling technologies.
- Advancements include next-generation sequencing and targeted gene panels.
- These platforms analyze DNA, RNA, and protein biomarkers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the impact of molecular profiling on cancer care.
- To explain the role of targeted gene panels in identifying mutations.
- To underscore the development of precision medicine.
Main Methods:
- Genomic profiling of tumor tissue and/or blood.
- Analysis of germline (inherited) and somatic (acquired) mutations.
- Utilizing commercially available targeted gene panels.
Main Results:
- Molecular profiling significantly impacts clinical decision-making.
- Identified mutations correlate with FDA-approved treatments and clinical trials.
- Personalized treatment strategies are increasingly available, especially for advanced cancers.
Conclusions:
- Molecular profiling transforms cancer care through personalized approaches.
- Targeted gene panels are crucial for identifying actionable biomarkers.
- Precision medicine offers tailored treatment options, improving patient outcomes.
More Related Videos
12:16Patient Derived Cell Culture and Isolation of CD133+ Putative Cancer Stem Cells from Melanoma
Published on: March 13, 2013
13:24Integration of Wet and Dry Bench Processes Optimizes Targeted Next-generation Sequencing of Low-quality and Low-quantity Tumor Biopsies
Published on: April 11, 2016
Related Concept Videos
Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine
The combination of the drug acetazolamide and sulforaphane is a good example of combination therapy to treat cancer. The cells in the interior of a large tumor often die due to the hypoxic and...
Cancer Therapies
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
Cancer Vaccines
Cancer vaccines come in two categories: preventive (prophylactic) and treatment (active). Preventive vaccines, such as the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, protect against viruses that cause certain...
Cancer Survival Analysis
Treatment Resistant Cancers
Patient-centered Care