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Moving the Needle Forward in Genomically-Guided Precision Radiation Treatment
Andrew Tam1, Benjamin D Mercier1,2, Reeny M Thomas1
1Department of Radiation Oncology, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1500 E Duarte Rd., Duarte, CA 91010, USA.
Cancers
|November 25, 2023
Summary
Genomic mutations can impact radiation sensitivity, but their clinical use in radiation therapy (RT) is limited. Future research aims to integrate genetic data for personalized RT to improve cancer outcomes and reduce toxicity.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Genetics
- Radiation Oncology
Background:
- Radiation therapy (RT) is a standard cancer treatment, with plans tailored to individual patient characteristics.
- Genetic information, including germline and somatic mutations, is currently underutilized in guiding RT decisions.
- Genes like ATM and BRCA1/2 are known to influence radiation sensitivity, but their clinical impact is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review evidence on how genetic alterations affect radiosensitivity.
- To summarize current clinical trial data regarding genetic factors in RT.
- To explore future directions for personalized RT guided by genomic data.
Main Methods:
- Review of laboratory, pre-clinical, and clinical studies.
- Analysis of existing evidence on genetic alterations and radiosensitivity.
- Summary of recent clinical trial data.
Main Results:
- Limited understanding of the clinical significance of gene mutations (e.g., ATM, BRCA1/2) in RT.
- Current guidelines offer minimal direction on integrating genetic results into RT.
- Growing evidence suggests genetic data can inform RT decisions.
Conclusions:
- Genomically-guided RT holds potential to optimize treatment by informing dose, volume, and concurrent therapies.
- Personalized RT aims to improve oncologic outcomes and minimize treatment toxicities.
- Further research is needed to establish pathways for utilizing genetic data in clinical RT decision-making.
