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Updated: Jul 8, 2025

Testing Targeted Therapies in Cancer using Structural DNA Alteration Analysis and Patient-Derived Xenografts
Published on: July 25, 2020
How will the identification and therapeutic intervention of genetic targets in oncology evolve for future therapy?
Paolo Baldo1, Valli De Re2, Mattia Garutti3
1Hospital Pharmacy Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano, CRO Aviano, National Cancer Institute, IRCCS, Aviano, Italy.
Introduction:
Mapping of the human genome, together with the broad understanding of new biomolecular pathways involved in cancer development, represents a huge dividing line for advances in cancer treatment. This special article aims to express the next evolution of cancer therapy, while also considering the challenges and uncertainties facing future directions.
Area Covered:
The recent achievements of medical science in the oncology field concern both new diagnostic techniques, such as liquid biopsy, and therapeutic strategies with innovative anticancer drugs. Although several molecular characteristics of tumors are linked to the tissue of origin, some mutations are shared by multiple tumor histologies, thus paving the way for what is called 'precision oncology.' The article highlights the importance of identifying new mutations and biomolecular pathways that can be pursued with new anticancer drugs.
Expert Opinion:
Oncology and medical science have made great progress in understanding new molecular targets; being able to early identify tumor markers that are not confined to a single organ through minimally invasive diagnostic techniques allows us to design new effective therapeutic strategies. Multidisciplinary teams now aim to evaluate the most appropriate and personalized diagnostic/therapeutic approach for the individual patient.
Insights
Advances in human genome mapping and understanding cancer pathways are revolutionizing cancer treatment. Future cancer therapy will leverage precision oncology and innovative drugs, addressing challenges for personalized patient care.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Genomics
- Biomolecular pathways
Background:
- Human genome mapping provides insights into cancer development.
- Understanding new biomolecular pathways is crucial for advancing cancer treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline the future evolution of cancer therapy.
- To discuss challenges and uncertainties in precision oncology.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent achievements in oncology diagnostics and therapeutics.
- Highlighting the importance of identifying novel mutations and pathways.
Main Results:
- Liquid biopsy and innovative anticancer drugs represent significant progress.
- Shared mutations across tumor histologies enable precision oncology.
Conclusions:
- Early identification of tumor markers via minimally invasive techniques is key.
- Multidisciplinary teams are essential for personalized diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.
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