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Published on: April 11, 2016
Evolution of Precision Oncology, Personalized Medicine, and Molecular Tumor Boards
Yu Fujiwara1, Shumei Kato2, Razelle Kurzrock3
1Department of Medicine, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Elm and Carlton Streets, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA.
Abstract:
With multiple molecular targeted therapies available for patients with cancer that correspond to a specific genetic alteration, the selection of the best treatment is essential to ensure therapeutic efficacy. Molecular tumor boards (MTBs) play a key role in this process to deliver personalized medicine to patients with cancer in a multidisciplinary manner. Historically, personalized medicine has been offered to patients with advanced cancer, but the incorporation of molecular targeted therapies and immunotherapy into the perioperative setting requires clinicians to understand the role of the MTB. Evidence is accumulating to support feasibility and survival benefit in patients treated with matched therapy.
Insights
Molecular tumor boards (MTBs) guide personalized cancer medicine by matching targeted therapies to genetic alterations. Evidence supports their feasibility and survival benefits, even in the perioperative setting.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Genomics
- Personalized Medicine
Background:
- Selecting optimal cancer treatments requires matching molecular alterations to targeted therapies.
- Molecular tumor boards (MTBs) are crucial for multidisciplinary personalized medicine delivery.
- The role of MTBs is expanding beyond advanced cancer to the perioperative setting.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the essential role of molecular tumor boards (MTBs) in personalized cancer therapy.
- To discuss the integration of MTBs in the perioperative setting for targeted therapies and immunotherapy.
- To review the accumulating evidence on the feasibility and survival benefits of MTB-guided matched therapy.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on molecular tumor boards and personalized cancer treatment.
- Analysis of the multidisciplinary approach in MTB decision-making.
- Examination of evidence supporting matched therapy in various cancer settings.
Main Results:
- MTBs facilitate the selection of effective molecular targeted therapies based on specific genetic alterations.
- Personalized medicine, guided by MTBs, is increasingly applied in the perioperative setting.
- Evidence indicates feasibility and improved survival outcomes for patients receiving MTB-recommended matched therapies.
Conclusions:
- Molecular tumor boards are integral to modern oncology, enabling precision medicine.
- The scope of MTB involvement is broadening, impacting perioperative cancer care.
- Matched therapy guided by MTBs demonstrates significant clinical benefit and survival advantages.
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