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Updated: Jun 15, 2025

Integration of Wet and Dry Bench Processes Optimizes Targeted Next-generation Sequencing of Low-quality and Low-quantity Tumor Biopsies
Published on: April 11, 2016
Personalized medicine: Clinical oncology on molecular view of treatment
Rafick Costa Dos Santos Da Silva1, Nathalia de Andrade Simon1, André Alves Dos Santos1
1Instituto Multidisciplinar em Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Vitória Da Conquista 45029-094, Bahia, Brazil.
Abstract:
Cancer, the second leading global cause of death, impacts both physically and emotionally. Conventional treatments such as surgeries, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy have adverse effects, driving the need for more precise approaches. Precision medicine enables more targeted treatments. Genetic mapping, alongside other molecular biology approaches, identifies specific genes, contributing to accurate prognoses. The review addresses, in clinical use, a molecular perspective on treatment. Biomarkers like alpha-fetoprotein, beta-human chorionic gonadotropin, 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid, programmed death-1, and cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated protein 4 are explored, providing valuable information. Bioinformatics, with an emphasis on artificial intelligence, revolutionizes the analysis of biological data, offering more accurate diagnoses. Techniques like liquid biopsy are emphasized for early detection. Precision medicine guides therapeutic strategies based on the molecular characteristics of the tumor, as evidenced in the molecular subtypes of breast cancer. Classifications allow personalized treatments, highlighting the role of trastuzumab and endocrine therapies. Despite the benefits, challenges persist, including high costs, tumor heterogeneity, and ethical issues. Overcoming obstacles requires collaboration, ensuring that advances in molecular biology translate into accessible benefits for all.
Insights
Precision medicine uses genetic mapping and biomarkers for targeted cancer treatments. Bioinformatics and liquid biopsy enhance diagnosis and early detection, improving patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Bioinformatics
Background:
- Cancer is a leading cause of death with significant physical and emotional impacts.
- Conventional treatments have adverse effects, necessitating more precise therapeutic strategies.
- Precision medicine offers targeted treatments based on individual molecular profiles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the molecular perspective of cancer treatment in clinical use.
- To explore the role of biomarkers and bioinformatics in cancer diagnosis and prognosis.
- To highlight advances in precision medicine for personalized cancer therapy.
Main Methods:
- Review of molecular biology approaches including genetic mapping.
- Analysis of key biomarkers such as alpha-fetoprotein and programmed death-1.
- Emphasis on bioinformatics, artificial intelligence, and liquid biopsy techniques.
Main Results:
- Biomarkers provide valuable prognostic and diagnostic information.
- Bioinformatics and AI enable more accurate diagnoses and data analysis.
- Precision medicine, exemplified by breast cancer subtypes, guides personalized therapeutic strategies.
Conclusions:
- Precision medicine tailors treatments to molecular tumor characteristics, improving efficacy.
- Challenges like cost and tumor heterogeneity require collaborative solutions.
- Advances in molecular biology aim to make personalized cancer care accessible to all.
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