Molecular testing and precision oncology: An overview

Melissa Styan Burkett1

  • 1Melissa Styan Burkett is a CRNP at the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center in Monroeville, Pa.

Nursing
|January 10, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Targeted cancer therapy uses DNA insights for treatment. This review covers genetic testing, biomarkers, and nursing roles in precision oncology.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Genetics
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Cancer treatment is evolving with molecular insights.
  • Targeted therapy offers personalized treatment options.

Purpose of the Study:

  • Provide an overview of targeted therapy in cancer.
  • Discuss next-generation sequencing and genetic alterations.
  • Review circulating tumor DNA testing and its applications.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of targeted therapy advancements.
  • Explanation of genomic testing principles.
  • Analysis of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) applications.

Main Results:

  • Next-generation sequencing identifies genetic alterations.
  • Biomarkers guide targeted therapy selection.
  • ctDNA testing aids in treatment monitoring and selection.

Conclusions:

  • Genomic testing is crucial for personalized cancer care.
  • Targeted therapies show promise for various cancer types.
  • Understanding genomic reports is vital for clinical practice and nursing.