Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 28, 2026

Author Spotlight: Advancing Personalized Medicine in Ovarian Cancer
Published on: February 23, 2024
Modern Personalized Strategies for Breast Cancer Treatment: Bridging Precision Oncology and Psycho-Oncology
Giuseppe Marano1,2, Ida Paris3, Gianandrea Traversi4
1Department of Neuroscience, Head-Neck and Chest, Section of Psychiatry, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Largo Agostino Gemelli 8, 00168 Rome, Italy.
Abstract:
Breast cancer represents a paradigmatic model of precision oncology, with treatment strategies increasingly guided by molecular profiling and biomarker-driven targeted therapies. Despite these advances in biological personalization, clinical outcomes remain strongly influenced by psychological and psychiatric factors that are still insufficiently integrated into oncological decision-making. This gap underscores the need for a broader, person-centered model of personalization that extends beyond tumor biology. This narrative review synthesizes current evidence on contemporary personalized strategies in breast cancer management, with a specific focus on the integration of precision oncology and psycho-oncology. A structured literature search was conducted across major biomedical databases to identify studies addressing molecular stratification, targeted treatments, psychiatric comorbidity, psychological profiles, and psycho-oncological interventions relevant to treatment personalization. While molecular classification and biomarker-guided therapies have substantially improved breast cancer outcomes, high rates of depression, anxiety, psychological distress, and maladaptive coping styles are consistently reported across disease stages. These psychological and psychiatric dimensions significantly influence treatment adherence, tolerability, quality of life, and ultimately clinical outcomes. Growing evidence supports the systematic use of psychological screening tools and tailored psycho-oncological interventions, both psychological and pharmacological, as integral components of personalized cancer care. Integrated care models combining oncological and psycho-oncological expertise are associated with improved patient-reported outcomes and may enhance overall therapeutic effectiveness. True personalization in breast cancer treatment extends beyond biological precision and requires the structured integration of psycho-oncological assessment and intervention into routine clinical pathways. Bridging precision oncology and psycho-oncology enables a more comprehensive, patient-centered approach, optimizing adherence, quality of life, and long-term outcomes. Future strategies should prioritize multidisciplinary models of care and the development of integrated clinical frameworks to achieve genuinely personalized breast cancer management.
Insights
Personalized breast cancer treatment requires integrating psycho-oncology with precision oncology. Addressing psychological distress alongside molecular profiling improves adherence, quality of life, and clinical outcomes for patients.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Psycho-Oncology
- Personalized Medicine
Background:
- Precision oncology advances breast cancer treatment via molecular profiling.
- Psychological factors significantly impact patient outcomes but are often overlooked.
- A broader, person-centered approach is needed beyond tumor biology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review personalized breast cancer management strategies.
- To focus on integrating precision oncology and psycho-oncology.
- To highlight the role of psychological factors in treatment outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Conducted a structured literature search across major biomedical databases.
- Identified studies on molecular stratification, targeted treatments, and psycho-oncological interventions.
- Synthesized evidence on the impact of psychological dimensions on breast cancer care.
Main Results:
- Molecular therapies improve outcomes, but psychological distress (depression, anxiety) is prevalent.
- Psychological factors influence treatment adherence, tolerability, quality of life, and outcomes.
- Systematic psychological screening and interventions are supported by growing evidence.
Conclusions:
- True breast cancer personalization necessitates integrating psycho-oncology into clinical pathways.
- Integrated care models improve patient-reported outcomes and therapeutic effectiveness.
- Multidisciplinary approaches are crucial for genuinely personalized breast cancer management.
Related Concept Videos
Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine
The combination of the drug acetazolamide and sulforaphane is a good example of combination therapy to treat cancer. The cells in the interior of a large tumor often die due to the hypoxic and...
Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
Treatment Resistant Cancers
Cancer Therapies
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
Treatment Strategies for Psychological Disorders
Psychological therapies focus on modifying emotions, thoughts, and behaviors through talking, interpreting, listening, rewarding, challenging, and modeling. Clinical psychologists, counselors, and social workers commonly practice psychotherapy. Clinical...
Cancer Survival Analysis
