Genomic Strategies for Personalized Cancer Therapy

This chapter summarizes current knowledge and concepts related to the use of precision medicine in oncology. Each cancer type previously described by the organ of origin is now being characterized by the molecular aberration or mutation that uniquely drives the biology of a given tumor. This molecular classification provides more precise information on prognosis, as well as guidance for therapeutic choices that are now being specifically designed to address tumor dependence on specific oncogenic pathways. In fact, recent new cancer therapeutics approvals are for treatment across different malignancies, targeting specific molecular defects. The era of precision oncology is making significant advancements in controlling cancer and improving survival of patients, but still has multiple challenges, such as comprehensive and longitudinal testing of intrapatient tumor evolution, new biomarker development, novel clinical trial designs for smaller populations, data sharing, and ethical implications for patients with cancer and their families.