Translational research in breast cancer.
Translational research (TR) involves both the development of novel diagnostics and novel therapeutics. These two major developmental areas are often associated with each other and these associations often bring new paradigms in the management of cancer patients. For example, the development of trastuzumab-based treatments has been conducted in harmony with the development of new methodologies to assess the expression of the Her-2 gene or protein, and from this, a therapeutic modality was established for breast cancer patients as a novel and individualized treatment system. TR covers a broad spectrum, from diagnosis to treatment, and it seems to act as a catalyst for developing novel paradigms. Therefore, it is crucial to conduct TR in clinical trials, in particular, prospective clinical trials. In this regard, TR can accelerate the development of new methodologies and increase trial efficiency. In this review, we describe the importance of TR, particularly that related to novel therapeutics.
Toi
Masakazu
M
Department of Clinical Trials and Research, Metropolitan Komagome Hospital, Tokyo Metropolitan Cancer and Infectious Disease Centre, 3-18-22, Honkomagome Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8677, Japan. maktoi77@wa2.so-net.ne.jp
Takebayashi
Yuji
Y
Chow
Louis W
LW
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008495:Medical Oncology / Q000639:trends*; D020360:Neoadjuvant Therapy; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D012107:Research Design
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents