The genetic basis for cancer treatment decisions.
Personalized cancer medicine is based on increased knowledge of the cancer mutation repertoire and availability of agents that target altered genes or pathways. Given advances in cancer genetics, technology, and therapeutics development, the timing is right to develop a clinical trial and research framework to move future clinical decisions from heuristic to evidence-based decisions. Although the challenges of integrating genomic testing into cancer treatment decision making are wide-ranging and complex, there is a scientific and ethical imperative to realize the benefits of personalized cancer medicine, given the overwhelming burden of cancer and the unprecedented opportunities for advancements in outcomes for patients.
Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, Toronto, ON M5G 0A3, Canada.
Janet E
JE
Dancey
Philippe L
PL
Bedard
Nicole
N
Onetto
Thomas J
TJ
Hudson
D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D015195:Drug Design; D006801:Humans; D007258:Informed Consent / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D007880:Legislation, Drug; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000235:genetics*; D057285:Precision Medicine; D012042:Registries