Overcoming implementation challenges of personalized cancer therapy

Personalized cancer therapy is based on the perception that detailed molecular characterization of the patient's tumor and its microenvironment will enable tailored therapies to improve outcomes and decrease toxicity. The goal of personalized therapy is to target aberrations that drive tumor growth and survival, by administering the right drug combination for the right person. The time seems right for finally delivering personalized cancer therapy as standard of care, thanks to the increasing understanding of the mechanisms underlying tumor progression and drug sensitivity, and the increasing availability of targeted therapies and cost-effective multiplex testing. However, there are numerous challenges that need to be overcome to successfully implement personalized cancer therapy. Read more here.

Study mentioned: Meric-Bernstam F, Mills GB. Overcoming implementation challenges of personalized cancer therapy. Nat Rev Clin Oncol. 2012 Aug 14;9(9):542-8. PMID: 22850751