Author/Authors :
Harris, Eleanor E. R. Department of Radiation Oncology - Case Western Reserve University and University Hospitals - Cleveland - OH, USA
Abstract :
Precision medicine in oncology seeks to individualize each patient’s treatment regimen based on an accurate assessment of the risk
of recurrence or progression of that person’s cancer. Precision will be achieved at each phase of care, from detection to diagnosis to
surgery, systemic therapy, and radiation therapy, to survivorship and follow-up care. Te precision arises from detailed knowledge
of the inherent biological propensities of each tumor, rather than generalizing treatment approaches based on phenotypic, or even
genotypic, categories. Extensive research is being conducted in multiple disciplines, including radiology, pathology, molecular
biology, and surgical, medical, and radiation oncology. Clinical trial design is adapting to the new paradigms and moving away
from grouping heterogeneous patient populations into limited treatment comparison arms. Tis review touches on several areas
invested in clinical research. Tis special issue highlights the specifc work of a number of groups working on precision medicine
for breast cancer.
