How Do Genomics and Precision Medicine Work Together in Cancer Treatment?
Genomics and precision medicine intersect in cancer treatment through a process that often involves the following steps:
Tumor Profiling: The first step is to perform genomic sequencing of the patient's tumor. This involves analyzing the DNA of the cancer cells to identify genetic mutations, amplifications, deletions, and other alterations. Data Interpretation: Bioinformatics tools are used to interpret the genomic data and to identify actionable mutations. This helps in understanding which genetic changes are driving the cancer. Targeted Therapy: Based on the genomic profile of the tumor, specific drugs or therapies can be selected that target the identified genetic abnormalities. These targeted therapies are designed to interfere with the molecular pathways that are crucial for cancer cell survival and proliferation.
