The Precision Oncology Approach to Molecular Cancer Therapeutics Targeting Oncogenic Signaling Pathways is a Means to an End

Abstract

Cancer is a deadly genetic disease with diverse aspects of complexity, including cancer immune evasion, treatment resistance, and recurrence requiring optimized treatment to be cured. Molecular studies have revealed that tumors are profoundly heterogeneous in nature, leading to the complexity of cancer progression that is ultimately linked to its genetic machinery. It is important to note that patients with the same types of cancer respond differently to cancer treatments, indicating the need for patient-specific treatment options. This requires an in-depth genomic study of the patient's tumors to fully understand the driving factors of cancer for effective targeted therapy. Precision oncology has evolved as a form of cancer therapy focused on genetic profiling of tumors to identify molecular alterations involved in cancer development for tailored individualized treatment of the disease. Whole genome sequencing, tumor and cell-free DNA profiling, transcriptomics, proteomics and exploration of the cancer immune system form the basis of this field of cancer research and treatment. This article aims to briefly explain the foundations and frontiers of precision oncology in the context of ongoing technological advancements in related fields of study in to assess its scope and importance in achieving effective cure against cancer.