Personalized Medicine
By Ella Ben-Ari
Cancer researchers continue to make progress in developing tests using liquid biopsies that could complement and even serve as an alternative to traditional tissue biopsies. These tests, which analyze bits of free-floating genetic and other material shed by tumors into the blood and other body fluids, are already being used to detect cancer-related genetic changes and guide treatment decisions. Read More ›
By William King
VS-6766, a unique inhibitor of the RAF/MEK-signaling pathway, has shown antitumor activity in RAS/RAF mutation–positive solid tumors and in multiple myeloma, when administered on an intermittent dosing schedule, according to recently published data. Read More ›
By Chase Doyle
Patient-centered clinical pathways may hold the promise of truly personalized medicine, improving value-based care and clinical outcomes. However, according to Cary P. Gross, MD, Director, Cancer Outcomes, Public Policy and Effectiveness Research Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, substantial challenges still stand in the way of including the patient’s voice in these pathways. Read More ›
Cancer is basically a disease of the genome. We know that most cancers are caused by changes at the DNA level, whether it’s caused by radiation, cigarette smoking, or unknown factors. DNA changes are really what drive cancer. Read More ›
Cost is a societal factor in the provision of medicines. Oncologists should work in the best interests of their patients and provide the treatments that give patients the most benefit, the fewest side effects, and the best chances of survival. Read More ›
A large part of what we need to do at Foundation Medicine is educate the physician, and the patients, that a test like ours is available, today, to give them a full information about their DNA, and what drives the cancer. Read More ›
As an oncologist who’s practiced for 35 years in the community where I really know my patients, when you listen to patients, they want to be actively involved they and their family, or a combination. Read More ›
We’re getting there very quickly. One of the big questions is, “How do these research findings translate, as you say, to treatment for patients?” Read More ›