The evolution of precision medicine has transformed oncology, offering targeted treatment strategies tailored to individual patients. However, for many healthcare practitioners, effectively applying precision medicine in clinical practice remains a significant challenge.
Anton Yarovoy, MBA, who was speaking on his own behalf at Pharma USA 2025 in Philadelphia, PA, but is Group Product Director of Precision Medicine at Johnson & Johnson, discussed some of these challenges, and presented possible solutions at the meeting.1
If you can identify the weaknes, and find a weak point to act on that target, you can elicit a chain reaction and explode it.—Anton Yarovoy, MBA
Drawing a comparison between precision medicine and the much-feared Death Star in the Star Wars series, Yarovoy said as an analogy, “if you can identify the weakness, and find a weak point to act on that target, you can elicit a chain reaction and explode it.”
Yarovoy noted that one of the largest challenges to the proper implementation of precision medicine is the fact that practice gaps persist. A well-cited industry study demonstrated that in cases of non–small cell lung metastatic cancers, nearly two-thirds of patients who were eligible for targeted therapies did not receive them. These patients often fell out of the diagnostic and treatment pathway due to systemic gaps, lack of familiarity with biomarker testing, or lack of familiarity with new treatment paradigms.2
When patients are targeted for precision medicine, the process can be daunting. From ordering next-generation sequencing (NGS) testing, to choosing the most appropriate treatment option from an array of targeted therapies requires knowledge of evolving clinical guidelines and decision support tools that would shift them away from previously used treatment paradigms.
Educate to Bridge the Gap
Education is a key driver in enhancing the adoption of precision medicine, Yarovoy explained. Physicians seek trusted sources of information, with clinical guidelines ranking as the most frequently accessed resource. Emerging medical trends, diagnostic information, and real-world case studies also play a crucial role in informing oncologists about the latest advancements in targeted therapies.
As the large crowd in attendance of Yarovoy’s discussion seemed to demonstrate, there is growing demand for practical guidance in this area. This highlights the need for enhanced support in molecular diagnostics interpretation and education, ensuring that oncologists can feel confident in utilizing testing data to inform their treatment decisions.
Precision medicine specialists have emerged as invaluable resources in addressing these educational needs. These experts provide tailored guidance on molecular testing best practices as published in guidelines and academic articles, interpretation of genomic and genetic data, and identification of actionable mutations, he said. Their role extends beyond disease state awareness to encompass what should be termed “Testing State Awareness,” emphasizing the importance of appropriate and timely testing in oncology.
Precision Medicine and Industry Support
Pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies also can play a significant role in supporting precision medicine initiatives, Yarovoy noted, adding that a shift in strategy from traditional commercial supporter education is necessary, with a needed rebalance between brand promotion and unbranded educational resources.
Several industry-led educational initiatives, which focus on biomarker education, testing awareness, and emerging therapeutic paradigms, have already helped increase physician engagement and adoption of precision medicine. The challenge lies in expanding these efforts while maintaining credibility and ensuring that educational content remains independent and evidence-based.
Precision Medicine Teams: Driving Change Beyond Education
The impact of precision medicine teams on patient identification and treatment optimization can lead to significant downstream benefits. By improving biomarker testing rates and ensuring that more patients receive appropriately targeted therapies, these teams contribute to increased guideline-recommended testing adoption and, consequently, may improve patient outcomes.
The key to justifying investment in precision medicine teams lies in demonstrating their ability to enhance biomarker-informed treatment knowledge with healthcare practitioners. By focusing on education and facilitating better integration of diagnostics into clinical practice, these teams help bridge the gap between genomic insights and real-world treatment decisions. In essence, they serve as the critical link between scientific advancements and practical implementation.
Future Directions: Enhancing Integration and Adoption
To fully realize the potential of precision oncology, a multifaceted approach is required. The following key strategies can drive greater adoption and integration of precision medicine into clinical practice:
- Enhancing Physician Education: Expanding access to biomarker testing education through interactive workshops, digital resources, and peer-to-peer learning opportunities
- Streamlining NGS Report Interpretation: Developing user-friendly decision support tools that simplify genomic data analysis and provide clear therapeutic recommendations
- Improving Collaboration Between Pathologists and Oncologists: Encouraging cross-disciplinary communication to ensure that molecular test results are effectively translated into actionable treatment strategies
- Optimizing Industry Engagement: Balancing branded and unbranded educational content to ensure that oncologists receive high-quality, evidence-based information
- Leveraging Data Analytics for Precision Medicine: Utilizing real-world data and artificial intelligence–driven insights to refine treatment selection and enhance patient outcomes
Conclusion
By fostering a deeper understanding of precision medicine and equipping oncologists with the necessary tools and knowledge, the healthcare industry can move toward a future where precision therapies are seamlessly integrated into clinical practice. In doing so, more patients will have access to the most effective, biomarker-informed treatments available, which may ultimately improve survival rates and quality of life in oncology care.
References
- Yarovoy A. Precision Medicine, A New Hope: “The approach will not be easy. The target area is only two meters wide.” Presented at: Pharma USA 2025; March 18, 2025. Philadelphia, PA.
- Sadik H, Pritchard D, Keeling DM, et al. Impact of clinical practice gaps on the implementation of personalized medicine in advanced non-small-cell lung cancer. JCO Precis Oncol. 2022;6:e2200246.