Innovations in personalized medicine and cancer diagnostics
CLINICAL24
Diagnostic innovations are transforming personalized medicine and cancer diagnostics, shifting from a traditional one‑size‑fits‑all approach to highly individualized care strategies. At the heart of this evolution are advanced technologies such as liquid biopsies, next‑generation genomic sequencing (NGS), and biomarker‑based assays, which enable clinicians to characterize cancer at a molecular level with remarkable precision.
These tools allow detection of specific genetic mutations (e.g., EGFR, KRAS, BRCA1/2), protein expression profiles (such as HER2 or PD‑L1), and tumor resistance mechanisms, providing actionable insights for targeted therapies and immuno‑oncology treatments. By integrating circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) analysis, multi‑omics profiling, and companion diagnostics, laboratories can now identify disease drivers earlier, monitor treatment response in real time, and predict relapse risk.
In this SelectScience® CLINICAL24 feature for Biomedical Scientists, Medical Laboratory Scientists, clinicians, clinical researchers and other clinical laboratory professionals, we explore the paradigm shift that moves cancer care from reactive to proactive. This shift enables precision oncology that improves patient outcomes, minimizes unnecessary interventions, and reduces adverse side effects. As these innovations gain traction, they are not only accelerating drug development but also redefining clinical decision‑making, ushering in a new era of data‑driven, patient‑centric medicine.
On cfDNA in hematologic cancers: A Q&A with Dr. Mark Murakami
Hear of Dr. Murakami's mission to profile each patient’s tumor, driven by his research on hematologic cancers, liquid biopsies, and cell-free DNA to advance more personalized, precision-based healthcare for better patient outcomes.
Read Dana-Farber Cancer Institute interview
Platelet DNA enhances liquid biopsies for early and residual cancer detection
Discover with Dr. Murphy from the University of Oxford how cutting-edge research is transforming minimal residual disease (MRD) detection to overcome sensitivity challenges in liquid biopsies to reveal hidden cancer signals earlier and more accurately than ever before.
Read University of Oxford interview
Bringing automated next-generation sequencing to every oncology clinic
Kathy Davy, President of Clinical Next Generation Sequencing at Thermo Fisher Scientific, she shares how precision oncology is transforming with a fully automated next-generation sequencing (NGS) workflow, allowing even small hospitals to deliver rapid, high-quality genomic insights in-house.
Watch Thermo Fisher Scientific interviewRelated resources
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is personalized medicine in cancer care?
Personalized medicine uses detailed molecular and genetic information to tailor treatment strategies to an individual patient’s tumor profile, improving outcomes and reducing unnecessary side effects.
How do laboratory diagnostic innovations support personalized medicine?
Advanced diagnostics carried out by laboratory scientists such as liquid biopsies, next-generation sequencing (NGS), and biomarker-based assays, enable clinicians to identify specific genetic mutations, protein expressions, and resistance mechanisms unique to each patient.
What are liquid biopsies and why are they important?
Liquid biopsies analyze circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) and other biomarkers from blood samples, they are important as they offer a minimally invasive way to monitor cancer progression, detect relapse, and guide therapy decisions in real time.
Which laboratory biomarkers are commonly used in cancer diagnostics?
Key biomarkers include HER2, PD-L1, EGFR, KRAS, and BRCA1/2, which help determine eligibility for targeted therapies and immunotherapies.
How does genomic sequencing improve cancer treatment?
Genomic sequencing identifies actionable mutations and molecular signatures, enabling precision oncology approaches that match patients with the most effective targeted drugs.
Are these laboratory diagnostic technologies widely available?
Access varies globally. While advanced molecular tests and sequencing platforms are common in specialized cancer centers, efforts are ongoing to make these tools more accessible in routine clinical practice. You can keep up to date about the very latest advances in cancer diagnostic technology on SelectScience.
Can personalized diagnostics reduce treatment costs?
Yes. By avoiding ineffective therapies and focusing on targeted treatments, personalized diagnostics can reduce overall healthcare costs and improve patient quality of life.