Advances in cancer genomic medicine as an individualized treatment of cancer based on genetic information

Cancer research is progressing rapidly due to advances in genome analysis technology. As a result, cancer treatment tailored to the individual patient's medical condition is becoming possible, and new options for cancer treatment are being created.

In cancer genomic medicine, first, a large number of genes are simultaneously examined by a cancer gene panel test mainly using cancer tissues, and pathogenic mutations in the genes are clarified. Next, the drugs to target pathological mutation detected in whole genome are prescribed, and as cancer medical treatment, treatment is performed according to the constitution and medical condition of each individual. By the Japan Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, cancer genomic medicine core hospitals, Cancer Genome Medical Center Hospitals, cancer genomic medicine cooperation hospital have been designated. Furthermore, the establishment of a system for cancer genomic medicine is being promoted with the aim of enabling patients to receive cancer genomic medicine anywhere in Japan.

For the treatment of some cancers such as ovarian cancer and breast cancer, "oncogene testing" has already been performed as standard treatment to examine one or several genes using cancer tissue. Based on the results of the test, drugs that respond to genetic changes are prescribed.

In Japan, cancer genomic medicine was started in insurance medical care from around December 2019. By December 2020, cancer genomic medicine was performed in about 576 cases at a national university hospital in Japan, and drugs were recommended for 29% (167/576) cases.

Doctor for Cancer Medicine/Cancer Genome Medicine                                New Engl J Med. Published on January 2021 by Kyoto@Takuma  H