Precision Medicine and Genomic Profiling: A Review on Personalized Cancer Therapy Approaches

Cancer is a heterogeneous disease, and patients with the same cancer type may respond differently to standard therapies. Traditional approaches, such as chemotherapy and radiation, often adopt a “one-size-fits-all” method, leading to variable outcomes and side effects. Precision medicine tailors therapy based on an individual’s genetic, molecular, and phenotypic profile. Genomic profiling identifies mutations and biomarkers that guide targeted therapy. In India, where cancer prevalence is rising, adopting personalized treatment strategies can improve effectiveness and survival. This paper reviews genomic profiling techniques, their clinical applications, challenges, and future perspectives, with a focus on national relevance.

2. METHODOLOGY

A comprehensive literature survey was conducted using PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus. Keywords included “Precision Medicine,” “Genomic Profiling,” “Targeted Cancer Therapy,” and “Pharmacogenomics.” Studies from 2015–2025, including clinical trials, case reports, and reviews, were analyzed. Findings were summarized to provide insights into genomic-guided personalized cancer therapy, particularly in the context of India.

3. FINDINGS

3.1 Genomic Profiling Techniques

• Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS): Detects multiple mutations simultaneously.
• Whole-Genome Sequencing (WGS): Provides a complete mutation map.
• Transcriptomics (RNA-seq): Analyzes gene expression patterns.
• Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) Analysis: Identifies genetic variants linked to disease risk and drug response.

3.2 Applications In Personalized Therapy

• Targeted Therapy: EGFR inhibitors, HER2 blockers, PARP inhibitors based on genomic markers.
• Pharmacogenomics: Optimizes drug selection and dosing to improve efficacy and reduce toxicity.
• Immunotherapy Guidance: Biomarkers such as PD-L1 and MSI help predict therapy response.

3.3 Case Examples

• Breast Cancer: HER2-positive patients → Trastuzumab therapy.
• Lung Cancer: EGFR mutation → Tyrosine kinase inhibitors.
• Colon Cancer: KRAS mutation → Guides therapy, prevents ineffective treatment.

3.4 Challenges

• High cost of genomic testing.
• Limited infrastructure and trained personnel.
• Need for standardized clinical protocols.
• Accessibility issues in resource-limited regions.

4. DISCUSSION

Precision medicine enhances treatment efficacy and reduces adverse effects. Combining pharmacogenomics and immunotherapy further improves outcomes. However, challenges such as cost, infrastructure, and standardization remain, especially in developing countries. Early adoption in India can optimize treatment resources and improve patient survival.

5. CONCLUSION

Genomic profiling-based precision medicine is transforming cancer therapy. Even in India, personalized approaches can significantly enhance treatment outcomes and patient quality of life. Future research should focus on cost-effective genomic testing, biomarker discovery, and clinical integration of advanced therapies. This review highlights the potential of precision medicine for safe, effective, and tailored cancer care.

6. FIGURES:

Figure 1: Workflow of Precision Medicine in Cancer Therapy (Patient → Genomic Profiling → Targeted Therapy → Monitoring)

Figure 2: Comparison of Conventional vs Personalized Therapy (Efficacy, Side Effects, Outcomes)