Rational selection of biomarker driven therapies for gynecologic cancers: The more we know, the more we know we don't know

Gynecol Oncol. 2016 Apr;141(1):65-71. doi: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2016.01.003.

Abstract

Precision medicine is a rapidly evolving area in the treatment of gynecologic malignancies. Advances in sequencing technology have resulted in an increasing wealth of data regarding the genomic characteristics of ovarian, endometrial, and cervical cancers. These vast new datasets of information have led to novel insights into potential vulnerabilities and therapeutic targets for these cancers. However, unraveling the complex molecular changes within cancer cells to determine how best to attack these targets and to identify effective biomarkers of response remains a significant challenge. In this article, we review the current status of biomarker-driven targeted therapy in gynecologic malignancies.

Keywords: Biomarkers; Gynecologic cancer; Personalized medicine; Precision medicine; Targeted therapy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers, Tumor / genetics
  • Female
  • Genes, BRCA1
  • Genes, p53
  • Genital Neoplasms, Female / genetics
  • Genital Neoplasms, Female / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Immunotherapy
  • Molecular Targeted Therapy
  • Mutation
  • Phosphoinositide-3 Kinase Inhibitors
  • Poly(ADP-ribose) Polymerase Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Precision Medicine
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins B-raf / genetics

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • Phosphoinositide-3 Kinase Inhibitors
  • Poly(ADP-ribose) Polymerase Inhibitors
  • BRAF protein, human
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins B-raf