Molecular tumor board and theranostics

Abstract

Clinical oncology is currently undergoing a period of unprecedented change. Targeted therapy, and subsequently immunotherapy, has revolutionized the clinical course and outcome of many patients with solid cancer. Clinical oncology is inseparable from molecular oncology, the development of which is interconnected. Molecular tumor research proposes the most precise, effective and lesser toxic antitumor therapy regimen is an extremely urgent clinical task, especially in life-threatening and resistant to other types of treatment cases of cancer. Modern technologies of genomic and postgenomic studies, as well as molecular imaging methods (positron and single photon emission computed tomography, PET and SPECT, respectively) make it possible not only to assess the metabolic and receptor status of tumor foci, but also to select the optimal therapeutic tactics as a key to the lock. In the clinical practice of oncology, there is an increasing need for molecular tumor board (MTB). Published real clinical experience with MTB-recommended treatment regimens based on the molecular geno-transcriptomic profile of the tumor indicates better relapse-free and overall patient survival compared to treatment prescribed by a physician without taking into account the molecular profile of the tumor. More experience is needed and randomized controlled clinical trials are needed for more solid and evidence-based conclusions. However, there is no doubt that the MTB is a powerful tool for the development of precision personalized oncology.