Pharmacogenomics: Personalized medicine and its impact on breast cancer

Abstract

Background: Personalized medicine in breast cancer aims to optimize treatment by classifying cancer subtypes and tailoring therapy based on individual patient profiles, including genetic and epigenetic factors. Pharmacogenomics plays a crucial role in this strategy by investigating how genetic variations affect drug metabolism and therapy response. Aim: This article reviews the impact of pharmacogenomics on personalized medicine for breast cancer, focusing on different molecular subtypes and their responses to targeted therapies. Methods: The study involved a comprehensive review of current literature, examining the molecular classification of breast cancer, the role of genetic and epigenetic factors, and advancements in pharmacogenomics. Key resources, including open-source databases and clinical trials, were analyzed to understand treatment resistance and efficacy. Results: Breast cancer is categorized into molecular subtypes such as hormone receptor-positive, HER2-positive, and triple-negative. Each subtype exhibits distinct responses to therapies. For instance, hormone receptor-positive cancers benefit from endocrine therapies, while HER2-positive cancers respond to targeted antibodies. Triple-negative breast cancer, characterized by its heterogeneity, shows varied responses to platinum-based compounds and PARP inhibitors. The study highlights the challenges of drug resistance and the potential of personalized therapies to overcome these issues.