Lessons in practicing cancer genomics and precision medicine

Introduction: Cancer genomic medicine has resulted in a shift from categorizing tumors solely based on their tissue of origin and histology to consideration of their molecular profile. Due to the large heterogeneity in clinical response, debilitating toxicities, and high treatment costs, it is imperative clinicians apply novel methods in precision medicine and cancer genomics to improve the benefit-risk profile. Areas covered: Cancer genomic medicine provides a personalized and practical method to enrich clinical efficacy, decrease toxicity, and enhance patient quality of life, thereby improving the return on investment for patient. The assimilation of cancer genomic medicine into clinical practice is rapidly advancing. This review addresses several lessons to consider as oncology researchers and clinicians begin to practice precision medicine and cancer genomics, including implications of patient sampling and clinical trials, molecular profiling and therapeutic interventions, and assimilation of cancer genomic medicine into the health system. Expert commentary: It is important that clinicians and researchers stay abreast of genomic advancements and understand how to effectively incorporate genomics into the cancer care continuum. A concerted and strategic effort must be made by researchers, clinicians, and cancer centers to adopt cancer genomic medicine as part of the new standard of care.