From Sample to Insight: Technologies Driving the Future of Precision Oncology Assays
The Cancer Care Continuum: A Critical Framework for Modern Oncology The modern view of cancer care is no longer defined by a linear model. Instead, it embraces a continuum—a patient-centered, adaptive frame- work that spans from risk assessment to long-term survivorship. 7 This model recognizes that a patient’s needs, disease behavior, and treatment opportuni- ties shift over time, requiring ongoing, coordinated decision-making. By aligning care across this
continuum, healthcare providers can improve outcomes, reduce unnecessary interventions, and enhance the overall patient experience. Within this framework, biomarker testing and molecular diagnostics play a pivotal role at every stage. Below are key applications of precision tools across the continuum ( Figure 1 ).
PRECISION ONCOLOGY ACROSS THE CANCER CARE CONTINUUM
Figure 1. Precision oncology across the cancer care continuum
• Risk Assessment & Prevention Germline genetic testing and family history analysis help identify individuals at increased risk of cancer. Inherited mutations in genes like BRCA1/2, TP53, and APC can guide proactive strategies such as enhanced surveillance, prophy- lactic surgery, or chemoprevention. • Early Detection, Screening, & Risk Stratification Tools such as liquid biopsy and germline testing support early cancer detection and identify high-risk individuals before symptoms appear.
Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) and inherited mutations enable timely intervention that can significantly improve outcomes. • Diagnosis & Molecular Subtyping Once cancer is detected, biomarker testing enables precise molecular classification, revealing driver mutations, gene fusions, or expression signatures that inform both diagnosis and treatment planning. • Treatment Selection & Personalization Companion diagnostics and comprehensive genomic profiling help match patients to
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