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Genomic Predictors for Radiation Sensitivity and Toxicity in Breast Cancer—from Promise to Reality

  • Radiation Oncology (W Woodward, Section Editor)
  • Published:
Current Breast Cancer Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

Precision medicine and personalized treatment recommendations have become standard for systemic therapy decision-making in women with breast cancer. Until recently, however, such opportunities have been lacking for radiation related treatment decisions.

Recent Findings

Recent studies have explored the utility of using genomic signatures developed to make systemic therapy recommendations (e.g. Oncotype DX®, ProSigna®, IHC4-C) to guide recommendations for radiation as well. Emerging data suggests that these signatures, while prognostic, may not identify radiation benefit. Radiation-specific signatures are currently under clinical development and may soon be ready for clinical implementation. These classifiers may better be able to determine radiation benefit and detect cancers with intrinsic radiation resistance.

Summary

We are beginning to realize the promise of precision medicine for radiation treatment decisions in women with breast cancer. Previously developed genomic signatures are currently being tested for radiation-related questions, and radiation-specific signatures and radiation toxicity biomarkers are moving into clinical implementation. These advances make clear that genomic classifiers show more than mere promise and will soon allow for personalized radiation recommendations.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Radiation Oncology, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, USA

    Corey Speers & Lori J. Pierce

  2. Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, UH B2 C490 1500 E. Medical Center Dr., SPC 5010, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-5010, USA

    Corey Speers & Lori J. Pierce

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  1. Corey Speers
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Correspondence to Corey Speers.

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Corey Speers and Lori Pierce are co-founders of PFS Genomics and have a provisional patent pending on a method for the analysis of radiosensitivity.

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This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

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Speers, C., Pierce, L.J. Genomic Predictors for Radiation Sensitivity and Toxicity in Breast Cancer—from Promise to Reality. Curr Breast Cancer Rep 12, 255–265 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12609-020-00382-z

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