In recent years, there has been an explosion of genomic information about cancer that is driving biomarker development and new drug treatments targeted at specific gene mutations. This move toward “personalized cancer medicine” offers exciting opportunities to improve the effectiveness of radiation therapy (RT). For example, gene sequencing or expression profiling could lead to more refined approaches for selecting patients likely to benefit from RT (and conversely, those at heightened risk of severe side effects, for whom other options may be more appropriate); more accurate prediction of outcome; and new, combined modality treatments with drugs that overcome molecular mechanisms involved in radiation resistance and treatment failure. Radiation oncologists need to embrace this new knowledge in the interest of ensuring the best possible interdisciplinary care for our patients.
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