Precision medicine considers specific biological characteristics of each individual patient to tailor diagnostic and therapeutic strategies to a given patient. This approach is particularly important for a growing number of patients with malignancies. Currently, some unique biological properties in the terms of different “omics” platforms (e.g., genomics, proteomics, transcriptomics, metabolomics, epigenomics, and pharmacogenomics) have been introduced to precision medicine.
In addition, specific personal characteristics of the patients have been described as personomics. It should be highlighted that personomics include an individual patient’s personality type, set of personal values, priorities, preferences, health-related beliefs, goals, economical status, and different life circumstances, which influence when and how a certain disease (e.g., breast cancer (BC)) can be manifested in a given person. As a consequence, personomics are considered to be an innovative clinical tool that is crucial for making a connection between the existing and emerging, more individualized model of medical care. This is particularly important among patients suffering from the most difficult to treat cancers (e.g., BC subtypes, such as the triple-negative BC (TNBC), and the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive BC).
This mini-review addresses some research concepts in personalized medicine, focusing on personomics, which apply individualized data of the patient to the therapeutic plan. In this light, personomics can facilitate the transition from standard medical treatment to personalized medical management of individual women with BC.
Recommendations for streamlining precision medicine in breast cancer care in Latin America
