Evolution of Precision Oncology, Personalized Medicine, and Molecular Tumor Boards

With multiple molecular targeted therapies available for patients with cancer that correspond to a specific genetic alteration, the selection of the best treatment through discussion is essential to ensure therapeutic efficacy. MTBs play a key role in this decision -making process to deliver personalized medicine to patients with cancer in a multidisciplinary manner. Historically, personalized medicine has been offered to patients with advanced cancer, but the incorporation of molecular targeted therapies and immunotherapy into the perioperative setting requires clinicians, including surgeons, to understand the role of the MTB. Evidence is accumulating to support the feasibility and survival benefit in patients treated with the matched therapy proposed by the MTB, and the MTB will continue to play an integral role in incorporating the growing body of evidence of cancer therapy to provide personalized treatment for each patient with cancer.