Radiogenomics in the Era of Advanced Radiotherapy. Issue 5 (May 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Brothwell, M.R.S.; West, C.M.; Dunning, A.M.; Burnet, N.G.; Barnett, G.C.
• Is Part Of: Clinical oncology. Volume 31:Issue 5(2019)
• Page Start: 319
• Page End: 325
• Publication Date: 2019-05
• Subjects: Genome-wide association studies -- radiogenomics -- radiotherapy toxicity; Oncology -- Periodicals; Tumors -- Periodicals; Cancer -- Treatment -- Periodicals; Radiotherapy -- Periodicals; Neoplasms -- Periodicals; Cancer -- Radiotherapy; Cancer -- Treatment; Oncology; Medical radiology; Radiotherapy; Tumors; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 616.994
• DOI: 10.1016/j.clon.2019.02.006
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0936-6555

Abstract

Abstract: Most radiogenomics studies investigate how genetic variation can help to explain the differences in early and late radiotherapy toxicity between individuals. The field of radiogenomics in photon beam therapy has grown rapidly in recent years, carving out a unique translational discipline, which has progressed from candidate gene studies to larger scale genome-wide association studies, meta-analyses and now prospective validation studies. Genotyping is increasingly sophisticated and affordable, and whole-genome sequencing may soon become readily available as a diagnostic tool in the clinic. The ultimate aim of radiogenomics research is to tailor treatment to the individual with a test based on a combination of treatment, clinical and genetic factors. This personalisation would allow the greatest tumour control while minimising acute and long-term toxicity. Here we discuss the evolution of the field of radiogenomics with reference to the most recent developments and challenges. Highlights: Radiogenomics can contribute to the development of approaches for personalising treatment by identifying sufficient genetic variants associated with a patient's risk of developing radiotherapy toxicity. A predictive test could also enable decisions about which treatment to offer a patient (e.g. surgery rather than radiotherapy), the ordering of treatments and early symptom control. A better understanding of radiogenomics may also help understand the biological processes underlying radiotherapy toxicity, which may lead to better approaches for pharmacological manipulation in the future.