Cancer Genomics in Precision Oncology: Applications, Challenges, and Prospects

Precision medicine has evolved in the last decade following advances in molecular biology technology. The completion of the Human Genome Project revolutionized medicine, especially the way that cancer is researched and understood. The traditional “one-size-fits-all” medicine approach has changed to a precision medicine model that also includes preventive medicine, which has led the improved accuracy of diagnosis and individual treatment of many human diseases. These approaches offer great promises, as well as major challenges. This chapter will address the main aspects of precision oncology regarding several pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical caveats, clinical case studies, and future perspectives.