Genomic strategies for personalized cancer therapy.

Numerous recent studies have demonstrated the use of genomic data, particularly gene expression signatures, as clinical prognostic factors in cancer and other complex diseases. These studies highlight the opportunity for strategies to achieve truly personalized cancer treatment. In particular, the ability to develop gene expression signatures will likely allow us to guide the use of currently available cancer drugs, develop new targeted therapeutics, and provide an opportunity to better match the most effective drug or drugs with the molecular characteristics of the individual patient.