Precision Medicine in Breast & Lung Cancer: Coordinated Diagnostics and Treatment Approaches for Personalized Care

The Fourth Asia-Pacific Forum on Precision Cancer Treatment, held during the 8th Taiwan Healthcare+ Expo from December 5 to 8 at the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center, brought together leading experts from Taiwan, Thailand, the Philippines, and beyond to advance innovation in cancer care and precision medicine. As the largest healthcare technology event in the Asia-Pacific region, the forum focused on strengthening international collaboration, showcasing cutting-edge advancements in early detection, diagnostics, and precision therapies.

A dedicated session spotlighted breakthroughs in breast cancer treatment, emphasizing liquid biopsy technology and personalized therapies. Experts discussed how these innovations enhance early detection, monitor tumor heterogeneity, and tailor treatments to improve outcomes. Impactful case studies and treatment results were presented, fostering knowledge exchange to elevate breast cancer care standards worldwide. Another session highlighted advancements in lung cancer treatment, focusing on early diagnosis and in-depth tumor genetic profiling to improve patient outcomes through precision medicine.

Liquid Biopsy: A Breakthrough in Precision Breast Cancer Treatment

To begin with, the forum highlighted liquid biopsy technology and personalized treatment innovations in breast cancer care. Dr. Kun-Ming Rau, Vice Superintendent of E-Da Cancer Hospital in Taiwan, explained how this technology detects early-stage cancer with just a drop of blood. This precise, non-invasive method captures dynamic tumor changes, reducing risks associated with traditional tests while improving diagnostic accuracy. Liquid biopsy is becoming a crucial tool for precision treatment, especially for patients with high tumor heterogeneity.

In addition, Professor Ming-Feng Hou, Emeritus Professor at Kaohsiung Medical University, highlighted the benefits of liquid biopsy in monitoring tumors before surgery and after chemotherapy. This technology provides real-time data, allowing for adjustments to treatment plans and helping predict recurrence risks, especially in early-stage patients. For those at high risk, adjuvant chemotherapy or targeted therapies can reduce the chances of recurrence.

Looking further into its potential, liquid biopsy also sheds light on tumor heterogeneity. Unlike traditional tissue biopsies, which offer limited genomic insights, liquid biopsies detect various tumor-related components in the blood. This broader analysis allows for more personalized treatment options. Professor Hou recommended that post-surgery ctDNA-positive patients consider additional adjuvant therapy to boost their chances of better outcomes.

Despite some limitations, liquid biopsy holds vast potential for future applications. Advancements in technology and cost reductions will expand its use in cancer care. Its non-invasive nature and ability to track tumor changes provide patients with better treatment options and improved quality of life. This innovative tool is gaining widespread clinical recognition worldwide.

Targeted Therapies: How Genomics and Proteomics Shape Personalized Care

Dr. Yen-Shen Lu from National Taiwan University Hospital discussed breast cancer treatment strategies focused on genomics and proteomics. He explained how these methods help customize treatments based on genetic characteristics and tumor biomarkers. This approach improves treatment efficacy while reducing side effects linked to traditional therapies.

Breast cancer remains one of the most common cancers in women and a major focus of precision medicine research. Current targeted therapies focus on protein and RNA expression rather than solely on genetic mutations. HER2 (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2) amplification and ESR1 (estrogen receptor 1) mutations are key biomarkers. HER2-positive patients benefit from trastuzumab (Herceptin), though HER2 testing accuracy requires improvements in current FISH techniques.

Around 30% of patients with ESR1 mutations develop resistance to long-term endocrine therapy. For these patients, selective estrogen receptor degraders (SERDs) provide an alternative treatment option. However, their benefits are not significantly better than traditional therapies. Recent studies show that patients with low HER2 expression also benefit from anti-HER2 therapies. This challenges earlier views that only HER2-high patients should receive such treatments.

Gene expression profiles, RNA markers, and protein markers are critical tools for precision breast cancer treatment. The 21-gene expression test identifies patients needing chemotherapy, avoiding unnecessary treatments. HER2-enriched patients respond poorly to endocrine therapy but benefit from CDK4/6 inhibitors, demonstrating the value of personalized care.

AI advancements further enhance RNA and protein biomarker applications, improving breast cancer treatment outcomes. Gene expression profiles and biomarkers play an essential role in patient stratification and treatment planning.

Early Diagnosis and In-Depth Tumor Genetic Profiling: Innovative Applications in Lung Cancer Treatment

To start, lung cancer, the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, became another key focus of the forum. Dr. Te-Chun, Hsia, Director of Intensive Medicine Center at China Medical University Hospital, emphasized that early diagnosis is crucial to improving lung cancer survival rates. Using the “Ws” concept—When to diagnose, What to screen for, and Where the key diagnosis lies—he discussed how the latest genetic testing technologies are being used for precision lung cancer screening. He shared clinical cases showing how patients with specific genetic mutations can significantly improve their condition with the use of EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). However, these targeted treatments may develop resistance over time, necessitating further genetic testing to adjust treatment strategies, which remains a major challenge in implementing precision medicine.

Moreover, Dr. Kang-Yun Lee, Vice President of Taipei Medical University, shared the latest breakthroughs in clinical innovations in lung cancer treatment, particularly in targeted therapy and immunotherapy advancements. He noted that in-depth tumor genetic profiling has facilitated significant strides in these areas, offering new hope for lung cancer patients worldwide.

Dr. Kang-Yun Lee, Vice President of Taipei Medical University, discussed innovative clinical applications and breakthroughs in lung cancer precision treatment. Image: GeneOnline

Precision Medicine: Not a Breakthrough in Single Technology, But a Complete Ecosystem from Detection to Treatment

The Fourth Asia-Pacific Forum on Precision Cancer Treatment highlighted groundbreaking advances in breast cancer care, with a key focus on liquid biopsy technology. This innovative blood test enables early-stage cancer detection, improves diagnostic accuracy, and monitors tumor heterogeneity. Experts discussed its potential in adjusting treatment plans and predicting recurrence risks, particularly for early-stage and high-risk patients. They also emphasized the growing role of genomics and proteomics in personalized treatment strategies. Targeted therapies now extend beyond genetic mutations, incorporating protein and RNA expression, with biomarkers like HER2 and ESR1 guiding treatment decisions. Advances in gene expression profiling and RNA/protein markers are making personalized care more effective, offering better outcomes through tailored therapies.

Similarly, the progress in lung cancer treatment is being driven by early diagnosis and in-depth genetic profiling. Precision medicine, including EGFR testing and targeted therapies, offers new treatment options and improves patient outcomes. However, challenges like treatment resistance underscore the need for continuous genetic testing to refine treatment strategies and ensure sustained progress.

This year, the forum’s discussions outlined a clear path forward for the future of cancer treatment. Taiwan, with its advanced technology and clinical expertise, is leading the way in precision cancer medicine in the Asia-Pacific region. Precision medicine, as emphasized by the speakers, is not a single technological breakthrough but a complete ecosystem that spans detection, treatment, and ongoing innovation. Through enhanced international collaboration and technological advancements, the future holds the promise of turning cancer survival from a possibility into a certainty.

Author

Bernice Lottering