Traditionally, cancer patients with similar cancers and tumor stages, regardless of the molecular and radio logical characteristics of the tumor, have been treated with the same chemotherapeutic agents. This approach was controversial, as studies demonstrated that protocols which were effective for some patients were not effective for others, despite similarity in patient's’ cancer type and stage.
This variance in the treatment success led to a new notion in cancer management, the creation of separate and individualized treatment plans for each distinct cancer patient. This personalized approach is being increasingly utilized as it results in improved outcomes through refining the diagnosis, stage, and treatment of the patient. In order to develop a personalized treatment plan, physicians must first learn about the cancer patient’s genetic basis and the molecular structure of their tumor.