Turning data into decisions: Maximizing the clinical impact of precision oncology
Asst. Prof. Lucksamon Thamlikitkul (Mahidol University, Thailand) framed modern oncology’s central challenge as translation: while molecular data is abundant, its true value lies in translating it into meaningful clinical decisions. He emphasized that precision oncology is defined not by testing itself, but by how biomarker insights are applied—quickly and responsibly—to guide treatment based on each patient’s biology and condition. His patient-centered message was clear: “The patient is at the heart of everything we do… we are not doing the molecular testing just for the sake of knowing what is there in the tumor, but we use this data to treat our patients.”
He illustrated this with a lung cancer case in which a young woman, near respiratory failure from advanced disease, received targeted therapy within 24 hours and improved rapidly enough to be discharged within days—demonstrating the real-world impact of precision oncology.
He also highlighted a shift in interpretation: single driver mutations rarely tell the full story. Increasing evidence shows genomic context matters— “it’s not only oncogenic driver that matters. The co-occurring mutations also have important role in the prognosis and treatment response,” he shared, such as EGFR tumors with TP53 alterations, or KRAS tumors shaped by co‑events like STK11. That reality is driving a shift in clinical practice away from reliance on isolated biomarkers toward comprehensive tissue a liquid genomic profiling and integrated interpretation of results.
To achieve consistent clinical impact, Dr. Lucksamon stressed that precision oncology requires more than access to advanced testing. It depends on choosing the right tests for the right patient, interpreting results within the correct clinical context, and acting on evidence-based guidance.
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