Dr. Scagliotti on Tailored Treatment & Host Genomics

Giorgio V. Scagliotti, MD, PhD, head of the Thoracic Oncology Unit, Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, San Luigi Hospital, Orbassano, Italy, defines the term tailored treatment as a description of a broad field that refers to the study of the cancer genome and more specifically the host genome.

The host genome provides information about how drugs are metabolized. Genomic studies will identify lung cancer patients that will benefit the most from cytotoxic agents and more specifically pemetrexed (Alimta) for lung cancer patients.