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Genomics, Precision Medicine, and Big Data in Oncology

We sat down with medical oncologist/hematologist, Dr. Brion Randolph, of Cancer Treatment Centers of America stopped by to talk about the impacts of genomics, precision medicine, and big data in oncology.  Dr. Randolph serves as the Chief Hematologist for the Cancer Treatment Centers facility located in Newnan, GA.

Randolph explained how genomics, or the study of DNA material of cancer cells to identify mutations that serve as “drivers” for their tumor cells.  The information gained is used to find the genetic information that turns these cancer cells on and off.  In some cases this data can reveal factors about the tumor cells that can be used when deciding what medication the physician should prescribe.  Often, this genetic data can indicate that another medicine that was originally used to treat another form of cancer in another region of the body could be effective for this particular patient’s case.

We also discussed how oncology is advancing in its use of big data, enabling multiple centers and research studies to leverage results from around the community to advance their work and/or discover trends or commonalities.  Dr. Randolph also explained how we still have a distance to go before we have a broad acceptance and participation in big data as organizations seek to protect and leverage their discoveries and results.

Special Guest:

Dr. Brion Randolph, Chief Medical Hematologist, Cancer Treatment Centers of America, GA          

• MS, Nuclear Engineering, University of Tennessee
• Doctor of Medicine, University of South Carolina College of Medicine
• Residency, Baylor University College of Medicine
• Fellowship, Baylor University College of Medicine
• Board Certified, Internal Medicine and Hematology and Oncology