Living Guidelines for Tumor-Agnostic Therapies: A Pathway to Next-Generation Cancer Treatment

Tumor-agnostic therapies represent a transformative shift in oncology, targeting molecular alterations irrespective of cancer histology. These therapies offer new hope for patients with rare and difficult-to-treat malignancies, yet their integration into clinical practice remains inconsistent because of the absence of guidelines. Traditional organ-based classifications hinder timely access to precision treatments, despite evidence supporting molecular-driven approaches. Living guidelines, continuously updated frameworks based on emerging data, are essential to bridge this gap. They enable just-in-time incorporation of new therapies, streamline biomarker-driven care, and address the unique needs of rare and ultrarare cancers. Regulatory approvals for tumor-agnostic agents, such as NTRK inhibitors and immunotherapies for microsatellite instability-high/mismatch repair-deficient tumors, underscore the urgency for unified guidance. Trials like TAPUR, TRACK, and NCI-MATCH demonstrate the feasibility and benefit of molecular profiling across diverse cancer types. Tools like ESMO's ETAC-S provide structured criteria for evaluating tumor-agnostic potential, yet real-world implementation lags. Living guidelines can harmonize testing practices, improve access, and educate clinicians on cross-tumor applicability. They also facilitate proactive biomarker testing, reduce treatment delays, and enhance patient safety through tailored toxicity management. As oncology evolves toward molecular precision, living tumor-agnostic guidelines are critical for ensuring equitable, evidence-informed care for all patients, particularly those with rare cancers. National organizations must prioritize their development to fully realize the promise of precision medicine.

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Publication Details

Journal
JCO Precision Oncology
Published
2026-04-01
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1200/po-25-00767
Primary Topic
Cancer Genomics and Diagnostics
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
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article

Living Guidelines for Tumor-Agnostic Therapies: A Pathway to Next-Generation Cancer Treatment

R. Kurzrock, Thomas K. Oliver, Jim Palma, Vivek Subbiah
JCO Precision Oncology
Cancer Genomics and Diagnostics
article

Living Guidelines for Tumor-Agnostic Therapies: A Pathway to Next-Generation Cancer Treatment

R. Kurzrock, Thomas K. Oliver, Jim Palma, Vivek Subbiah
article en

Abstract

Tumor-agnostic therapies represent a transformative shift in oncology, targeting molecular alterations irrespective of cancer histology. These therapies offer new hope for patients with rare and difficult-to-treat malignancies, yet their integration into clinical practice remains inconsistent because of the absence of guidelines. Traditional organ-based classifications hinder timely access to precision treatments, despite evidence supporting molecular-driven approaches. Living guidelines, continuously updated frameworks based on emerging data, are essential to bridge this gap. They enable just-in-time incorporation of new therapies, streamline biomarker-driven care, and address the unique needs of rare and ultrarare cancers. Regulatory approvals for tumor-agnostic agents, such as NTRK inhibitors and immunotherapies for microsatellite instability-high/mismatch repair-deficient tumors, underscore the urgency for unified guidance. Trials like TAPUR, TRACK, and NCI-MATCH demonstrate the feasibility and benefit of molecular profiling across diverse cancer types. Tools like ESMO's ETAC-S provide structured criteria for evaluating tumor-agnostic potential, yet real-world implementation lags. Living guidelines can harmonize testing practices, improve access, and educate clinicians on cross-tumor applicability. They also facilitate proactive biomarker testing, reduce treatment delays, and enhance patient safety through tailored toxicity management. As oncology evolves toward molecular precision, living tumor-agnostic guidelines are critical for ensuring equitable, evidence-informed care for all patients, particularly those with rare cancers. National organizations must prioritize their development to fully realize the promise of precision medicine.

JCO Precision OncologyVol. 10(4)
University of Nebraska–Lincoln (US), American Society of Clinical Oncology (US), Medical College of Wisconsin (US), TargetCancer Foundation (US), WIN Consortium, Medical College of Wisconsin Cancer Center, Stanford University (US)
Openalex Percentile: Top 25%
Cancer Genomics and Diagnostics
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