Personalized tumor response assessment in the era of molecular medicine: cancer-specific and therapy-specific response criteria to complement pitfalls of RECIST.

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to review cancer- and therapy-specific tumor response assessment criteria used in clinical trials and in practice, with illustrative case examples, and to discuss future directions toward "personalized" tumor response assessment. Although Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors will remain as the primary generalized criteria for response assessment, newer cancer- and therapy-specific criteria will play an important role in providing state-of-the-art response assessment of tumor following molecular targeted therapy and will contribute to personalized cancer care in the era of molecular medicine.