Next-generation sequencing applied to rare diseases genomics.

Genomics has revolutionized the study of rare diseases. In this review, we overview the latest technological development, rare disease discoveries, implementation obstacles and bioethical challenges. First, we discuss the technology of genome and exome sequencing, including the different next-generation platforms and exome enrichment technologies.

Personalizing pancreatic cancer medicine: what are the challenges?

The P4 paradigm for future medicine promises changes in cancer management with improved Prediction of treatment response, Prevention of disease, Personalization of therapy, and Participation by patients. Significant challenges remain for the implementation of the P4 principles for pancreatic cancer, but many strides have been made in the past several years that should facilitate a future in which the disease can be detected at earlier stages and treatments can be customized to target features of a particular patient's disease. This article summarizes the basic molecular biology of pancreatic tumors and the current state of pancreatic cancer treatment, as well as targeted treatments in the pipeline that might enable future personalized pancreatic cancer treatment and prediction of response to treatment.