Precision oncology is an advanced approach to cancer treatment. This technique is based on the genome sequencing data of each unique tumour, identifying its biomarkers. This data helps doctors devise targeted therapies which work only on the cancer cells, and leave healthy cells unaffected. Unnecessary side effects and immune deficiencies are avoided this way. Precision oncology is still in its research phase and is not yet the standard protocol for cancer treatment. At present, it is only recommended to patients whose cancer has metastasised (spread to multiple organs), or to patients for whom standard treatment methods like chemotherapy and radiation therapy would not be effective.
India faces a growing cancer epidemic, with increasing diagnoses each year. Many cases are detected late due to the high population and limited access to regular screenings. Early-stage cancer patients generally tolerate traditional treatments better, but advanced cancers leave patients weaker and less likely to respond well to standard therapies. Precision oncology could offer a solution to improve outcomes for these patients.
Precision oncology is an advanced treatment approach tailored to the unique genetic profile of each patient’s cancer. Current research indicates that each tumour has a distinctive combination of genetic mutations and lifestyle factors. Precision oncology uses this information to design targeted therapies that attack only the cancerous cells. Unlike traditional treatments, which can harm healthy cells, this method aims to selectively eliminate tumour cells.
The field is also known by various names, such as genomic medicine, personalized cancer medicine, or individualized cancer medicine.
Precision oncology aims to create targeted therapies. These targeted therapies are based on specific genetic biomarkers that each tumour has. The biomarkers include structural changes in the genome, abnormalities in the genes and biochemical effects of the tumour. The goal is to block cancer cells with the identified genetic biomarker from dividing and growing. This should be accomplished without stopping the healthy cells from functioning. This approach helps limit side effects.
Research has identified several common genetic biomarkers, such as EGFR, ALK, MET, ROS1, NTRK, HER2, KIT, and BRAF, which are linked to various solid tumors like non-small cell lung cancer, gastric cancer, breast cancer, and ovarian cancer. Scientists have been able to develop targeted therapies to eliminate cells with these specific biomarkers. The research into biomarkers is ongoing and new cancer biomarkers are being added to our knowledge bank.
The process begins with a detailed medical history to gain an in-depth understanding of the case. Previous scans, biopsies and any prior genomic data will be reviewed. After a detailed consultation, a new set of genomic studies are usually undertaken to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the biomarkers. The patient’s blood or saliva may be tested, as well as tissue samples from the tumour.
Different techniques are used to genetically profile the tumour cells. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) is one of the most commonly used techniques, and is considered the foundation of precision oncology. This technique is rapid and accurate, sequencing many genes at once. NGS involves a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification, target enrichment (if required) and parallel sequencing of DNA fragments. In the past, precision oncology was focused on the cancer genome, but new research studies RNA and proteins as well. This gives us better insights into gene expression and regulators, helping create better targeted therapies.
Once the detailed genomic analysis is complete, the data is compiled. The oncologists on the case will then come together to identify the best therapeutic strategies ahead. A data-driven approach gives them the tools to create a personalized treatment plan that has a higher rate of success.
Patients with metastatic cancer may be good candidates for precision oncology. Metastatic cancer occurs when the cancer has advanced and spread from the place where it first formed a tumour to other body parts. Patients with few or no standard treatment options are good candidates for precision oncology. Usually, early-stage cancer patients, for whom conventional treatments like chemotherapy and radiation therapy would be effective, are not recommended to try genomic medicine. Although precision oncology shows a lot of promise, we do not yet have the data to implement it as a standard protocol across all types of cancer.
Precision oncology has shown promising results but remains experimental. Due to its specificity, it is challenging to apply universally across all cancer types. Nonetheless, for cancers like lung and breast cancer, precision oncology has improved outcomes, survival rates, and quality of life compared to standard treatments. Access and cost remain significant barriers, but research progress is promising. Collaboration among stakeholders is crucial for advancing this field.
The success we have seen in precision oncology trials so far are hopeful. Targeted therapies are seen as a better framework for cancer treatment than conventional treatments like chemotherapy. As our understanding of cancerous tumours and their genome improves, the availability of this treatment across different types of cancer will too. With time and research funding, the cost of NGS will also come down, making the technique more accessible to hospitals all over the world. As precision oncology research continues, we hope to soon see the day when genetic testing is the standard protocol for cancer treatment and targeted therapies are employed for all. Cross-referencing world wide databases, using AI to our advantage, seems to be the way to go here.
For more information on precision oncology and personalized cancer treatment options, consult with the experienced oncologists at Kauvery Hospital. With branches in Chennai, Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli, and Trichy, we provide cutting-edge cancer care tailored to your needs.
Kauvery Hospital is globally known for its multidisciplinary services at all its Centers of Excellence, and for its comprehensive, Avant-Grade technology, especially in diagnostics and remedial care in heart diseases, transplantation, vascular and neurosciences medicine. Located in the heart of Trichy (Tennur, Royal Road and Alexandria Road (Cantonment), Chennai (Alwarpet & Vadapalani), Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli and Bengaluru, the hospital also renders adult and pediatric trauma care.
Chennai Alwarpet – 044 4000 6000 • Chennai Vadapalani – 044 4000 6000 • Trichy – Cantonment – 0431 4077777 • Trichy – Heartcity – 0431 4003500 • Trichy – Tennur – 0431 4022555 • Hosur – 04344 272727 • Salem – 0427 2677777 • Tirunelveli – 0462 4006000 • Bengaluru – 080 6801 6801
