Precision medicine for cancer treatment

In oncology, precision medicine uses genetic information about a patient's tumour to determine the most effective treatment. This strategy involves molecular profiling – identifying genetic mutations or biomarkers within the tumour to predict its behaviour and response to specific therapies. By focusing on the tumour’s unique characteristics, precision oncology utilises targeted treatments that minimise damage to healthy cells, improving outcomes and reducing side effects.

Personalised medicine for cancer marks a move from a one-size-fits-all model to a tailored approach. It not only improves treatment efficacy but also minimises unnecessary interventions, improving patients’ overall well-being. Furthermore, precision oncology offers insights into cancer prevention and early detection, paving the way for better long-term outcomes. 

Precision medicine is utilised across various cancer types, including lung, prostate, breast, colorectal and melanoma. In lung cancer, for instance, therapies targeting genetic mutations such as EGFR rearrangements have shown significant success. Similarly, melanoma precision medicine has revolutionised melanoma treatment through BRAF inhibitors. This approach also extends to colorectal cancers, where immunotherapy has become a cornerstone of treatment.

Precision medicine significantly enhances the effectiveness of breast cancer treatment. Approaches include: 

Used for hormone receptor-positive breast cancers, these treatments involve aromatase inhibitors, selective oestrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), and selective oestrogen receptor degraders (SERDs) to block the tumour's access to hormones like oestrogen and progesterone.

These include HER2 inhibitors like trastuzumab and pertuzumab, which block the HER2 protein’s signalling pathways.

Particularly effective for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), immune checkpoint inhibitors like pembrolizumab enhance the immune system's ability to identify and attack cancer cells.

Techniques like PAM50 classify breast cancers into subtypes to guide specific interventions.

Although not unique to precision medicine, chemotherapy is tailored based on tumour subtyping and the patient’s genetic profile, improving effectiveness and reducing unnecessary side effects.

Precision medicine has demonstrated considerable effectiveness, improving survival rates and quality of life for cancer patients. Its ability to match therapies to individual genetic profiles increases the likelihood of treatment success. However, challenges such as access to advanced diagnostic tools and the cost of precision therapies remain barriers to widespread adoption.