Personalised Cancer Treatment: Tailoring Therapy to the Individual

Medical science has significantly developed. Now, even serious health issues like cancer are entirely curable. This progress can reach new heights with personalised cancer treatment. Though chemotherapy/surgery is the most suggested treatment option for different cancer types, there are some consequences. Hence, personalised medicine in oncology introduces more effective ways to deal with cancer. It is a medical care approach prepared according to the genetics and abnormal changes in the patient's tumour.

Thus, it helps get deeper insights into cellular growth (genes and tumour) as cancer can affect/involve your genes. The patient gets a more personalised treatment, which further reduces side effects. Experts also call it "precision medicine". Some examples of personalised medicine are targeting HER2 (breast cancer) and ALK (non-small-cell lung cancer).

With India leading as a top-notch medical service provider, many patients and their families visit the country for the best cancer treatment.

What’s new about personalised cancer medicine?

Earlier, the doctor used to suggest treatment according to the cancer type. That means all lung cancer patients will get the same treatment. But the treatment response was different for every patient. The reason was the molecular difference in the genes and tumours of every patient. Therefore, the doctors opted for this treatment approach. Though standard treatments are still recommended, there is a chance to personalise cancer treatment with information on genetics.

How are cancer treatments personalised?

Chemotherapy

It works by destroying cells that abnormally divide themselves. It is the prime property of cancerous cells. But sometimes, it can destroy healthy cells, resulting in side effects like a low blood count. A combination of drugs (chemotherapeutic agents) is used for this treatment to improve effectiveness and reduce the chances of single-drug resistance. Your doctor may evaluate your progress with CT scans, MRIs, etc. If it seems ineffective, then the oncologist can personalise cancer treatment with specific genetic biomarkers. These are genetic or protein changes present in tumour cells. It will help understand the tumour, treatment response, and recurrence risk. Biomarkers can help in predicting the treatment’s outcome. For example, ERCC1 in tumours refers to a positive result of cisplatin chemotherapy.

Radiation therapy

This treatment option uses radiation energy to destroy the genes of cancerous cells. Thereafter, these cells aren’t able to divide themselves and gradually die. It stops the further progression of the tumour. It also affects healthy cells in some cases, leading to various side effects. This scenario creates a need to minimise the damage to healthy cells. Under personalised medicine, the doctor chooses the right radiation therapy approach while targeting the affected part with the proper dosage. For instance, while exposing the rectum to radiation, your doctor may try to protect the surrounding organs, like the bladder.

Targeted therapies

This treatment damages cancer cells by targeting their survival, replication, and secondary growth points. Many drugs are involved in this approach. The combination of drugs helps in understanding the side effects. Within the scope of personalised medicine, the doctor can change the drugs or treatment schedule to alleviate side effects.

Immunotherapy

This popular cancer treatment uses lab or body-produced substances that help boost the immune system. It helps the body fight and destroys cancer cells. Immunotherapy is used to treat various cancers. It can be used alone or in combination with chemotherapy and other cancer treatments.

Benefits of personalised medicine for cancer treatment

Get a better understanding of the unique form of cancer and its relation to your genes - It is about studying your genes and the cellular details of the malignant tumour. This approach helps in knowing the potential risks of cancer development, the unique cancer type (like a subtype of lung cancer), and how the body will react to the cancer treatment.

• Determine mutated genes to find out a way to stop the progression - The study on genetic mutation can help find the right cause and treatment plan. Thus, it can help stop the progression with better care.
• Plan an effective roadmap - Personalised medicine makes it possible to curate a wellness plan and cancer treatment roadmap that can be more effective and has fewer side effects.’
• Targeting the right cells and reducing cellular damag - It makes the patient’s condition clearer. So, the oncologist can target the right cells and reduce the chances of cellular damage.
• It helps in making precise decisions. - The decision on the treatment is based on scientific data. It makes the doctor confident about the success rate of the treatment.
• Forecasting the risk of recurrence - It helps in knowing the recurrence rate and taking measures for the same. Hence, the patient can prevent recurrence and improve the quality of life after cancer treatment.

Limitations of personalised medicine

• Sometimes, the study of mutation can be irrelevant.
• Fewer drugs are available for targeted therapy.
• Sampling error (contradictory response to the same drug) can lead to a delay in treatment.
• The cells of the tumour change with each passing day. Keeping track of these changes isn’t possible.
• There is difficulty in understanding tumours present in the breast, lungs, and stomach.
• Only some people can opt for this approach due to incomplete research and accessibility. Some personalised cancer medicine options are present in clinical trials.
• Studying the gene is a time-consuming process and can delay the treatment.
• Genetic testing is expensive and not included in health insurance coverage.
• Researchers are still figuring out abnormal changes in tumours.

Is personalised cancer medicine right for you?

• Everyone can’t opt for personalised cancer medicine. You can use this approach if your condition can fulfil any of the conditions below.
• The researchers have already discovered the gene changes in your tumour.
• Accessibility of tests to identify genetic changes.
• Availability of treatment for that specific gene change.

What should every cancer patient know?

You may need to give one or more samples of your tissues and tumours. With tissue and blood samples, the doctor can list the characteristics of the tumour. It will help them find exciting facts that can be important in treatment selection. The patients should ensure that their biological samples are safe in a biobank. It will help the new patients find a better way to treat themselves. Moreover, it is not a guarantee to cure the patient. Treatment may not work if there are other unknown cellular changes,

Conclusion

A new futuristic approach to cancer treatment is in the form of personalised medicine. It is a way to study genetics and take informed decisions. The present standard treatments remain the best way to treat cancer. But the data received after the genetics study can help enhance effectiveness and quality of life. The research is still ongoing but can help treat many cancer types. So discuss this approach with your doctor before selecting the treatment plan.

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