Does precision oncology replace standard treatment with new drugs
Does precision oncology replace standard treatment with new drugs, precision oncology, a revolutionary development in cancer treatment, has ushered in a new era of personalized treatment options. This new treatment approach aims to determine the most appropriate targeted treatment options for the patient by analyzing the genetic structure of tumor tissue or tumor DNA in the bloodstream, regardless of the organ where the cancer is located.
Unlike cytotoxic chemotherapy methods traditionally used in cancer treatment, precision oncology focuses on identifying genetic defects in tumor cells and providing treatment options with specific drugs. In this way, cancer patients can receive more effective and personalized treatment, increasing success rates and reducing side effects.
Fundamentals of Precision Oncology: Genetic Analysis and Tumor Profiling
Precision oncology applications use advanced genetic analysis techniques called molecular pathology in the treatment of cancer. In this process, cancer tissue obtained from the patient or tumor DNA in the bloodstream is examined in detail. With advanced technology methods such as next generation sequencing (NGS), disorders in the genetic structure of tumor cells are identified and the role of these gene disorders in the cancerization process is examined.
The genetic data obtained are evaluated by the multidisciplinary oncology team to determine patient-specific treatment options. At this stage, the genetic differences detected in cancer cells are compared with existing targeted therapy drugs to develop the most appropriate treatment strategy for the patient. Thus, a more personalized and targeted approach is adopted in cancer treatment.
Differences between Traditional Cancer Treatment and Precision Oncology
For many years, conventional cancer treatments have been based on cytotoxic (cell-killing) chemotherapy. These treatments consist of drugs that are selected according to the organ in which the cancer is located and are often aimed at destroying cancer cells in general. For example, a chemotherapy protocol for lung cancer and the drugs chosen for breast cancer treatment are based on the organ where the disease originates.
However, this approach is not always effective as not all cancer patients respond to the same treatment in the same way. The genetic defects in each individual’s cancer cells may differ, which can change the patient’s response to treatment. This is where precision oncology comes in.
Precision oncology focuses on the genetic structure of the tumor rather than the organ where the cancer originates. Next-generation sequencing methods identify genetic differences in cancer cells and a more effective treatment plan is created by using smart drugs developed specifically for these differences. This approach targets only cancer cells while minimizing the risk of damaging healthy cells.
Benefits of Precision Oncology in the Treatment Process
The biggest advantage of precision oncology is that it offers patient-specific treatment options, making the treatment process more effective. Here are some of the benefits of a precision oncology approach to cancer treatment:
1. Personalized Treatment: The genetic structures in each patient’s cancer cells differ. Therefore, offering personalized treatment options in line with the patient’s tumor profile increases the chances of treatment success.
2. Targeted Treatment: Precision oncology targets specific genetic disorders in cancer cells and offers treatment methods to eliminate these disorders. This allows cancer cells to be destroyed more effectively.
3. Reducing Side Effects: While traditional chemotherapy carries the risk of damaging healthy cells, precision oncology minimally affects healthy cells. This improves patients’ quality of life and makes the treatment process easier.
4. Improving Response to Treatment: Patients who are treated with drugs that are appropriate for their genetic makeup generally respond more favorably to treatment. Targeted drugs may be more effective in stopping or shrinking tumor growth.
Cancer Therapy of the Future: An Organ Independent Approach
The innovative treatment options offered by precision oncology have revolutionized cancer treatment. Whereas traditionally cancer treatment was based on the organ where the cancer was found, precision oncology identifies tumor-specific genetic differentiation and tailors the treatment plan accordingly. This means adopting an approach that focuses on the genetic makeup of the tumor, regardless of the organ of origin.
By focusing on the molecular basis of cancer, this next-generation therapeutic approach aims to improve treatment options and provide patients with more effective treatment. In the future, precision oncology applications will make cancer treatments more personalized, with fewer side effects and more successful outcomes.
Conclusion Personalized Cancer Treatment with Precision Oncology
Precision oncology has revolutionized cancer treatment and increased success rates by offering patients personalized treatment options. Thanks to next-generation genetic analysis methods and tumor profiling techniques, genetic disorders in cancer cells are detected and treated with smart drugs targeting these disorders. Thus, the treatment process of patients progresses more effectively and with fewer side effects.
In the future, with the wider use of precision oncology methods, there will be a significant revolution in cancer treatments. If you would like to learn more about cancer treatment or to find out about personalized treatment options, you can contact an oncologist to customize your treatment plan.
