Dr AV Cancer Institute of Personalized Cancer Therapy & Research

Precision oncology, also known as personalized or individualized oncology, is an approach to cancer treatment that tailors medical decisions and interventions to the unique characteristics of each patient and their specific cancer. It is based on the understanding that cancer is a highly heterogeneous disease, and different patients may respond differently to the same treatments. Precision oncology aims to identify the most effective therapies for each patient while minimizing the risk of side effects and unnecessary treatments. Traditional cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy, are effective to some extent, but they can also harm healthy cells and cause significant side effects. In contrast, precision oncology takes advantage of advances in genomics, molecular biology, and technology to better understand the unique features of each patient’s cancer.

1. Genomic Profiling: Precision oncology relies on extensive genomic analysis of a patient’s tumor to identify specific genetic mutations, alterations, and biomarkers that drive cancer growth. This information helps oncologists understand the unique genetic makeup of the tumor and determine targeted therapies that can exploit these vulnerabilities.
2. Targeted Therapies: Once specific genetic alterations are identified, targeted therapies can be used to interfere with the cancer’s growth and survival pathways more precisely. These therapies are designed to specifically target the abnormal proteins or pathways that are essential for cancer growth while sparing healthy cells and reducing side effects.
3. Immunotherapy: Precision oncology also includes the use of immunotherapies, which harness the body’s immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. Certain immunotherapies, like immune checkpoint inhibitors, have shown remarkable success in treating various types of cancer.
4. Combination Therapies: In some cases, a combination of targeted therapies and immunotherapies may be used to enhance the treatment response and overcome potential resistance mechanisms, to create a more comprehensive approach that addresses multiple aspects of cancer growth and evasion.
5. Clinical Trials: Precision oncology often involves participation in clinical trials, where patients can access experimental treatments or new combinations of therapies that are not yet widely available.
6. Liquid Biopsies: In addition to traditional tissue biopsies, liquid biopsies have gained importance in precision oncology. Liquid biopsies involve the analysis of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) or other biomarkers in the blood, allowing for non-invasive monitoring of tumor dynamics and treatment response over time.
7. Monitoring treatment effectiveness: Precision oncology also involves regular monitoring of a patient’s tumor through molecular profiling. This allows clinicians to track changes in the tumor’s genetic makeup and make necessary adjustments to treatment if the cancer evolves or becomes resistant to the current therapy.

8. Data and Artificial Intelligence: Precision oncology generates vast amounts of data from genomic analyses and clinical information. Artificial intelligence and machine learning play a crucial role in analyzing these data to identify patterns, predict treatment responses, and improve patient outcomes.

Precision Oncology utilizes various techniques, including:

Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS): This technique analyzes a patient’s DNA to identify genetic mutations and alterations that drive cancer growth.

Companion Diagnostics: These are specific tests that help identify patients who are likely to respond to a particular targeted therapy.

Liquid Biopsies: These non-invasive tests analyze circulating tumor DNA in the blood to monitor treatment response and detect cancer-related genetic changes.

Imaging: Advanced imaging technologies help in visualizing tumors and assessing their response to treatment.