Cancer treatment has entered a new era. For many years, patients with the same type of cancer often received similar treatment, regardless of the biological differences in their disease. Today, advances in molecular biology, cancer genetics, and genomic medicine have made it possible to understand that every cancer is unique.
This shift has given rise to precision oncology—an approach that aims to match the right treatment to the right patient based on the molecular characteristics of the tumour.
What is Precision Oncology?
Precision oncology, also known as personalised cancer medicine, uses information obtained from molecular testing, genomic profiling, genetic testing, and biomarkers to help guide treatment decisions.
Instead of treating cancer solely according to its location—such as breast, lung, or colon—the tumour is also evaluated for specific genetic mutations, molecular pathways, and biological characteristics that may influence how it behaves and how it responds to treatment
This approach may help identify patients who are more likely to benefit from targeted therapies, immunotherapy, or participation in clinical trials.
The Importance of Molecular Oncology
Molecular oncology focuses on understanding the genetic and molecular changes that drive cancer growth.
Modern molecular testing can identify important alterations such as EGFR, ALK, ROS1, BRAF, HER2, BRCA, NTRK, KRAS, MSI-H, TMB, and many other biomarkers, depending on the type of cancer.
These findings may help answer important clinical questions:
- Is targeted therapy an option?
- Is immunotherapy likely to be effective?
- Does the patient have an inherited cancer predisposition?
- Should treatment be modified after disease progression?
- Are there suitable clinical trials available?
Not every patient requires extensive molecular testing, but for selected cancers it has become an important component of treatment planning.
Why Personalised Treatment Matters
Cancer is not one disease.
Even two patients with the same stage of lung cancer or breast cancer may have completely different molecular profiles and may respond differently to the same treatment.
Precision oncology aims to:
- Select treatments with the greatest potential benefit.
- Avoid therapies that are unlikely to work.
- Reduce unnecessary toxicity whenever possible.
- Improve treatment planning throughout the patient’s cancer journey.
This represents a move away from a “one-size-fits-all” approach toward truly personalised cancer care.
The Role of an Experienced Molecular Oncologist
Interpreting molecular reports requires expertise. Modern genomic reports often contain complex information about mutations, biomarkers, resistance mechanisms, and emerging therapeutic options.
A molecular oncologist integrates this information with the patient’s diagnosis, pathology, imaging, previous treatments, overall health, and current scientific evidence to develop an individualised treatment strategy
This multidisciplinary approach helps ensure that molecular testing translates into meaningful clinical decisions.
Precision Oncology at Dr. AV Cancer Institute
At Dr. AV Cancer Institute, Gurugram, precision oncology forms an integral part of cancer treatment planning.
Under the leadership of Dr. Amit Verma, a molecular oncologist with extensive experience in precision oncology, cancer genetics, and personalised cancer medicine, patients receive comprehensive evaluation that goes beyond conventional treatment approaches.
The institute provides guidance for:
- Molecular and genomic testing
- Comprehensive biomarker interpretation
- Targeted therapy assessment
- Immunotherapy evaluation
- Liquid biopsy consultation
- Hereditary cancer risk assessment
- Second opinions for complex cancer cases
- Personalised treatment planning
Each treatment recommendation is individualised based on the patient’s cancer type, stage, molecular profile, previous treatment history, and overall clinical condition.
Looking Ahead
The future of oncology is increasingly driven by advances in genomics, artificial intelligence, liquid biopsy, and precision medicine. As scientific understanding of cancer continues to evolve, treatment decisions are becoming more accurate and more personalised.
While precision oncology is not appropriate for every patient or every cancer type, it has transformed the management of many cancers and continues to expand through ongoing research and innovation.
Choosing a cancer centre with expertise in molecular oncology can help patients understand whether genomic testing or personalised treatment strategies are appropriate for their specific situation.
Conclusion
Precision oncology is reshaping cancer care by recognising that every patient’s disease is biologically unique. Through molecular profiling and evidence-based personalised treatment planning, oncologists can better tailor therapies to individual patients
At Dr. AV Cancer Institute, Dr. Amit Verma combines molecular oncology, precision medicine, and compassionate patient care to help patients make informed treatment decisions using the latest advances in cancer science.
Medical Disclaimer: This article is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Treatment recommendations vary according to the patient’s diagnosis, pathology, molecular profile, and overall medical condition. Patients should consult a qualified oncology specialist before making treatment decisions.
