A Guide for How Precision Oncology Works to Fight Cancer

At the onset of the 20th century, researchers noted that radiation could kill cancerous cells. In the 1950s, there are drugs that came about, and they would help block some of the primary functions of the cancerous cells. Currently, in the 21st century, we have more treatment options, including chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Also, there is the option to carry out surgery to get rid of the cancerous cells.

There is another treatment option that has come about. It is known as precision oncology; this treatment option targets the tumor present in an individual depending on the characteristics. Some of these treatment options even question the origin of the tumor while also focusing on the genetic mutations in this case. The presence of a targeted treatment option is an excellent step in fighting cancer.

Through precision oncology, it is possible to mainly focus on the cancer genome while also considering the proteins and RNA. The data present in the real world, such as the one present in the electronic health records, is being mobilized to ensure that the targeted treatment options have become effective.

Researchers have also looked at how to ensure the best and latest cancer treatment options are accessible. There is an off-the-shelf approach that can be used to develop cell therapy, and it has been tailored to an individual. For example, then cell therapy can be used to ensure the cost of treatment has reduced. There is the need to ensure there is a sustained effort considering there is a systematic bias at the moment.

At the moment, chemotherapy and radiotherapy will remain the standard treatment options for cancer patients. With time, each of these treatment options will improve. If you have cancer, precision oncology ensures you are at an advantage compared to when you’re supposed to utilize conventional forms of therapy. Such a treatment option can only be transformative if there is broader access.

There are different things that you need to know about precision oncology, and they include:

1.    Precision Medicine Helps to Improve Treatment and Diagnosis

Cancer is an ailment that usually behaves differently for each patient. Considering there are different types of cancer, no treatment option can be used to treat them all at once. As for precision oncology, it makes the treatment and diagnosis process easier since the genetic makeup will be evaluated, and the results will be more accurate. Depending on the diagnosis, it is possible to choose a suitable treatment option that will also help to get rid of the cancer cells fast.

For a cancer patient, the DNA from the tumors will be tested, and it will be possible to identify the mutations that usually lead to the development of cancer. The physicians will then look into the most suitable treatment options. Such forms of therapy are currently widespread.

2.    Not All Cancer Patients Can Make Use of Precision Oncology

Targeted therapies are meant for patients whose tumor has a particular gene mutation. The gene mutation can be blocked using readily available drug compounds. If a patient has a mutation that cannot be targeted, they cannot benefit from precision oncology. If you meet the criteria, you’ll benefit from precision oncology.

Final Thoughts

We have looked into some of the things you need to know about precision oncology. The treatment option is quite promising when it comes to treating cancer.

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