What is precision oncology?
Precision oncology, often referred to as personalised medicine, is a modern approach to cancer treatment that focuses on the individual genetic characteristics of the patient and their disease. Traditional cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy, use a one-size-fits-all approach, so patients receive the same therapies regardless of the specific characteristics of their cancer. Precision oncology is changing this approach, allowing for more personalised and effective treatment.
A fundamental tool of precision oncology is the genetic analysis of the tumour. Thanks to innovative technologies, doctors can identify specific mutations and biomarkers in a patient's cancer cells. This information allows therapies to be tailored to the characteristics of the tumour, significantly increasing their effectiveness and minimising the risk of side effects.
Precision oncology is not just limited to the genetics of the cancer. It also takes into account other factors, such as the patient's lifestyle, environment and individual response to drugs. This holistic approach allows for more effective cancer treatment, but also for the development of prevention and early detection strategies, which significantly increases the patient's chances of a full recovery.
How does precision oncology work in practice?
Precision oncology relies on advanced technology and detailed analysis of genetic data to tailor treatment to the individual needs of each patient. The process begins with an accurate diagnosis, which includes sequencing the DNA of the patient's tumour. This technique allows the identification of biological markers that may be responsible for the development of the cancer.
Once this information is known, doctors can select the most appropriate therapy that targets specific genetic changes in the cancer cells. For example, if a patient is diagnosed with breast cancer with a mutation in the HER2 gene, they can be treated with a drug that targets this specific mutation. In this way, the therapy is more effective and the risk of side effects is reduced.
Precision oncology also involves monitoring the patient's response to treatment and adjusting therapy on this basis. Regular genetic testing can detect changes in the tumour that may affect the effectiveness of treatment. This allows doctors to react quickly and modify the treatment plan to ensure the best possible outcome. This dynamic and adaptive strategy is one of the most important components of precision oncology - allowing for more effective disease management and better outcomes for patients.
Zalets of precision treatment
The individualisation of treatment translates into a reduction in the number and severity of side effects. Traditional treatments such as chemotherapy often also affect healthy cells, leading to a number of unwanted effects. With precision treatment, therapies target only cancer cells, which minimises damage to healthy tissues and improves patients' tolerance to treatment.
Precision oncology promotes better management of medical resources. With more precise therapies, patients can avoid unnecessary and ineffective treatments, reducing costs and the burden on the healthcare system. In the long term, investing in precision oncology technology and research can lead to significant savings and more efficient use of available resources.
Challenges and the future of precision oncology
Despite its many benefits, precision oncology faces a number of challenges that must be overcome to realise its full potential. One of the biggest obstacles is the cost and availability of advanced genetic technologies. DNA sequencing and other molecular tests are expensive, limiting access to these services for patients in some regions and countries. Investment in medical infrastructure and technology development is needed to reduce costs and facilitate widespread access to these modern treatments.
Another challenge is the need for further research and a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms of different types of cancer. Although current technologies make it possible to identify many genetic mutations, not all of them are well understood in terms of their role in cancer development and progression. Further research is needed to develop new targeted therapies and improve existing treatments.
Data integration and collaboration between different medical and research centres is also an important aspect. Precision oncology is based on the collection and analysis of vast amounts of genetic, clinical and environmental data. This requires advanced information systems and effective information exchange between different institutions. Such collaborations can accelerate the development of new therapies and enable faster implementation of innovations in clinical practice.
Looking to the future, precision oncology has great potential to revolutionise cancer treatment. With the continued development of genetic and biomedical technologies, we can expect more personalised and effective therapies. One promising direction is the development of immune therapies, which use the patient's immune system to fight cancer. Combining these therapies with precision approaches could lead to even better treatment outcomes.