Personalised Cancer Treatment
Personalised cancer treatment refers to an approach in which, based on the fact that each patient’s tumour biology is different, the treatment plan is shaped according to individual molecular and clinical data. Also called precision oncology or individualised cancer treatment, this framework places gene analysis, mutation screening and biomarker assessments at the centre of treatment planning.
What Is Personalised Cancer Treatment ?
Cancer is a group of diseases that may show different genetic and biological characteristics in each patient, even if it has developed in the same organ. These differences may directly affect which treatment approach is evaluated from a clinical perspective. Personalised cancer treatment is an approach that addresses these individual differences as the fundamental input of treatment planning.
The aim in this approach is to define the genetic and molecular structure of the tumour and then to evaluate the treatment options that may work towards this structure. Unlike standard protocols, the treatment choice for each patient is shaped in the light of individual data.
Personalised cancer treatment is not a single method or drug name. It is a holistic planning framework in which different approaches such as genetic tests, molecular profiling, targeted drugs, immunotherapy and smart pill treatments are brought together according to the patient’s tumour profile.
Why Is Personalised Treatment Important ?
In traditional cancer treatment approaches, largely standard protocols were applied for the same cancer type. However, advances in the field of molecular biology and genomics have revealed that even tumours of the same organ origin may have different genetic drivers from one another.
This brings two fundamental questions to the fore in treatment planning. Which biological mechanism feeds the tumour, and which treatment approach can target this mechanism? The personalised treatment understanding aims to seek the answers to these questions through individual data.
Determining the genetic profile of the tumour may contribute to assessments aimed at selecting suitable targeted treatments, anticipating possible drug resistance and reducing unnecessary side effects. It cannot be guaranteed that this contribution will occur in the same way in every patient; the decision is always taken together with clinical data.
Which Tests Are Carried Out in Personalised Cancer Treatment ?
The basis of personalised treatment planning is formed by the tests that reveal the biological characteristics of the tumour. These tests can be applied before starting treatment or during the treatment process.
Genetic Tests and Mutation Screening
By analysing the genetic material obtained from the tumour tissue or a blood sample, the specific mutations and genomic changes in cancer cells are examined. These tests can be used to evaluate which molecular pathways are active and the suitability for certain targeted treatments.
Biomarker Assessment
The immunological and molecular characteristics of the tumour can be examined to evaluate the likelihood of response to immunotherapy, smart pills or other targeted treatments. PD-L1 expression, tumour mutational burden (TMB) and microsatellite instability (MSI) are among the main biomarkers that can be evaluated in this context.
Liquid Biopsy
Tumour-derived genetic material can be analysed from a blood sample. This approach can be evaluated as a helpful tool in situations where it is difficult to reach the tumour tissue or in monitoring the response to treatment.
Which test is applied in which patient is determined by the clinician in line with the type of disease and clinical requirements. Not all tests may be necessary in every case.
What Are the Personalised Treatment Methods ?
The methods evaluated within the scope of personalised cancer treatment vary according to the molecular profile of the tumour and the patient’s clinical condition. The main approaches addressed within this framework in the clinic are summarised below.
Targeted Chemotherapy
This is a treatment approach in which drugs that work towards specific molecular targets in cancer cells are used. Unlike traditional chemotherapy, it targets certain biological mechanisms; the suitability assessment is made in line with the molecular profile.
Immunotherapy
This covers the treatment approaches aimed at supporting the immune system’s response against cancer cells. It is among the options evaluated in patients with a suitable biomarker profile.
Smart Pill Treatments
Orally taken targeted oral drugs are selected according to the specific mutations or biological targets detected in the tumour. They can be evaluated as an important component of personalised treatment planning.
Biogenetic Assessments
This covers the examination of the genetic and molecular characteristics of cancer within a holistic framework. These assessments, which may contribute to a more detailed understanding of tumour biology, are addressed as a supporting element in treatment planning.
To Whom Is Personalised Cancer Treatment Applied ?
The personalised treatment approach is not limited to a particular cancer type or stage. However, for an assessment to be made within this framework, certain conditions need to be met.
- A tumour biopsy or genetic test having been carried out or planned. Individual treatment planning cannot be made without a molecular profile being obtained.
- No response being obtained from standard treatment or the disease having progressed. In these situations, investigating alternative molecular targets may come into consideration.
- Rare cancer types or an atypical molecular profile. In cases where standard protocols are insufficient, individual assessment is of greater importance.
- A request for a second opinion. Patients who want to evaluate the adequacy of the current treatment plan or alternative options can apply within this scope.
Whether the personalised treatment approach can be applied and which methods are evaluated can only be determined through individual clinical and molecular assessment.
The Difference Between Standard Treatment and Personalised Treatment
Standard treatment protocols refer to approaches created on the basis of clinical research for a particular cancer type and stage and tested in large patient groups. These protocols continue to form the basis of cancer treatment.
The personalised treatment approach, in turn, adds a layer of individual data on top of this basis. Individual assessment comes into play in situations where the molecular profile of the tumour points to a different treatment option beyond the standard protocol.
The two approaches are not rivals of one another. Personalised treatment planning is mostly addressed together with standard protocols or as a complementary framework at the points where these protocols are insufficient. The multidisciplinary team assessment forms the basis of the decision on how these two approaches will be brought together.
The Role of the Multidisciplinary Approach in the Treatment Process
Personalised cancer treatment requires more than one specialty to work in a coordinated manner. The interpretation of genetic test results, the determination of the suitable treatment option and the monitoring of the treatment process are based on the joint assessment of different branches such as medical oncology, radiation oncology, surgery and medical genetics.
Achieving this coordination makes communication between clinicians essential at every step, from the tumour biopsy to treatment planning and from the application stage to monitoring. Multidisciplinary team discussions directly affect the quality of the treatment decision, particularly in cases showing a complex or unusual molecular profile.
Frequently Asked Questions About Personalised Cancer Treatment
Is personalised treatment possible in every cancer type? Although the personalised treatment approach can be evaluated in many cancer types, it is not applicable in every case. The genetic profile of the tumour, the mutations detected and the available treatment options are determining factors. Whether an assessment can be made within this framework is determined through individual clinical examination.
Is having a genetic test sufficient for personalised treatment? A genetic test is an important input of personalised treatment planning; however, it is not sufficient on its own. The test results are interpreted together with the patient’s general clinical condition, the stage of the disease and the current treatment history. The decision process is carried out by the multidisciplinary team.
Is personalised treatment more expensive? The genetic tests and some targeted drugs used in personalised treatment planning may be of higher cost compared to standard treatment components. However, this is not a universal rule; the cost structure varies according to the method chosen and the clinical scenario. Information regarding treatment costs should be evaluated together with the clinician.
Is there a guarantee of outcome in personalised treatment? A guarantee of outcome cannot be given in any cancer treatment. The personalised approach aims to offer a better assessment framework for determining the suitable treatment option; however, the individual response may vary. The clinical decision is taken in the light of the available evidence and individual data.
Can someone who has previously received treatment request a personalised assessment? Yes. Patients who have previously received treatment and have not obtained a response to the current treatment, or who want to investigate alternative options, can apply with a request for a personalised assessment. Obtaining a second opinion within this scope is also possible.
How long does the personalised treatment process take? The process may span a few weeks, from the genetic test stage to the evaluation of the results and from the creation of the treatment plan to the application. The duration of each stage varies according to the tests used and the clinical picture.
Would You Like to Learn About Your Tumour’s Biology ?
For the interpretation of your genetic test results, to obtain a second opinion for your current treatment plan or to evaluate your personalised treatment options, you can get in touch with the clinic of Dr. Hasan Morcalı. You can use the phone and WhatsApp line at +90 531 559 25 68, or visit the website for an online appointment.
The information on this page is for general information purposes and does not constitute a diagnosis or treatment recommendation. Consulting a physician for an assessment of your health condition is recommended.
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